+News from Denver CPD that may impact building and development projects

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News from Community Planning and Development (CPD)

In this issue:

  • Unlocking Housing Choices project seeking public input
  • Denver Energy Code process has launched
  • Code requirements for outdoor heated pools or spas
  • Get involved in the Denver People's Budget
  • New inspection document review process
  • Coming soon: Share feedback on URCO and demolition review on E-permits
  • Visit Denver recognizes city agencies, including CPD

Community invited to share feedback on proposals for new housing options

City planners from Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD) will be out in the community, starting Tuesday, March 24, to share draft proposals that could create new housing opportunities in Denver. The Unlocking Housing Choices Project will host five public meetings and an online survey to ask residents about ideas to add units in the city’s residential neighborhoods.


Community members can share their thoughts on the proposals online or in person at one of several public meetings that will be held throughout the city. All of the in-person meetings will feature the same content and agenda, starting with an open house for the first 30 minutes, followed by a presentation and Q&A from the project team. The virtual meeting will feature the same presentation followed by Q&A.


Meeting information

  • Tuesday, March 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Highland Recreation Center
  • Wednesday, March 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Cook Park Recreation Center
  • Tuesday, April 7, 6-8 p.m., Athmar Recreation Center
  • Thursday, April 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Montbello Recreation Center
  • Wednesday, April 15, 5:30 -7 p.m., Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams


Unlocking Housing Choices is a regulatory project to implement citywide plan recommendations for more diverse housing through potential updates to the Denver Zoning Code and other city rules and regulations that would allow more middle housing forms in Denver’s residential neighborhoods. The project is focusing on this goal while working to preserve existing affordability and ensure that new development adds more attainable housing stock.

Reminder: Apply to serve on a committee for Denver Energy Code update

Community Planning and Development (CPD), in partnership with the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR), has begun the process to update the Denver Energy Code, which governs building energy use and sets local standards for efficiency in new and renovated buildings in Denver. The project will ensure Denver’s rules align with state and international industry standards and best practices, provide clear guidance for builders, consider cost impacts, reflect Denver’s specific context, and advance the city’s climate goals.


Community stakeholders and subject matter experts can get involved now by: 


  • Applying to join the Commercial Energy Committee or Residential Energy Committee to review, discuss and vote on proposed amendments
  • Applying to join a subcommittee to provide technical feedback on specific topics that include commercial and residential electrification, performance pathway, and prescriptive pathway, and commercial embodied carbon


The deadline for applications is Friday, March 27.

Pool

Energy Code requirements for new outdoor heated pools or spas


Energy Code requirements for new outdoor heated pools or spas will be enforced for new permit applications for projects submitted on April 6, 2026 and after. These requirements are to have a vapor-retardant cover (pool cover) or exceptions for renewable energy or heat pump pool water heating.  


Please see provision details in 2025 Denver Energy Code section C404.8.3 for commercial prescriptive compliance, ASHRAE 90.1-2019 7.4.5.2 for commercial performance compliance, and R403.10.3 for residential projects. Also, in accordance with Denver Department of Public Health and Environment requirements, physical pool covers shall meet ASTM F1346-91.  


For questions or more information, please contact energy.review@denvergov.org

Get involved in the People's Budget

New inspection document review process streamlines scheduling and inspections

Documents for inspector review may now be uploaded directly to construction and trade permits in E-permits. By uploading documents in E-permits, a Document Review Inspection is automatically scheduled for the next business day. This new process streamlines inspection scheduling on construction permits and allows trades inspectors to efficiently receive and track letters, testing reports, and other documents they need to review. 


To schedule a Document Review Inspection: In E-permits, select the permit record from your “My Records” list. From the “Record Info” dropdown menu, select “Attachments.” Click “Add” and follow the prompts to upload the document(s) for inspector review. The document type must be “Inspection Document Review” to proceed. 


This upload is only available for documents that are reviewed by the inspector. Do not upload any plans, documents, or reports that need to be reviewed by plan review staff. For more information about this new process, visit e-permits FAQs or watch a tutorial video

Coming soon: Share feedback on Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance

Denver will begin implementing the updated recycling and reuse requirements of the Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance (URCO) on September 1, 2026. URCO was put in motion through the community-led “Waste No More” ballot initiative, which was passed by 70 percent of Denver voters in 2022. 


The city is currently developing rules and regulations, which will provide additional detail on how to comply with the ordinance, and will be seeking public feedback on draft rules as part of this process. Opportunities to provide feedback are expected to begin in late March and early April. If you are interested in providing feedback, please check the DenverGov.org/UniversalRecycling for updates or email UniversalRecycling@denvergov.org

building demolition

Coming soon: Demo permits online

Changes to the demolition permitting process are coming soon! Effective May 4, customers will be able to apply for demolition permits online on E-permits. A virtual customer training will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 28. A meeting invite will be shared in next month's newsletter. 

Visit Denver recognizes CPD as Tourism Star

Community Planning and Development was among several City and County of Denver agencies recognized, along with the Regional Transportation District, for work in support of the 16th Street Grad Reopening. Visit Denver presented the group with its Tourism Star Award at its Denver & Colorado Tourism Hall of Fame Dinner on Wednesday, March 4. CPD Executive Director Brad Buchanan and Deputy Director Sarah Showalter (pictured) received the award alongside Mayor Mike Johnston and other city leaders.

>> Read about the event

ICYMI:
Recaps from our last newsletter

Get caught up on last month's news >>


  • Based directly on feedback from business owners, operators, designers and community partners, updates are coming to Denver's Outdoor Places Program this year. Initially created during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program allows restaurants, bars and other businesses to use private and public space for outdoor activation. The goal of the changes is to make the program clearer, more predictable and easier to navigate. Visit the program webpage


  • On Saturday, February 7, Landmark Preservation staff and the American Indian community celebrated the culmination of more than three years of work to preserve and celebrate the history and culture of Denver’s current American Indian population, who have come to Denver from Tribes across the country, as well as Tribal Nations with cultural and historic ties to the land that is now Denver. The documentary "We are the Land" is now available to watch online

Denver’s Department of Community Planning and Development (CPD) complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or gender to include language. It is your right to request oral or written language assistance services in your primary language, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations, if needed. Please fill out our language services request form, and these services will be provided free of charge. If you have any questions, contact CPD’s Operations Team at cpdoperations@denvergov.org.

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