Built-in outdoor kitchens in Denver require permits from Community Planning and Development whenever the project includes gas piping, electrical, plumbing, or a fixed structural roof under Denver Building Code 105. Detached one-story accessory structures under 200 sq ft with no utility connections may not require a building permit but still need zoning sign-off.
Denver Building Code (DBC 2022) Section 105.2 exempts accessory structures under 200 sq ft used as tool sheds when not on a foundation. An outdoor kitchen typically exceeds this by adding gas, electrical, or plumbing — each triggers a separate permit. Gas piping requires a Denver Mechanical Code permit per DMC 106 and must be installed by a licensed gas-piping contractor with pressure testing per DMC 406. Electrical work requires a Denver Electrical Code permit (DEC, adopting NEC 2023). Plumbing for sinks needs a Denver Plumbing Code permit. Zoning compliance is verified through CPD ePlan Concept Review: outdoor kitchens count as accessory structures under DZC Article 4 — typical setbacks 5 ft sides / 10 ft rear in Single Unit zones; height capped at 17 ft. Lot coverage limits apply (typically 37.5% in U-SU and S-SU zones). Outdoor kitchens within 5 ft of a property line need fire-resistant construction under DBC R302.1.
Unpermitted construction violates DRMC 10-93 with civil penalties of $150-$999 per day per violation. CPD issues a stop-work order and Notice of Violation; an 'investigation fee' equal to the permit fee is added under DBC 108.6. Unpermitted gas lines must be pressure-tested and approved or removed. NOVs are recorded against title.
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See how Denver's outdoor kitchen permits rules stack up against other locations.
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