The Denver Demolition Permit Process: What to Expect from CPD

Owning a building does not mean you can simply take it down. In Denver, demolition is regulated, and the permit is only one piece of a sequence that includes hazardous-material checks, utility disconnects and sometimes additional review. This guide gives you the general shape of the process so you can plan, but rules and forms change, so always confirm current requirements with the City before you commit to dates.

Who issues the permit

Demolition permits in the City and County of Denver are handled by Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD). Properties in neighboring jurisdictions, including some areas people loosely call Denver, fall under those jurisdictions' building departments instead. Confirm which agency governs your parcel first.

The usual sequence

• Confirm what you are demolishing: Gather the address, building type, approximate age and whether it is a whole structure or a partial or interior demolition. Different scopes can follow different permit paths.
• Check for additional review: Older buildings, and buildings in or near historic districts, may be subject to extra review before a demolition permit can be issued. Ask early because this can affect the timeline.
• Complete an asbestos inspection: A survey for asbestos-containing materials is generally expected before demolition, and notification to the state is part of the process where it applies. See our guide on asbestos surveys and CDPHE Regulation 8.
• Arrange utility disconnects: Gas, electric, water and sewer service typically has to be shut off and capped through the providers before the structure comes down.
• Submit the permit application: Your contractor or you submit the application and supporting documents to CPD. Requirements can include site plans, proof of disconnects and contractor information.
• Schedule the work and inspections: Once the permit is issued, demolition proceeds within the conditions of the permit, and inspections may be required at stages such as final site conditions.

How long does it take?

There is no single answer. Review times depend on the type of project, how complete the application is, and whether any additional review applies. In practice, the permit, utility and asbestos steps frequently take longer than the physical demolition, which for a typical house may be a matter of days. Build in buffer and avoid contractors who promise a start date before the paperwork is in place.

Common reasons for delays

• Utility disconnects not yet completed or confirmed.
• Missing or incomplete asbestos documentation.
• Unresolved questions about historic or older-structure review.
• Incomplete application materials or unclear scope.

Where a demolition contractor helps

A good contractor will tell you which steps your project needs, coordinate the asbestos survey and utility disconnects, and keep your paperwork in order. They should be clear about which responsibilities are theirs and which belong to you or your builder. Ask for that in writing in your quote.

Planning a Denver demolition? Call Denver Demolition Co at (714) 333-0178 and we will walk through the steps for your address.