Commercial construction in Denver requires more than just a vision and a contractor — it requires navigating a complex and often slow-moving permit approval process. From tenant improvements to ground-up construction, getting the right permits approved efficiently is critical for keeping your timeline and budget on track.
At Permit TODAY, we specialize in helping commercial developers, business owners, and contractors cut through the red tape and get to work — faster.
🏢 When Do You Need a Commercial Building Permit in Denver?
Most commercial projects in Denver will require one or more permits before work begins. This includes:
- New building construction
- Tenant improvements or build-outs
- Structural changes to existing commercial spaces
- HVAC, electrical, or plumbing system installations or upgrades
- Changes to occupancy or use
- ADA accessibility improvements
- Roofing, façade, or window replacements
Even cosmetic renovations may trigger permit requirements depending on scope.
📝 Understanding the Permit Review Process
Denver’s permitting process for commercial construction is thorough — but often time-consuming. Here’s a typical breakdown:
- Pre-Submittal Review
For larger projects, a pre-submittal meeting may be required to outline necessary documentation and code considerations. - Permit Application & Drawings
You must submit architectural drawings, engineering plans, code summaries, and other documentation based on project type. - Multi-Departmental Review
Plans are reviewed by multiple departments including zoning, fire, structural, electrical, and mechanical. - Corrections & Resubmittals
The city may return your application with corrections that must be addressed before final approval. - Permit Issuance & Inspections
Once approved, permits are issued and you may begin work — with required inspections at various stages.
⏱️ Why Permit Approvals Take So Long
Denver is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., and its planning department is overloaded with applications. Common bottlenecks include:
- Backlogged plan review queues (4–8 weeks or more)
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Delays in coordinating with multiple reviewers
- Projects submitted without the required licenses or signatures
🚀 How Permit TODAY Speeds Things Up
We accelerate the commercial permit process by:
- Helping you gather complete, accurate documentation from the start
- Submitting applications on your behalf and communicating with reviewers
- Resolving corrections quickly to avoid resubmittal delays
- Recommending licensed professionals if specialized trades are needed
- Escalating urgent projects when timeline is critical
Want to speed up your Denver commercial permit approval? Contact Permit TODAY and let our experts handle the paperwork, coordination, and communication — so your team can focus on the build.