In this issue, you will find:

• Updates on permitting and plan review times
• Alert on recent phishing scam
• Rezoning deadlines for projects seeking AHRT review and CHFA funding
• Application information for board openings
• Graywater workshop information for professionals and homeowners
• Resources from our Landmark Preservation team

Last month, CPD leadership and other city departments gave an update to Denver City Council’s Land Use, Transportation and Infrastructure (LUTI) committee on how the Mayor's Tiger Team was doing on permitting and plan review time reductions. The team's overarching goal is to re-envision the development permitting process and reduce city review time by 30 percent by the end of the year. Year to date, we have seen the following improvements in city review time. 

• A 33.7% reduction in total city possession time for single-family and duplex projects 
• A 14% reduction in total city possession time for existing commercial/industrial tenant finish projects (those with a project valuation of between $750,000 and $1,499,000) 
• A 29.23% reduction in the number of days to provide comments to the customer for the first and second review of formal site development plans (SDPs)

CPD is also looking at process updates, including using an AI solution for new applications, and looking at the many ways we can streamline our review process internally. CPD has already reduced the number of construction permits for residential projects and increased the valuation threshold for commercial project review to recognize the increase in construction costs. We will continue to pursue innovations to make our processes easier for our staff and customers. 

Rezoning deadlines posted for projects seeking AHRT review, CHFA funding

Development applicants in Denver who are pursuing funding from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority’s (CHFA) competitive rounds, intend to apply for plan review by the Affordable Housing Review Team (AHRT), and plan to rezone their properties are encouraged to move forward with the rezoning process by specific dates. The schedules suggested below will ensure the rezoning process can be completed before CHFA’s application deadlines. 

• Round One - Federal 9% Competitive: Rezoning pre-applications should be submitted by June 30 and applications by August 1 for a final City Council hearing to be scheduled by the following January. 
• Round Two - State Credit and 4% Federal Credit: Pre-application should be submitted by November 30 and applications by February 1 for a final City Council hearing to be scheduled by July. 

Please note that the submission suggestions above are for standard rezoning applications. Timelines for applications with custom zoning or those requiring large development review will vary.  

City seeking applications for key boards

The City and County of Denver's Mayor’s Office and City Council are seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the Zoning Board of Adjustment (BOA). The Board of Adjustment hears and decides cases regarding the Denver Zoning Code and Former Chapter 59. It is quasi-judicial, responsible for conducting formal legal proceedings, subject to legal standards and court review. The appointed candidate will serve a term effective January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027. This Board is a weekly, part-time obligation and is compensated at $7,500 per year. The vacant spot is for a person with a background in urban planning, construction, engineering, or development. Applications are due by Oct. 31, 2024. 

Licensed architects residing in the City and County of Denver and retailers from the Cherry Creek North District are encouraged to apply for two openings on the Cherry Creek North Design Advisory Board (CCNDAB). Members play a critical role in ensuring new development meets elevated standards for architectural quality and engagement of the public realm as outlined in the Design Standards and Guidelines for Cherry Creek North. The application deadline is November 15, 2024. Download call for applications below for complete information and instructions on how to apply.

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 on October 21st from 1-5 PM 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. 

Denver plumbing and construction professionals can register for the Graywater Design and Installation for Professionals. This course runs from October 23-25, 9 AM-4 PM. We will cover 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). 

Take advantage of this opportunity to upgrade your home or your continuing education with Red Rocks Community College and DDPHE.

Need an early answer on demolition? Apply for a CDE 

Did you know that you can apply for a certificate of demolition eligibility (CDE) during due diligence? A certificate of demolition eligibility provides certainty in the development process about a potential future demolition. CDE applications are typically submitted during building transactions, entitlement planning, or prior to concept reviews or permit applications. For more information about the CDE review process, visit the CDE webpage. 

We’re excited to share new customer guides for individual landmark designation and historic district designation. These guides contain step-by-step process information, definitions and examples, helpful images, and more.  

Get caught up on last month's news >>

• The New COMcheck-Web, which supports the 2022 Denver Energy Code, is coming soon. By selecting “2022 Denver Energy Code” as the Energy Code, the program will provide compliance documentation with the prescriptive path of Denver’s Energy Code, including C406 Additional Efficiency Requirements. The 2022 Denver Energy Code Checklist C406 table is still available, and some may care to use it as a planning tool. 

• The city agencies that oversee applications for new restaurants, commercial kitchens, marijuana kitchens and dispensaries have been working together to simplify the process for applying for required reviews. As a result of this work, applicants can now fill out a single application for building permits, sewer use and drainage permits (SUDP) and health plan review for food and beverage uses. Complete information on this process is available on our Permits for Restaurants and Commercial Kitchens webpage.

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