Updates as of October 1, 2025
Section 4.3, Timeline Extension. A new reason for submitting a Timeline Extension has been added: Delays in obtaining budget approval for capital upgrades due to internal funding processes, external financing challenges, or administrative review cycles. Timeline extensions granted for this reason shall be limited to a maximum of a one (1) year extension from the original compliance deadline, though exceptional circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Section 4.3.1, Timeline Extensions, Application Details. Application details have been added for Timeline Extension applications due to delays in obtaining budget approval for capital upgrades: Formal communication from ownership or governing bodies (e.g. board meeting minutes or approval letters) showing budget request and decision timelines; proof of funding applications or financing efforts; internal memos or project schedules; financial committee review reports or deferral notices demonstrating review or approval delays.
Appendix H, Compliance Plan Template. Clarifications have been added to better explain what is required in terms of the description of the planned improvements and upgrades.
Updates as of July 8, 2025:
Section 3.1.3, Self Verification. An individual unit owner cannot complete self verification for a single unit in a multi-tenant building. The building must complete self verification for all units in the building and submit them together.
Section 3.2.1, Renewable energy compliance. You must include a copy of one (1) of the energy bills that you used to calculate energy site usage must with compliance documentation.
Section 4.3, Timeline Extension. Buildings that are currently for sale may receive at most a one (1) year timeline extension. You must submit a copy of an agreement with a real estate agent. This will serve as evidence that the building is currently for sale. If the building remains for sale after the one (1) year timeline extension has expired, the building owner may re-apply for an additional (1) year timeline extension. You will have to provide the same supporting documentation for the second application.
Updates as of April 1, 2025:
We updated to the rules and regulations completed on April 1, 2025. The update increased the options available to help put compliance for small buildings within reach. The city made the following updates to Energize Denver to support buildings 5,000 – 24,999 sq. ft. with a more practical, achievable compliance process:
- Already in compliance with LEDs? Self-verification is now allowed. This only applies to buildings that do not need to make any additional upgrades to get into compliance.
- Timeline extensions simplified. The process for timeline extensions is easier.
- Energy tracking. We simplified the process to provide one year of energy tracking for the renewable energy and the 15% Energy Use Reduction option.
- 15% Energy Use Reduction streamlined. Benchmarking after compliance is no longer required for the energy efficiency compliance option.
If you require the Technical Guidance in a different language, or if you would like to see the redlined version, please email us at energizesmallbuildings@denvergov.org.