Total demolition is when 40 percent or more of the total wall area of a structure is demolished. Total demolition approval involves reviews from both local and state authorities, including Landmark Preservation. Some steps may be done concurrently, while others must follow a specific sequence. We encourage you to apply for demolition approval from Landmark Preservation early in your application process.
Partial demolitions of less than 40 percent of the total wall area, done in preparation for additions or remodeling, are included in the scope of construction permits and do not require a separate demolition permit.
If you are unsure about the landmark status of your property, see the historic landmarks & districts map and enter the property address. Demolition review of individual landmark structures and properties within a historic district follow a separate application process.
NOTE: Landmark demolition approvals issued prior to November 1, 2019, do not expire. Landmark demolition approvals issued on or after November 1, 2019, expire within three years from the date of approval.
Next Steps: Review and Determination
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received and one of the following determinations is made.
No Landmark Designation Potential
If Landmark Preservation staff review determines that the property does not have potential for individual landmark designation, staff will approve the demolition within 10 business days of receipt of a complete application.
View the demolition permitting process
Landmark Designation Potential
If Landmark Preservation staff determines the property has potential for individual designation, a sign will be posted on the property for 21 calendar days and emails will be sent to the Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs) within 200 feet of the site, to Denver’s historic preservation partners, and to the City Council members whose districts include the site.
- If Landmark Preservation staff receives a designation application and application fee by 4:30 p.m. on the 21st calendar day following the sign posting, the landmark designation process would begin.
- If Landmark Preservation staff does not receive notice of intent to file a designation application by 4:30 p.m. on the 21st calendar day, staff will approve the demolition the next business day.
- If Landmark Preservation receives a notice of intent to file a landmark designation application by the 21st calendar day following the sign posting, the posting period is extended to 4:30 p.m. on the 60th calendar day following the sign posting.
- By day 40 of the posting period, a stakeholder meeting with a third-party facilitator must take place. The meeting must include the property owner(s) or their representative, one of the persons who filed the notice of intent, and a Landmark Preservation staff member. Representative members of the community may also be invited to the meeting.
- If the posting period is extended and Landmark Preservation staff receives a designation application and application fee by 4:30 p.m. on the 60th calendar day of the posting period, the landmark designation process would begin. Note: The designation applicants do not have to be the people who submitted the notice of intent.
- If the posting period is extended and Landmark Preservation staff does not receive a designation application and application fee by 4:30 p.m. on the 60th calendar day of the posting period, staff will approve the demolition the next business day.
- If the landmark designation process is initiated and if the property is not designated within 90 calendar days of the date the landmark designation application was received, staff will approve the demolition the following business day.