Public Health Plan Review and Inspections

The Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) is required to conduct a full plan review for all regulated facilities undergoing a change of use, new construction or an extensive remodel. An extensive remodel includes:

  • Increase in seating capacity by 20 percent
  • Any alterations requiring a building code review
  • Changes or alterations to non-public areas that result in reduction or increase of total space by 25 percent or more
  • Capabilities to handle food, equipment and utensils in a sanitary manner have been diminished due to a food process or menu change that introduces new risks of foodborne illness

Detailed list of common projects that require a building code review

Health Review Requirements For Facilities

Food Facilities and Drinking Establishments

The following food facilities require a health plan review:

  • Retail and wholesale food facilities and drinking establishments
  • Not-for-profit facilities that operate 52 days or more out of the year
  • Employee cafeterias (not break rooms)
  • Kiosks
  • Retail and wholesale food facilities undergoing a change in occupancy or change in use of an existing facility
  • Retail and wholesale food facilities with a new menu, new or relocated equipment, or significant changes in food processes

Plan Review Requirements

  • A brief written description of the scope of work and what changes/construction will occur
  • Completed Plan Review Application(PDF, 516KB)
  • Proposed menu including all food, beverages, and desserts intended for service
  • Floor plan of the entire facility identifying the location of all new and existing plumbing fixtures and equipment
  • Equipment specification cut sheets including the make/model and showing the equipment to be of commercial design. If the specification sheet lists more than one piece of equipment, identify the specific equipment used
  • Plumbing plan identifying the hot and cold-water supply, waste lines from fixtures, water heater location, floor drain and sink locations

NOTE: The plan review application must be completely filled out including finish schedule, equipment list, plumbing list and hot water calculations. Notations of “See Plans” or “Existing” will not be accepted. Failure to include all requested information may delay the review and/or approval of your plans. 

Top Reasons for Non-Approval

  1. Plan Review Application, Menu/Product List and Equipment Specification cut sheets are not provided or not fully completed
  2. Not all food service equipment is identified or provided in plans
  3. Fixtures/sinks are not identified by use (ex: hand sink, prep sink, dump sink, etc.)
  4. Hot water calculations or the heater make/model is not provided
  5. Facilities going through a remodel do not provide plans of the existing facility

NOTE: Chapter 23 of the Denver Municipal Code requires that we conduct a plan review for the entire facility as well as areas going through new construction. Due to the fact that the scope of work requires a building permit, the entire facility is required to provide plan review material verifying the facility is in compliance with the most recent rules and regulations. 

Regulations:
Food and Cannabis Regulations

Health Plan Review Contact:
DPHEPlanReview@denvergov.org
720-865-2832 (voicemail box only)

All other inquiries:
720-913-1311

Cannabis Facilities

The following cannabis facilities require a health plan review:

  • All medical and recreational cannabis dispensaries
  • All medical and recreational cannabis extraction facilities (MIPs) 

Plan Review Requirements:

  • A brief written description of the scope of work and what changes/construction will occur.
  • Completed Plan Review Application
  • Detailed product list including all edible/orally consumable products.
  • Floor plan of the entire facility identifying the location of all new and existing plumbing fixtures and equipment.
  • Equipment specification cut sheets including the make/model and showing the equipment to be of commercial design. If the specification sheet lists more than one piece of equipment, identify the specific equipment used.
  • Plumbing plan identifying the hot and cold-water supply, waste lines from fixtures, water heater location, floor drain and sink locations.

NOTE: The plan review application must be completely filled out including finish schedule, equipment list, plumbing list, and hot water calculations. Notations of “See Plans” or “Existing” will not be accepted. Failure to include all requested information may delay the review and/or approval of your plans. 

Top Reasons for Non-Approval:

  1. Plan Review Application, Menu/Product List and Equipment Specification cut sheets are not provided or are not fully completed
  2. Not all food service equipment is identified or provided in plans
  3. Fixtures/sinks are not identified by use (ex: hand sink, prep sink, dump sink, etc.)
  4. Hot water calculations or the heater make/model is not provided
  5. Facilities going through a remodel do not provide plans of the existing facility

NOTE: Chapter 23 of the Denver Municipal Code requires that we conduct a plan review for the entire facility as well as areas going through new construction. Due to the fact that the scope of work requires a building permit, the entire facility is required to provide plan review material verifying the facility is in compliance with the most recent rules and regulations. 

