Plan Review

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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
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

Please 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

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

Please 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:

Plan Review Application, Menu/Product List and Equipment Specification cut sheets are not provided or are not fully completed
Not all food service equipment is identified or provided in plans
Fixtures/sinks are not identified by use (ex: hand sink, prep sink, dump sink, etc.)
Hot water calculations or the heater make/model is not provided
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

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

Plan Review Requirements:

Completed Plan Review Application
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.

Top Reasons for Non-Approval:

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

Regulations:
Pool Regulations

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.
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.)

Top Reasons for Non-Approval:

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

Plan Review Process

Step 1: Submittal

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.

Where to 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.

Inspection 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 100°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.