E-permits FAQs

Electronic plan review is available for most projects, allowing you to submit applications and PDF plans for zoning, building, wastewater, and fire permits without coming to the permit counter in person. Note: xls/xlsm and html files will be accepted for energy performance path documentation.

Most projects can be submitted using e-permits. Other projects will have email instructions, and in time, will be available through e-permits.

Find detailed instructions by project type

1. Visit denvergov.org/epermits
2. Click "Enter e-permits" button
3. Click "Register for an account"
4. Enter account information
5. Click “Add New” to open a pop-up screen to add contact information
   • Note: The email address you register here does not update your email on file with Contractor Licensing
6. Click “Continue” to successfully register account

Tip for contractors: Don't forget to add your contractor license or supervisor certificate to your account. See FAQ for detailed instructions. 

Add a contractor license to an account:

1. Sign in to e-permits
2. Click “Account Management” in the top-right corner of your screen
   • This will take you to the “Manage your Account” page
3. Click "Add a License" 
4. Select which license type you hold
5. Enter your license number exactly as it appears on your license card
   • Make sure to type "LIC" in front of your license number
   • Examples: “LIC001234” or “LIC12345”
6. Once your license has been added, go to "Home" > "My Records" to access your permits

Link an existing supervisor certificate to an account:

1. Email the following information to Contr.licensing@denvergov.org:
   • Name and email address associated with your online account
   • Certificate number
2. Contractor Licensing will link your certificate to your online account within 24 hours (except weekends and holidays).

Troubleshooting Tips:

• You must have a valid contractor’s license for the type of work covered under the permit in order to apply for permits online. If your license number isn't recognized, make sure it has not expired.
  • Expired licenses cannot be linked to an online account. If a license or certificate is expired, you can no longer renew online and must renew in person or via mail.
• Make sure there is a valid email on file with Contractor Licensing for your license. Notifications of online account activity under your license will be sent to this email address, and for your security, it cannot be edited in e-permits.
• To add or change company contact information, an owner or officer for the licensed company must submit a signed letter stating the change to be made. The letter can be emailed to Contr.Licensing@denvergov.org or dropped off in person. This letter must be signed. If emailed, it must be an attachment with a visible signature. Typed signatures are not accepted.
• Most licenses require a supervisor certificate as a “qualifier” for a company to obtain a license. The supervisor certificate holder is an individual within the company that has the necessary hands-on field experience for that particular type of work. We would expect for that person to be managing the day to day aspects in the field and will be the main contact for our inspectors if there are issues that arise on the site. 

For additional help, contact Contractor Licensing at (720) 865-2770, or Contr.Licensing@denvergov.org.

What is a resubmittal?

Resubmittals occur before a permit is issued when your plans/drawings need to be amended and resubmitted during the plan review process in order to demonstrate that the project meets city codes. 

Resubmittals are uploaded as attachments to the existing project log record in e-permits.

What are Modified Drawings?

Once a permit has been approved and issued, the project must be built to those approved plans. If changes are needed to the approved plans during construction, the changes must be reviewed and permitted. The changed documents and drawings submitted for review after initial permits were issued are called modified drawings. 

Modified drawings are submitted as a new permit application in e-permits. Choose "building log" when prompted to select a permit type.

What is an Administrative Modification?

Administrative modification requests are a way for applicants to request an alternative, but equivalent means of complying with specific code language. The applicant must provide alternative, equivalent designs/measures that meet the intent of the original code language. If approved, an "admin mod" only applies to a specific instance (project and tenant) and is not considered a precedent for other projects. Decisions to deny may be appealed to the Building Code Board of Appeals.

Administrative modifications are submitted as a new permit application in e-permits. Choose "administrative modification" when prompted to select a permit type.

Forgot your password?

