What Executive Order 151 Means for Homeowners Ready to Build in Denver

Mayor Johnston said.“The Denver Permitting Office will take immediate action that will restore Denver’s reputation as one of the best cities in the country to do business, to build, and to get big things done. By overhauling our permitting process, we’ll be able to build more affordable housing, residents can remodel their homes more easily, and entrepreneurs can more efficiently open the doors of their businesses.”

With this bold new direction—Executive Order 151—Denver is promising more than words. The city is actively restructuring how construction permits are reviewed, processed, and approved. And for residents planning to build a custom home, home addition, ADU, or undertake any large residential construction project, this could be the turning point we’ve all been waiting for.

The Core of the Reform: A One-Stop Permitting Office

The creation of the Denver Permitting Office (DPO) is central to this initiative. The city is consolidating staff from multiple departments—zoning, fire, public works, building safety—into a single team that will now manage the permitting pipeline under unified leadership. This alone could resolve the fragmented, inconsistent review cycles that have led to permit delays of 200 to 300+ days in the past.

For homeowners, this means:

• A streamlined experience, with one office managing your case

• Faster communication and fewer conflicting reviews

• Predictable timelines for when construction can begin

How This Helps You Build Sooner (and Smarter)

Whether you’re planning to build your forever home from scratch, create an income-generating ADU in your backyard, or finally add that second-story addition your family has been dreaming of—permitting is often the biggest hurdle before ground breaks.

Denver’s new permitting model includes:

• A 180-day review commitment (plus escalation after that point)

• $10,000 fee refund guarantees if timelines aren’t met

• Improved customer communication, including “project champions” for each application

• A new centralized website portal to manage everything in one place

This means less time waiting, more time building, and less financial risk from loan delays, expired bids, and scheduling conflicts with trade partners.

How Sustainable Design Build Makes It Even Easier

At Sustainable Design Build, we’ve navigated Denver’s complex building environment since 2016. We’ve seen firsthand how red tape and unpredictable reviews can derail even the most well-planned projects. That’s why we’ve always prioritized our integrated design-build process—because it gives our clients more control, insight, and support.

Now, with the city working to improve its side of the process, the synergy between a city-driven reform and our proven in-house model is more powerful than ever.

Here’s what we bring to the table:

• In-house architectural and interior design that’s code-aware from day one

• Deep experience submitting and managing permits across all project types

• A dedicated project management team that tracks every city interaction

• Long-standing relationships with Denver review staff to troubleshoot faster

Now’s the Time to Plan Your Project

If you’ve been holding off on your home project because of long wait times, this could be your green light. Between city reform and SDB’s design-build efficiency, there’s never been a better time to start planning.

Whether it’s:

• A custom home designed around your lifestyle

• A home addition to grow with your family

• An ADU for guests or rental income

• Or a major remodel that reimagines your living space—

We’re ready to help you move confidently from vision to reality, with fewer delays and more peace of mind.

Let’s Build a Better Process—Together

At Sustainable Design Build, we’re optimistic about what Executive Order 151 means for our city—and for you. We believe that when city leadership and experienced builders align, homeowners win.

Contact us today to start your custom home journey—and let us help you build smarter, faster, and better in the new Denver.