Zoning Guide

Denver Building Permits — Cost, Timeline & Process

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Building permits and plan review in Denver are administered by Community Planning and Development (CPD). Most construction, alteration, and repair work that affects regulated building systems requires a permit, while the exact permit type depends on the project.

Current Building and Fire Code

Denver adopted the 2025 Denver Building and Fire Codes on June 13, 2025. They became effective December 31, 2025.

The 2025 codes incorporate the 2024 I-Codes, except that Denver's Energy Code incorporates the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), together with Denver amendments.

Because code editions change, use Denver's current code page rather than older references to the 2021 IBC as Denver's governing building code.

E-Permits and Plan Review

Denver uses its online permitting services for applications, plan review, payments, permit records, and inspections.

Denver Plan Review, Permits and Inspections

The City publishes an Average Plan Review Times resource. Review time varies with project type, workload, completeness, and correction cycles, so this guide does not publish a fixed number of weeks.

Quick Permits

Denver offers Quick Permits for specified scopes that do not require full plan review. They are not a blanket "instant permit" category for all trade work.

Structural work is not eligible for a Quick Permit, and some trade work associated with new single-family/duplex construction or additions depends on the related residential construction permit.

Check the current Denver permit page before choosing a permit type.

Typical Workflow

  1. Confirm zoning and the applicable building code.
  2. Identify the correct permit type and required submittal documents.
  3. Submit through Denver's online permitting system.
  4. Complete plan review when required.
  5. Respond to correction comments, if any.
  6. Pay required fees and obtain the issued permit.
  7. Schedule the inspections required for the project.
  8. Complete final inspection and any required certificate process.

Fees

Denver publishes current building and land-development fee information. Fees vary by project type and scope. Use the City's current fee schedule instead of third-party estimates.

Official Sources

Denver Community Planning and Development

Plan Review, Permits and Inspections

Disclaimer: Permit requirements, fees, and review times can change. Verify the current requirements with Denver CPD before submitting plans or starting work.

More about Denver Zoning

ADU Rules & RegulationsSetbacks & Height Limits

Sources

  1. E-Permits — City and County of Denver Community Planning and Development·denvergov.org·Accessed 2026-09-19·Direct link
  2. Plan Review, Permits, and Inspections — Denver Development Services·denvergov.org·Accessed 2026-09-19·Direct link
  3. Building and Land Development Fees — City and County of Denver CPD·denvergov.org·Accessed 2026-09-19·Direct link
  4. Denver Building and Fire Codes — Community Planning and Development·denvergov.org·Accessed 2026-09-19·Direct link
  5. Denver Code of Ordinances — Municode Library·library.municode.com·Accessed 2026-09-19·Direct link

FAQ

How do I apply for a building permit in Denver?
Most permit applications in Denver are submitted through E-Permits, the City and County of Denver's online portal at denvergov.org/epermits. You create an account, select the Development Services tab, choose 'Apply for a Permit,' and select 'Building Log.' Documents submitted electronically become public record under Colorado's Open Records Act (CORA). In-person counter issuance has been discontinued; permits are no longer issued at the counter.
How much does a building permit cost in Denver?
Denver building permit fees are calculated from project valuation on a tiered scale. Plan review fees are typically 50% of the permit fee. Additional fees may apply for zoning permits, trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), sewer use and drainage permits, and impact fees. Credit and debit card payments through E-Permits carry a 2.5% service fee (effective December 9, 2025); electronic check and in-person payments do not. See the current CPD fee schedule linked in the sources for exact amounts.
How long does plan review take in Denver?
Denver CPD publishes an Average Plan Review Times dashboard with current first-review estimates by project type. Actual review time varies with project scope, workload, submittal completeness, and correction cycles; use the current dashboard rather than a fixed estimate.
Which building codes does Denver use?
Denver's 2025 Building and Fire Codes were adopted June 13, 2025 and became effective December 31, 2025. They incorporate the 2024 I-Codes except that the Energy Code incorporates the 2021 IECC, together with Denver amendments.
What is a Quick Permit in Denver?
Denver Quick Permits are limited to specified trade and repair scopes that do not require full plan review. Structural work is not eligible, and some trade permits for new single-family/duplex construction or additions depend on an issued residential construction permit. Verify eligibility on Denver's current Quick Permits page.