Permits

January 15, 2010

I'm certain you've heard nightmare stories about getting permits. I'm certain you know someone that just snuck in a remodel under the radar to avoid the process of the permit. I'm certain the legacy will continue in cities across America to be the next closest painful process other than getting a root canal.

I just don't understand why. Let's look at this from an economic standpoint. If the process was more fluid, more efficient than the city would not only save monies through the efficiencies, but would expedite the intake of capital. But that's not the case.
And you will hear more than once "this is just the way it is, it's the way the government works."
So, if you are building a house in Denver, or need any form of a permit, take note of the following:

  • Before doing any submissions, go down to the city and get your bearings. There is an area with a row of desks and flags and log in areas. Each area is designated to a particular division, whether that be sewer, water, new build, quick permits, electrical and so on. DO NOT make the mistake of assuming that just because everyone is sitting in an open space at computers that one may assume are talking to one another- THEY ARE NOT.
  • People at the desks rotate on a daily and hourly basis. This process ensures that contractors aren't given favor. It also ensures that one person at the desk may give you one set of assumptions or direction than another. Don't assume that if you go back and say, "Well so and so said it could be done this way", that the person that is sitting across from you is going to give two sh!ts. Let me stress the importance of this one- just do what the requirements ask of you. If you have questions regarding a particular requirement inquire if you can call an inspector for clarification.
  • In the city of Denver in order to login you must first acquire an address card ($50)
  • The building permit process wasn't so much of a hurdle as are the peripheray permits- Demo and Wastewater. The Demo application has quite a few people that have to sign off on the application before you can submit it. One of those divisions being "Landmark". The shack that now sits on our property was built in 1866. That sounds historic, doesn't it. Luckily we had the forethought to take photos of this very historic site and Landmark gladly signed off on the demo. It is also recquired that we have a licensed demo contractor to remove the structures being that one of the structures sits on the property line. Forget getting a sledge hammer, a keg and a few of your friends with anger issues to come demo your house for you. Just know that the demo permit process has a lot more balls in the air than you may think. There is also a pissing match that goes on between the city and the energy council regarding where the gas should be cut off- street or boulevard. Logically, one knows that if it is cut off at the bouldevard, that should be sufficient- the line is 6' down. In this case the city won that argument and Xcel came back out, dug up the street to cut the line and sent us a bill for $866. Mind you we have to have it hooked back up at the tune of another $866. This is still under negotiation with Xcel.
  • You should inquire as to the length that your application will be take to be reviewed. Keep tabs on it. Make sure that somehow an inspector sent a review back to the city and you never got it- three weeks ago. You can check the status of a review online. Just make sure you have your permit login number.
  • Owner builder vs. Licensed contractor. We are submitting the building permit "owner builder". By doing so, we are agreeing to handling the hammer and the nails- capiche. If you are doing the electrical, plumbing, heating, etc, under Owner Builder, then you will be required to take a set of exams.

The city does have quite a bit of information online regarding checklists, applications, fees, etc. I would consider this your bible. Take anything that anyone says for a grain of salt. Know that anyone's opinion can be trumped by someone behind the wall.

I will post the full set of permits and fees when they are completed.