1. Click "I've forgotten my password" on the sign-in screen
2. Enter your email address and the security question you answered when you first registered for your account 
3. Click "Send New Password" and a new password will be sent to your email

To reset your username, email, password, and security question/answer:

1. Sign in to your account
2.  Click "Account Management" at the top right side of your screen
3. Click "Edit" Login Information
4. Update login information and click "Save"

1. Enter e-permits, then go to "Development Services" > "Apply for a Permit"
2. When prompted to select a permit type, use the following guide:
   • Quick permits: This is for work that does not have plan review, and is only inspected in the field. Learn more
   • Submit building plans for review: Use this to upload residential or commercial construction plans, and any applications for simultaneous building and zoning reviews
   • Site planning: Use these options for documents being submitted to a project coordinator during the site development plan (SDP) review process
   • Zoning: select "zone lot amendment" to change the boundaries of your zone lot; select "zoning letters" to request a research letter; select "zoning permits" to submit commercial zoning applications, including fences and walls permits (commercial and residential).
     • NOTE: For single-family and duplex residential projects, select the "building log" option under "submit building plans for review" to apply for building and/or zoning reviews. 
   • Fire Permits: Use these options to submit applications for fire permits related to any commercial construction project in new or existing structures (i.e. installing sprinklers, fire alarms, etc.).
3. Follow the prompts on each page
4. Once you have finished the online application, continue to the payment screen. Fees are based on your valuation of the work. You may be asked to pay additional fees if inspectors determine the valuation was incorrect.

Helpful Tips:

• Required application fields will have a red asterisk *
• Click the help icon (?) for longer instructions on some items
• Always confirm that the email address associated with the “Applicant” is correct. This is where your permit will be emailed.
• Once you add an applicant, click “edit” to change the email or phone number for this application
• There is a “save and resume within 30 days” button at the bottom of each page. Permit applications will save for 30 days

COVID-19 Note: Homeowners obtaining permits in their name (instead of using a licensed contractor) can email a copy of their photo ID with their permit applications and plans, instead of coming into the permit counter to show the ID. We will process the permits and send you an email with instructions on how to use e-permits to pay for the permit. Once you pay online, the permit will be emailed to you.

Customers who need to take a homeowners' exam may do so at the cashiering counter Tuesdays - Thursdays from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Commercial and multifamily buildings

Select commercial projects may be eligible for an express plan review (formally known as "walk-through"). See a list of projects eligible for express plan review.

Follow these steps:

1. Sign in to e-permits
   • First-time users will need to create an account
2. Select  "Apply for a Permit" under the Development Services tab
3. When prompted to select a permit type, choose "Building Log" 
4. Select the "Commercial Express Plan Review Project" checkbox

Single-family homes and duplexes

Single-family/duplex projects that qualify for an express plan review (formally known as "walk-through") must be of the lowest complexity and must not require reviews by other agencies. See a list of projects eligible for express plan review.

Follow these steps:

1. Sign in to e-permits
   • First-time users will need to create an account
2. Select  "Apply for a Permit" under the Development Services tab
3. When prompted to select a permit type, choose "Building Log" (read the submittal requirements), then "Continue Application"
4. On page 3 under Project Information > Project Scope > Select “New Accessory Structure" or “Remodel” to qualify for an express plan review

If you are applying for a new roof or a roof replacement/recover on an existing commercial or multi-family building that is 25,000 square feet or larger and subject to the Green Buildings Ordinance, you will need to include documentation confirming how your project meets the ordinance's requirements.

Instructions for uploading documents

Project scopes that include like-for-like replacement of select gas-fired heating and cooling equipment in existing commercial, industrial, and multi-family buildings (including condominiums) can no longer pull a quick permit. This includes split A/C units/condensing units that serve a heated space, gas-fired forced air heating systems, gas-fired roof top units, and gas-fired potable water heaters. Please see 2022 Denver Energy Code Section C503.3.3 for partial electrification for space heating requirements, and Section C503.4.1 for partial electrification of water heating requirements.

Here's how to apply for Building Log permits if your project is not eligible for a quick permit:

• Go to the e-permits portal
• Log in to your account
• Click “Apply for a Permit” under the Development Services tab
• Select the “Building Log” application and click “Continue Application”
• Once on the “Building Log” application, read the instructions page carefully and click “Continue Application”
• Enter the project address and click “Search”
• Select the appropriate address, parcel, and owner and click “Search”
• Enter applicant information – the applicant will receive all email notifications for this application
• Select a contact or add a new one and click “Continue”
• Enter any additional contacts and click “Continue”
• Enter description of work, select project classification and project scope, make sure to check the “Commercial Express Plan Review Project” box, and answer related questions

