Demolition Permits

Step 1.Obtain approval from State of Colorado for asbestos

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) oversees asbestos control and abatement. CDPHE ensures demolition projects comply with air pollution laws regulating asbestos and materials containing it. You must submit an application to CDPHE and get approval before you can apply for your Denver demolition permit. A separate approval is required for each structure (e.g., one for a house and one for a detached garage).

• A Demolition Notification Application form and payment must be submitted to CDPHE even if no asbestos was found during the inspection.
• Visit CDPHE asbestos support webpage to view requirements and application information.

Step 2.Start utility cut-offs

Utility cut-offs are required prior to permit issuance and are verified in Step 4 and Step 6.

• Water – Call Denver Water at call 303-893-2444.
• Wastewater – Apply online through Denver E-permits.
  • First-time E-permits users will need to create an online account.
  • Once signed into E-permits, click Create an Application under Right-of-Way.
  • When prompted to select a record type, select Public Works Record.

• Gas and Electric – Email the Xcel Energy Demo Application to BCLCO@xcelenergy.com. Call 1-800-628-2121 if you have questions.

Step 3.Apply for a Demolition Permit

Gather approvals and documents listed in the What to Submit tab. Apply for a demolition permit online through E-permits.

• First-time E-permits users will need to create an online account.
• Once signed into E-permits, click Apply for a Permit under Development Services.
• When prompted to select a permit type, select Demolition Permit.

Step 4.Sign-offs required prior to permit issuance

Denver Water review:

Denver Water will confirm final bills have been paid, and all water service lines have been shut off, cut off, capped, or otherwise controlled.

• To initiate Denver Water sign-off, call 303-893-2444.

Floodplain review:

The Floodplain Management Group will review applications for demolition permits when the property is in a regulatory floodplain. Structures located in a floodway will not be allowed to be rebuilt.

• See the Flood Information webpage for floodplain maps, associated regulations, and other flood-related resources.
• If you have questions, contact the Floodplain Management Group at floodplain@denvergov.org or 720-865-3215.

Forestry review:

Per the Denver Revised Municipal Code, public right-of-way trees and trees located in the primary street and side street setbacks are required to be retained and protected unless the Office of the City Forester (OCF) has authorized the removal with issuance of a required tree removal permit. The OCF will review the site plan for existing conditions and demolition logistics, as well as inspect the site to ensure tree protection has been installed prior to demolition permit approval. Installing required tree protection prior to the OCF inspection will help expedite the process.

• For further information on development and construction requirements, details and/or specifications, visit OCF Development and Construction webpage.
• If you have questions, contact OCF at forestryplanreview@denvergov.org.

Landmark review:

Landmark Preservation staff review total demolitions of any primary structure in the city to determine if the structure has the potential to be an individual Denver landmark.

• It is recommended (but not required) you apply for Landmark Demolition approval (LMDEMO) prior to applying for a demolition permit. Visit the Demolition Review for Non-Landmark Structures or Demolition Review for Landmarks and Historic District Properties for more information.
• If you have questions, contact Landmark at landmark@denvergov.org or 720-865-2709.

Wastewater review:

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) Permit Operations verifies wastewater (sewer lines) have been shut off, cut off, capped or otherwise controlled. 

• Apply online through E-permits.
  • First-time E-permits users will need to create an online account.
  • Once signed into E-permits, click Create an Application under Right-of-Way.
  • When prompted to select a record type, select Public Works Record.
• If you have questions, contact DOTI Permit Operations at dotipermitoperations@denvergov.org or 303-446-3759.

Step 5.Prepare the site for demolition

Prepare the site

• Install a fence around the site.
• Install one sign per street frontage. See sign template on page 8 of the Adjacent Property Notification for Construction Activities building code policy.
• Ensure all utilities and service lines are shut off, cut off, capped, or otherwise controlled.
• Install tree protection.

Notify neighbors 10 days prior to demolition

You must notify all property owners of adjacent properties 10 calendar days prior to demolition by sign posting and written notice (where required). Review the Adjacent Property Notification for Construction Activities building code policy for requirements, forms, and a sign template.

Adjacent properties include:

1. Properties that share property lines with the subject property.
2. Properties that have a property line within 20 feet of the subject property. 

Written notice using the Neighbor Notification form is required if the owner of the adjacent property has a different address listed in the assessor records database than the adjacent property address to which the notification is required. Property owner information is available at www.denvergov.org/property.

Apply for a street-occupancy permit if closing the right-of-way (street or alley)

Construction engineering approval is required if the demolition will impact the public right-of-way with equipment, construction/demolition materials, or if the public right-of-way is in the building's fall-zone.  

• Apply online through E-permits.
  • First-time E-permits users will need to create an online account.
  • Once signed into E-permits, click Create an Application under Right-of-Way.
  • When prompted to select a record type, select Public Works Record.

Step 6.Schedule your site inspections

Forestry site inspection:

Schedule the Forestry Site Inspection online through E-permits. The Office of the City Forester will verify tree protection is installed during the forestry site inspection

Safe site inspection:

Schedule your safe site inspection online through E-permits. At your safe site inspection, the inspector verifies:

• Asbestos approval from Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment 
• Contractor license
• Fence
• Sign
• Utility cut-offs (gas and electric)
• Street-occupancy permit if closing the public right-of-way that is in the building’s fall-zone.
• Demolition report from a registered design professional for buildings with common walls and buildings four stories or greater.
• Demolition report for buildings less than five feet to the property line.

Step 7.Pay permit fees and permit issuance

The demolition permit will be emailed to the applicant once permit fees are paid.

• To view your fee amount and pay fees by credit card or bank transfer, go to the E-permits website.
• To pay in person by check by visiting Cashiering on the 2nd floor of the Webb Building, 201 W. Colfax Ave., and provide the cashier your permit number(s).

Step 8.Demolition of building

Safely demolish the building.

Step 9.Schedule your final inspections

After the demolition is complete, schedule your Final Forestry Inspection and Final Demolition Inspection online through E-permits. The inspectors will conduct the final inspection.

View E-permits FAQs and video tutorials to learn how to check the status of your permit application or inspection, pay fees, and more.