DPO delivers permitting improvements and innovations in its first year

DPO delivers permitting improvements and innovations in its first year

Published on April 15, 2026

DENVER-Shorter review times, new customer tools and more transparent processes and requirements are just some of the wins the Denver Permitting Office (DPO) has delivered in the year since Mayor Mike Johnston signed Executive Order 151 to create the office.

The DPO was announced April 14, 2025, and launched a month later to coordinate and oversee plan review and permitting for private development in the City and County of Denver-work that spans across seven city departments. Since then, the office has identified and addressed pain points in the development process and pushed to provide more information and greater transparency to customers as they navigate rules and regulations on building and starting businesses in Denver.

"Government should be a help and not a hindrance in getting projects off the ground," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "The Denver Permitting Office is delivering real results, making it easier for Denverites to build and grow a business and making our city one of the most attractive in the country to do business in."

"The team during our application process was truly exceptional," said Kevin Ung, owner of Milk Tea People. "The city is genuinely committed to creating a positive impact for businesses and streamlining the process to expedite approval." Milk Tea People was one of several businesses that took part in the Downtown Express Permitting Pilot Program, which was launched by the DPO in partnership with Denver Economic Development and Opportunity.

"The creation of the Denver Permitting Office marked a major leap forward in delivering a more efficient, customer-focused permitting experience," said DPO Director Jill Jennings Golich. "From our data to what we have heard from external partners, we know that this work is making a difference. I look forward to building on this foundation and continuing to improve and innovate so Denver remains a great place to build a home or a business."

"The Denver Permitting Office has been an incredible partner over the last year, serving not just as an advocate for customers, but also as a much-needed bridge between agencies, like CPD, that do this work day in and day out," said Brad Buchanan, executive director of Community Planning and Development. "The DPO has helped build a culture of innovation and problem solving, and CPD staff have responded with great effort and ideas for how we can keep doing what we do better."

Key improvements supported by the DPO in the last year in collaboration with various city departments and agencies

• The percentage of on-time permit reviews has increased significantly (see graphic below).

Percent of reviews completed on time for permit review (LOG records) for intermediate, main and commercial zoning projects. Green is on time; red is late.

• The implementation of one-and-done concept site plan review has decreased the average number of review cycles from more than 3 cycles (for concepts completed at the end of Q4 2024) to 1.37 cycles (for those completed in Q1 2026). (See graphic below)

Average cycles for closed concept site plan reviews from Q2 2021 to Q1 2026.

• Along with the creation of the DPO, Executive Order 151 mandated that all development projects be approved in no more than 180 days of city review time. A public tool is now available for customers to check on their project timelines. Additionally, when a project reaches 150 days, the DPO facilitates coordination across city agencies and departments to resolve outstanding issues and reach a decision on the project within the 180-day window.
• The new permitting landing page more easily connects customers to the information they need to know about processes and requirements. Additionally, for those who don't know where to begin, StartSmart guides for restaurants and residential (single-family and duplex) projects are now available to walk customers through potential requirements, based on their project specifications, so they know upfront what steps they need to follow to complete their project.
• The new interdepartmental escalation policy and process now provide a clear pathway to resolution when projects get held up by conflicting rules and requirements. Additionally, each department has created their own escalation policies to help resolve any issues as quickly as possible. These can all be found on the DPO website.
• More than 360 customers have been served at the Permit Counter in the Webb Municipal Building since August 2025, when a counter staffing plan was created to set clear parameters for connecting customers with staff in all plan review disciplines across departments. Staff are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer customer questions. CPD continues to offer customers the ability to schedule appointments for many of its services on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
• Seven new businesses downtown took advantage of the Downtown Express Permitting Pilot Program.

Current work and future initiatives supported by the DPO

The DPO supports coordination and process improvement in partnership with the city departments and agencies that have role in the development process: Community Planning and Development, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, Parks and Recreation, Denver Public Health and Environment, the Denver Fire Department, the Department of Housing Stability and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.

In the coming year, DPO will support the following work:

• Launch the Proposition 123 Fast Track process to provide a 90-day pathway to approval for affordable housing projects.
• Launch a new guided intake tool to help customers ensure they have a complete application before submitting it to the city for review.
• Provide educational forums for customers to explain changes in the plan review process
• Launch a new "Start Here" website to better connect customers with city staff and resources before and during the plan review process.
• Review the zoning use permit process to ensure customers know about and understand certificate of occupancy requirements, preventing frustrating delays.

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