It’s a little hard to determine the cost of beginning a permit because there are so many moving parts. However, this should at least give you a reasonable idea. All the components below are necessary expenses to bring your permit application to the building department. From this “log-in” phase, it can take from 60 to 90 days for a review to begin.

1. Hire a surveyor.
   1. The majority of all projects will require a survey to determine the existing aspects of the property such as exact size, location of improvements, and so on. Many architects won’t begin a project without a survey.
   2. This cost varies from $500 to $800.
2. Hire a soils engineer.
   1. If the project is a free standing new structure, a soil report is a requirement. In non-typical soil conditions, it’s a good idea for any project. The good news is that this information isn’t needed before the architectural design begins.
   2. This cost also varies from $500 to $800.
3. Hire an architect / structural engineer.
   1. This varies from person to person and from project to project. Your best option is to contact one and see what they charge.
   2. Most architects will have a construction cost range for projects similar to yours. Typically building a project is approximately 50% to 65% of the cost to buy the same thing already built.
   3. Normally, half of the fee is due when design is complete and the remainder when the drawings are complete.
4. Pay the permit fee.
   1. The zoning fee is a function of project cost but normally it varies from $100 – $200.
   2. Using the most typical cost range, the building permit fee is $770 for the first $100,000 and $5.60 for each additional $1000. So for a construction cost of 150k the fee would be $1050, and so on.
5. Pay the wastewater fee.
   1. The wastewater fee, if we are doing no construction is $100.
   2. With construction it runs about $300, unless a new tap is required.

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the above.

For general information about Denver’s permit process:

1. Go to http://DenverGov.Org/.
2. Click on A-Z Departments and Services.
3. In A-Z, click on “building permits” at the top of the alphabetical list.
4. When this opens, click on Home Projects or Commercial Projects if you have a store front or some similar project.
5. Homes will show you a dropdown menu. Click “building/expanding a home”.
6. When this opens, click on any one of the choices which applies to you.
7. For instance, if you click on “new home construction”, you see a group of 5 menus under “help me get started”. All these menus show you detailed information about the process. Under normal circumstances, the architect will resolve most of these items for you.

Once you have decided to build, here’s the process and how it works.

1. You sign a contract with an architect, a surveyor, and a soils engineer if needed. Refer to my sections about soils and surveys.
2. You meet with the architect and develop a set of drawings for your project. Refer to my sections about “how to begin” and “how zoning works” to see the details about the development of your design.
3. During the design process, it’s pretty common to meet with the review staff at the building department. They can help us interpret the code and generally make rulings which can affect the direction our design takes.
   1. In extreme cases, we can submit your project for a “zoning only” review. This process takes a few weeks but we get a written opinion about the project feasibility. In this case, it’s common for the review staff to present the issues to senior staff and get their opinions.
   2. This is also the period of time when we can present our project to the various departments shown in item 6 in the section above.
4. The type of information shown on the drawings shows the physical shape, structure, and construction of the project. Also, shown is any information required to build and get construction bids. Normally, finishing details such as carpet brands, cabinet configurations, and ceramic tile selections are not included. For a residence, electrical and mechanical drawings are also not included.
5. These drawings are then “logged-in” at the building department. This process is the submittal of stamped drawings to the review staff. When log-in occurs, our project receives a receipt which shows a log number, the payment(s) due, and an estimated review completion date. Also, we receive a project check list which shows any outstanding information required for final processing. If the drawings are missing key information, they will not be logged.
6. Concurrently, we make application for a wastewater permit. This process is much faster and simpler and can be done entirely on line. Refer to the section about waste water permits for more detail.
7. After a period of time, 60-90 days in the current environment, we will receive an email requiring clarifications and/or additional information to be added. This is normally accomplished in a few days and the drawings are resubmitted. After waiting for a week or so, the drawings are approved. When the final fees are paid, a permit is issued to a contractor who is registered with the building department. If the project is a personal residence, the home-owner can be the contractor. This is done by passing some tests with the building department and signing up as the general contractor for your house.

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the above. I can usually answer an email within 24 hours. If you are in a hurry, call me at 303.831.4455.