Development Services
Development Services is responsible for the reviewing, permitting and
inspecting outdoor stages; special occupancies within existing
buildings; special events on private property and electrical permits for
generators. Any and all policies are subject to change.
Contact us at: (720) 865-2705 or developmentsevices@denvergov.org
for further information.
** At least 60 days prior to your event, please provide initial event
information and begin required permitting process**
DS-1
Development Services
-Outdoor Stages
-Special Occupancy
-Electrical Permits
-Zoning
Outdoor Stages & Platforms
Stages and platforms that are open to the sky and intended for entertainers only do not need a building
permit. Stages or platforms that involve any of the following must be erected by a licensed A, B, or D
specialty contractor with a proper building permit:
Reviewing stands for dignitaries or the general public
Stages or platforms that have an overhead roof structure that may or may not include lighting
equipment
Stages or platforms that are equipped with side or back towers for lights, speakers or promotional
materials.
See [DS-2] following building policy regarding outdoor stages and platforms for further information.
Note: Canvas canopies on stages larger than 400 sq. feet require Denver Fire Department permit .
See [DS-3] for additional information on temporary fabric structures.
Special Occupancies within Existing Buildings
There are request to use existing buildings for special events that may conflict with the building’s
certificate of occupancy (i.e., life safety features, toilet fixture count, etc.) and/or maximum allowable
occupant load. This policy is intended to provide a procedure for review and approval by Denver’s Permit
and Inspection Services Division, Fire Department and other regulatory agencies when appropriate.
Please see [DS-4] regarding building policy regarding special occupancies within existing buildings.
Electrical Permits for Generators
Electrical Permits for the Denver Building Department requires that a licensed Electrical Contractor
obtain a #3 Electrical Permit for the installation and use of a generator for supplying power for a special
event. This permit can be obtained by the electrical contractor at 201 W. Colfax Avenue, Monday through
Friday, from the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
For more information, call 720-865-2585.
Denver Special Use Permit/Zoning Department
If you are using a private space for use other than what it was intended (bazaar, carnival or special event,
parking lots designated for special events and amusement/entertainment) then a special use permit must
be obtained from Denver Zoning. This permit can be obtained at the Commercial Permitting Office
located at 201 West Colfax. The hours are Monday thru Friday 8am to 4pm.
Contact the Zoning Office at (720) 865-3000 or zoningreview@denvergov.org for further information on
how to obtain a temporary use permit.
1/2014
CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER
COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING PERMIT POLICY
Subject:
TEMPORARY OUTDOOR STAGES AND PLATFORMS
Approved:
Michael Roach, P.E., Building Official
Number:
ADMIN 132B
Reference:
Effective Date:
Revised:
October 13, 2008
October 17, 2011
Page:
1 of 1
ADMIN Section 132 and Section 133.1
Scope: This establishes the requirements for permitting temporary outdoor stages and platforms
for use in conjunction with performances, presentations or events. Stages and platforms
governed by this policy are outside of permanent buildings and are stand alone non-building
structures that consist of a raised area used for worship, the presentation of music, plays or other
entertainment, the head table for special guests, lecturers, speakers, sport demonstrations,
boxing rings, wrestling rings, theater-in-the-round; reviewing stands for dignitaries; and similar
purposes as determined by and for a period of installation approved by the Building Official.
Policy:
Stages or platforms exempt from permit. Stages or platforms that have no overhead structure,
side or back towers (for lights, equipment, sound system or promotional material), are open to the
sky, intended for use by performers and presenters only, have a raised area five feet or less
above adjacent grade plane, and have a raised area of 1,000 square feet or less, do not require a
building permit.
Stages or platforms requiring permit. Application for permits, for all other stages, shall include:
1. A letter of request shall be provided to the Building Official, signed by the representative
of the organization that will utilize the temporary outdoor stage. The letter of request shall
specify the intended schedule for the:
a. erection period,
b. installation period, and
c. strike period
2. Two sets of erection plans, and
3. A structural analysis (including lateral stability) that meets the requirements of IBC
Chapter 16) signed and sealed by Colorado Licensed Professional Engineer.
