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Commercial Permitting Presentation
January 8, 6-8 p.m.
West High School Auditorium | 951 Elati St., Denver
Join us as we talk permits, codes, and ordinances relevant to the design and construction of commercial and multi-family projects in Denver.
ICC and AIA (HSW) continuing education credit provided.
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Denver's online permitting system continues to improve and evolve
2019 has been a momentous year for our electronic permitting system, e-permits. Here are the highlights of what you can now do online without ever leaving your office or home:
- Submit any building permit application, with fewer forms than before!
- Get a quick, 2-day review of smaller residential projects (interior remodels, new decks/sheds/fences, etc.)
- Have your general contractor AND trade contractors “pick up” issued permits virtually
- Submit site plans, transportation engineering plans (TEPs), storm and sanitary plans (SSPRs), and more
- Apply for fire permits
- Pay review and permitting fees
- Schedule inspections and see when inspections are completed
Coming soon:
- Submit requests for administrative modifications
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Proposed new building code keeps Denver at the forefront of building safety and sustainability nationwide
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The City and County of Denver has set an ambitious goal of having new construction achieve net-zero-energy by 2035. To help get us to this goal, we are developing a unique-to-Denver, Denver Green Code, based on international standards for more sustainable construction. Buildings contribute 63% of Denver’s greenhouse gas emissions. In 2050, 40% of the buildings in Denver will have been constructed between now and then – which means that new buildings, and new building codes, are integral to reducing Denver’s greenhouse gas emissions. We look forward to piloting the new Denver Green Code starting next year. Ultimately, the Denver Green Code will likely apply to all new commercial development.
City Council will consider and vote on the Denver Green Code on Monday, December 23.
The green code, if adopted, will be voluntary. An updated energy code based on the 2018 and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will also be voted upon on December 23, and will be a mandatory piece of the Denver Building and Fire Code.
Altogether, the 2019 Denver Building and Fire Code will include updated versions of the city’s codes for new commercial buildings, existing buildings, residential buildings, and trades (fire, mechanical, plumbing, and fuel gas).
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Spotlight on the 2019 Residential Code
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If the updated Denver Building and Fire Code is adopted by City Council on December 23, it will include the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) as well as the city’s local amendments to the IRC. Profiled below are a few of the new residential codes that will become available for Denver homebuilders and homeowners.
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Tiny Homes.
In 2020, new building codes will make the construction requirements for tiny homes (400 square feet or less) more realistic. Previous codes did not specifically address tiny homes and made it difficult for these smaller structures to comply with requirements for stairs, ceiling height, and emergency exits. The new code will specifically address tiny homes with safety standards that are appropriate for these structures.
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Radon safety.
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Colorado is classified as the highest-priority radon zone because of the high levels of radon present. Under the 2018 residential code, builders of new homes will need to use passive radon mitigation techniques designed to resist the transfer of radon gases from soil into homes. New homes will also be constructed in a way that would allow a homeowner to more easily install a radon control system in the future, if desired.
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Home daycares.
A proposed update to Denver’s residential code could make it easier for daycare providers to safely offer childcare in their homes. Previously, the building code treated home daycares as a commercial business, which might have required the installation of fire sprinklers and other upgrades more appropriate for commercial buildings. The new code will treat home daycares as residential instead of commercial, and sets minimum safety standards (like emergency exits) that are reasonable for a home. The new code will also better align with state rules for childcare facilities, all in an effort to make home daycares practical and more affordable.
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Keeping sidewalks free of snow and ice
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Everyone enjoys safe, clear sidewalks – and it’s everyone’s responsibility to keep the sidewalks adjacent to their home or business clear and accessible. Shovel all sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, and bus stops around your home or business as soon as it's practical and safe.
Tips:
- Be proactive and come up with a plan for addressing sidewalks before it snows.
- Shovel into your yard and away from roadways and bike lanes, so plows don't push the snow back onto your sidewalks.
- Use the shovel to push the snow; don't lift it.
- Shovel early! When snow isn't shoveled, it gets packed down and becomes ice. Shoveling all the way to the pavement will also prevent ice from forming.
- Salt can be damaging when it runs off into your lawn or the storm sewer with the snowmelt. Look for eco-friendly and pet-safe deicers.
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Landmark and residential plan review presentation for real estate agents
Wednesday, January 15 | 1-2:30 p.m.
Corky Gonzales Library | 1498 Irving St., Denver
Join Denver landmark preservation and residential plan review experts to learn how the city reviews and regulates historic residential properties. Topics include:
- What it means when a property is in a historic district
- Individual landmark structures
- What city reviews must take place if changes are proposed to the property
- How the Denver zoning and building codes affect these reviews
- Ask questions about city processes and procedures
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ICYMI:
Recaps from our last newsletter
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- The Denver Zoning Code now defines a car sharing program as a fee-based service that provides all qualified drivers access to a dedicated car or light truck on a minute or hourly basis. View car share interpretation >
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Your resource for permitting and policy changes
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Copyright © 2019 City and County of Denver. All Rights Reserved.
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