Page 46 - Denver, CO Adaptive Reuse Program

b. Recommendations for Facilitating Zoning Review
• Make the process for adaptive reuse projects clearer from
the outset so an applicant understands who to contact for different
pieces of zoning review.
• Highlight the available administrative adjustments that are
particularly applicable to adaptive reuse projects in the Handbook
or on the adaptive reuse webpage.
• Expand the list of available Administrative Adjustments
(chart on pages 25 and 26) to reduce the number of variances
required and time spent waiting for the Board of Adjustment.

iii. Building Department Review
The majority of adaptive reuse projects, including remodeling
and repairs, require a building permit plan review before permits
are issued. Building permit plan reviews are divided into three
categories – electronic walk-through review, major project review
and intermediate project review – which are distinguished by the
project complexity and value. Major and intermediate projects are
both “log-in” type projects, and walk-through also requires logging
into the electronic system, but there is a new process that expedites
this. Projects that qualify for walk-through review must have a
total construction value of less than $500,000 and may not require
approval from other agencies. Note that a change of occupancy
does not qualify for a walk-through. The Building Official may
also approve a project for walk through review. Commercial proj-
ects qualifying for walk through review include:
• Temporary offices
• Installation of signs
• Minor structural work related to emergency like-for-like
repair of existing buildings
• Non-structural repair due to water or fire damage

During the walk-through review process, the reviewer may deter-
mine the project is too complex and must be transferred to the log-
in review type. Most adaptive reuse projects require major project
or intermediate project review category. These projects include:
• Large additions to existing buildings
• Major structural modifications to existing buildings
• Large projects involving change of occupancy

The Building Department aims to complete the initial depart-
ment review for major projects within 20 business days, with any
re-review due to the correction of noted Code deficiencies to be
completed in 10 business days. Where review from multiple de-
partments is required, simultaneous review can occur, however, the
standard timeframes will likely differ.

42 City of Denver, CO