Welcome homeowners! Looking for information on Denver’s development and permitting process for your existing residence? Use the information in these guides to assist you in obtaining necessary permits, licensing information regarding rental properties, home-based businesses, and contractor license verification.
The Community Planning and Development Department provides in person and convenient virtual consultation services (regarding E-Permits self-submittal portal help, zoning and building permitting). Use these links to schedule an appointment with Community Planning and Development staff.
How to submit a permit as a homeowner and do the work yourself – allowed only for owners who live in their single-family and/or duplex homes and receive approval from Community Planning and Development. All other work must have Denver licensed contractors receive the permits and do the work.
Submittal requirements and applicable codes vary depending on the type of construction
Single unit, duplex (two-unit) and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
These projects go through the building, zoning and sewer use & drainage permitting (SUDP) process and are generally designed under the International Residential Code (IRC). For building and zoning permits, these projects are generally handled by Community Planning and Development’s Single-family/Duplex Residential Review Team with additional reviews from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) Sewer Use & Drainage Permitting (SUDP) and Transportation teams. Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) reviews from Parks Planning and Office of the City Forester may also be required.
Permits related to units in 3-story townhomes, 4-story townhomes, condominiums and apartments
These projects generally are subject to the International Building Code except 3 story townhomes are generally designed under the International Residential Code, and require registered design professionals to prepare and submit plans for permits. These project types are generally reviewed by:
- Community Planning and Development’s (CPD) Commercial Building Review Team (architectural/structural, mechanical/plumbing, electrical
- Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) Sewer Use & Drainage Permitting (SUDP) and Transportation teams
- Denver Fire
- Zoning reviews handled by the Commercial Zoning Team. The Site Design and Neighborhood Development team may review any additions or exterior changes if the proposed changes impact an approved site development plan. To determine if your property had a site development plan, enter the address on this map to pull up an approved site development plans
Permitting information
- Building and zoning permitting for single-family/duplex projects – This site provides Information about building and zoning permitting requirements for all single-family/duplex projects
Some specific project types are linked below.
- Sewer use and drainage permitting – This review and permit are for compliance with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) Wastewater’s specific codes, standards, policies and criteria. This includes, but is not limited to, sanitary, storm, floodplain, groundwater, pre-treatment devices, and impacts to the right-of-way and private properties. All projects are reviewed by the SUDP team, and they will refer projects to other review entities within DOTI as needed
- Floodplain – If the property is within a designated floodplain, a floodplain permit will be required as part of the permit review. Additional requirements will be necessary.
- Landmark Preservation – if the home or building is a locally designated landmark structure or within a historic district, your project will be subject to review by the Community Planning and Development Landmark Preservation team, which depending on the project may require approval by the Landmark Preservation Commission or Lower Downtown Design Review Commission
- Office of the City Forester – The urban forest is under regulation of the Office of the City Forester (OCF) in the Department of Parks and Recreation. While the OCF maintains park and designated parkway trees, street trees are the responsibility of the adjacent property owners, which also includes obtaining required permits for planting or removing street trees. The OCF reviews development projects for impacts to public trees and also has oversight of trees on residential properties in primary street and side street setbacks during demolition and construction activities to ensure adherence to municipal code.
- Quick Permits – Quick permits are trade specific permits that can be issued without the need for a plan review (typically for mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment). Your project may be eligible for a quick permit if you are replacing like for like systems and this equipment is not gas fired and required to be partially electrified for those who own units in condominiums or International Building Code designed units.
- Right-of-Way (ROW) Land Use – This webpage provides requirements for 1) ROW encroachment permits – required if you place private items in the ROW, 2) ROW vacations – if you want to change ROW to private property, and 3) easement relinquishments – if you wish to remove an easement over private property that the City holds.
- Utility Plan Review – Your project may require approval and permits from Denver Water and/or Xcel Energy depending on the project scope. Visit these websites to learn more about what may be required, including standards, forms and applications, and other relevant information.
- Building and Land Development Fees - Fees are assigned to a project throughout the process by different departments or agencies. Fees and how to pay them are outlined online.
Submit a permit application for plan review
When you are ready to submit an application for plan review to secure the necessary permits to open your small business, you will need to submit all necessary information online.
Home occupation permits may be required if you intend to operate a business from your home. A zoning permit may be required, and there may be limitations on what you can do, such as the number of employees and hours of operation.
- In-home daycare: To operate an in-home child daycare, a Denver and statebusiness license will likely be required, and a building permit submittal will be required to document compliance with Appendix AM of the 2021 International Residential Code with the current Denver Building and Fire Code Amendments.
- Licenses may be required: Some other home occupations may also require a business license. Check the Denver’s Business Licensing Center’s business index.
Residential rental license program – If you offer, provide or operate a residential rental property in Denver that is rented or offered for rent as a residence for 30 days or more at a time, then a license is required.
Short term rental license – Often facilitated by peer-to-peer websites/apps such as VRBO.com and AirBnB.com, a short-term rental is a residential dwelling unit available for rent for one to 29 days. Denver requires hosts to obtain a license to offer a short-term rental in their primary residence.