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:
  • Patio expansion program for restaurants and bars 
  • Join us for a Green Buildings Ordinance webinar
  • Rescheduled: Denver's energy code training sessions
  • Temporary change in works for the landmark demolition review process
  • DURA is looking for contractors
  • Important dates to remember
  • Recaps from our last newsletter
Now accepting proposals for the temporary outdoor expansion program

Denver is taking action to help bars and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic by creating a temporary program for restaurants and bars to operate in outdoor settings adjacent to their businesses. The intent of the program is to allow for greater physical distancing and safety for patrons as the state’s public health orders allow restaurants to resume sit-down service. (Under the state's order, bars cannot yet reopen.) Proposals could include expansion into designated outdoor areas such as adjacent parking lots, streets and sidewalks. 

Interested businesses can submit a proposal for the city to review. Eligible businesses include restaurants, bars, cafes, coffee shops, taverns, brew pubs, breweries, microbreweries, distillery pubs, wineries, tasting rooms and other similar places of public accommodation offering food or alcohol beverages for on-premises consumption.

A green roof on the EPA's building in Denver. Image from the EPA.
Green Buildings Ordinance webinar series
Join us for a Green Buildings Ordinance webinar series using Microsoft Teams.  Use the webinar link next to each item to join. Registration is not required.

Series dates and topics:

  • June 24 | 12-12:30 p.m. | Join here
  • Topic: Options and green building requirements for roof replacements and recovers

  • July 15 | 12-12:30 p.m. | Join here
  • Topic: Examples of complete submittals for roof replacement and recover projects

Virtual energy code training sessions
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In December 2019, Denver adopted a new energy code, which becomes effective July 31, 2020. Learn more about the new International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements through a virtual WebEx webinar. 

If you are interested in attending one or more of these training sessions, please  register here .

Focused for your needs:
  • Residents and home designers | June 18 | 9-11 a.m.
  • Contractors | June 22 | 8-10 a.m.
  • Mechanical and plumbing engineers | June 23 | 2-4 p.m.
  • Architects | June 25 | 2-4 p.m.

Temporary change in works for landmark demolition review process
landmark marker
To address challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, City Council is considering a bill that would move any action associated with landmark review of demolition and certificate of demolition eligibility (CDE) applications for properties deemed potentially historic to after August 3, 2020.

The intent of the landmark demolition review process is to allow for community dialogue when a potentially historic property faces demolition. The city’s efforts to slow the spread of the virus, including the closure of the Denver Public Library and ongoing limited access to historic resources often used to inform the process, has made meeting that intent increasingly difficult. The bill is part of ongoing efforts by Denver Community Planning and Development to continue its work while making changes and providing additional time where necessary to prioritize community health. Landmark staff estimates that the bill would affect no more than 5 applications.

The bill is tentatively scheduled for a vote before City Council on June 15.
DURA offering job opportunities for contractors
The Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) is looking to partner with more contractors as it prepares to resume work on dozens of home rehabilitation projects.
Many contractors across Colorado have taken a hit as construction projects have stalled and crew sizes have been significantly reduced amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) offers housing rehabilitation programs  that help low-income homeowners make emergency and necessary repairs to their homes through grants and affordable loans. Over the past few years, DURA has struggled to find enough contractors to work on this unique program, which aims to keep residents — primarily in Denver’s historic neighborhoods — in their homes.

The organization is encouraging contractors to apply to become a DURA-approved vendor to prepare for the backlog of work to be done as projects resume.

DURA logo
Important dates to remember

Denver City Council voted to extend the effective date of the 2019 Building and Fire Code to July 31, 2020. As a result of the extension, applicants can continue to submit projects using the 2016 Building and Fire Code through July 31, 2020.

The latest version of the NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC) will be adopted statewide, and enforced in Denver, on August 1, 2020. Project drawings logged in for review prior to August 1 will be reviewed under the 2017 NEC. Project drawings logged in on or after August 1 will be reviewed under the 2020 NEC.
ICYMI:
Recaps from our last newsletter




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