Page 49 - Denver, CO Adaptive Reuse Program

Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE)
Review by the DDPHE is required to conduct a full plan review
for all regulated facilities that are undergoing a change of use,
new construction, or an extensive remodel. An extensive remodel
includes:
• Increase in seating capacity by 20%
• Any alterations requiring a building code review
• Changes or alterations to non-public areas that result in
reduction or increase of total space by 25% or more
• Capabilities to handle food, equipment and utensils in a san-
itary manner have been diminished due to a food process or
menu change that introduces new risks of foodborne illness

Prior to submitting plans, an applicant may request a pre-applica-
tion meeting to discuss any concerns or questions with DDPHE, if
desired. After an applicant submits plans (electronically or in per-
son), a review will be conducted by DDPHE staff to ensure com-
pliance with the rules and regulations. After the completed review,
a notification email containing review comments will be sent to
the primary contact. After the project is approved by DDPHE, an
approval letter will be sent. The final step of the DDPHE process
is to schedule a final inspection after construction is completed
and the facility is operational. This final inspection will result in a
Certificate of Occupancy (CO), if all is approved.

ix. Recommendations for Facilitating DDPHE Review
In order to more clearly facilitate the DDPHE review of an adap-
tive reuse project, consider the following process changes:
• More clearly identify a link to the plan review process on
the DDPHE webpage so first-time applicants do not have to
search the webpage for the information.
• Edit the “Plan Review Process” section on the DDPHE Plan
Review webpage to have an additional step after “Notifi-
cation.” This step should outline how an applicant should
respond to comments if approval is not given upon the first
review. Applicants need to understand how to meet the re-
quirements in a timely manner if changes are required.
• Provide a clear timeline for how long the DDPHE review
process will take so applicants know when to check back in.
• Identify a point person for applicants to contact with ques-
tions before, during and after the inspection. Ideally, they
could contact the inspector directly. This information should
be provided on the department webpage.

Adaptive Reuse Strategy Paper 45