News from Denver CPD that may impact building and development projects
Development news from Community Planning and Development (CPD)

In this issue you will find:
  • March 2-6: Development Services staff attending the 35th Annual Colorado Educational Institute
  • Invitations to a training series on the new energy code
  • New submittal requirements for master and type-approved projects
  • ICYMI (in case you missed it): Recent news you may have missed
This week: Plan reviewers and inspectors are attending annual ICC code classes

If you notice fewer staff at the permit counter or fewer inspectors available during the day March 2 through March 6, here's why:

The 35th Annual Colorado Educational Institute, sponsored by the Colorado Chapter of the International Code Council, takes place the week of March 2, 2020. The International Code Council (ICC) forms the backbone of the Denver Building and Fire Code.

Virtually all of our plan reviewers and construction inspectors will be attending one or more ICC classes. The classes dive into the minutiae of building, fire, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy codes, and specifically look at how to review, permit, and inspect according to these international standards.

You may experience extended wait times this week only. We have done our best to rotate staff this week to minimize service disruptions, but we highly suggest submitting electronically through e-permits if you were planning to visit the counter for any of the following:

  • Log In,
  • Sewer Use and Drainage Permits (SUDP),
  • Commercial Zoning,
  • Fire Permits, or
  • Quick Permits
In December 2019, Denver adopted a new energy code, which becomes effective April 26, 2020. Come learn more about the new International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements. Questions about these presentations? Contact 720-865-2905.
New requirements for master and type-approved projects

We listened to feedback from home builders and recently made updates to the master and type-approved project guide in an effort to streamline the submittal process and reflect current building and zoning code policies and standards.

What are master and type-approved submittals? A master submittal is a set of drawings for a structure that will be built multiple times and contains options for small variations to interior layout or façade changes. A type-approved submittal consists of a set of drawings based on the approved master for a site-specific structure.

Highlights of changes include:
  • All future masters and type-approved projects must be submitted via e-permits. Paper submittals are no longer accepted.
  • View e-permits FAQs.
  • Plan review fees will be charged separately for master and type-approved projects and fees will need to be paid up front rather than after the review has been completed. This follows the standard procedure for all other projects.
  • Any residential project that includes shoring or excavation – including type-approved home builds – must demonstrate that they have notified adjacent property owners of the upcoming work before permits will be issued. Details are in the guide below. 
  • Masters will be logged in separately from the site-specific plans. This means that each master will get its own log number and each site-specific set of plans will get its own log number.
  • Permits will be issued under the type-approved log number.
  • All masters logged in under the 2019 Denver Building and Fire Code should be logged in as a new project (not a modified set).
  • Valuation should be based on the most expensive/largest square footage option.
  • Unit masters will be accepted for duplexes and townhomes. To ensure code compliance, unit masters that are submitted for townhomes can only be used for townhome type-approved submittals, and unit masters that are submitted for duplexes can only be used for duplex type-approved submittals.
  • Each type-approved project needs to show compliance with Denver’s shoring policy. View shoring policy.
  • Structural framing plans must be submitted for each type-approved project.
ICYMI:
Recaps from our last newsletter

  • Electronic submittals for new garage projects are no longer being accepted via email. Online applications have moved to e-permits.

  • New requirements for residential applications that include structural work go into effect March 2. Download policy >


Your resource for permitting and policy changes

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