What To Know About Denver’s Local Roofing Regulations and Permits

December 19, 2023

If you’re planning to have roofing work done in Denver, it’s important to know about Denver’s local roofing regulations and permits. In general, roofing permits are required for significant roofing projects to ensure that the work is in accordance with Denver’s building codes.

The requirements for roofing permits can vary from municipality to municipality, so it’s important to check with the City of Denver to determine what requirements are in your area.

In this article, we’ll go over Denver’s roofing permits and how they work, including when a permit is needed, licensing requirements for roofing permits, and more.

Denver Roofing Codes and Permits

Denver’s roofing codes are comprehensive guidelines designed to ensure the safety, durability, and compliance of roofing projects within the city. In Denver, roofing codes and permits are regulated by the Denver Building Department and the Denver Green Building Ordinance.

Here are some key points to consider when obtaining permits and following roofing codes in Denver:

Permits: A permit is required for roofing projects that involve more than 10% of the roof or 200 square feet (two roofing squares). All new roof penetrations, such as skylights, rooftop units, pipes, and solar panels, also require a permit.
Residential Roofing Guidelines: These guidelines provide an overview of the building code requirements for new asphalt shingle roofs and re-roofs for residential 1- and 2-family houses. They cover aspects such as low-slope flat roofing, modified rolled roofing, ice and water shields, valley underlayment, and drip edge requirements.
Commercial Roofing: For commercial roofing projects, the city defines “repair” as sections of 5% or less of the total roof surface area. Roof coatings are considered repairs and are exempt from permit requirements.
Denver Green Building Ordinance: This ordinance applies to commercial buildings with a square footage of 25,000 or more. It requires property owners to comply with specific energy and sustainability standards.
Permitting Process: The ‘Quick Permits’ program allows for 24-72 hour turnaround times for most permit applications, and permits can also be applied for in person.
Roofing Contractors: Roofing contractors must have a valid business license and follow the appropriate guidelines for obtaining permits.

Residential Permitting Guide: City and County of Denver

The City and County of Denver has updated its residential permitting guides to provide accurate and intuitive resources for obtaining or issuing permits for residential projects.

The Denver Building and Fire Code establishes the minimum mandatory standards for building construction in Denver, and it is based on international standards for safe, habitable structures.

The code is periodically updated, with the latest version being the 2022 Denver Building and Fire Code, which became effective on May 1, 2023. Key aspects of the Denver Building and Fire Code include:

Energy Code and Administrative Provisions: The 2022 Denver Building and Fire Code and the 2022 Denver Green Code were adopted in January 2023, with some provisions already in effect as of March 1, 2023. The energy code focuses on reducing emissions and lowering costs in the coming years.
Green Buildings Ordinance: This ordinance applies to all existing commercial buildings with 25,000 square feet or larger upon roof replacement or when a building renovation pushes the square footage over 25,000 square feet. The Green Buildings Ordinance requires property owners to comply with one of the approved green building certification systems, such as LEED certification, National Green Building Standard, Enterprise Green Community Certification, or approved equivalent.
Permitting Process: The permitting process for residential projects involves submitting the required documents and information, as well as paying the necessary fees. For example, a fee payment to the Green Building Fund is typically assessed at $50 per square foot, but it varies in certain cases as defined by the city.
Compliance: Projects already in construction drawing (“LOG”) review can choose to remain on the current version of the building code. New projects that submit for construction drawing review after December 15 will need to comply with the updated 2022 Denver Building and Fire Code.

Roof System and Fire Rating Requirements

Roof systems and fire ratings are essential components of building construction to ensure safety and prevent the spread of fire. The specific requirements for roof systems and fire ratings vary depending on the location and type of building. Here are some general guidelines and requirements for roof systems and fire ratings:

Roofing Permits: In some locations, such as Denver, Colorado, all new roof penetrations require a permit, including skylights, rooftop units, pipes, and solar installations.
Roof System/Fire Rating: The fire classification of roof assemblies depends on the building’s construction type and the specific roofing materials used. Class A roof assemblies are effective against severe fire test exposure, while Class C roof assemblies provide a minimum fire resistance rating. In some areas, such as Denver, Class A roof assemblies are required for commercial buildings.
Wind Rating: Roofing materials must meet specific wind ratings based on the building’s location and elevation. For example, in Denver, the minimum wind rating for asphalt shingles is 90 mph for elevations up to 7,000 feet and 120 mph for elevations above 7,000 feet.
Fire-Resistance Rating: In some cases, such as for two-family dwellings, fire-resistance ratings of walls, floors, and roofs are required. Fire-resistance ratings can be determined by various factors, such as the building’s construction type, occupancy, and location.
Roofing Inspections: Roofing systems must be inspected to ensure compliance with the appropriate building codes and manufacturer’s requirements.

