In this issue, you will find:

• Information on the 2025 Building and Fire Code adoption process.
• Details on how the effective date for recent zoning code changes affect submittals.
• Updates to electrical quick permit criteria
• News on plumbing contractor license renewals, scheduling inspections in March and more.

This summer, the City and County of Denver will be adopting the next edition of building and fire codes, which incorporate the following international codes (I-codes):

• 2024 International Building Code (IBC)
• 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
• 2024 International Residential Code (IRC)
• 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
• 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
• 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
• 2024 International Fire Code (IFC)
• 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

Except for the IECC, Denver will adopt the 2024 I-Codes and will significantly reduce the number of amendments to these codes, with very few new amendments being added. For the Energy Code, Denver will maintain provisions in the 2021 IECC with limited changes to Denver’s current energy amendments to support clarity and ease requirements for existing buildings. 

The goal for this amendment cycle is to align Denver’s codes more closely with the nationally developed I-codes by deleting amendments not specific to Denver. The reduced volume of amendments will make it easier for designers and owners to navigate and apply regulations while improving efficiencies for city team members in review and approval. 

City staff welcomes your review and comment on the proposed amendments. Use the link below to learn more about the process, view the proposed amendments, and provide comments through April 18, 2025.

Recent updates to Denver Zoning Code go into effect next week

The 2024 Text Amendment Bundle was adopted December 16, 2024, but the changes will not go into effect until February 25, 2025. If you are planning on submitting a zoning permit or site development plan (SDP) application, review information below to determine which code version will be used to review your submittal. 

In addition to cleanups and modifications, the 2024 bundle will help reduce plan review times and simplify code enforcement by:

• clarifying existing standards and procedures
• simplifying existing development standards
• reducing requirements
• eliminating conflicts with other city codes or state law 

Electrical quick permit criteria expanded for single-family homes and duplexes

The quick permitting eligibility criteria for electrical work on single-family residences and duplexes (one- and two-family residential) has now been expanded, increasing the utility service threshold from 200 amps to 400 amps. This change aims to expand the scope of electrical work eligible for quick permitting, minimizing the need for plan reviews and preventing potential delays. The expanded eligibility was carefully evaluated and determined to have no impact on the safety of the building occupants. 

Electrical inspectors will inspect single-family residences and duplexes with utility services up to 400A in the field without requiring an electrical plan review unless they deem one necessary based on the specifics of the situation.

The SolarAPP+ eligibility criteria for one- and two-family residential PV systems have also increased from 200A to 400A. SolarAPP+ can and should be used for quick permits, without the need for traditional plan review. The traditional plan review option will remain available. However, because expedited quick permitting is available through the SolarAPP+ tool, traditional plan reviews may take about 10 business days to complete.

See links below for details on these changes: 

• Policy ADMIN 133
• Policy ADMIN 131A

More news from the permit counter

City Council accepting applications for Board of Adjustment alternate

The Denver City Council is accepting applications for an appointment to serve as an alternate on the Board of Adjustment. Anyone with a demonstrated interest in zoning, land use, or urban design, will be considered.

Key details:

• The appointed candidate will serve through June 30, 2028
• Each alternate member of the board of adjustment shall receive one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) per meeting attended
• Pursuant to Denver Zoning Code, applicants must have a demonstrated interest in zoning, land use, or urban design
• Applications are due March 7, 2025

Free graywater workshops for homeowners and professionals

Interested in learning how to install graywater systems? Two upcoming courses at Red Rocks Community College are designed to help you make the most of this cost-efficient upgrade. These classes are free through the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) to all Denver residents.

Denver homeowners can sign up for a half-day workshop on Laundry to Landscape Graywater Systems. Join us March 31 from noon to 4 p.m. to learn how to divert water from your washer to irrigate your landscape, following Colorado’s graywater regulations and getting ahead on the permitting process. This class is free for Denver residents and is perfect for those looking to conserve water at home. Participants may also qualify for free plumbing parts kits valued at $400.

Denver Metro plumbing and construction professionals can register for the Graywater Design and Installation for Professionals. This course runs April 1-4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn about design, installation, and regulations for graywater systems in Colorado, including a visit to an operational system. Free of charge, this training will quality for certification as a Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL). Continuing Education Credits are available for this course.

Get caught up on last month's news >>

• New EPA regulations that went into effect January 1, 2025, require manufacturers of refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump products (RACHP) to use primarily A2L refrigerants. To support the market transition to A2L refrigerants and to better support the Denver community, the 2022 Denver Building and Fire Code was updated on November, 21, 2024, (“4th Printing”) to current criteria for safe use and storage of A2L refrigerants.

• Denver announced plans to update rules related to parking and landscaping in separate projects. Modernizing Parking Requirements aims to remove minimum parking requirements from development regulations, which now require a minimum number of parking spaces based on the proposed use and zone district of the development. Denver Resilient Landscape will update landscape rules to promote climate resilient plants and designs that utilize less water.

Copyright © 2024 City and County of Denver. All Rights Reserved.