Denver Permit Times What Should You Expect?

Denver sees progress on residential construction permit delays, but challenges remain. What should you expect as a homeowner?

Last week, on July 15th, Denver City Officials and Mayor Mike Johnston announced that the concerted efforts of cutting down the red tape and roadblocks associated with residential construction permit times has been successful. The department of Community Planning and Development has reported an approximate 33% decrease in overall residential construction permit review times. This success even goes beyond the initial projected goals of 30% but the mayor and Denver officials are realistic and understand there is plenty more room for improvement. With such an impressive decrease in permit review times, should you as a homeowner start your home construction project? 

How long are permit times with Denver?

Currently, Denver is still experiencing longer than usual permit review times for all construction projects. This is no surprise as the plan that was implemented by Denver Officials started only a little while ago after Mayor Mike Johnston announced his Citywide Goals 2024. Nonetheless, 33% percent improvement is something to be proud of as the fallout from the residential construction boom and post-pandemic factors nearly overran Denver’s Community Planning and Development Department. As of writing, homeowners and builders are given the average duration for major residential project (home addition, whole home remodel, custom home, etc.) about 278 days. That duration is a quote that covers the time from a project’s initial submittal for a building permit to the time it is approved. So homeowners, if you are looking to perform some major work on your home or property, be aware that it is likely construction wont start until next year. There are still some surprises Sustainable Design Build has experienced where some projects even achieved building permit within 4 months! But overall Denver is still working hard to stabilize their building department and improve.

When should you start your residential construction project?

If you are able to, the answer is as soon as possible. Given the current average permit review time of about 278 days, starting your residential construction project as soon as possible can help ensure that you can begin actual construction next year. Despite the impressive 33% reduction in permit review times, the process is still lengthy due to the high volume of applications and the aftermath of the residential construction boom. By initiating your project now, you can secure a spot in the queue and potentially benefit from any further improvements in the permit review process. Additionally, starting early allows you to address any unforeseen issues or delays that may arise, ensuring your project stays on track. Therefore, homeowners eager to renovate or build should take advantage of the current momentum in the Denver Community Planning and Development Department and get their projects submitted without delay.

How a Full Service Design-Build provides value for longer projects.

Under traditional general contractor-led construction, there is a significant amount of communication involved between homeowners and subcontractors. This can often lead to misunderstandings, miscommunications, and delays, particularly in longer projects that require meticulous coordination and detailed planning. A Full Service Design-Build firm offers a streamlined approach by providing a single point of contact for the entire project. This integrated model ensures better alignment of design and construction phases, reducing the likelihood of errors and rework.

By handling everything from the initial design to the final construction, a Full Service Design-Build firm can offer more accurate timelines and cost estimates, giving homeowners a clearer picture of what to expect. The design-build process fosters a collaborative environment where designers, engineers, and builders work together from the outset, which can significantly expedite decision-making and problem-solving.

Additionally, Full Service Design-Build firms are often more adept at navigating the complexities of the permitting process, leveraging their experience and relationships with local authorities to expedite approvals. This can be particularly valuable in a city like Denver, where permit review times are lengthy despite recent improvements. 

Overall, opting for a Full Service Design-Build firm can provide significant value for homeowners undertaking long and complex construction projects. It simplifies the process, enhances communication, and can lead to a more efficient and enjoyable construction experience, ensuring that your project is completed on time.