What Denver’s New Permitting Reform Means for Custom Home Builders and Homeowners

For years, builders across Denver have echoed a familiar sentiment: permitting takes too long, costs too much, and lacks consistency. It’s a reality that Sustainable Design Build (SDB) knows all too well. Since 2016, SDB has been helping homeowners across the Front Range turn their visions into custom homes, additions, and ADUs—but often while waiting months (even close to a year) for permits to be approved.

As co-owner and general contractor Zach McKendry recently shared an interview with Denver7 Local News by Ryan Fish, dealing with Denver’s permitting system has been, at times, “a huge pain.” With a current average wait time hovering around 283 days, delays in the process can stall progress and inflate project costs—ultimately impacting homeowners who just want to get building.

But with the launch of the city’s new Denver Permitting Office (DPO), there may finally be reason to feel hopeful.

New Promises, Old Frustrations: Will the DPO Deliver?

The City of Denver’s new permitting initiative—led by Mayor Mike Johnston—is set to cut approval timelines nearly in half. The goal? Process permits within 180 days or less, or refund up to $10,000 in application fees if the deadline is missed.

This bold reform comes in response to longstanding criticisms, including a 2023 audit that found a lack of standardized processes and unreliable data at the heart of the city’s permitting delays.

As builders who’ve been working within this system for nearly a decade, we at Sustainable Design Build are encouraged—but cautiously optimistic.

“We’ve heard a lot of promises over the years,” says McKendry. “What we’re waiting to see is whether this change translates into real, actionable improvements for our clients and their timelines.”

Still, we recognize that the city faces an enormous challenge. Denver is growing rapidly, and with that comes increased permit volume, stricter regulations, and evolving zoning codes. Even so, a more coordinated, accountable, and client-facing permitting office could be the breakthrough the industry—and homeowners—have been waiting for.

Why the Design-Build Process Still Gives You the Advantage

Regardless of how quickly the city processes permits, homeowners still face big decisions long before construction begins. That’s where Sustainable Design Build’s in-house, end-to-end design-build process provides unmatched value and peace of mind.

While traditional project structures separate design and construction into different phases and teams, SDB combines it all into one seamless, accountable system.

This allows us to:

• Develop realistic plans with permitting in mind from day one

   

• Communicate with city reviewers directly and proactively solve issues

   

• Create accurate cost projections early in the process—before you’re locked into plans

   

• Avoid back-and-forth delays between outside designers and contractors

   

Most importantly, it means you have one point of contact, one unified team, and full visibility into your project from concept to completion.

We Know the System—And How to Navigate It

Over the years, we’ve learned how to work within Denver’s unique regulatory landscape. We’ve built strong relationships with local review offices, and we stay on top of changes to zoning, building codes, and energy compliance standards.

This means we know how to:

• Expedite plan submittals and avoid redline revisions

   

• Design smarter to avoid unnecessary variances or denials

   

• Build to the city’s evolving standards without compromising your vision

   

• Guide clients through custom home, ADU, and addition projects with transparency

   

Even as the city improves its internal processes, you still need a partner who knows how to design around the system—not in spite of it.

So, Are We Hopeful? Absolutely. But Prepared Either Way.

At Sustainable Design Build, we’re excited by the city’s renewed commitment to fixing the permitting process. We hope it brings faster approvals, less stress, and more predictability for homeowners across Denver. But we also know that real change takes time—and in the meantime, we’ll continue doing what we do best:

• Designing thoughtful, high-performance custom homes

• Building with craftsmanship, efficiency, and care

• Helping clients navigate every step of the journey—with clarity

Whether you’re planning a new custom home, an accessory dwelling unit, or a major home addition, now is still a great time to start your project—with the right team in your corner.

Let’s Talk About Your Dream Project

If you’re thinking about building and wondering how the city’s permitting reform could affect your timeline or budget, we’d love to talk. Our team can walk you through the design-build process, give honest guidance on the current review climate, and help you plan a smooth and successful project—no matter what changes the city has in store.

Schedule a consultation with Sustainable Design Build today—and build with confidence.