Development news from Community Planning and Development (CPD)

In this issue, you will find:

Code and Policy Changes

• Denver adopts innovative online solar permitting platform, SolarAPP+, for single-family and duplex projects 
• Reminder: 2022 building code goes into effect on May 1
• Improved guidelines for submitting dew point analysis reports for reroofing projects
• New zoning code interpretation for electric vehicle charging stations

Shaping Future Policy

• Can empty office space help create a thriving downtown neighborhood with more housing choices?

Notable Progress

• Plan review times continue to decrease
• Zoning approvals in the field lead to fewer plan review cycles
• Webinar: Heat Pump Myth Busting with Shawn LeMons
• E-permits is getting a facelift

ICYMI: Recaps from our last newsletter

Code and Policy Changes

Denver adopts innovative online solar permitting platform, SolarAPP+, for single-family and duplex projects

This may save customers up to 30 days in review time  

We've partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory to launch SolarAPP+, a plan review software that can run compliance checks and process building permit approvals for eligible rooftop solar systems. Denver is now allowing customers to use this software to aid in processing Solar photovoltaic (PV) applications as “quick permits” without the need for a city plan review.

“Adopting SolarAPP+ will save our customers a significant amount of time in the permitting process and help safely bring these important projects to the market quicker,” said Laura E. Aldrete, executive director of Denver Community Planning and Development.

In 2022, Denver Community Planning and Development approved 3,738 solar applications. Roughly 70% of those applications may have been eligible to use SolarAPP+ to obtain a quick permit – saving city staff approximately 1,240 hours of total review time. On average, these projects experienced review times of up to 30 days before a permit was issued. By using SolarAPP+, permits for eligible projects will be issued instantly and installation can begin up to 30 days earlier.

“It's been wonderful working with SolarAPP+,” said Adam Carlson, senior permit coordinator, Sunrun. “The process is very fast and provides a better experience for the homeowner and Sunrun. I get excited every time I see a SolarAPP+ project pop up in my queue. It has really improved my day-to-day work.”

To use SolarAPP+, licensed contractors who have registered as an installer with SolarAPP+ simply need to submit their project details through the tool. The contractor can upload the SolarAPP+ confirmation to the city’s online e-permits system, and the city will accept this as proof that the solar project has been designed to meet codes.

Learn more and apply for permits using SolarAPP+ >>

Denver Energy Code

Under the 2022 Denver Energy Code (DEC), which takes effect on May 1, new single-family and duplex homes will need to provide an onsite renewable energy system(s). Examples of renewable energy systems include solar photovoltaics (PV), micro-wind turbines, and biogas generators.

See code requirements and exceptions in Section R404.7 of the 2022 DEC.

Denver Green Code

Starting on May 1, the city will begin requiring commercial and multifamily development to meet some provisions from the Denver Green Code. Have questions? City staff will hold office hours weekly to help answer questions about the new green code. View requirements.

Virtual Office Hours

Thursdays, 1-1:30 p.m.

Register via Zoom >>

Update to the 2022 building code

In the coming weeks, Community Planning and Development will begin the legislative process to make amendments to the 2022 Denver Building and Fire Code, which was originally adopted in January. These proposed changes include revisions to unclear or ambiguous code language as well as typos and errors. A draft of the proposed amendments will be available for public review in early May.

Green Building Ordinance updates

After four years of enhancing the performance of new and existing buildings that are 25,000 square foot or larger, the city is proposing updates to the Green Buildings Ordinance (GBO) and associated Rules and Regulations. These proposed updates will further support the overall goals of the ordinance. Proposed changes, as well as public meeting dates will be available for public review on the GBO webpage soon.

Improved guidelines for submitting dew point analysis reports for existing buildings subject to the GBO

The city has issued new guidelines which establish minimum requirements and information to be included when submitting dew point analysis reports for roof replacements and roof recovers for compliance with Denver’s Green Buildings Ordinance. 

View guidelines >>

New zoning code interpretation for electric vehicle charging stations

This interpretation clarifies how the Denver Zoning Code and Former Chapter 59 will respond to electric vehicle charging as a primary use. This interpretation would allow electric vehicle charging stations to be permitted in the same manner as other specific use types that fall under the Automobile Services, Light, and Automobile Gasoline Filling and Emissions Inspection Station uses.

View Zoning Code interpretation >>

Shaping Future Policy

Can empty office space help create a thriving downtown neighborhood with more housing choices?

City begins feasibility study

While many employers have embraced hybrid work policies, commercial offices are unlikely to return fully to the way they were pre-pandemic. The city believes there is an opportunity here to help create a more complete neighborhood downtown with more housing options by focusing on vacant commercial and office space.

The city has allocated $75,000 to a feasibility study, which is underway. The study will look at the feasibility of adaptively reusing up to 30 buildings office buildings downtown and will include an investigation of underperforming office buildings to determine their potential for residential conversions. This includes evaluating physical aspects of buildings, like floor plate sizes, mechanical systems, proximity to transit, etc. so we have a better understanding of how many buildings a residential conversion is practical for.

Results will help guide conversations, led by city staff, with property owners and developers to encourage and support residential conversions, and provide more space for more people to make downtown their home.

• Watch the 9News story >>
• Read the Denver Business Journal article >>
• Read the Denver Post article >>

Notable Progress

Plan review times continue to decrease

In 2022, Community Planning and Development advanced a number of efforts focused on reducing plan review times. These included hiring and training new staff, contracting with a third-party plan review firm, improving how new projects are queued, and eliminating tasks that are not essential to completing reviews.

These efforts are proving to be effective. Since reaching a peak in fall 2022, review times for all permit types have been steadily declining. In particular, as of March 2023, residential plan review times were up to 7 weeks faster than they were in fall 2022.

The city expects this trend to continue as newly hired staff complete training and as we remain focused on improving efficiency.

View the average plan review times dashboard >>

Zoning approvals in the field lead to fewer plan review cycles

This year, Community Planning and Development implemented a new process that gives zoning inspectors the ability to approve minor setback, bulk plane, and certificate of occupancy modifications in the field. This process improvement saves projects from having to go through an extra round of reviews, allowing these projects to continue to move forward and even finalize their permits. So far, over 50 in field modifications have been approved by zoning inspectors.

Webinar: Heat pump myth busting with Shawn LeMons

Wednesday, April 19 at 9:30 a.m.

Heat pumps have been around for over 80 years, but they have come a long way in just the past 10. Hear from Shawn LeMons from Mitsubishi about the latest in heat pump technology, and how this technology can meet the demands of even the coldest of Colorado winters. Shawn will bust common myths about heat pumps and answer your questions in this engaging session.

Register >> 

E-permits is getting a facelift

E-permits, the city's online permitting system, will have a new look and feel in the new future. While the upgrade is mostly cosmetic, it will improve how information is presented and provide an easier user experience for our customers.

New password requirement: In the upgraded system, the password requirements have changed. You're password will need to be at least 8 characters long and include a special character. Here's how to reset your password:

• Sign in to your account
• Click "Account Management" at the top right side of your screen
• Click "Edit" Login Information
• Update login information and click "Save"

If you have trouble signing in, or updating your password, please email planreview@denvergov.org.

ICYMI:

Recaps from our last newsletter

Apply to sit on the Downtown Design Advisory Board. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on April 15. Apply >>

Business owners with above curb patios in the right-of-way (located on sidewalks or tree lawns) can now apply for a permit under the permanent Outdoor Places Program. Learn more and apply >>

Some fence permits can be issued as quick permits! Learn more about permits for fences and walls >>

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