+News from Denver CPD that may impact building and development projects

Development news from Community Planning and Development (CPD)

In this issue, you will find:

Information about changes to the quick permit process for residential contractors
A reminder about a scheduled affordable housing fee increase
An update on the 2025 building and fire code process
An invitation to join Denver's Planning Board
A link to a survey on the city's digital services

Upcoming quick permit changes for residential contractors

Beginning May 22, 2025, Residential Trade Quick Permit applications for new construction and addition projects for single family, duplex, and Denver Residential Code townhomes will require an issued Residential Construction Permit to proceed. This update links the trade and construction permits, making it easier for trades contractors to access the approved construction documents and overall project information. It also ensures inspections are better coordinated across trades.

To learn more about the updated steps, watch the tutorial video below or visit our website at DenverGov.org/QuickPermits. Answers to frequently asked questions are available.

Questions? Email planreview@denvergov.org.

Denver's affordable housing linkage fee to increase July 1

As part of the Expanding Housing Affordability ordinance, adopted by the City Council in June 2022, affordable housing linkage fees have increased every July in a phased approach that will continue July 1 of this year. After this year, the fees will be increased for inflation annually. The linkage fees go into Denver’s affordable housing fund, which supports permanent housing and supportive services for at-risk residents, low- and moderate-income workforce rental housing, and moderate-income for-sale housing.

Development projects submitted to Community Planning and Development on or after July 1, 2022, are subject to the Expanding Housing Affordability ordinance and will use this fee schedule.

Linkage fees are assessed in addition to standard permit fees, all of which are due prior to building permit issuance. See Denver Revised Municipal Code Section 27-153 – Imposition of linkage fee.

Email Emily.Collins@denvergov.org if you have any questions.

2025 Denver Building and Fire Code heading to City Council

With the end of the public review period last month, the draft version of the 2025 Denver Building and Fire Code is now complete.

Legislative review of the final draft began this week, with a staff presentation at City Council's Land Use, Transportation and Infrastructure (LUTI) Committee. Dates for the full City Council's review are listed below. Visit the City Council website for information on how to watch and participate in the meetings.

First reading: Monday, June 2, 2025
Second reading and final vote: Monday, June 9, 2025

Download and review final versions of the draft code:

Learn More about 2025 Building and Fire Code Adoption Process

Join the Denver Planning Board!

Do you care about how Denver grows? Do you consider diverse viewpoints and believe Denver can be a place where everyone is welcome? Apply for a seat on the Denver Planning Board.

The board is comprised of 11 volunteer Denver residents who advise the mayor and City Council on land use matters. The mayor appoints board members to serve three-year terms. The board meets regularly on the first and third Wednesday of each month and reviews neighborhood and citywide plans, rezoning requests, amendments to the Denver Zoning Code, certain design standards and guidelines, and comprehensive sign plans.

The city is seeking applicants who have experience and expertise in the following fields:

Community advocacy: people who are well connected to their neighborhoods and can bring a non-professional, community-based perspective to the board.
City planning: applicants with professional planning or public policy experience. Backgrounds in municipal planning, long-range planning, urban design, policy development and similar will be considered.
Mobility/transportation: applicants with professional experience related to how residents move around the city to access daily needs, jobs and services.
Economic development: applicants with professional experience in developing community-serving employment opportunities and commercial activity.

Apply to join the Denver Planning Board

Your voice matters: Take surveys on city's digital services

We're asking for your valuable input!

Denver is conducting two brief surveys – one for residents and another for local businesses – to better understand your needs. Your responses will influence how the city enhances its digital services and online tools.

Your feedback is important – thank you for taking a few minutes to participate!

Take the surveys

ICYMI:

Recaps from our last newsletter

Get caught up on last month's news >>

Mayor Mike Johnston announced his first executive order: the creation of the Denver Permitting Office (DPO). The new office created by Executive Order 151 will overhaul Denver’s permitting and development approval processes, making building in the city easier by streamlining permit review timelines and coordination across city departments. Learn more about the new office at DenverGov.org/DPO.

Denver's Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR) adopted new improvements to the Energize Denver Building Performance Policy, making it more practical and achievable for buildings to reduce energy use. Learn more at www.DenverGov.org/EnergizeDenver, or reach the CASR Help Desk by phone at (844) 536-4528 or email at energizedenver@denvergov.org.

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