• Based on your project type, you will be required to upload additional information
• You will be asked affordable housing questions. Please answer these to as best as you can.
• Select the checkboxes and click “Edit Selected” to enter your project valuation
• Enter project valuation, gross floor area, and click “Submit”
• Click “Continue Application”
• You will be asked zoning questions. Please answer these to as best as you can and click “Continue Application”
• Click “Add” to upload your PDF documents
• First, click “Add” and upload your file. Then, click “Continue”
• Select document type and click “Save,” then click “Continue Application”
• Acknowledge simultaneous review and click “Continue Application”
• Verify previously entered valuation, acknowledge affordable housing fee and authority to submit, and click “Continue Application”
• Review all application information for accuracy and click “Continue Application”

If you are replacing one piece of equipment you may qualify for an emergency replacement. An emergency replacement is allowed if only one piece of heating, cooling, or service water heating equipment, or ventilation system is failing and will be replaced with the same heating or cooling capacity, and no other alterations are made.

Here’s how to apply for an emergency replacement:

• Go to the e-permits portal
• Log in to your account
• Click “Apply for a permit” under the Development Services tab
• Select the appropriate quick permit type and click “Continue Application”
• Enter your project information
• Make sure to read the system details section carefully so you can answer the questions correctly
• If you will be replacing one piece of equipment, you will be asked if it is an emergency replacement
• If your project is not eligible for a quick permit, you will receive an error message instructing you to submit a “Building Log” application

Watch a 5-minute YouTube tutorial video.

Questions? Please email MechPlumb.Review@denvergov.org.

For fire Construction Permits, which are related to any commercial construction project in new or existing structures (like installing sprinklers, fire alarms, etc.), click "Apply for a permit" under the Development Services tab in e-permits. View fire construction permit information. 

For fire safety Operational Permits, which allow the applicant to conduct an operation or a business for which a permit is required, click the Fire tab in e-permits. View fire operational permit information.

1. Enter the property address and click "Search"
2. Select your address and a list of "Associated Parcels" will automatically populate
3. If there are multiple parcel numbers, select the button to the left of the number and "Associated Owners" information will appear below. Continue clicking through the parcel numbers until you see the correct ownership information, and then click "Select."

Helpful Tips:

• If your address/parcel number doesn't populate, check to make sure the property is within the City and County of Denver's boundaries by referring to the Real Property Map.
  • The "Schedule Number" from the Real Property Map can be entered into the "Parcel Number" field in e-permits. 
• If you still can't locate the property address, click "Cancel" and continue with your application. 

1. On the project valuation section of the application, click the box at the top of the screen to select all work types, then click "Edit Selected."
2. Enter the Unit Number and Valuation of each line item and click "Submit."
3. Verify that the information you have entered is correct and click "Continue Application."

As with paper submittals, all plans, reports, surveys, etc. prepared by an architect, engineer, or surveyor must bear their seal and signature. A valid electronic signature must be visible on the plan cover page and the design professional's seal must be visible on each sheet.

Download a PDF tutorial with a step-by-step guide to creating and applying a valid digital signature:

• Electronic signatures tutorial

Save all files as PDFs. All drawings must be scalable, legible, and in PDF format. Upload separate PDF files for each discipline to preserve the encrypted electronic signatures.

Use the following naming convention for all files: <DocumentName>_<Address>_<Date>

Examples:

• Plans: ArchPlans_201WColfax_9-26-2017; StrucPlans_201WColfax_9-26-2017; etc.
• Prior reviews/approvals: Landmark_201WColfax_8-26-2020
• Reports, surveys, etc.: SoilsReport_201WColfax_8-26-2020
• Zone Lot Amendments: ZoneLotAmendment_201WColfax_8-26-2020

Exception: xls/xlsm and html files will be accepted for energy performance path documentation.

Helpful Tip:

• File names cannot contain special character such as * / , ~ [ { ^ ’ ! @ # …

Resubmittals must follow the initial submission method - in person, email, or e-permits. 
Follow steps 1-5 for projects that initially applied via e-permits.

1. Sign into e-permits
2. Go to "Home" > "My Records" to view your projects
3. Select the appropriate record where you want to resubmit (i.e., the site planning or log record) 
4. On the record detail page, go to "Record Info" > "Attachments" to upload new/revised documents
5. Make sure to click “save” after uploading

For resubmittals for site planning records that were initially submitted via the old e-plan/EFT site, by email, or on paper, send Development.Services@denvergov.org the email address associated with your e-permits account and the project numbers where you would like to resubmit. You will receive a confirmation email verifying that your e-permits account has been associated with the projects. Then, follow the above instructions.

