Projects that qualify for a same day review have a total construction value less than $500,000.00, do not require approval from any other agency, or projects that have been approved by the Building Official for same day review.   

Approval from each reviewing discipline (Architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, where applicable fire and wastewater) is required for issuance of a permit. 

Commercial projects eligible for same day review:

• Tenant finish in retail and business properties
• Temporary offices
• Non-structural repair due to water or fire damage
• Minor structural work related to emergency like-for-like repair of existing buildings, that is not the result of collapse or a notice/order from the city of Denver
• Limited non-structural remodel within a single R-1, R-2 or R-3 dwelling unit
• Installation of signs

Residential projects eligible for same day review:

• Fence or retaining wall or combination of the two 
• Minor residential interior remodel (such as kitchen or bath, etc.) 
• Basement finish
• Patio covers
• Decks
• Patio enclosure
• Car port
• Windows, exterior door (new or altered opening on non-Landmark properties)
• Non-structural repair due to water or fire damage

Projects not eligible for same day review:

• New construction or additions to an existing buildings or residences 
• Change of occupancy or change of use
• Structural modifications (adding stairs or cutting through a load-bearing wall)
• Education or institutional occupancies (day-care, assisted living, etc.)
• Food service establishment
• Warehouse or manufacturing facilities
• Marijuana plant husbandry or extraction operations

Projects too complex for same day review:

If, at any point in the review, the reviewing engineer/technician determines that the project is too complex or lacking information required to allow approval, the project must be logged in for review.

More complex construction projects with a total construction value greater than $500,000.00 are required to be logged in for review.  There are two types of log-in reviews:  Main Log and Intermediate Project Log Review.

Main Log Review:

This is the default method of review. It is always appropriate, and preferred that project applications are submitted for review on the Major Project Log, known as the M-Log for commercial projects and the R-Log for residential projects.

Time Frame

The initial Department review of Main Log applications will be completed in 20 business days, with any necessary re-review resulting from the correction of noted Code deficiencies completed in 10 business days. When other agency review is required, the Department shall communicate to the applicant each applicable agency requiring additional permit submissions for simultaneous review. Each agency will review the application for compliance with the agency standards within their own established timeframe.

Commercial projects appropriate for the major project log include:

• Large developments involving project coordinators
• Construction of a large new building
• Large additions to existing buildings
• Large accessory structures
• Major structural modifications to existing buildings
• Large projects involving change of occupancy
• Projects involving work in multiple buildings or multiple floors
• Projects involving complicated fire/life safety issues (e.g. large occupant loads, hazardous materials)

Residential projects appropriate for the major project log include:

• New house, tandem house, townhouse or duplex
• New accessory dwelling unit (ADU)
• Additions greater than 400 square feet; additions of less than 400 square feet shall be classified as Intermediate log review projects
• Projects requiring Landmark review
• Projects requiring detailed structural review

Intermediate project log review:

Project applications of lesser complexity and/or scope may be reviewed as a Intermediate Project (X-Log) review for commercial/multi family projects and the P-Log for residential projects. For commercial projects, this method of review is only allowable on projects with valuation less than $1,000,000, or with prior arrangement and approval from the Building Official. For residential projects, this method of review is only allowable on projects with prior arrangement and approval from the Building Official, or projects of intermediate complexity. 

Time Frame

The initial review of Intermediate Log applications will be completed in 10 business days, with any necessary re-review resulting from the correction of noted Code deficiencies completed in 5 business days. When other agency review is required, the Department shall communicate to the applicant each applicable agency requiring additional permit submissions for simultaneous review. Each agency will review the application for compliance with the agency standards within their own established timeframe. 

Commercial projects appropriate for the intermediate log review include:

• Small additions to existing buildings (less than 400 square feet)
• Small accessory structures
• Minor structural modifications to existing buildings
• Telecom towers
• Small projects involving change of occupancy

Residential projects appropriate for the intermediate log review include:

• New production home, type approved review of previously approved Master Plan
• Zoning-only review of 1 & 2 Family projects
• Additions less than 400 square feet
• Attic conversions

Related documents:

• Admin 131: Permit Application and Issuance (PDF)
• Commercial Permitting Handbook (2016 Denver Building Code)

NOTE: Use the Commercial Permitting Handbook that corresponds with the code to which your plans adhere. See Denver Building Codes and Policies for information on 2016 Denver Building Code transition and implementation.