Regulations:
Food and Cannabis Regulations

Health Plan Review Contact:
DPHEPlanReview@denvergov.org
720-865-2832 (voicemail box only)

All other inquiries:
720-913-1311

Aquatic Venues (Pool/Spa/Hot Tub Facilities)

The following facilities require a health plan review:

  • All publicly accessible and limited access pools, hot tubs, spas, and therapy pools
  • Limited access pools include apartment and hotel pools

NOTE: If a pool cover is proposed for installation, it shall be an approved safety cover that is certified, listed, and labeled to ASTM F1346-91 by an ANSI-accredited certification organization.

Plan Review Requirements:

  • Completed Plan Review Application(PDF, 449KB)
  • Equipment specification cut sheets for all pool equipment (pumps, filters, main drain covers, etc.).
  • Plans identifying the barrier fence and controlled access points to the immediate swim area.
  • A flow diagram identifying all circulation, filtration and disinfection equipment and piping layout.
  • Plans identifying all furniture, structures, and common area amenities in the pool enclosure.
  • Plans identifying the layout and type of the following:
    • Inlets, overflows, drains, suction outlets, overflow gutter or devices, pool markings, surface materials, designed pool water elevation.
    • Aquatic features such as ladders, stairs, diving boards, slides, and play features.
    • Design of deck, curb, or walls enclosing the pool/spa, deck drains.
    • Slope of the pool deck and pool coping.
    • Pool/spa area finishes and deck surface material.
    • Location of hose bibs, emergency telephone, and emergency shut-off valves.

NOTE: The plan review application must be completely filled out including finish schedule, equipment list, plumbing list, and hot water calculations. Notations of “See Plans” or “Existing” will not be accepted. Failure to include all requested information may delay the review and/or approval of your plans.

Top Reasons for Non-Approval:

  1. Incomplete or missing plan review application
  2. Equipment Specification cut sheets are not provided
  3. The plans do not identify the barrier fence and controlled access points to the immediate swim area
  4. The plans do not adequately address the slope requirements for the pool deck and pool coping
  5. The pool is not provided with a minimum of 4 feet of unobstructed deck area measured from the water’s edge

Regulations:
Pool Regulations

*The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) enforces the City and County of Denver Pool Rules and Regulations, which are promulgated pursuant to Chapter 51 of the Denver Revised Municipal Code (DRMC). Additionally, DDPHE often references The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) and The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) as they are considered national standards for aquatic venues. There are some requirements not specified in Chapter 51 of the DRMC or in the swimming pool regulations, therefore, DDPHE relies on the MAHC and ISPSC for best practices.

The MAHC is a voluntary, science-based guidance document created by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to help local and state authorities standardize public pool, hot tub, and splash pad safety. It aims to reduce drowning, injury, and disease outbreaks by providing updated, comprehensive standards for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of public aquatic venues. 

The ISPSC was developed to establish minimum regulations for public and residential pools, spas, and hot tubs using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. The ISPSC contains requirements that meet or exceed the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. 

Health Plan Review Contact:
DPHEPlanReview@denvergov.org
720-865-2832 (voicemail box only)

All other inquiries:
720-913-1311

Childcare Facilities

The following facilities require a health plan review:

  • Child care centers that serve school-aged children (including summer camps and before/after school program facilities)
  • Child care centers
  • Day treatment centers
  • Children’s residential camps
  • Summer lunch program facilities 

Plan Review Requirements:

  • Completed Child Care Plan Review Application(PDF, 363KB)
  • Detailed plans of the facility identifying the age range and number of students in each classroom. All classroom hand sinks, restroom fixtures, and food service equipment should also be identified in the plans.
  • Plumbing plans identifying the drainage of all sink fixtures.
  • Equipment specification cut sheets for any equipment used in food handling/storage (ex: refrigeration, sinks, etc.)

