🏠 Denver County Roofing Requirements & Code Compliance Guide

Written By Anthony Gonzales

  1. 🛠️ When Is a Roofing Permit Required?

In Denver, roofing permits are mandatory under specific conditions:

  • Residential Buildings Under 25,000 sq. ft.: A permit is required if repairs exceed 10% of the roof area or more than two roofing squares (200 sq. ft.), whichever is smaller.

  • Buildings 25,000 sq. ft. or Larger: Permits are needed for repairs exceeding 5% of the roof area or more than two roofing squares, in compliance with the Green Buildings Ordinance.

  • New Roof Penetrations: Any additions like skylights, solar panels, or HVAC units require a permit.

  • Partial Roof Replacements: Permitted only if they conclude at a natural edge; partial slope replacements are not allowed.

  • Roof Coatings: Applying roof coatings does not necessitate a permit.

    2. 🧱 Underlayment and Material Standards

    Denver adheres to the International Residential Code (IRC) for underlayment requirements

    • Ice and Water Shield: Not required at eaves and rakes to two feet inside the exterior wall.

    • Underlayment Types: Refer to IRC Tables R905.1.1(1)-(3) for approved materials and installation methods.

    • Roof Slope Considerations: Asphalt shingles are suitable for slopes of 2:12 or greater. Slopes between 2:12 and 4:12 require double underlayment.

    3. 🌬️ Wind and Fire Resistance Requirements

    Given Denver's climate, specific standards are in place:

    • Wind Resistance: Asphalt shingles must withstand wind speeds up to 115 mph, especially east of Federal Blvd.

    • Fire Rating: Commercial buildings require a Class A fire-rated roofing system.

    Source: Peak To Peak Roofing & Exteriors

    4. 🧾 Inspection Options: City vs. Third-Party

    Property owners have two inspection pathways:

    • City Inspections: Conducted by Denver's Building Inspection Section.

    • Independent Third-Party Inspections: Owners may hire approved third-party inspectors, provided they meet specific qualifications and are not affiliated with the contractor or property owner.

    Source: Denver Building Permit Policy ADMIN 130.2B

    5. 🌿 Green Buildings Ordinance Compliance

    For buildings 25,000 sq. ft. or larger, the Green Buildings Ordinance mandates:

    • Sustainable Roofing Solutions: Options include green roofs, solar panels, or other energy-efficient systems.

    • Compliance Documentation: Projects must adhere to specific guidelines and submit necessary documentation.

    6. 📄 Additional Resources

    • 2022 Denver Building & Fire Code: Comprehensive code details for construction and safety standards.

    • Residential Permitting Guide: Step-by-step instructions for residential project permitting.

    • Plan Review, Permits, and Inspections: Information on scheduling inspections and understanding the permitting process.

Anthony Gonzales