Building Inspections
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View upcoming meetings of community interest sponsored by the Denver departments of Community Planning and Development, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works. Community Calendar

 
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Find city services near your home or business.
 2008 National Electrical Code Minimize
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 Request An Inspection Minimize

720-865-2501 (F0R TOUCH TONE PHONES ONLY)

The Automated Inspection Request System is designed to dispatch inspection requests for the next working day.

  • Available 24 hours daily.  
  • All inspections requested before Midnight will usually be scheduled for the following working day. Occasionally an inspection will be scheduled for a later date due to workload problems.  
  • Permit Number Needed: You need the permit number to use this system.
    This is the number printed on the bottom of your permit beginning with the year. For example, 98123456 would be the permit number which must be entered from your touch tone telephone pad when requested by the system.  
  • Inspection Code Needed:You need a three-digit code for the type of inspection you are requesting.
    This can be found on the Inspection Type Directory.  
  • You will be given a verification number and the inspection date at the end of your call if all the information you enter is correct. Please stay on the line until you get that number.
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 Elevator Installations Minimize
We've prepared this information package for new elevator installations: 
Contractor Information Package
Firefighters Testing Primer  
Firefighters Test Log
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 Tips - Avoid Problems At Inspection Minimize

You can help prevent the need for a second inspection and costly delays.  Avoid these common problems.
 
General violations that apply to commercial and residential projects:
No permit or plans on site
No access provided to area to be inspected
The job is incomplete and not ready for inspection
Sub contractors not properly licensed
Work completed does not match approved plans/drawings
Work area is unsafe due to debris or other hazards
Work started without obtaining permit(s)
Inspector cannot locate the work site - no address or unit number posted  

COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS:

Building
 
All other required inspections are not completed prior to final building inspection. (frame/final)
Fire walls installed incorrectly/screw spacing/sealing of fire joints (frame/fire wall inspection/final)
Drafts stops not installed or sealed properly (frame/final)
Fire sealing of all penetrations in a rated assembly not complete (frame/final)
Post permanent address/unit number (final)
Self closing devices on fire rated doors do not operate properly (final)
Guardrails/handrails do not meet code requirements/height/rise/run (final) 
 
Plumbing
 
Foundations not backfilled (under slab)
Undersize vent lines (under slab/rough)
Lack of water/pressure test of piping (under slab/rough)
Missing or incorrect location of sprinkler heads (rough/final)
Sprinkler heads painted or protection tape not removed (final)

Electrical

Rough – In Inspection

At the time you call for your rough – in inspection, you should have all your wire pulled, stapled properly, and all splices made up and ready to except devices and fixtures. Do not install devices or fixtures or cover any wiring with insulation, wall covering, drywall or paneling. All wire splices and equipment grounding conductor make-up shall be completed prior to the rough inspection.

 

Final Inspection

The Electrical installation should be complete at the time of the request. All devices and fixtures installed service equipment complete and labeled properly. All wiring shall be free from short circuits, ground faults and open circuits. All light fixtures, switches and receptacles are required to be grounded.

 
Problems to avoid
Improper system grounding connections (rough/final)
The bonding of metal water piping in the vicinity of separately derived systems. (rough/final)
The improper installation and securing of expansion fittings
Use of electrical equipment without following the manufacturer’s instructions (rough/final)
The non-bonding of service raceways and equipment (rough/final) 

Mechanical

Use of ventless gas appliances (not allowed)
Fire smoke dampers not properly supported or framed (rough)
Condensate drains not properly installed (rough)
Duct work not properly fastened (rough/final)
 

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: 

Building

Footing lacking proper depth or width
Set back encroachment (footing/slab)
Exterior sheathing not nailed properly (frame)
Straps or tie downs missing (frame)
Smoke detector location incorrect (frame/final)
Fireplace flue clearance to combustibles
Minimum opening size for fire rescue not achieved (frame) 

Plumbing

Water/air test on piping not performed or approved (under slab)
Undersized vents (under slab/rough)
Water heater, improperly installed or functioning temperature and pressure relief valve (rough/final)
Water heater, improper termination of discharge pipe (rough/final)
No access to tub motor on jetted tubs (final)
Water heater not vented properly (rough/final)

 Electrical

Protect wiring from nails and screws, no nail plates (rough)
Overcrowded switch box (rough)
Smoke detector to close to HVAC return/supply (rough/final)
Too many wires through a hole in frame (rough)
 
Mechanical
Bathroom, clothes dryer or kitchen hood vents not installed properly (rough)
Installation of ventless gas appliances (not allowed)
Setback encroachment of air conditioning unit (rough/final)
New gas fired appliance venting into unlined existing chimney chase (rough/final)

 
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 Contact Us Minimize

Permit Records:
Verify that a permit has been issued for a particular address.  Please call 720-865-2790
 
Inspection Staff:
Although Building Inspectors are in the field the majority of the work day, Inspectors attempt to return all phone calls each morning between 7:30 am and 8:30 am. 

Supervisors: 
Chiefs are usually available between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm each work day.  They are listed below.
 
Construction Chief Inspector
Jim Morgan
720-865-2525
Map of Construction Inspector Assignments
 
Plumbing Chief Inspector
Joe Vars
720-865-2625
Map of Plumbing Inspector Assignments
 
Mechanical Chief Inspector
Andrew "Jim" Valdez
720-865-2565
Map of Mechanical Inspector Assignments
 
Electrical & Elevator Chief Inspector
Tony Lopez
720-865-2585
Map of Electrical Inspector Assignments
Map of Elevator Inspector Assignments
  
Inspection Administrator
Michael Sizemore
720-865-2510
 
Mailing Address
201 W. Colfax Avenue
Dept. 305
Denver, Colorado 80202
 
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 Frequently Asked Questions Minimize
I was overcharged by a contractor, can you help?  
Sorry, all contracts between a homeowner and a contractor are a civil matter over which Denver has no authority.

Work was done to my home by the former owner without permits.  Should I have permits to bring this work up to code?  Typically, yes.   We will work to solve any special situations, and guide you to compliance with minimal possible problems.

 FAQs By Trade:  Plumbing, Electrical, Construction & Mechanical

Plumbing
 
Do I need a permit for changing my plumbing fixtures? 
Changing faucets or fixtures may be done without a permit, but if any of the piping inside of the walls are relocated or updated, a permit is required.

Can I do my own plumbing?
Yes, however you must be in an owner occupied single family home, and take a homeowner plumbing test administered by the City and County of Denver and obtain a homeowner permit.   See the "Contractor Licensing" link on the left.
 
Does my plumber have to be licensed?
Yes, all plumbing contractors shall be licensed with the State of Colorado, and City of Denver.

Electrical

Is there a three digit code to call in for a UFER inspection?
Yes:  #312
 
Where in the NEC do I find the article that gives information about Flash Protection?
National Electrical Code Article 110.16
 
Where in the NEC do I find the article that states the required minimum distance smoke detectors need to be installed from supply air vents?
National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72) 11.8.3.5 (5) and (6)

Construction

Can I have an engineer look at my footings, and foundations?
Yes 
 
 Do I need a drywall inspection on a tenant finish?
Only on fire rated assemblies
 
Mechanical
 
Is a permit required to install or replace a furnace, water heater, or gas furnace?
Yes

Does a gas range or stove require a hood to the outside?
Yes, per Denver Building Code Amendments
 
Can a homeowner do his/her own HVAC work in his own place of residence?
Yes, however they must pass a test administered by the City and County of Denver, obtain a homeowners permit and live at the residence.
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