On a mobile device

If you are using the mobile version of e-permits, enter your log number or address in the search bar on the home page. First-time users will need to register for an account in the main e-permits portal before being able to use the mobile site.

On a desktop/laptop

You do not need an e-permits account to check plan review status.

1. Enter e-permits, and click the "Development Services" tab
2. Type your log number in the "Record Number" box, or fill in the street address
3. Click the appropriate log number
4. The building log detail page (shown below) will tell you if the review is in progress, issued, finalized, etc. Plan review details are located under "Processing Status." As the review is ongoing, plan review comments may be available under "Attachments."

Tip: Make sure you are looking at the "log" record (e.g., 2020-LOG-0000xxx) to see review status. Permit records (e.g., 2020-COMMCON-0000xxx) show whether a permit has been issued, but will not show plan review status.

You will need a permit number to pay permit fees, download approved plans, download the issued permit, or schedule inspections. If you do not have the permit number(s), you can find them from the building log or searching by your address.

1. On the Development Services tab in e-permits, type your log number in the Record Number field and hit search
2. On the next screen, go to "Record Info" > "Related Records"
3. Click “view entire tree” to see all permits associated with this project log 
4. Click “view” to open each permit record you need to pay, print, or download the approved plans

Helpful Tip: You can also search for permit records by typing in the project address into the master search bar located in the top-right corner of your screen. 

These steps apply to general contractors picking up building permits and subcontractors picking up trade permits after construction plans have been reviewed and approved. For quick permits that do not require plan review, simply apply for a Quick Permit in e-permits instead of choosing the "Add Contractor to Permit" option. 

The general construction permit must be obtained before subcontractors can use these steps to obtain trade permits. 

1. In e-permits, go to Development Services > Apply for a Permit.
2. When prompted to select a permit type, choose Add Contractor to Permit and then select either General Construction or Trade permit. "Add to General Construction Permit" can be used for either residential construction (RESCON) or commercial construction (COMMCON) permits. "Add to Trade Permit" is for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and roofing permits.
3. Follow the prompts to add your contractor's license to this project. Subcontractors will also be asked for the valuation of the work to be completed under their trade permit and to provide a good site contact for inspections. You will need either your permit number or the log number under which the construction plans were reviewed and approved. The general contractor should have this information.
4. Once the "Add a Contractor" step is complete, use e-permits to search for your permit number and pay the permit fees. 
5. Once the permit fee is paid, the issued permit will be emailed to you and will be available for download within e-permits.
6. If the project's plans were submitted electronically, the approved, stamped plans will be available to download from e-permits. 

Note: If plans were originally submitted via paper in-person, follow steps 1-5 then email PlanReview@denvergov.org to schedule an appointment to pick up your approved plans.

You can only pay for one permit at a time. Electronic checks (bank transfers) and Discover, MasterCard, and Visa cards are accepted. Fees are based on the valuation of the work.  

1. Click the "Development Services" tab to search by log number to pay plan review fees, or by permit number to pay permit fees
   • In order to pay permit fees, you must first add you contractor or subcontractor to your permit (see above step).
2. Once on the correct record, click "Payments" > "Fees"
3. Check to make sure your balance is accurate, then click “pay fees” and follow the prompts to complete your transaction
   • Click "Complete Transaction" once to avoid multiple charges. 
   • View fee schedules
4. Print your receipt using your web browser’s print function 

Note: Online payments are not refundable. Make sure you are paying for the correct permit and project address. If you receive an error message when paying fees, do not submit your payment again. Email CPD.Cashiers@denvergov.org or call 720-865-2780 for assistance. 

If you do not see a permit under "My Records"

• Email planreview@denvergov.org or call (720) 865-2720 to be connected to permitting staff. Have your log number, contractor's license, and project valuation when you call. Staff will create the permit record over the phone.
• Or, make sure the general contractor picking up the general construction permit gives us the M/E/P contractors' information and work valuation at that time. Then the permit record will already be created and the subcontractor can sign-in to e-permits to pay for the permit.

