News from Denver CPD that may impact building and development projects
Black and white photo of the Denver skyline
Development news from Community Planning and Development (CPD)

In this issue, you will find:

  • Expanding housing affordability draft proposal
  • New in e-permits: Commercial zoning & roofing permit applications
  • Accessory Dwelling Units in Denver
  • Advancing equity in rezoning
  • Phase 1 of the Landmark Preservation design guidelines update is underway
  • Wastewater Sewer Use and Drainage Permit fee update for 2022
  • ICYMI: Recaps from our last newsletter
Housing options
Draft proposal would require affordable homes in new multifamily projects of eight units or more
Proposal available for public review and comment through the end of the year
Denver needs more affordable housing not just for those with the lowest incomes, but also for teachers, firefighters, restaurant workers—people who make our city the great place we all love. This is an issue that affects all of us, and as a city we can do more and do better to address the housing needs of all residents. For the last few months, city staff, local partners, and members of the community have been working to develop a draft policy approach that is now ready for your review.

The draft proposal includes provisions for mandatory affordable housing in new multifamily development of eight units or more, zoning and financial incentives, and an update to the existing linkage fee for other development types.

This is a draft proposal that is subject to change based on feedback received. The proposal will be available for public review and comment through the end of the year.


New in e-permits: Commercial zoning & roofing permit applications
Starting October 1, zoning permit applications will no longer be accepted by email. All commercial zoning applications have moved to e-permits. Please use the following instructions to submit your commercial zoning permit application via

  1. Go to denvergov.org/epermits to enter the e-permits portal
  2. If you are new to e-permits, please start by registering for an e-permits account 
  3. Once you are registered and have signed in, go to Development Services > Apply for a permit
  4. Select the appropriate permit type under “Zoning” 
  5. Follow the prompts to submit contact information, project details, and upload documents
Starting October 21, roofing permit applications for commercial and multi-family buildings that are 25,000 sq ft or larger and subject to the Green Buildings Ordinance will no longer be accepted by email. Use the following instructions to submit via e-permits:

  1. Go to denvergov.org/epermits to enter the e-permits portal
  2. If you are new to e-permits, please start by registering for an e-permits account 
  3. Once you are registered and have signed in, go to Development Services > Apply for a permit
  4. Select the “Building Log” permit type
  5. Follow the prompts to submit contact information, project details, and upload documents
Don't forget to view our e-permits FAQs and video tutorials if you need additional help with the e-permitting process.
Accessory Dwelling Units in Denver
Block view of ADU examples in Goldsmith
This fall, city planners will look at how the Denver Zoning Code regulates Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This project will not change where in the city ADUs are allowed, but will look at how they are designed, how they fit in with different types of neighborhoods and block patterns, and how updates to the zoning code may reduce barriers to creating ADUs.

Advancing equity in rezoning

This fall, city planners will work with community members to review Denver's process for rezoning properties. The year-long project will focus on implementing city goals around equity, as stated in Blueprint Denver, Denver's citywide land use and transportation plan.

Do you want to help improve transparency and access to the rezoning process? Address what is required to rezone a property? Think about how rezonings can lead to more equitable outcomes for communities? Join us by filling out the form below.

Phase 1 of the Landmark Preservation design guidelines update is underway
Landmark house on Stout St
Landmark Preservation is updating the Design Guidelines for Denver Landmark Structures and Districts. Phase 1 of the update will focus on revisions to guidelines for solar panels, retaining walls, and cladding materials for infill, additions, and accessory structures as well as clarifications to existing guidelines about landscaping, sheds, lighting, egress windows, and fencing.

Phase 1 Community Meeting
Wednesday, November 17, 6-7:30 p.m.

Wastewater / Sewer Use and Drainage Permit (SUDP) fee update for 2022

Before any building or construction may begin, a developer/owner must provide adequate storm and sanitary sewer services to the development site. Every year, wastewater permitting from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) adjusts SUDP fees to account for inflation. Please note that all SUDP permits issued and/or paid for on or after January 1, 2022, will need to follow the new fee schedule.
ICYMI:
Recaps from our last newsletter

  • On October 7, the “over-the-counter review fee” previously charged for detached garages ended. These projects are now charged standard plan review fees before the review on the project begins. View plan review fees >>

  • Community Planning and Development provided a training session on how to submit type-approved projects to the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver. View the ~15 min video >>


  • Provided by the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency (CASR), this customized net zero energy training looks at the costs of NZE, how Denver is defining NZE, and how the design and construction process changes for an architect, engineer, consultant, and contractor. Request training >>
Your resource for permitting and policy changes

denver-cpd-logo
Copyright © 2021 City and County of Denver. All Rights Reserved.