The erection plan and structural analysis may be peer reviewed and inspected by a independent
rd
3 party Colorado Licensed Professional Engineer.
The temporary outdoor stage or platform must be completely removed from the property at the
end of the strike period.
A permit may not be issued until plans have been reviewed and approved.
END OF DOCUMENT
Subject:
Approved:
Number:
CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER
COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING PERMIT POLICY
TEMPORARY FABRIC STRUCTURES: TENTS, CANOPIES AND TEMPORARY
AIR-INFLATED STRUCTURES – CARNIVALS AND SIMILAR SPECIAL EVENTS
Michael Roach, P.E., Building Official
IBC 3103
Issued Date:
Revised:
June 13, 2007
October 17, 2011
Page:
1 of 1
Reference: IBC 3103 Temporary Structures
Denver’s ordinances limit the time that a temporary fabric structure may be in place to 180 days
within a 12-month period on a single premises.
The Building Department will not review tent plans, site placement, exiting or design of erection
and supports. Building Inspection will not inspect erection or configuration. Review and inspection
will be done by the Fire Department.
The Building Department will review plans, and issue permits for electrical service. Building
Inspection will inspect the electrical service. If electrical service is provided from the electric utility
or from power from another building, all electrical work shall be done under a #3 Electrical Permit,
issued to a licensed electrical contractor. An electrical permit is required for the installation and
wiring of all generators or other forms of temporary power. An electrical review is required where
generators or other forms of temporary power are installed to feeders or branch circuits 30 amps
or greater. Denver Fire Department approval will also be required.
Membrane-covered structures which are in place 180 days or more shall comply with IBC Section
3102.
END OF DOCUMENT
CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER
COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING PERMIT POLICY
Subject:
TEMPORARY OCCUPANCIES WITHIN EXISTING BUILDINGS
Approved:
Michael Roach, P.E., Building Official
Number:
ADMIN 132C
Reference:
Effective Date:
Revised Date:
October 14, 2008
October 17, 2011
Page:
1 of 2
ADMIN Section 132,
Scope: This establishes the Denver Building Department policy for the temporary occupancy of
existing buildings, or portions thereof, for purposes different from that listed on the Certificate of
Occupancy.
Policy:
Temporary occupancies may be issued 1D Special Construction Permits for associated
construction and temporary occupancy, indicating the period of the temporary occupancy
approved by the Building Official. The temporary occupancy of buildings, or portions thereof, will
require a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
Application requirements. Application for permit shall include:
1. The Fire Department Special Events Permit
2. A letter of request provided to the Building Official, signed by the representative of the
organization that is requesting the temporary occupancy. The letter of request shall:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
describe the activities associated with the special event
describe how toilet facilities will be provided
specify the set up period
specify the period of installation/occupancy (not to exceed 180 days)
specify the strike period
3. Two drawing sets containing:
a. Site plan showing outdoor areas associated with the special event
b. Complete code analysis and plans showing the:
i. complete Code Analysis for the entire building with the temporary
occupancy
ii. total floor plans for floors where the temporary occupancy occurs
iii. areas for which the temporary occupancy is requested
iv. areas impacted by the temporary occupancy
v. occupant load for each space of the temporary occupancy
vi. total occupant load
vii. toilet facilities
viii. exit scheme - exit routes, exit width, exit doors and door hardware
ix. special equipment, processes and coverings
x. portable fire extinguishers
xi. emergency egress lighting equipment
xii. lighted exit signage
4. A complete list of special equipment, processes, wall coverings, and floor coverings to be
used, including material and equipment cut sheets.
CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER
COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING PERMIT POLICY
Subject:
TEMPORARY OCCUPANCIES WITHIN EXISTING BUILDINGS
Approved:
Michael Roach, P.E., Building Official
Number:
ADMIN 132C
Effective Date:
Revised Date:
October 14, 2008
October 17, 2011
Page:
2 of 2
5. Verification that the building floor system meets minimum live load requirements specified
in Table 1607.1 of the 2009 International Building Code for the temporary occupancy,
signed and sealed by a Colorado Registered Design Professional.
6. A certificate of insurance as evidence of minimum $1 million limits in comprehensive
general liability and comprehensive auto liability insurance and as evidence of workers’
compensation insurance. The City and County of Denver shall be included as an
additional insured on the liability insurance, and a copy of the endorsement included with
the completed City and County of Denver certificate of insurance. This certificate is to be
forwarded to the City’s Risk Management Division for that office’s review.
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. No temporary occupancies permitted under this policy
shall be used or occupied until a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) is issued by the
Building Official, indicating the specific location, use, occupancy, and approved period of
occupancy for which the certificate is issued. A change to any of those details voids the TCO.
Extension of approved period of occupancy. Prior to expiration of the TCO a written request to
extend the approved period of occupancy may be submitted for consideration by the Building
Official. Such requests shall contain an updated Letter of Request. The written request shall
demonstrate that there have been no complaints or hazards as a result of this temporary
occupancy.
END OF DOCUMENT
Subject:
CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER
COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING PERMIT POLICY
TEMPORARY POWER (GENERATION)
Approved:
Michael Roach, P.E., Building Official
Number: NEC 590
Issued Date:
June 10, 2013
Page:
1 of 5
Reference: DBCA Section 103.8, NEC 590, and NEC 525
Scope: This policy establishes the electrical permitting process for temporary
power for both special events and other commercial buildings or structures
requiring temporary power, where temporary power will not be used for more
than 120 days without approval by the Building Official.
Definitions: Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms
shall, for the purposes of this policy, have the meanings shown in this section.
Power, Temporary.
Temporary power includes the installation of
premises wiring to utilization equipment as well as the installation of a
temporary portable generator or other source of separately derived power.
For the purpose of this policy, temporary power does not include any new
temporary or permanent public utility services for temporary installations
or the installation of cord-and-plug-connected utilization equipment to
permanently installed receptacles. The permanently installed receptacles
may be either part of the existing premises wiring system or be part of the
portable generator assembly or vehicle-mounted generator assembly.
The cord-and-plug-connected utilization equipment connected to a
temporary power source, to include all cords, connections, and caps, shall
be either listed and labeled by an OSHA-approved nationally recognized
testing lab and identified as suitable for cord and plug installation per NEC
110.3(B) or meets the prescribed 3rd party examination method described
in NEC 110.3(A). The use of cam-lock type single conductor cables to
supply equipment will not be considered as cord-and-plug-connected
utilization equipment.
Policy: This policy describes the permitting process for installation of temporary
power.
Required Permits: An electrical permit shall be required for all temporary
power. Additional permits may be required depending on the specific installation
and should be verified with the appropriate groups listed below.
1. A #3 electrical permit shall be required for temporary power to the
following installations:
a. Special events (including but not limited to temporary carnivals,
concessions, civic events, community and cultural events,
temporary event parking, and promotional events for commercial
retail businesses),
b. Other installations utilizing temporary power not described above
but included in NEC 590 and as required by the Building Official.
Subject:
CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER
COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING PERMIT POLICY
TEMPORARY POWER (GENERATION)
Approved:
Michael Roach, P.E., Building Official
Number: NEC 590
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Issued Date:
June 10, 2013
Page:
2 of 5
NOTE:
Electrical inspections are required before utilization of
temporary power and after the #3 electrical permit has been issued.
Contact the automated inspections request system at 720-865-2501 to
schedule the electrical inspection.
A #4 plumbing permit may be required for natural gas fueled
generators, where the generator gas piping connects to a building’s
existing gas piping. Contact the Mechanical/Plumbing group at 720865-2720 to determine whether a plumbing permit is required.
