Homebuilders are feeling positive about Denver’s Average Permit Time Process

Denver’s permitting system is poised for a dramatic overhaul with Mayor Mike Johnston’s announcement of a new initiative that implements a 180-day “shot clock” for reviewing building applications. This long-awaited reform is designed to streamline and expedite the city’s notoriously slow and complex permitting process, which has stymied real estate development for decades. Developers like Joe Vostrejs, who has worked in Denver’s real estate sector for over 40 years, expressed optimism, calling the shift the most promising improvement in his career. The initiative introduces single-point project advocates—or “champions”—to guide applicants through a process that has often been delayed by conflicting guidance across departments. 

Sustainable Design Build is especially interested in this new initiative as long permitting times have attributed increased timelines and project costs for clients seeking to improve their homes on a residential scale. In previous years, Denver’s Average Permit Times varied but typically exceeded more than 200 days, in some cases Denver’s Average Plan Review Times almost reached 300 days on average.

While there remains cautious optimism and questions about long-term sustainability, many in the industry see this as a critical and welcome step toward a more developer-friendly Denver.

Why This Is a Major Benefit for Custom Home Projects like SDB’s:

Faster Permitting Means Faster Project Starts

For firms like Sustainable Design Build, which specialize in custom home construction projects—such as large-scale remodels, home additions, pop tops, and luxury builds—time is not just money; it’s client satisfaction. The 180-day review commitment gives homeowners and builders greater predictability in planning. Previously, even relatively straightforward residential projects could face prolonged delays, stretching over a year due to departmental silos and red tape. This initiative dramatically reduces the wait and sets a clearer roadmap for when construction can realistically begin.

Streamlining The Permitting Process

The introduction of “champions”—city personnel who serve as a single point of contact for applicants—means fewer miscommunications and contradictions during plan review. For SDB’s clients navigating complex custom projects that don’t fit neatly into cookie-cutter molds, this personalized guidance will be invaluable. It ensures that design decisions and compliance concerns are addressed consistently and swiftly, without having to arbitrate between multiple city departments.

Better Chances For Projects To Maintain Viability

The city’s commitment to refund up to $10,000 in permit fees if deadlines aren’t met is a strong signal of accountability and seriousness. While this may matter more on a psychological level than a financial one for large developments, it provides smaller-scale custom builders and homeowners with reassurance. Reduced permitting delays also cut down on holding costs, which is especially relevant for homeowners financing remodels and additions via loans—every month saved is money saved.

Client Confidence

SDB can now approach clients with added assurance that their project won’t be indefinitely stalled in a bureaucratic maze. This makes Denver a more attractive place for homeowners considering major upgrades or new construction. By being early adopters of the streamlined process, SDB can distinguish itself as a builder that knows how to efficiently navigate the new system, bringing even more value to its already high-end, full-service offerings.

Sustainable Design Build are Experts Building in Denver

Building in the City and County of Denver has garnered a certain reputation for being a challenging and drawn-out endeavor. For years, Sustainable Design Build has focused their efforts in providing residents with a service that is tailored to navigating the process as efficiently as possible. Regardless of the recent initiative and whether or not it will provide relief to residents and homebuilders, SDB still guarantees a knowledgeable service to cut through the permitting process in Denver. Backed by years of experience, Sustainable Design Build holds integrity to its clients seeking home addition projects, whole-home remodels, and custom home construction to get their project through the door and to groundbreaking as soon as possible.