Building Permits
Most building projects in Denver require general construction permits as well as trade-specific permits, like electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits.
Before permits are issued, a plan review is required to evaluate the project and ensure it will meet building, zoning, and fire codes.
See below for a list of building permits and applications.
Ready to apply?
Most permit applications and plans can be easily submitted online in e-permits. Visit the e-permits webpage for instructions and to enter the system.
- Note: "Quick Permits" have a fully online application in e-permits and you do not need to download the permit form below or submit plans for review. Learn more about quick permits
Or, visit our Permit Counter webpage for counter hours, service descriptions, and instructions for applying in person.
Common Permits |
Description |
| Commercial Construction | Guidelines and required forms for commercial and multifamily projects, including information on related permits |
| Residential Construction | Guidelines and required forms for projects in single-family homes and duplexes, including information on related permits |
| Mechanical Permit | Quick Permit. Application for a mechanical permit to install forced-air furnaces, ventilation and air conditioning, and gas piping |
| Electrical Permit | Quick Permit. Application for an electrical permit |
| Plumbing Permit | Quick Permit. Application for a plumbing & gas piping permit |
| Roofing Permit | Quick Permit. Application for a general permit for roofing, siding, fascia/soffit, and blown-in insulation |
| Boiler or Commercial A/C Permit | Quick Permit. Application for steam/hot water boilers, radiation for heating systems and commercial A/C |
| Fire Alarm Permit | Application for installation of a commercial fire alarm system |
| Access Control Permit | Application for an access control permit |
| Signs Zoning Permit | Application for a commercial sign permit |
| Fire Sprinkler System | Application for a commercial fire suppression installation permit (fire sprinklers) |
| Total Demolition Guide | Contains the demolition application form and other forms required to demolish a residential or commercial structure |
| Address Assignment | Instructions for requesting assignment of a new address |
| Hazardous Materials | Hazardous materials reporting and permits in Denver |
Permits Required for New Construction
All fire permits related to any commercial construction project in new or existing structures in the City and County of Denver are handled by the Fire Prevention Division.
Permits Required for Existing Structures
All existing business occupancies in the City and County of Denver are required to have an annual inspection for the purpose of maintaining a Life Safety Operating Permit. These occupancies include, but are not limited to:
- hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other medical centers
- schools, daycare facilities and other recreational or educational centers
- apartment and condominium buildings
- industrial and manufacturing facilities
- retail stores, business offices, dining and entertainment establishments
For more information, see the Fire Prevention page or contact the Denver Fire Department to learn about what permits you need and when you need to call for inspections and testing.
Fire Permit Fees
For information about fire permit fees, see the Fees page.
The following guides are available for download in PDF format:
| Commercial Building Permit Guide | UPDATED DECEMBER 2019. Guideline of requirements for commercial projects, information on related permits, and collection of required forms. |
| Electronic Signatures Guide | A how-to guide with screenshots for creating a valid electronic signature using Adobe Acrobat or BlueBeam Revu. (All building plans submitted to CPD electronically must include a valid electronic signature.) |
| Slide Deck: Navigating Commercial Permitting | Presentation from January 8, 2020. Navigating the permitting process for commercial and multifamily projects. |
| Expanded Prep Demo Overview | Permit path enabling an expedited construction start for certain commercial tenant-finish projects |
| Administrative Modification Request | Application information and supplemental guidelines |
| Submittal instructions and checklists for Master plan and Type-Approved (TA) single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes built under the International Residential Code (IRC). | |
| DEH Plan Review Application | UPDATED DECEMBER 2019. This application is used to conduct an Environmental Health and building permit review of proposed new and extensively remodeled retail food establishments/commercial kitchens, marijuana-infused product (MIP) kitchens, and marijuana dispensaries. |
| Restaurant Guide | Visit the online guide for Restaurant Permits. |
| Concept Phase Overview | A brief overview of the Concept Phase of Plan Review |
| Concept Phase Submittal Checklist | Submittal checklist for the Concept Phase |
| Formal Phase Overview | A brief overview of the Formal Phase of Plan Review |
| Formal Phase Submittal Checklist for Site Plans | Submittal checklist for the Formal Phase |
| Final Recordation Phase Overview | A brief overview of the Final Recordation Phase of Plan Review |
| Plan Amendments Guide | How to apply for an amendment to an approved plan |
| Pool Permitting Guide | Permitting guide for residential and commercial pools, spas and water features |
| PUD/PBG Site Plan Rules and Regulations | The process and requirements for site plan review of Planned Unit Developments/Planned Building Groups |
| Total Demolition Guide | Step-by step procedures for demolition of residential and commercial structures. |
- Prior to final inspection:
Contact Building Inspections at 720-865-2505.
Have your address and permit number available. - Final or canceled permit status:
Call 720-865-2790 or email
cpd.permitrecords@denvergov.org
Building Permit Records
Search permit records online
How?
1) Register for an e-permits account
2) Go to the "Development Services" tab
3) Search building permit records either by date, record type, address, or specific record number
From any record that has an issued permit, use the "Permits and Licenses" link at the top of your screen to download a copy of the permit.
Need help? Visit our FAQs
Or, contact our Records counter
Completed construction permits and certificates of occupancy for properties located within the City and County of Denver are available from the Records counter, located on the 2nd floor of the Wellington Webb Municipal Building at 201 W. Colfax.
Hours:
Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone:
Office: 720-865-2790
Fax: 720-865-2887
Official building permit records for the City and County of Denver on site at the Wellington Webb Municipal Building date back to 1970.
Archived Records
- Permit records for 2000 – present can be found on our imaging system or hard copy
- Permit records for 1970 – 1999 exist on microfiche
- Permit records for 1955 – 1969 do not exist.
- Records dating from 1915 through 1955 can be found at the Denver Public Library in the Western History section