In this issue, you will find:

Are you an expert in urban design? A creative and innovative thinker that fully understands the intersection between design, equity and climate resiliency? If you're a visionary urban designer who answered "yes," consider applying for our new head of urban design position! Our ideal candidate will bring a new level of attention to the quality of urban design and architecture across Denver and will work collaboratively with policymakers, Denver residents, and the development industry to create public spaces that, by design, promote inclusivity, resiliency to climate change, and improve public health and well-being.

Last week, City Council voted to approve amendments that clean up errors and ambiguity in the 2019 Denver Building and Fire Code and 2019 Denver Green Code. This included extending the deadline for projects designed under the previous 2016 building code to begin construction. Previously, projects that had already applied for permits under the 2016 code only had until July 31, 2021, to start construction. This deadline has now been extended to April 22, 2022. This will allow projects that were already underway before the pandemic more time to begin construction without requiring them to redesign their project according to the 2019 Building and Fire Code and reapply for city reviews.

We are accepting code amendment proposals for the 2021 series of international codes as well as the voluntary Denver Green Code.

Proposals will be reviewed for completeness and to ensure that they work for Denver’s specific climate and context. Accepted proposals will be discussed in code committee meetings starting in January 2022.

We are forming six technical advisory committees consisting of city staff and industry experts to evaluate the new codes and proposed amendments.

City staff will review the credentials of all interested individuals to ensure a broad range of expertise is represented, and notify those selected.

Did you know? Over 75% of inspections are scheduled online using e-permits. Starting September 1, 2021, you will no longer be able to schedule your inspection using the automated phone system.

All inspections should be scheduled online through e-permits. Watch this short tutorial video to learn how to schedule your inspection and check your inspector's estimated time of arrival in e-permits.

Our building inspectors offer pre-construction meetings to discuss your project, required inspections, helpful information, and more. Make sure your project stays on track and avoid failed inspections by scheduling your pre-construction meeting with a building inspector before you begin your construction project.

On June 28, City Council approved the bundle of text amendments to correct and clarify our existing zoning rules and make small adjustments for consistency with adopted city policy. The updated code went into effect on July 1. The changes include making off-street parking requirements more flexible for affordable housing, removing duplicative standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and more.

After two years of work with Golden Triangle residents and business owners, City Council approved the new zoning rules for the neighborhood. The updated zoning will provide a foundation for better design, a better experience for pedestrians and a better mix of uses, including more affordable housing. Along with new zoning, the neighborhood will benefit from updated design standards and guidelines.

The Energize Denver Task Force is helping the city design a building performance policy for existing commercial and multifamily buildings that improves health and equity, creates jobs, and drives climate solutions in buildings.

The task force needs your input! Join the task force for a technical briefing on July 28 to hear the their recommendations to date and provide public comments.

Can't make it to the briefing? Provide feedback on recommendations via this online survey by Thursday, July 29.

The city is seeking nominations for buildings that are exemplary leaders in the following categories:

Award Winners will be recognized at the Colorado Real Estate Journal’s Annual Property Management Conference (tentatively scheduled for fall 2021), and will also be featured in the annual Energize Denver Awards Supplement in CREJ's Property Management quarterly.

In 2024, the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) could transition from a code development process to a standards development process. For decades, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has brought resources and technical expertise by working with code officials at all levels of government on the development, adoption, and implementation of building energy codes, including the IECC.

Denver Community Planning and Development supports the DOE's request to continue its historic practice of providing technical support to jurisdictions on the IECC.