If you submitted plans for review electronically, you can use e-permits to download a copy of your final, approved plans.

1. Enter e-permits, and on the "Development Services" tab, search for your permit record using either the property address or your permit number.
   • Note: If you have multiple permits (e.g., COMMCON, ELEC, PLUMB, SUDP), you will need to go to each of these permits individually to find the respective discipline's approved plans.
2. On the permit detail page, your approved plans are located on the "Record Info" tab, under "Attachments." 
3.  The issued permit will be available on the "Record Info" tab, under "Attachments." 

Helpful Tips: Make sure pop-ups are enabled. Documents posted on the Attachments tab may take longer to load than the rest of the page.

Finding permits with only a log number

1. Enter e-permits, and on the "Development Services" tab, search using your log number
2. On the building log page, go to "Related Records" on the "Record Info" tab
3. Click "View entire tree" to open a list of all permits issued under your log number
4. Click "View" next to each permit you want to access, and follow the directions above

Plans submitted on paper are not available to download online. To coordinate plan pick up, please email Planreview@denvergov.org with the following information:

• Log Number
• Contractor License Number
• Site Contact: Name, Phone, Email 

Helpful Tips: Add a contractor/subcontractor to your permit and pay permit fees online using e-permits prior to picking up your approved plans.

Note: Permits will no longer be issued at the counter.

Emailed as a PDF:

After filling out an online application, you must complete payment before your permit will be emailed. A copy of the issued permit will be sent as a PDF attachment to the email address that was listed in the "applicant" field of the application.

Make sure to check your spam folder.

Downloading a permit from e-permits:

1. Select the permit record from the "My Records" page (located under the "Home" tab), or go to the "Development Services" tab and search for the permit record using the permit number, the address on the permit, or a log number.
   • If you search by log number: On the building log page, select "Record Info" > "Related Records." Click "View entire tree" to open a list of all permits issued. Then click "View" next to each permit you want to access.
2. The issued permit will be available on the "Record Info" tab, under "Attachments." 

1. In e-permits, click the “Development Services” tab and then either: 
   • Select the permit record from your “My Records” list (which will populate after your contractor’s license has been added to your e-permits account) OR
   • Search for the permit. Type the permit number in the Record Number box and hit search.
2. Once on the correct permit page, go to "Record Info" > "Inspections"
3. Click “Schedule or Request an Inspection” and follow the prompts

Helpful Tips:

• Building inspections will be completed within 2 business days.
• Inspections could be scheduled as early as 8 a.m.
• Add comments to the inspection request so the inspector can find your exact location, and provide a good site contact for the inspector to call if needed. Write down the floor number, suite number, number of units, and other information as specified in the help text.
• You'll need an e-permits account and either the permit number or site address to schedule inspections for an issued permit.
• Some Fire permits are inspected by Building Department inspectors. These include rough inspections on Fire Alarm permits, Rough & Final inspections on Fire Suppression permits, and Rough Framing inspections on High Pile Storage permits. These inspections are identified by a 3-digit code at the beginning of the Inspection Type. 
• Inspections performed by Denver Fire Department inspectors can be identified by a preceding DFD in the inspection type. These inspections may be requested in e-permits only. 
• On your phone? Use the mobile version. 
  • Note: If you don't already have an account, you'll need to set one up in the main e-permits portal first.

1. Visit denvergov.org/epermits and click "Enter E-permits"
2. Sign into e-permits (this step is optional)
3. Click "My Records" if you've signed in, or search using your permit number or address on the Development Services tab
4.  Click on the appropriate permit record
5. Once on the correct record, click "Record Info" then "Inspections"
6. Click "Show Scheduled Times"

Helpful Tip: Inspection ETAs are available after 8 a.m. on the day of your scheduled inspection.

Learn more about inspections

1. Locate your record by clicking "My Records" from the home screen or search for it using the permit number or address.
2. Click "Record Info" > "Inspections."
3. Click "View Details." 

If you receive an error message, inspection comments are also located on the last page of the issued permit. You can download the issued permit from the "Permits and Licenses" link at the top of your screen.

1. Search for permit records by project address
2. Select the checkboxes next to the permit records you want to group 
3. Click "Add to collection"
4. View your collections from the dashboard on the "Home" tab