Demolition Permits

Photo by Francesco Paggiaro from Pexels This webpage provides general information on Denver's rules for demolition permits. Demolition of residential and commercial structures requires a multi-agency process involving reviews from local and state authorities to ensure the demolition is legal and safe. Please review this information before applying for permits.

General Rules

  • Partial Demolition (demolition preparing for construction) -- If you are demolishing a portion of your structure such as the removal of walls or sections of the roof in preparation for additions or remodeling projects, the demolition can be included in the scope of work for your construction permit. 

  • Applicants for a demolition must notify all adjacent property owners (sides and rear) at least 10 business days before a demolition permit can be issued. Your permit will not be issued until 10 business days after adjacent property owner notification was completed.

  • You must provide proof of liability insurance. The minimum amount of insurance coverage is $500,000 for Building Class A and Demolition Class A contractors; $300,000 for Building Class B, Building Class C, Demolition Class B, and Moving contractors; $300,000 for homeowners. The Certificate of Insurance must state “for demolition operation,” and the insurance must cover explosion, collapse, and underground.

  • Properties formerly classified as residential whose structures have been fully demolished on January 1 are reclassified as vacant land and taxed at 29% of value as non-residential property regardless of prior use, zoning, or future intended use(s). For more information on tax assessment, visit www.denvergov.org/assessor.

Permitting Process

Step 1.Gather Approvals

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Approval:

CDPHE oversees asbestos control and abatement and ensures demolition projects comply with air pollution laws regulating asbestos and materials containing it. You will need to submit an application to CDPHE and get approval before you can apply for your Denver demo permit.

Office of the City Forester Approval:

For properties in residential zone districts, any established tree that is not diseased or decayed and located within the primary and side street setback areas of the zone lot must be preserved, unless it meets the established criteria for removal, which must be authorized by the Office of the City Forester. Learn more.

Landmark Preservation Approval:

Landmark staff reviews all total demolitions citywide to determine if the structures have the potential to be Denver landmarks. Visit the landmark demolition review page for more information. 

Denver Water Approval:

Wastewater Management Approval:

Each agency must confirm that all utilities and service lines have been shut off, cut off, capped or otherwise controlled and bills have been paid prior to pre-inspection. 

Construction Engineering Approval (if applicable):

Construction engineering approval is required if the structure is at the zero lot line and/or the demolition will impact the public right-of-way with equipment, construction/demolition materials.  

Step 2.Notify Your Neighbors

You must notify all adjacent property owners (sides and rear) by mail or in-person using the Notification Form(PDF, 153KB) at least 10 business days before your demolition permit can be issued. Return receipts (one per property), OR personally signed Notification Forms (one per property) must be submitted to the city before your demolition permit can be issued. 

  • Mail notification: Mail the form with return receipt requested.
  • In-person notification: Get signatures from listed property owners in person.

Property owner information is available at www.denvergov.org/assessor.

Step 3.Schedule Your Building Pre-Inspection

Email your completed Affidavit Form(PDF, 157KB) to Building.InspectionService@denvergov.org to schedule your pre-inspection. At your pre-inspection, the inspector confirms that all utility service lines have been shut off, cut off, capped or otherwise controlled.

Schedule your pre-inspection

Step 4.Apply for Building Permits

Once your building pre-inspection is completed, email the following items to ResidentialPermits@denvergov.org with "Demolition Permit" in the subject line of the email.

Submit your permit application

Step 5.Demolition of Building

After completing all of the above steps and receiving clearance, you can demolish the building.

Step 6.Schedule Your Final Inspection

After the demolition is complete, please schedule your final inspection online through e-permits. On-site, the inspector will conduct the final inspection. If applicable, you will be required to submit a separate recycling and reuse compliance form verifying the actual results of recycling efforts based on your plan to your inspector in order to receive approval. Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will finalize the permit and you can download your permit directly from e-permits.

Schedule your final inspection

View e-permits FAQs and video tutorials to learn how to check the status of your permit application or inspection, pay fees, and more.

Do I Need a Permit?

Demolition of a structure less than or equal to 200 square feet and less than or equal to 8 feet in height does not require permits or inspections, unless the structure is part of an individually designated landmark property or located in a historic district.

 

Complete or partial removal of an existing structure larger than 200 square feet or more than 8 feet in height does require a permit.

Important Downloads

Total Demolition of a Structure Permitting Timeframe

  1. Approvals: 50-60 days
  2. Neighbor Notification: 10 days
  3. Building Pre-Inspection: 3 days
  4. Building Permits: 1 day
  5. Demolition of Building: 3 days
  6. Final Inspection: 3 days

Note: This is a typical timeframe estimate. Unique circumstances, projects requiring Board/Commission review, and/or project complexity may affect timeframe.

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