Inspection Process and Requirements: Navigating the Critical Steps

Navigating the critical steps of an inspection process requires a structured approach and adherence to established criteria, industry standards, and documented specifications.

The inspection process can be broken down into several stages, including planning, overview, individual preparation, inspection meeting, rework, and follow-up. Here are some key aspects to consider during the inspection process:

Document Quality Standards: Ensure that all relevant documents, specifications, and standards are clear and up-to-date.
Create Simple Inspection Workflows and Metrics: Develop a comprehensive plan outlining objectives, specific areas to be evaluated, and criteria for assessment.
Define Control Procedures for Quickly Fixing Issues: Establish a clear process for addressing nonconformances and defects as they are identified.
Perform Preventive Maintenance of Inspection Equipment: Calibrate and maintain inspection equipment to ensure accurate and consistent results.
Start at the Source: Begin inspections with incoming raw materials and continue throughout the production process, including finished goods inspection.
Involve Relevant Stakeholders: Include individuals with diverse skills and expertise in the inspection process, such as the author of the work product, moderator, and recorder.
Leverage Technology: Utilize specialized equipment, tools, and software designed for your industry’s specific requirements to streamline the inspection process and reduce human errors.
Review Project Specifications: Ensure that the project specifications are meticulously reviewed and that the product meets the required standards.
Inspect in Multiple Stages: Conduct inspections at various stages of the production process, such as incoming raw materials, during production and manufacturing, and finished goods inspection.
Ensure Continuous Improvement: Implement a system for tracking and analyzing inspection data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.

Maximum Number of Layers and Other Restrictions: Preserving Roofing Integrity

The maximum number of layers allowed on a roof depends on local building codes, regulations, and the structural integrity of the building. Here are some key points to consider:

In most states, the maximum number of layers allowed on a roof is 2 for fire safety reasons. However, some areas may have different regulations, such as Massachusetts, which allows no more than two layers of asphalt shingles.
Adding multiple layers of shingles can make the roof heavier, potentially causing structural damage and increasing the risk of roof collapse.
If a roof has extensive damage, such as wood rot or water damage, it may be better to replace the entire roof rather than adding layers.
Some materials, like cedar or tile roofs, are only allowed one layer.
Local building codes may have restrictions on add layers to a roof, and a permit may be required for re-roofing projects.

Energy Efficiency Considerations: Elevating Your Roofing Project

Energy efficiency is an important consideration when undertaking a roofing project, as it can significantly impact a building’s energy consumption and thermal comfort. There are several energy-efficient roofing options and strategies that can be implemented to improve a building’s energy performance:

High-quality roofs: High-quality roofs provide excellent thermal insulation, up to 40% above standard competing solutions. This can help improve a building’s energy efficiency and thermal comfort for occupants.
Cool roofs: Cool roofs reflect more sunlight than conventional roofs, reducing the need for air conditioning and mitigating the heat island effect. This results in less energy use and lower energy bills. Examples of cool roofs include those made from white Duro-Last and green roofs.
Energy-efficient materials: Some energy-efficient materials, such as tile roofing (concrete, clay, and slate), allow air to circulate between overlapping tiles, providing insulation. Other materials, like those with Energy Star ratings, can also help save energy.
Roofing systems: Some roofing systems are designed to drive high energy efficiency and have been used in Passive House buildings.
Ventilation and insulation: Proper ventilation and insulation are essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy consumption.

Average Costs of Roof Repairs in Denver

As we’ve navigated the intricate landscape of Denver’s local roofing regulations and permits, it’s evident that a thorough understanding of these guidelines is crucial for the success and legality of any roofing project. From the initial permitting process to the inspection requirements and considerations for energy efficiency, each step plays a pivotal role in ensuring a seamless and compliant roofing endeavor.

Now, let’s turn our attention to another crucial aspect for homeowners in Denver – the financial considerations of roof repairs. In our next blog, ‘Averag