Before you start your project, you need to know what regulations apply to your property and what factors may impact your project. You'll need to consider:

Historic Landmark Status

Any project that involves changes to the exterior of landmark structures or properties in historic landmark districts must be reviewed by Landmark Preservation staff before you begin. The appropriate zoning, building, curb cut, or revocable permits needed for the project will be issued only after design review has been completed and the project has been approved. To determine your property’s landmark status, use the DevelopDENVER tool to the right. Then, visit the design review web page for more information.

Zoning

Zoning establishes standards for things such as the size and location of structures and acceptable uses for your property. Before you begin construction, you need to be sure your project is in compliance with the Denver Zoning Code. Use the DevelopDENVER tool to the right to determine the zoning for your property. In the results, click on your zone district for descriptions and definitions; then, click on your neighborhood context for more information on zoning in your area.

Building Code

Denver Building Code provides minimum standards for building in order to safeguard public safety, health and welfare. The permitting and inspection process ensures that all home projects meet these standards and that all dwellings are safe and habitable at the time of construction.

Location of Existing Sewer Lines

If you plan to build a new structure over or within 2 feet of the existing sanitary sewer, you will need to replace the sanitary sewer with approved materials. A plumbing contractor can help you locate the sewer lines on your property. Visit Wastewater Sewer Use and Drainage Permit (SUDP) for application, guidelines and other specific information. Contact the Department of Public Works at 303-446-3759 for additional details.

Listed in the order they must be obtained. All permits must be in hand and at site before work may begin.

1. Current City of Denver Contractor’s License Affidavit of Requirements for Owner-Occupier Permits (see Issuance of Owner-Occupier Permits (PDF) for more information). 
2. Landmark Certificate of Appropriateness – if the project is in a designated historic district or landmark property. Visit the Design Review web page for more information.
3. Zoning Use Permit (Commercial Zoning) – If you are changing the use of the structure and/or adding a dwelling unit, staff must first determine what is permitted under your current zoning.

The above must be in hand before you apply for the following:

*For a complete list of required documentation for zoning and building plan review, including minimum submittal requirements, download the Residential Permitting Guide (PDF). Zoning and/or building permit applications for logged-in residential projects will only be accepted if minimum submittal requirements are met.

1. Zoning Review*
2. #1R Building Permit (Log In)* 
3. Wastewater Sewer Use and Drainage Permit (SUDP) (Log In or Plan Review)
   Visit the wastewater permits page for application, complete submittal requirements and guidelines, and other information.
4. #11 Forced-Air Furnaces, Ventilation and Air Conditioning and Gas Piping Permit (Quick Permit) - required for new ductwork
5. #4 Plumbing Permit (Quick permit) - required for new or relocated plumbing fixtures
6. #3 Electrical Permit (Quick permit) - required for new or relocated electrical outlets or light fixtures
7. #2 Roofing Permit (Quick Permit), including information on the number and type of shingles

SUDP application and materials may be submitted by email (wastewaterpermits@denvergov.org) or  online via e-Plan.

Quick Permits may be applied for by email. See www.DenverGov.org/QuickPermits. For same day service, sign in online or at the kiosk once for two Quick Permits at a time. 

Sign in online or at the kiosk once for zoning review vand #1R permits (Log In).

Estimate Fees
Zoning and Building permit fees are based on valuation of the work to be completed including the labor and materials. 

For Wastewater sewer permit,  there is a $100 application fee plus other fees may apply.

There are no fees for Parkways or Landmark review.

View the permit fee schedules to estimate the fees required for your project. 

Pay Fees
Fees can be paid in person at our cashier on the 2nd floor of the Wellington Webb Building. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card, cash and personal checks at our counter.

All construction set of documents, permits and inspector signature card are to be available on site upon request.

Typical inspections for a second story addition or dormer addition include the following:

• Pre construction meeting
• 2nd story attachment, basement structural floor
• Footing
• Foundation wall
• Foundation perimeter drain
• Waterproofing
• Frost wall insulation
• Exterior Sheathing
• Underground Electrical
• Rough utilities (Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical)
• Frame
• Roofing
• Exterior Lath
• Batt insulation
• Blown insulation
• Drywall
• Pressure test
• Final utilities (Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical)
• Final construction inspection

NOTE:  The inspections listed above may vary depending on the complexity of your project. You will be advised as to which inspections your project requires through the permitting process and by your inspector.