A #11 mechanical permit may be required where temporary generators
are installed an existing building. This includes installations within an
open parking garage. Contact the Mechanical/Plumbing group at 720865-2720 to determine whether a mechanical permit is required.
A zoning permit may be required. For more information concerning the
zoning permit requirements, contact the Zoning group at 720-8652982.
A special events permit, issued by the Denver Fire Department for
temporary generators used specifically for a special event. Contact the
Denver Fire Department, Special Detail/Public Assembly Permits
group at 720-913-3448 for more information concerning the special
events permitting requirements.
An operational permit, issued by the Denver Fire Department for
temporary generators that are not specifically utilized for a special
event, such as temporary power for a construction trailer. Contact the
Denver Fire Department, Flammables group at 720-913-3518 for more
information concerning the operational permit requirements.
Procedures for Issuing the #3 Electrical Permit: The #3 electrical permit for
temporary power may be issued at the commercial same day review counter
when all of the following information is provided (also see attached
checklist/application form).
1. Address, starting date, and duration of the event or temporary
installation,
2. Total number of generators, if applicable, to include any back-up
generators on site,
3. The overcurrent device (breakers or fuses) ratings for all temporary
equipment where connected to the premises wiring,
4. Generator voltage, kW ratings and fuel type,
5. List of all equipment to be connected to each generator, along with the
total added equipment kW rating for each generator,
6. Site plan showing location(s) of generator(s) or premises wiring
connections. The site plan may be a hand sketch as long as it clearly
Subject:
CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER
COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING PERMIT POLICY
TEMPORARY POWER (GENERATION)
Approved:
Michael Roach, P.E., Building Official
Number: NEC 590
Issued Date:
June 10, 2013
Page:
3 of 5
identifies the locations of all generators and/or connections to premises
wiring.
Allow sufficient time before the event to prepare all of the information above for
review. No electrical permit shall be issued if the above minimum information is
not provided at the time of the electrical review.
END OF DOCUMENT
Temporary and Special Events Power Installations
Checklist and Application
Project Event: _________________________________________________________________
Project Address:________________________________________________________________
Duration of Event:_______________________________________________________________
Type of Temporary Power Source
Generator(s)
Premises building wiring
Other source of temporary power (please list source):____________________________
Generators:
Where generators will be used as the temporary power source, the following information is
required to obtain the electrical permit (use additional pages if required):
Site plan indicating the locations of all generators, to include those used only as backup
generators,
Quantity and kW minimum ratings of all generators, to include backup generators,
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
The overcurrent devices ratings (breakers or fuses) at the generators that will be used to feed
equipment, as well as a list of all distribution panels to be installed and how they are
connected to the generator,
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
A list of all equipment to be connected to each generator,
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Total of all equipment load kW ratings for each generator.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Additional plumbing and mechanical permits. Contact the Mechanical/Plumbing group at
720-865-2720 if:
1. The generator(s) or other source of temporary power is to be installed indoors, or
2. The generator(s) is to be connected to a building’s installed gas connection.
Note: A Fire Department permit will be required for the generators. For special events, contact
the Denver Fire Department Special Detail/Public Assembly Permits group at 720-913-3448. For
generators not used specifically for a special event, contact the Denver Fire Department,
Flammables group at 720-913-3518.
Premises Wiring:
If premises wiring is to be used to provide temporary power, the following is required to obtain the
electrical permit (use additional pages if necessary):
List any existing panel(s) and associated breaker or fuse ratings for all temporary equipment,
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Locations of existing panels within the building,
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Provide the kW, voltage, and AIC ratings for new temporary panels or equipment containing
breakers or fuses that will be used to connect temporary equipment,
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Provide the total kW load that will be connected to each new temporary panel, and the
calculated short circuit rating at each new panel.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Demonstrate that each panel will not be overloaded by the addition of the newly installed
temporary loads.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________