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

If your property is in a local historic landmark district or is a designated landmark structure, the Landmark Preservation staff must complete a design review of your project before you begin. Use the DevelopDENVER tool to the right to determine your property’s landmark status. Changes to the exterior of landmarked properties require approval from Landmark Preservation prior to the issuance of appropriate zoning, building, curb cut, or revocable permits.   Visit the design review web page for more information.

Parkways

Any project that encroaches on a designated parkway setback will need to undergo parkways review. Certain parkways and boulevards are specifically designated by ordinance to preserve their unique character. Each designated parkway has its own right-of-way width and regulations of setback distance of structures and signs. If you are unsure if you live along a designated parkway or for your parkway’s specific regulations, enter your address into the DevelopDENVER tool at right. Look under “Designated Parkways” on the results panel on the left. If a specific parkway appears, click on the “Details” button for information on setbacks.

Denver Forestry

If any portion of your project has the potential to affect the trunk, canopy or roots of the street trees around your property, before you begin, you must contact Denver Forestry by email (forestry@denvergov.org) or phone (720-913-0651) to evaluate your project.  Any removal, trimming or planting of trees within the public right of way must be permitted through the City Forester’s Office.  Damages to street trees may result in the issuance of administrative citations and/or fines.  Visit the Denver Forestry web page and click on Property Owner Resources for information on hiring a licensed tree service company or requesting a permit.

Transportation

Transportation review and approval is needed if you are changing the location of any driveways that connect to public streets or proposing improvements, such as changing the curb cut, within the “right of way” (ROW), which includes public streets and sidewalks. All ROW projects must be performed by a licensed contractor and in full compliance with the City Charter, ordinances, permitting processes and all other applicable standards, specifications and requirements. Licensed contractors can obtain ROW permits at Public Works Permit Operations, 2000 West 3rd Avenue, or directly from the ROW inspector at (303) 446-3469. NOTE: Alterations to a driveway that connects to an alley, instead of a public street or sidewalk, do not require transportation review.

Location of Utilities

When designing your project, you need to know where utilities are located. You cannot build over existing utilities. Before you dig, contact the Utility Notification Center of Colorado at 1-800-922-1987 or 811 to mark underground utilities for your project.

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
   NOTE: ROW improvements must also be performed by a licensed contractor.
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. Forestry Review – required if your project will impact the canopy or roots of street trees. Contact Denver Forestry by email (forestry@denvergov.org) or by phone at 720-913-0651 to evaluate your project and visit the Denver Forestry web page for additional information. Allow about 3 to 5 business working days for inspections and approval.
4. Parkways Review – if your property is along a designated parkway and the project encroaches on the parkway setback
   You will need: A completed Parkway Exception Request form and a site plan that includes property lines, parkway setback from property line, proposed type, location and dimensions of encroachment into parkway setback, location of existing residence on property and labeled streets. To get a copy of the form and additional information, contact parkways@denvergov.org.

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

1. Transportation Review - if project involves a new or modified driveway connection to the street (curb cut) and other major right-of-way (ROW) improvements. You will need: A site plan that includes the location of the existing and proposed driveways; dimensions from the driveway to the property line and any adjacent driveways; width of driveway; and material used in construction. Find the city transportation engineer assigned to your area using the DevelopDENVER tool at right and contact him/her for more information.
2. Wastewater Sewer Use and Drainage Permit (SUDP) (Plan Review)
   You will need a utility site plan that includes the following:
   • Location of structures in reference to property lines
   • Sewer locations
   • Pipe sizes
   • 2-way cleanouts
   • Material for all existing and proposed structures from point of connection to the structure to the main
   • Water line locations with sizes
   • All existing and proposed underground and storm water/sewage drainage
   Visit the wastewater permits page for application, complete submittal requirements and guidelines, and other information.
3. Right of way (ROW) Construction Permit – required for all work located in the ROW, which must be performed by a licensed contractor. Contractors can obtain the ROW permits at Public Works Permit Operations, 2000 West 3rd Avenue or directly from the ROW inspector at (303) 446-3469. NOTE: If significant improvements within the ROW are being proposed, you will need a transportation plan. Find your transportation engineer using the DevelopDENVER tool at right and contact him/her for more information. 
4. Soils Compaction Test – may be required depending on the location of the property and the scope of the project.
5. Revocable Street Occupancy Permit – if applicable. See Department of Public Works’ Street Occupancy Forms page. A traffic control plan may be required if you are located on a collector or arterial street.

SUDP application and materials may be submitted by email (wastewaterpermits@denvergov.org), online via e-Plan or in person at the Development Services Permit Counter. Sign in online once for SUDP permit (SUDP).

Estimate Fees
Revocable Street Occupancy Permit Fees are based on the type of closure. Right-of-Way (ROW) Construction Permit fees are based on lineal feet. See permit fee schedules under Public Works for more information. There are no fees for Landmark or Parkways review.

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 checks at our counter.

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

Typical inspections for construction of sidewalks include the following:

• Construction Engineering will inspect work performed in the ROW and determine if ROW infrastructure was damaged during construction.
• Denver Forestry

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.