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Home Projects
In general, there are several steps you need to take to complete a home improvement or home construction project in Denver. If you’re doing work on your house or duplex such as electrical work, remodeling, a new garage or deck or any other construction, you’ll need to:

Before you start your project, you need to know your zoning and landmark status. Zoning establishes standards for things like the size and location of structures and acceptable uses for your property, landmark status protects historic areas and preserves Denver's unique flavor.


Look up your property's zoning and landmark status:

Enter your property address or street intersection:
You need to have Javascript enabled on your browser for this form to work properly.

To see what your zoning means, have a look at Denver's Zoning Code.

At this point, if you have any questions about your upcoming project please feel free to contact us. We can talk through your project with you and help you determine if it's feasible and what your next steps are.


If you're planning to complete a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, you need to pass a Home Owner's exam to demonstrate proficiency in different areas.


If you're hiring a contractor to complete your job, look them up here to verify their license and business standing.

Almost all residential building projects in Denver (repairs, remodeling and new construction) need building and zoning permits. Some small projects only need a quick permit, but most projects require a full building permit.


The permits you must obtain depend on the complexity of the project.

  • Quick, minor repairs

    Examples: Roofing, siding, minor electrical work, like-for-like plumbing replacement

    These projects may be completed with a quick permit

 

  • Small projects/Same day review

    Examples: Nonstructural alterations including basement finish, remodel of an existing kitchen, bath or other interior remodel

    Your project may be eligible for same-day review

  • Most projects

    Examples: New structures, additions or structural alterations including remodeling, repair, renovation, or demolition

 

  • No permit required
    • In many cases, no permit is required for simple projects that only replace (like-for-like) existing cabinets, countertops, tiling, flooring in the same configuration, or replace (like-for-like) electrical, plumbing or ventilation fixtures. 
    • No permit is required for tearing down, replacing or repairing drywall, if limited to less than one 4 foot by 8 foot sheet.

 

Visit the Residential Project Guide to learn more about the permitting process for most residential projects. 

 

After your project is complete, you need to request a building inspection. Our building inspectors strive to complete residential inspections within 1 business day of receiving the request.


All construction must be inspected for compliance with the Denver Zoning Code, Denver Building Code and National and International Codes in the following areas:

  • Structural
  • Electrical
  • Mechanical
  • Plumbing
  • Conservation
  • Boiler
  • Refrigeration
  • Fuel and gas

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Residential Permits
General Construction Permits
Most residential building projects in Denver (repairs, remodeling and new construction) need general construction (#1R) permits to allow construction and then trade-specific permits for each part of the project.
 
Quick Permits
Some  projects,  only need the trade-specific permits, also referred to as  "quick permits".  

 

Exempt Work
A  small list of items can be completed with no building permit or trade-specific permits at all.
See Quick Permits/Exempt Work for projects that require only a quick permit or are exempt from permits. 


Have a Question?

Contact the Residential / Single-Family & Duplex staff.
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Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

Extensions and revisions to three existing federal energy efficiency tax incentives were adopted in January, 2011. They relate to:

  • New home builders
  • Home energy efficiency retrofits 
  • Manufacturers of energy-efficient appliances


Learn more at http://energytaxincentives.org/

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Residential Project Guide
Residential Project Permit Guide
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Quick Links
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Avoid Common Mistakes!
Avoid the common mistakes and pitfalls when trying to get a permit or inspection for your project.  View a list of common violations found by inspectors that will help you avoid reinspection fees.
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