Apply for Commercial Zoning Permits

Zoning permits ensure land and buildings are used in a manner that matches the community's vision for the future of Denver -- from the design and placement of a building to the type of activities (or "land uses") proposed for that location.

For commercial or multifamily construction projects in site development plan (SDP) review, zoning permits are processed through your project champion. You do not need to apply for a zoning permit separately.

Apply Online

Step 1.Request a Pre-application Meeting

The city offers pre-application meetings for any applicant who needs assistance with a complex zoning project. Additionally, some projects will require a pre-application meeting. These include projects where public notice is required, such as the following:

  • telecommunications towers
  • outdoor commercial activities
  • applications to keep more animals than allowed by the code
  • requests to install an A/C unit within the required setback area
  • applications for non-residential activities in residential areas
  • view more

Request a pre-application meeting

Step 2.Prepare Application Materials

These often include a floor plan, site plan, building elevations, and a written narrative.

When you fill out the online application in e-permits, you will be prompted to upload additional documents, such as a floor plan, site plan, elevations, or written narrative describing your project. Before starting the online application, review these resources to make sure you have all the necessary information ready to go:

Additional guidance for special project types:

Step 3.Submit Online

After gathering all required documents, go to e-permits to apply for your zoning permit. If you are new to e-permits, please start by registering for an account. Once you are registered and signed in, go to Development Services > Apply for a permit. 

Both zoning and building permits

Select "Building Log" instead of "Zoning Permit" to receive a simultaneous zoning and building review. 

Note: If you are applying for both zoning and building permits, you will also need to download the zoning use permit application(PDF, 213KB) or the zoning construction permit application(PDF, 244KB) and submit it along with the required documents listed above. 

A zoning only review is not permitted for the following activities. Please apply for a “Building Log” review, which will provide a simultaneous building and zoning review.

  • Construction of a new building or structure
  • Interior or exterior alterations
  • Building additions
  • Any work that involves structural changes
  • Posthole-dug fences over 8 feet high constructed of chain link, cedar pine, redwood, and wrought iron require building permits and any other type of fence over 4 feet high (e.g. masonry, concrete, stone, etc.)
  • Changes in use or occupancy, even when no construction is planned. A new use or occupancy may trigger building code requirements not met by the original building such as requiring fire sprinklers or additional exits.
  • Any activity not specifically exempt under DCBC Section 130.3

Zoning permits only

Select "Zoning Permit" and follow the prompts to submit contact information, project details, and upload documents. Zoning only permits are less common and should be used only when a project requires no construction work and does not involve as a change in use or occupancy, which require a building code compliance review. 

Choosing a zoning only permit when a Building Log is required can lead to significant delays. Zoning only approvals cannot authorize construction, and applicants often need to re-file using the Building Log process.

Use this application for the following zoning only permits (not construction permits):

  • Zoning Use Permit - Change of owner/business name ONLY
  • Construction of unoccupied accessory structures under 200 square feet as specifically exempted from construction permit per DBC Section 130.3
  • Construction of New Signs, including  alterations and renewals)
    • For billboards (new and renewals), please contact zoning.review@denvergov.org.
    • Learn how to submit for a sign permit
    • Learn how to submit an application for a comprehensive sign plan
    • An additional construction permit is required for new signs and structural alterations
  • New Fences and walls for all residential and commercial projects or replacement of unpermitted fences unless exempted per Denver Zoning Code Section 12.4.1.2.E that don’t require building permits (see projects requiring building review above)
  • Changes to existing parking lots on properties not subject to a Site Development Plan.

Need help? View e-permits tutorials and FAQs

Next Steps

When your application has been received, zoning staff will review for completeness. If your application or plans are incomplete, you may receive a request for additional information. Review of your submitted plans will not begin until a complete application package is received.

Please check your email for updates from zoning staff as your plans are being reviewed. If your plans meet the requirements of the zoning code and your permit fee has been paid, staff will issue the zoning permit. Please note that other types of approvals, both city and state, may still be required depending on your project.

Building Permits / Certificates of Occupancy

If a building permit or certificate of occupancy is required, these must be obtained within 180 days of the zoning permit issuance in order for the zoning permit to remain valid. If you do not obtain a building permit in the 180-day time period, you will need to re-apply for a zoning permit.

Use this guide for...

Use this guide for:

  • Home occupation permits
  • Zoning use permits
  • Zoning construction permits

Use these links for other zoning permit types:

Change of Business Name or Owner

A new zoning permit is not required for a change of business name/owner only; however, if you wish to obtain a new zoning permit, follow Step 3 on this page to submit your application. Make sure to upload a floor plan with each room labeled and dimensioned. 

Fees

View permit fee schedules to estimate the fees required for your project.

Related Information

Back to top