Demolition Review for Landmarks and Historic District Properties

Total demolition approval involves reviews from both local and state authorities. Some steps may be done concurrently, while others must follow a specific sequence. Below is a description of Landmark Preservation's role early in the demolition process. 

Note: Some partial demolitions, done in preparation for additions or remodeling, are included in the scope of construction permits and do not require a demolition permit. Demolitions that entail 40% or more of the square footage of the structure’s exterior wall surfaces, 40% or more of the roof structure area measured in plan view, or 40% or more of the combined square footage of the structure’s exterior walls and roof structure area require a public hearing and will follow the process outlined on this page.

If you are unsure about the landmark status of your property, see the historic landmarks & districts map and enter the property address.

How to Submit

By Email

Step 1.Pre-Application Meeting

A pre-application meeting is required for all demolition requests involving historic landmarks or properties located within locally designated historic districts. Before submitting your demolition permit application, email the completed pre-application request form(PDF, 139KB), plans/drawings/sketches that adequately depict the project, and color photos of existing conditions to landmark@denvergov.org. 

Request a pre-application meeting

Step 2.Complete Application

After your pre-application meeting, complete the Total Demolition Application(PDF, 270KB).

Step 3.Gather Photos

Take color photographs showing all sides of the structure to be demolished. Photographs must be at least 300 dpi, at least 4” x 6,” and attached to the email as a jpg or pdf. Photographs that are thumbnails, embedded, or linked will not be accepted. View the Landmark Standards for Photographs(PDF, 590KB).

Step 4.Real Property Record

To verify property ownership and legal description, provide a copy of the real property record from the Assessor's Office. 

Step 5.Submit By Email

Complete the above steps and email all required documents to landmark@denvergov.org. File size should not exceed more than 25 MB combined.

Email your application now

By Mail

Step 1.Pre-Application Meeting

A pre-application meeting is required for all demolition requests involving historic landmarks or properties located within locally designated historic districts. Before submitting your demolition application, mail the completed pre-application request form(PDF, 139KB), plans/drawings/sketches that adequately depict the project, and color photos of existing conditions to:

Community Planning and Development
Attention: Landmark Preservation
201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 205
Denver, CO 80202

Step 2.Complete Application

After your pre-application meeting, complete the Total Demolition Application(PDF, 270KB).

Step 3.Gather Photos

Take color photographs showing all sides of the structure to be demolished. Photographs must be at least 300 dpi, at least 4” x 6.” View the Landmark Standards for Photographs(PDF, 590KB).

Step 4.Real Property Record

To verify property ownership and legal description, provide a copy of the real property record from the Assessor's Office. 

Step 5.Submit By Mail

After completing the above steps, compile all documents and mail them to:

Community Planning and Development
Attention: Landmark Preservation 
201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 205
Denver, CO 80202

In Person

Step 1.Pre-Application Meeting

A pre-application meeting is required for all demolition requests involving historic landmarks or properties located within locally designated historic districts. Before submitting your demolition application, bring the completed pre-application request form(PDF, 139KB), plans/drawings/sketches that adequately depict the project, and color photos of existing conditions to the CPD Records counter. The counter is located on the second floor of the Wellington Webb Municipal Office Building at 201 W. Colfax Ave., Denver. 

Step 2.Complete Application

After your pre-application meeting, complete the Total Demolition Application(PDF, 270KB).

Step 3.Gather Photos

Take color photographs showing all sides of the structure to be demolished. Photographs must be at least 300 dpi, at least 4” x 6." View the Landmark Standards for Photographs(PDF, 590KB).

Step 4.Real Property Record

To verify property ownership and legal description, provide a copy of the real property record from the Assessor's Office. 

Step 5.Submit In Person

After completing the above steps, bring all documents to the CPD Records counter. The counter is located on the second floor of the Wellington Webb Municipal Office Building at 201 W. Colfax Ave., Denver.

Next Steps: Review and Determination

Review and Public Hearing

Demolition proposals require review and/or a public hearing by the Landmark Preservation Commission or Lower Downtown Design Review Commission (for properties in the Lower Downtown Historic District). Given that the purpose of landmark designation is to preserve historic properties, demolition applications are given close examination and consideration.

Visit the Landmark Preservation Commission page or the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission page for information on meeting dates, submission deadlines, presentation materials and what to expect at the meetings.

Replacement Plan

If a demolition application is approved, a replacement plan for the site must undergo design review and be approved by the Landmark Preservation Commission (or Lower Downtown Design Review Commission if in LoDo) before a demolition permit is issued.

Visit the Landmark Preservation Commission page or the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission page for information on meeting dates, submission deadlines, presentation materials and what to expect at the meetings.

Contact Us

Phone

720-865-2709

Email

landmark@denvergov.org

Additional Information

Fees are assessed at the time the demolition permit is pulled and are based on the valuation of the project.

 

All materials submitted with your application become the property the City and County of Denver. The materials are part of public record, can be used in a public hearing, and cannot be returned.

 

If you use assistive technology and need help accessing the content on this page, please contact landmark@denvergov.org. 

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