News from Denver CPD that may impact building and development projects
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Development news from Community Planning and Development (CPD)

In this issue, you will find:

  • Target review times for residential projects are changing
  • Fees for detached garages are changing
  • Apply to sit on a technical advisory (code) committee
  • We're updating the Design Guidelines for Landmark Structures and Districts
  • Tips for submitting type-approved projects in Denver
  • Energize Denver Task Force recommendations released 
  • Webinar: How to design successful NZE buildings in Denver
  • ICYMI: Recaps from our last newsletter
Target review times for residential projects are changing

In an effort to streamline residential permit reviews and provide a greater level of predictability for customers, the target due dates for some residential projects will change.

Most residential projects – including detached garages will have a target due date of 12 business days for initial reviews and 12 business days for resubmittal reviews, which includes up to 2 business days to process the application and 10 business days for plan review. This change will be effective for initial submittals and resubmittals made after October 6.

There is no change to the two-day target review date for smaller projects. 

Types of projects that qualify for a two-day review:
  • Fences, retaining walls, landscaping, air conditioning units, patios, porches, decks, patio covers, detached storage units like sheds, windows and exterior doors, window wells, area wells, interior remodels without major structural work, and non-structural repairs due to water or fire damage.
Fees for detached garages are changing
detached garage
As part of the change to improve consistency in residential review times, detached garages will now be reviewed on the same schedule as other residential construction projects. Detached garages will also now have the same fees as most other residential construction projects. Starting October 7, the “over-the-counter review fee” previously charged for detached garages will come to an end, and instead these projects will be assessed standard plan review fees before the review on the project begins.

Plan review fees are calculated based on the valuation of the work and must be paid before a review can begin.

Apply to sit on a technical advisory (code) committee

We're making it easier and safer than ever to participate in the 2022 Building and Fire Code and Denver Green Code adoption process. For the protection of all participants, our code committee meetings will be held completely virtual.

Code committees, composed of city staff and industry experts, will evaluate the new codes and proposed amendments before final proposed amendments move through the legislative process. If you are interested in becoming a committee member, please submit your application by October 1.
We're updating the Design Guidelines for Landmark Structures and Districts
Landmark house on Stout St
Landmark Preservation is currently updating the Design Guidelines for Denver Landmark Structures and Districts. The design guidelines update will be divided into four phases and each phase will include:
  • community meetings and input,
  • a discussion item at the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC),
  • public review of draft updates, and
  • a public hearing in which the LPC will formally consider the changes for adoption.

Project Kickoff Meeting

Join us for a virtual project kickoff meeting to learn about the design guidelines update followed by a question and answer session.

September 29, 6-7:30 p.m.

Tips for submitting type-approved projects in Denver

Earlier this month, Community Planning and Development provided a training session on how to submit type-approved projects to the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver.

In this training you will find:
  • what to submit – information that's required in order to proceed to plan review,
  • how to submit, and
  • helpful tips.

Video opens in YouTube (runtime: ~15 min.):
photo of buildings with text - high performance buildings and  homes
Energize Denver Task Force recommendations released 

The Energize Denver Task Force has presented recommendations to the City and County of Denver that would reduce the 49% of Denver’s greenhouse gas emissions that come from buildings toward zero by 2040. Stakeholders across multiple industries came to consensus on an equitable path to healthier, safer, net zero energy commercial and multifamily buildings.

The Task Force recommends the city should:
  • Set building specific energy use intensity targets that achieve at least 30% total energy savings across all buildings by 2030,
  • Require building owners to partially electrify space and water heating at time of system replacement, and
  • Provide resources and incentives to aid the buildings sector in making this transition, especially buildings serving populations with fewer resources.

Request net zero energy training
Updating the design process for successful NZE buildings in Denver

Denver is ready for Net Zero Energy (NZE) new buildings, and one key solution is updating the design process. This custom training webinar, provided by the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency (CASR), 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.

Topics include: 
  • What is NZE in Denver
  • What are the costs of NZE
  • What NZE projects have been successful in Denver
  • What design process changes are needed for NZE
  • How architects, engineers, designers, and contractors begin the path to NZE
  • How to get involved and help shape NZE in Denver

AIA (HSW) continuing education credit provided.

ICYMI:
Recaps from our last newsletter


  • We're looking for passionate, qualified individuals to join our Zoning and Neighborhood Inspections team. Apply today >>

  • The customized design guidelines for the La Alma Lincoln Park Historic Cultural District will be reviewed and adopted by the Landmark Preservation Commission on September 21. Learn more >>

  • The Denver Zoning Code was amended in July. Customers submitting a modification or resubmittal have the option to use the new or old code. If you would like to continue under the previous code version, let your reviewer know in writing.

  • Attention Contractors: CPD's CO/TCO process is going digital. Learn more >>


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