NOTE: The plan review application must be completely filled out including finish schedule, equipment list, plumbing list, and hot water calculations. Notations of “See Plans” or “Existing” will not be accepted. Failure to include all requested information may delay the review and/or approval of your plans. 

Top Reasons for Non-Approval:

  1. The plan review application is not complete (including hot water calculations)
  2. A layout of the facility identifying all classrooms, sink fixtures and food handling equipment is not provided
  3. Equipment Specification cut sheets are not provided for food service equipment
  4. Sink fixtures are not labeled by use or are not identified on the plans
  5. Plumbing is not specified for fixtures identified in the plans 

Regulations:
Childcare Regulations

Health Plan Review Contact:
DPHEPlanReview@denvergov.org
720-865-2832 (voicemail box only)

All other inquiries:
720-913-1311

Review Process

Step 1.Submit your Application

Submit your application, documents, and plans to the Denver Development Services Permit Counter online.

Additional information about the process
Phone: 720-865-2720

Step 2.Review

A review will be conducted to verify compliance with the current Department of Public Health and Environment rules and regulations.

Step 3.Notification

An email containing review comments are sent to the primary contact after each review. Once approved, the primary contact and owner receive an emailed approval letter.

Step 4.Inspections

Once construction is completed and all equipment is in place and operational, the facility may schedule a final sign-off inspection.

Submit Plans

Electronically

  • Fill out the Retail/Wholesale Food Establishment Application and compile the items on the checklist on page 2 or 3 of the application.
  • Electronic Signatures. Apply seals and a valid electronic signature to any document (plans, reports, surveys, letters) prepared by an architect, engineer, or surveyor. Commercial building plans must be prepared by licensed architects and engineers. Ensure all documents are unlocked for editing so they can be reviewed.
    • Unsigned, unstamped, or invalidated electronic signatures cannot be accepted.
    • Download a guide with screenshots on how to create a valid electronic signature at www.denvergov.org/buildingcode.
  • Save all files as PDFs and name them:
    • DocumentName_Address_Date.pdf (e.g, SitePlan_201WColfax_11-1-2017.pdf)
  • Submit all materials through e-permits at www.denvergov.org/epermits.
  • Register for an e-permits account, then go to Development Services > Apply for a Permit and select the “building log” option to apply for a building permit online.

Sign-offs

Once a permit is pulled and construction is completed, a final Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) or Certificate of Occupancy (CO) sign-off can be scheduled. Please contact 720-865-2832 to schedule an inspection. The following items must be completed prior to requesting an inspection:

  • Hot water measuring 85°F shall be available to all hand sinks within 30 seconds of activation. Cold water shall also be available.
  • All construction must be completed and construction equipment removed from the facility.
  • All surfaces and equipment shall be cleaned and sanitized.
  • All equipment must be in place and operational.
  • All fixed equipment/fixtures must be sealed in place.
  • Please see DDPHE Food Business Signoff Checklist(PDF, 177KB) for a complete list of signoff inspection requirements.

Check Plan Review or Building Permit Application Status

Contact Us

Public Health Investigations
201 W. Colfax Ave.,8th Floor
Denver, CO 80202

 

Phone: 720-913-1311
Fax: 720-865-5534
Email: phicomments@denvergov.org

Office Hours

Summer Hours (April through October):

Monday-Friday
7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

 

Winter Hours (November through March):

Monday-Friday
7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Need to file a complaint?

Complaints can be filed with the Public Health Investigations Division for issues related to:

  • Food Safety & Regulated Food Facilities (please use this form for general food safety complaints only)
  • Foodborne Illness (please use this form for Foodborne Illness [getting sick from a facility] complaints only)
  • Residential Housing
  • Body Art
  • Swimming Pools
  • Lead Poisoning
  • Child Care
  • Schools (grades K-12)
  • Noise
  • Cannabis

You can report any of the above complaints online, by calling 311 or by sending an email to phicomments@denvergov.org.

 

An investigator will follow up with you to let you know the outcome of the investigation. Please note that most complaints, as well as other inspection records and reports we generate, are considered public records.

To report suspected child abuse or neglect:

If you have concerns about possible child abuse or neglect call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 844-CO-4-Kids, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your call is confidential.

Back to top