Design Review for Roofing

Landmark Preservation reviews applications for reroofing projects on all individual landmarks and properties within a historic district to ensure consistency with the appropriate design guidelines.

Before you begin 

Is your project eligible for landmark quick review?

Reroofing projects using the same material, including size, shape, color and exposure, may be approved by Landmark staff through the Landmark quick review process. The Landmark quick review is for minor work requiring permits that has little to no visible change to a historic structure or property. Applications must include information about both the existing roofing material and proposed color. 

Quick review applications are typically processed within a few business days of receipt if the project meets applicable design guidelines.

Note: Reroofing projects that involve a change in material or alternative materials, including synthetic versions of an existing roofing material, may require review by the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) or the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission (LDDRC).

Does your project have to comply with the Green Buildings Ordinance?

Denver's Green Buildings Ordinance applies to the following projects:

  • New buildings 25,000 square feet or larger
  • Roof permits for existing buildings 25,000 square feet or larger
  • Building additions 25,000 square feet or larger

Learn more about the Green Buildings Ordinance.

Design Guidelines

Landmark Preservation staff, the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC), and the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission (LDDRC) use design guidelines to review all reroofing projects in historic districts and at individual landmark sites. Site specific conditions determine how well the proposed roofing fits the surrounding historic context. Most roofing projects will be reviewed with Chapter 2: Guidelines for Historic Buildings(PDF, 2MB). Most reroofing projects in the Lower Downtown Historic District will also be reviewed with Chapter 2: Guidelines for Historic Buildings(PDF, 2MB) as the Design Guidelines for Lower Downtown Historic District are supplemental to the main design guidelines. For more information about applicable design guidelines, visit the Landmark Preservation design guideline webpage.

E-permits Application

Submit your application materials via E-permits:

  • Create an account or log in to an existing account
  • Click the "Development Services" tab
  • Click "Apply for a Permit"
  • Select "Landmark Certificate of Appropriateness" and follow the instructions.

For assistance with e-permits, visit the FAQ page.

Required documents

Design review applications must adequately describe the project and provide sufficient information to evaluate the proposal. Documentation must clearly illustrate the existing conditions as well as any proposed work.

All applications for reroofing projects must include the following information:

  • A completed Landmark quick review application and checklist(PDF, 563KB)
  • A photograph of the existing building from the street
  • A photograph of the existing roof surface
  • A manufacturer’s cut sheet or product information for the proposed roofing product(s)
  • If you are changing roof material, please also provide a compatibility demonstration with photographs of the proposed roof material adjacent to the existing roof material

Ready to apply?

View design review application instructions

Visual Examples

roof exampleroof exampleroof exampleroof example

Back to top