News from Denver CPD that may impact building and development projects
When applying for building permits...
5 reasons your peers are switching to email
Tower Crane
1 Sustained high demand for building permits and a seasonal spring uptick mean a longer wait for log-in appointments right now. 
  • There's a better way! Once you learn the email process, log-in can take just a few minutes from your office, on your schedule. Send us your PDFs and we'll respond within one business day.
2 You can do it all remotely - from submitting your application to downloading the approved permit and plans.

 

3 One email reaches multiple reviewing disciplines, including SUDP.

4 Your intellectual property will remain protected. Architects/engineers/surveyors: Just follow these steps for electronic signatures (PDF).

5 You'll save time and money since you won't have to print multiple copies of your plans. Bonus! You're helping your organization and ours become more sustainable and efficient.

Ready to get started?  Read more or go straight to the application forms and checklists in the Commercial Building Permit Guide (PDF).
Reinstalling solar panels after a roof repair
We've updated the IRC M2301 policy to clarify when solar panels should be reinstalled following a roof repair. Solar panels that are removed in order to replace an existing roof should not be reinstalled until after the roof has passed final inspection. At the time of the final roof inspection, the solar company will need to provide a letter on company letterhead confirming there were no changes to the solar system and that the panels will be reinstalled once the roof work is complete. Submit this letter to the construction inspector performing the final roof inspection, who will need this in order to approve the roof.
  • Note: Any changes to the solar system still require an electrical permit.
Using graywater for irrigation and toilet flushing in Denver
Rendering of a possible graywater setup
Water from lavatories, bathtubs, showers, and clothes washers can be recycled and used for subsurface irrigation and flushing toilets. Before installing a graywater system, be sure to familiarize yourself with the health and plumbing standards that apply:
State issues technical guidance on radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and a leading cause of lung cancer. Most of Colorado is in Radon Zone 1, which has the highest level of radon risk. While the City and County of Denver does not require radon testing, the U.S. EPA recommends installing a mitigation system if a home exceeds four picocuries per liter (4 pCi/L) of radon gas and using radon-resistant construction techniques in new structures.

Learn more from the new  Measuring and Mitigating Radon in Colorado technical guidance document available from the state's radon website.
Denver's single-occupant, public bathrooms to be "gender-neutral" by April 30
gender-neutral sign example
By April 30, businesses must update their signs on single-occupant, family, and assisted-use restrooms to remove references to a specific gender. If you have yet to change signs, please be aware of the following:
  • In December 2016, City Council amended the building code to require that single-occupant, family, and accessible toilet facilities have gender-neutral signs by April 30, 2018.
  • These bathrooms must be lockable from the inside. Add a lock to the exterior restroom door if the sole toilet is inside a second compartment (e.g., behind a stall door).
  • This does not apply to restrooms with multiple stalls.
  • After April 30, building inspectors will respond to calls from residents and may come check your signs.
There are hundreds of sign designs available from vendors like MyDoorSign, Staples, ADA Sign Factory, and Etsy, among others. View FAQs and sign examples here.
ICYMI: Slide decks from our recent permitting presentations
Thank you to those who were able to join us at our permitting presentations in March. We hosted two: one for residential construction and one for marijuana facilities. 
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