Denver requires building permits for most home renovations including structural changes, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical work. Minor cosmetic work like painting and flooring does not require permits. Denver offers online permitting through its e-permits system.
Denver's Community Planning and Development requires building permits for a wide range of home renovation projects. Work requiring permits includes: structural modifications (wall removal/addition, roof changes), electrical upgrades or new circuits, plumbing changes (adding/moving fixtures, water heater replacement), HVAC installation or modifications, window or door replacements that alter opening sizes, additions, basement finishes, kitchen and bathroom remodels involving plumbing/electrical changes, and re-roofing. Work generally exempt from permits includes: painting, wallpapering, replacing fixtures with same-type fixtures, flooring installation, cabinet replacement without plumbing/electrical changes, and minor landscaping. Denver's permit types include building permits (full plan review), express permits (for simpler projects), and trade permits for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing. The e-permits system allows online applications and tracking. Plan review times vary from a few days for express permits to several weeks for complex projects. Contractors must be licensed and registered with the city. Projects in Denver's designated historic districts require additional review by the Landmark Preservation Commission.
Unpermitted work: penalty fees (typically 2x permit cost), retroactive permit required. Concealed unpermitted work may need to be exposed for inspection.
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