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

In this issue you will find:
  • New Denver Green Code and Affordable Housing pilot program
  • New inspections counter hours
  • New contact information for our commercial plan review teams
  • Affordable housing fee adjusted for inflation in July
  • Join us for our August Green Buildings Ordinance (GBO) webinar
  • View recordings of our past webinars
  • New policy clarifies the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) submittal requirements for prescriptive paths
  • Improved rezoning application for accessory dwelling units
  • Recaps from our last newsletter
New pilot program encourages more sustainability and more affordable housing
CPD is launching a pilot program that will incentivize five 100% affordable housing projects and five projects that build according to the new Denver Green Code.  This pilot program is intended to encourage the construction of affordable housing units in Denver as well as projects dedicated to reducing development-related environmental impacts.

“New construction projects are having to scrutinize their budgets as a result of the pandemic and subsequent economic downturn,” said Laura E. Aldrete, executive director of CPD. “Our goal with this pilot program is to identify ways we can help support critical projects that share our priorities of providing deep affordability as well as taking action to address climate change.”

Coming in person to speak with our inspections administrative staff?
Please note our new hours:
Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

During this time, inspection staff will assist customers with e-permits, process Certificate of Occupancy (CO) and Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO), and answer in-depth questions.

  • If you need to speak with an inspector directly, use the DevelopDENVER mapping tool to find contact information for your inspector.
  • COs/TCOs will not be processed after 10 a.m. 
  • Note: COs/TCOs will only be processed after the required inspection has been approved (“108-final” for CO and “120-Temporary Certificate of Occupancy” for TCO)

COVID-19 note: Customers must wear face coverings and practice social distancing while in our office by keeping a 6-foot distance. Our inspections counter now also has a new "sneeze guard" (glass barrier) in place. Please, if you don't feel well, stay home and call or email us instead.

Phone: 720-865-2505
Do you have questions for our commercial plan review teams?

Since the CPD permit counter is temporarily closed t o protect the health and well-being of our community, we've made it easier than ever to reach out to our commercial plan review teams online instead of in person. 

Note: All permit applications and plans must be submitted electronically via e-permits. For applications, resubmittals, e-permits, and general permitting questions, contact PlanReview@denvergov.org. If you have specific code or project submittal questions, reach out to the appropriate commercial plan review team below .




Affordable housing fee increased in July

Each year on July 1, the affordable housing fee assessed on building permits is adjusted for inflation. This year, projects will see an increase of between $0.01 and $0.05 per square foot depending on project type. This fee on new development helps to create and preserve thousands of affordable homes for low- to moderate-income families in Denver.

A green roof on the EPA's building in Denver. Image from the EPA.
Join us for our August Green Buildings Ordinance Webinar Series
Tuesday, August 25 | 12-12:30 p.m.

The Energy Program is a unique compliance path within the Green Buildings Ordinance (GBO) for existing buildings that includes flexible energy efficiency and renewable energy options.

This webinar will help you:

  • Understand Energy Program details including how to select a baseline year and perform annual reporting
  • Decide whether to enroll early or at time of roof replacement
  • Learn about local industry trends
  • Understand how the GBO and Energy Program fit into Denver’s sustainability and climate action work 

Registration is not required.
Did you miss one of our energy code or Green Buildings Ordinance training sessions?

If you were unable to attend our recent energy code training sessions, or our Green Buildings Ordinance webinar, you can view a recording and the slide deck online.

Energy Code Training Sessions:

Green Buildings Ordinance Webinars:
New policy clarifies IECC and ASHRAE submittal requirements for prescriptive paths

The intent of this policy is to clarify project submittal requirements under the 2019 Denver Building and Fire Code for prescriptive compliance paths for both residential and commercial projects.

Improved rezoning application for ADUs

Community Planning and Development recently updated the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rezoning Application in an effort to streamline the process for applicants, and adhere to Blueprint Denver's recommendation to make building an ADU in Denver an easier process.

ICYMI:
Recaps from our last newsletter

  • Important dates to remember:
  • The 2019 Building and Fire Code goes into effect July 31, 2020.
  • The latest version of the NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC) will be adopted statewide, and enforced in Denver, on August 1, 2020.
Your resource for permitting and policy changes

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