Denver, CO Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitting agency
- Community Planning and Development (CPD)
- Governing code
- 2025 Denver Building Code (2024 IBC/IRC)
- Application method
- City's web-based permitting portal
- Code effective date
- December 31, 2025
- Max penalty
- $999 fine or 300 days jail
Summary
Denver requires a Building Code Permit Application, reviewed by Community Planning and Development, for any alteration, enlargement, replacement or repair of a building: submitted electronically with complete construction documents through the city's permitting portal under the 2025 Denver Building Code.
An application for a permit for the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal, or demolition of a building or structure ("Building Code Permit Application") submitted to the department of community planning and development (CPD) for review after June 12, 2025 and on or before December 31, 2025 may continue to use the 2022 Denver building code ("2022 DBC") in its entirety, so long as the Building Code Permit Application does not expire based on 2022 Denver Building Code Section 131.2. No extensions of time will be granted beyond those allowed in 2022 DBC Section 131.2.(2)For purposes of this subsection (c), a Building Code Permit Application will be considered submitted to CPD when a set of complete construction documents has been electronically provided by the applicant through the city's web-based permitting portal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Denver adopts the 2024 International Building, Residential, Existing Building, Mechanical, Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes as the 2025 Denver Building Code, effective December 31, 2025. Any renovation, alteration, enlargement, replacement or repair of a building or structure, requires a Building Code Permit Application reviewed by Community Planning and Development (CPD). An application counts as submitted once a complete set of construction documents is uploaded through the city's web-based permitting portal. Projects submitted between June 12 and December 31, 2025 could still be processed under the prior 2022 Denver Building Code, so long as the permit doesn't expire under that code's own time limits.
Violations & Fines
Violating any adopted building code provision is unlawful under DRMC § 10-18, enforced by the building official; a conviction carries up to a $999 fine, 300 days in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for interior remodeling in Denver?
Which building code applies to my renovation permit?
What happens if I renovate without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
Compare Denver to another location·View the Colorado building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.