As a contractor working in the City and County of Denver, it's essential to be familiar with key processes and permits to ensure compliance with local regulations. This collection of links will help contractors navigate some of the most frequently visited pages, and information that is important for you to know to ensure that your projects proceed smoothly.
Building and Trades (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) Contractor Licensing
All contractors performing work in Denver are required to obtain the appropriate contractor license and supervisor certificate (if required). This ensures that all work meets the city's standards for safety and quality. Find detailed information on licensing requirements, application procedures, and related resources on the Community Planning and Development's Contractor Licensing page.
Fire Safety Systems Licensing
This license is managed by the Denver Fire Department and is required for the design, installation, modification, inspection, and testing of all life safety and conveyance systems and equipment.
Once you've obtained the necessary permits and completed your work, scheduling inspections is a critical step to verify compliance with city codes. Denver provides several types of inspections, each catering to specific project needs. You can conveniently schedule most of these inspections online.
Key Types of Inspections
- Construction Inspections ensure that building work adheres to approved plans and Denver’s building codes. These inspections cover building construction, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work.
- Zoning and Neighborhood Inspections focus on maintaining the safety and aesthetics of residential and commercial properties. Inspectors address issues such as zoning violations, property maintenance, and construction without permits.
- Landmark Inspections — If your property is a landmarked structure or part of a historic district, you will need a landmark inspection to receive either final project approval or a certificate of occupancy. Information about how to schedule the Landmark Inspection and inspection tips can be found on the Landmark Inspections section of the Construction Inspections website.
- Department of Public Health and Environment Inspections — The city's health inspectors ensure that food service establishments comply with health and safety standards. These Restaurant inspections help protect public health by monitoring cleanliness, food handling practices, and equipment maintenance.
- Denver Fire Safety Inspections are requested online via Accela Citizen Access/E-permits For questions or inquires, please email DFDCOinspections@denvergov.org. Select the appropriate inspection type from the list provided on the website.
- Conveyance Inspections are managed by Denver Fire's Conveyance Program for things such as elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, etc.
- Wastewater Inspections — For Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Wastewater/Sewer Use and Drainage Permit Inspections, select ‘Wastewater/Sewer Use and Drainage Permit (SUDP) Inspections from the list of inspections for scheduling information.
- Construction Engineering Inspections — Both the following steps are required to schedule an inspection for permitted right-of-way work:
- Schedule an inspection through the E-Permits portal and select Right-of-Way, then enter the site address or project number. You will need to be logged in with an E-permits account and then select Schedule a ROW Inspection and select the appropriate inspection type.
- Email the ROW Inspector assigned to the area of the project (use the area inspector) and include the following information:
- commercial construction or residential construction permit number,
- contractor name
- date desired for the inspection
- time desired for the inspection
- address of the site
- Office of the City Forester Inspections — OCF manages public trees and setback trees to ensure trees are protected and maintained per code. To schedule a Forestry inspection, fill out the online permit form. Inspection requests will be scheduled within 3 to 5 business days of receipt; please be patient.
- HOST Affordable Housing Project/Income Restricted Unit Inspections are required for any project that contains affordable units funded by the Housing Stability Department (HOST) or required by the Expanding Housing Affordability Mandatory Affordable Housing Requirement. The inspection is required prior to receiving a certificate of occupancy.
For minor projects like some equipment replacement that does not require plan review, Community Planning and Development provides a Quick Permits system. This streamlined process allows for faster permit acquisition for specific types of work. Find more information on what qualifies for a quick permit and how to apply on the Quick Permits website.
If your work involves occupying or obstructing any part of the public right-of-way, such as streets or sidewalks, a Street Occupancy Permit from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) is required.
- Placing dumpsters
- Scaffolding or barriers
- Storing or parking any equipment
If you need to occupy a parking meter for any type of construction activity, you must also request a separate request for Parking Meter Bagging.
Find detailed information on when these permits are needed and how to apply on the DOTI Street Occupancy website.
Other questions about work in the public right-of-way? Review DOTI's Frequently Asked Questions.
Any work involving the planting, removal, or maintenance of trees within the public right-of-way necessitates a Street Tree Permit. This ensures the protection and proper management of Denver's urban forest. Find guidelines on obtaining these permits and related responsibilities on the Office of the City Forester's Construction and Development Resources website.
Ballot Initiative 306, known as Waste No More, was approved by voters in November 2022. This ordinance requires nearly all construction and demolition projects to separate and recycle, at a minimum, all readily recyclable concrete, asphalt, clean wood, scrap metal, and corrugated cardboard. Clean wood is solid wood, lumber and pallets that are unpainted, unstained, free of glue, and untreated. The wood may be pierced with nails or other metal fasteners, such as screws and staples.
The ordinance also requires these projects to submit a recycling and reuse plan to the city to confirm compliance with the ordinance prior to obtaining a construction or demolition permit.
Contractors are required to submit a recycling and reuse plan prior to obtaining a demolition, residential construction or commercial construction permit, and a compliance form prior to final inspection or issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
Recycling and reuse form, compliance form, and submittal information
Noise, including, but not limited to, construction, mechanical systems, generators, amplified music, delivery activities, and barking dogs within the City and County of Denver must comply with the noise ordinance: Denver Revised Municipal Code (DRMC) Chapter 36 Noise Control.
Construction noise is exempted from the Noise Ordinance at these times:
- 7 am to 9 pm Monday through Friday
- 8 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday
Construction occurring outside these time limits will require a variance approval process which can take up to 2-3 months.
Find more information at denvergov.org/noise or call 720-865-5401.
Fees are assigned to a project throughout the process by different departments or agencies.
Find fees and payments