News from Denver CPD that may impact building and development projects

City Council committee to consider new green roofs/green buildings ordinance

Over the last 10 months, Denver has worked with a task force of individuals from academia, industry, government, and the creators of the original green roof ordinance to consider practical improvements to the ordinance. Based on the task force's consensus recommendations, a draft of a new and improved "Green Buildings Ordinance" now heads to Denver City Council.  Importantly, compared with the original ordinance, the proposed legislation would allow for far greater flexibility in building design, ultimately lowering overall compliance costs by about 20% while creating up to 3.5 million more square feet of green space by 2050. Special Issues Committee on the Green Roofs Initiative October 11 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. City and County Building 1437 Bannock Street, Room 391 The meeting is open to the public. Learn more about the draft Green Buildings Ordinance here .

Permit counter to open at 9 a.m. tomorrow, October 9

All Community Planning and Development (CPD) counters will be closed from 8 - 9 a.m. Tuesday, October 9 to allow staff to attend a quarterly meeting. Services that open at 7:30 a.m. (cashiering, records, inspections) will open on time but will close from 8 - 9 a.m. The permit counter and contractor licensing desk will open at 9 a.m.

New resources offer improved guidance for restaurants and commercial kitchens

How long do you need for permits/licenses before opening?

In September, we launched a new web page geared specifically to restaurants and commercial kitchens. The page guides restaurateurs on zoning permits, building permits, health department reviews, business and liquor licenses, and much more. We also simplified the plan review application for food & beverage by combining health, building, and wastewater/SUDP reviews into one application and eliminating redundant questions. When you apply by email, each of these reviews will start simultaneously.

Visit the new web page

Spotlight: Common projects you didn't know needed permits

A must-read on energy code compliance for commercial and multifamily projects

Denver has released an updated energy code policy for commercial and multifamily projects. Our goals in refreshing this policy were to proactively answer many customer questions we've received on nuance of the energy code and to consolidate multiple related policies into a single reference document. Two brand-new sections on page 2 clarify unique circumstances for tenant-finish projects and phased construction. The new policy also contains more detail than before on commissioning, including when it's required by code and what reporting is needed, for both the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1.

Download the commercial energy code policy

Download the latest permitting guides

Electronic Signatures Guide: The new version of this guide includes instructions for multiple signers on the same document, like specification books. Each guide below has been updated to reflect the new, consolidated application process for building permits and Sewer Use and Drainage Permits (SUDP). Commercial Building Permit Guide Residential Permitting Guide Master/TA Guide Detached Garages Guide Restaurant Guide (aka Health Plan Review Application) How to apply for SUDP permits The next time you email building plans to PlanReview@denvergov.org , include the location, size, and type of the site's water, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer lines. We will initiate the building code review as well as the SUDP review from Denver Public Works. Both reviews will run simultaneously. Learn more >>

You're invited! Presentation and Q&A on residential permits

Wednesday, October 24 at 6 p.m.

Where: Virginia Village Branch Library 1500 S. Dahlia St. Denver, CO 80222 From fences to accessory dwelling units, Community Planning and Development will explain when permits are needed and how to obtain them. We'll also talk about our transition to e-permits, and how it's helping us keep up with demand, while saving you time. Bring your questions and join the conversation. No RSVP necessary. Get an event reminder

A huge night, with more than 150 in attendance

Thank you to all who attended our commercial and multifamily permitting event September 20th. This year was our largest turnout yet, and we enjoyed meeting many of you face-to-face. A special thank you to Group14 Engineering and Green Roofs of Colorado for providing drinks/sandwiches for everyone. In case you missed it, use the links below to download the materials: Presentation slide deck (PDF) Electronic Signatures Guide (PDF) E-permits Tutorial (PDF) Interested in sponsoring a future event? Let us know.

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