Denver Has 180 to Process Building Permit or Your Money Back

​On April 14, 2025, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston issued his first executive order since taking office, establishing a new permitting office aimed at expediting and improving the city’s building approval process. This initiative addresses longstanding backlogs in the permitting system that have hindered development and contributed to housing challenges.​

Key Details:

• Consolidation of Staff: The new office will unify 280 city employees under a three-person leadership team, led by Jill Jennings Golich, Denver’s first permitting office director.​Axios

• Approval Timeline Goal: The office aims to process building applications, including site development plans and permits, within 180 days.​Axios

• Cost Efficiency: The restructuring utilizes existing staff resources, ensuring no additional cost to the city.​Axios

Mayor Johnston emphasized that this reform will make the permitting process faster, easier, and more cost-efficient, aligning with his broader goals of addressing housing shortages and improving city operations.

How long does it take to get a construction permit in Denver?

As of writing, the current average review time for a major residential construction project in Denver stands at 271 Days. This information can be viewed from the City and County of Denver’s website here.

Building in Denver can be a very long process when it comes to permitting and inspections. For a long time, Sustainable Design Build has been keeping a close eye on expected permitting times for its clients following the pandemic. Denver infamously has recorded some of the longest permitting times ever in recent years. Even last year the difficulties were present with Denver’s average plan review time almost reaching 400 days.

With all that being said, cutting down the long wait times and barriers that plague the building process in Denver has been a long time focus for city officials. Last year, Mayor Mike Johnston took aim at the issue – even boasted a 34% reduction in permitting time. There still seems to be plenty more to be done and the recent initiative seems to be a good incentive.

How does this initiative help me with my custom home project?

A major advantage of the new permitting office is the consolidation of staff and leadership. Previously, applicants had to navigate a maze of departments—such as zoning, transportation, and fire safety—each operating in silos. Now, with 280 employees unified under a centralized office led by a three-person leadership team, the process is expected to be more transparent and consistent. This streamlining will likely reduce conflicting feedback and redundant review cycles, making it easier for builders to keep projects on schedule and within budget.

Faster permitting also means reduced soft costs and lower financial risk for both developers and clients. When permits are delayed, costs rise from holding fees, loan interest, and idle time for subcontractors. A predictable 180-day review period allows for more accurate project planning and financial forecasting. This change is especially beneficial for high-end custom home clients who expect not only a premium product but also a smooth and professional experience from start to finish.

Sustainable Design Build Excited For Positive Change

For design-build firms like Sustainable Design Build, these changes align directly with client needs. Complex remodels, custom homes, and vertical additions all require close coordination with the city’s approval process. A faster and more reliable system enables firms to offer realistic construction timelines, better manage client expectations, and reduce the risk of surprises during pre-construction phases. While there may be initial challenges in executing these changes citywide, the overall direction is promising for Denver’s construction industry.

Sustainable Design Build has long served the Denver area, specializing in large-scale residential renovations and custom home projects. With deep experience navigating the city’s permitting landscape, the company closely monitors changes in the approval process to help clients move confidently from design to build. This ongoing commitment to understanding the intricacies of Denver’s regulatory environment ensures that clients receive not only exceptional craftsmanship but also a well-managed, informed experience throughout their project journey.