The thought of applying for a zoning or building permit can be daunting for anyone, especially when attempting to keep a project on-time and on-budget, arid a simple google search only adds to the confusion and frustration. To ease your frustrations and expedite the process, see our easy to follow guide below:
How do I apply for a permit?
There are two options to apply for a permit:
1) By Email (PlanReview@denvergov.org)
2) In-Person
Both can be complicated processes with many intricacies depending upon your scope of work so read carefully. Below is an overview of the steps, note that the Denver Department of Development Services provides thorough guidelines on their website.
There are two main types of Building Permits: Residential and Commercial.
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS
Residential building permits are for single-family and duplex project. This applies to new residential construction, additions, attic conversions and other projects that include structural or excavation work such as structural remodeling, as well as zoning only reviews. Interior remodels, windows, doors, decks, detached storage, and other non-structural repairs which are considered "Home Project” do not require a building permit.
Here are the minimum requirements needed to submit your permit*:
Legal Address
Permit Application
Statement of Valuation Form
Plans:
Cover Sheet
Site Plan
Floor Plan
Building Elevations/Section
*Additional documentation might be required for certain projects including an Asbestos Inspection Form and/or Approvals from Landmark Preservation of Board or adjustments.
Pro Tip: If submitting by email, save all files as PDFs and make sure all email attachments use the following naming convention:
<DocumentName>:_<Address>_ <Date>
COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS
All documents and plans prepared by an architect, engineer, or surveyor must be signed and sealed by that individual.
Hard copies submitted at the permit counter can have a printed seal but must have an original signature.
Emailed documents must have a valid electronic signature and a printed seal.
Download a step-by-step guide for creating electronic signatures if this is not something you have done before.
There are 10 Steps to getting a Commercial Building Permit:
PRIOR TO SUBMISSION
Use DevelopDENVER to look up your proposed development site.
Determine if you need to submit a Site Development Plan (SOP). SDPs are required for all new commercial construction, new residential construction of three or more units, and major additions or remodels.
To see if this applies to your project, contact the project coordinator listed for your site on the DevelopDENVER map in step 1.
Determine if you will need reviews or approvals from other disciplines.
Landmark
Zoning
Public Works
Right-of-Way
Address Assignment
Forestry
Ensure that your project will follow all local, state, and federal regulations. This may include having the site inspected for asbestos and lead based paint before applying for building permits, and finding a certified contractor to do abatement or remediation work as needed.
SUBMITTING PLANS FOR REVIEW
5. Assemble the items listed on either the New Buildings, Additions, and Change of Occupancy or Tenant Finish and Remodel forms (whichever form applies to your project) contained in this guide.
6. Determine whether you will need to log in your plan review or if you will be able to obtain a permit at the commercial/multifamily walk-through counter.
BUILDING FEES
7. Fees are based on customer-provided valuations for the scope of the project, including materials, labor, overhead and profit. These valuations are checked against construction costs prepared by the International Code Council or similar resources, and additional fees may be assessed if the customer-provided valuation is found to be below current construction costs. Once your project has been logged in, you will receive a log number and instructions for how to pay plan review fees. The review will not begin until review fees are paid.
DURING PLAN REVIEW
8. Your project will be assigned a log number. Depending on your project scope, plan review may include multiple disciplines, such as electrical, plumbing, architectural/structural, mechanical, fire, transportation, environmental health, and wastewater.
9. Use your log number or site address to check your application status online.
10. Before your plan review is complete, provide staff with the name and license number of the contractor who will be associated with the building permit for your project. This will allow you to receive the building permit by email once all reviews are complete and final permit fees are paid.
Help! I need a permit immediately.
There are two scenarios in which you may be able to receive a Commercial Same-day Permit:
Quick permits for simple projects like re-roofs, minor electrical work, and like-for-like mechanical or plumbing replacement
Commercial/multifamily walk-through for projects valued under $500,000 that do not require structural work, change of occupancy, or a review by disciplines other than electrical, mechanical/plumbing, architectural/structural/access control or fire
How do I get my permit?
Plans can be brought in by anyone, but permits will only be issued to a contractor licensed for that work in Denver.
Make sure the person picking up the permit can demonstrate the validity of the contractors' license on the permit application by bringing an original contractor license card (no copies or faxes accepted), company check, or company credit card.
While the process of applying for a building permit can be daunting, breaking it down into smaller, more manageable pieces and following the checklist provided by Denver Development Services will ensure you are well prepared with what to expect and can anticipate potential road blocks.
Engineering Studio Denver can help provide all engineering documentation and support for residential and commercial structural changes. Contact us with any questions regarding what you may or may not need to move your project forward.