CPD Blog: Expanded Quick Permits for commercial equipment replacement

Published on September 15, 2026

Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, Denver has streamlined the permitting process for replacing mechanical and plumbing equipment in existing commercial and multi-family buildings. Equipment replacements that qualify for Quick Permits (no plan review) will be expanded beyond like-for-like or emergency replacements. There are no permitting updates proposed for residential projects, including detached single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes, as all space heating and water heating permits are already issued as Quick Permits.

For the first time, contractors can obtain a Quick Permit to replace existing equipment with more efficient units, including upgrading gas-fired equipment to heat pumps. Eligible replacements now cover mechanical units with an input capacity of 300 MBH or less and water heaters below 200 MBH, whether gas-fired, electric resistance, or heat pump. Equipment replacements that include additional electrical load or new exterior equipment locations will not qualify for a Quick Permit and must be submitted as a Building Log for plan review. Previously a gas-to-heat-pump conversion required a plan review; this change reduces submittal requirements for qualifying equipment replacements and makes it easier to electrify space and water heating equipment and install higher-efficiency equipment.   

For projects that require plan review, the review process is being streamlined. These replacements will generally be handled as an Express Review, and for equipment replacements, Zoning, Landmark, and SUDP reviews are now being included into a single Express Review rather than routed through multiple separate review processes. Express Reviews have a two-day review timeline instead of the 10-day review timeline previously required. The online permit application has been updated to support this expanded scope of work eligible for Quick Permits. If a project doesn't qualify for a Quick Permit, applicants can continue the application without restarting, which will then be used to create Building Log application for Express Review. Together, these updates expand the number of replacements that qualify as Quick Permits, shorten review times, and support the shift toward more energy-efficient building equipment across Denver!

Details can be found in the Commercial Building Equipment Replacement Guide and on the Quick Permits webpage. If you have questions about a specific project, please email mechplumb.review@denvergov.org.