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DENVER SERVICES

Painting in Denver

Licensed painting services for Denver and Denver County. Color and protection in every coat.

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Painting

Color and protection in every coat

FREE PLANNING TOOLS

Both tools are free and take a couple of minutes — start in either one.

Local Service

Painting Services in Denver, Colorado

Autotelic provides professional painting services throughout Denver and the surrounding Denver County area. Interior and exterior painting with thorough prep, premium paints, and clean detail work on trim, ceilings, and cabinets. Whether you're in Denver (Colorado's capital city) or nearby communities, our team delivers quality workmanship backed by Colorado licensing and full insurance coverage.

Permits & Licensing

Permits in Denver

Building permits in Denver are issued by Community Planning and Development, and contractor licensing here is municipal — a Denver-licensed contractor pulls Denver permits. We handle permit applications and inspections as part of every project. Authority: City and County of Denver — Community Planning and Development.

Permit Thresholds

Denver permit thresholds

Code reference
Drywall patching or replacement of one sheet no larger than 4 ft by 8 ft.
Code/municipal-code references
Requirements are administered under the Denver Building and Fire Code (2025 edition, effective December 31, 2025, incorporating 2024 I-Codes with local amendments; prior editions referenced similar administrative provisions).
Code reference
Exemptions and permit triggers align with administrative sections (e.g., analogous to IBC/IRC Section 105 or city-specific Admin provisions such as those referenced in policy documents like ADMIN 131/138).Section 105
Code reference
Demolition has a specific reference (Denver Commercial Building Code Section 130.3 for exempted work).Section 130.3
There is a tiered schedule (e.g., $1–$500
$20 permit fee; higher tiers add per-$1,000 amounts with 50% plan review on many ranges); see the full table in the Development Fees policy for exact tiers.

Codes are amended regularly — verify current requirements with City and County of Denver — Community Planning and Development.

Energy Code

Denver energy code quick facts

Code reference
2021 IECC (with local Denver amendments) as adopted in the 2025 Denver Building and Fire Codes / Denver Energy Code (effective December 31, 2025); Denver Green Code (DGC) provisions may also apply to certain commercial/multifamily projects.
Code reference
Denver (Climate Zone 5B) follows the 2021 IECC base with amendments incorporated into the Denver Energy Code (DEC; residential provisions start around p.
Code reference
312 of the code document).
Code reference
The 2025 adoption explicitly incorporates the 2021 IECC for energy (distinct from the 2024 I-codes used for other building/fire provisions).
Code reference
Chapter 5 [RE] / [CE] addresses additions, alterations, repairs, and changes of occupancy to existing buildings.
Code reference
The DGC (2022, effective ~May 2023) is largely voluntary but includes mandatory elements for some larger buildings alongside Energize Denver performance standards (primarily for existing large buildings).
Code reference
Key prescriptive requirements relevant to remodels/additions (drawn from 2021 IECC Table R402.1.3 / equivalent, applicable via Chapter 5 for new envelope work unless otherwise exempted; Denver-specific checklist references confirm use of these tables or U-factor alternatives):
Ceiling/attic insulation
Minimum R-60 (Climate Zone 5).

Codes are amended regularly — verify current requirements with City and County of Denver — Community Planning and Development.

Zoning & Dimensional Standards

Setback & dimensional standards in Denver

Zone-district dimensional standards for Denver, quoted verbatim from the Denver Zoning Code. Knowing your lot's district — and its setbacks, height, and coverage limits — is where every feasibility conversation starts.

E-CC-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)0'
Side Street Setback (min)0'
Side Interior Setback (min)0'

Denver Zoning Code E-CC-3 setback standards (4.3, p.37) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-MS-2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code E-MS-2 setback standards (4.3, p.33) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-MS-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code E-MS-3 setback standards (4.3, p.33) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-MS-5setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code E-MS-5 setback standards (4.3, p.33) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-MU-2.5setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20'
Side Street Setback (min)5'
Side Interior Setback (min)7.5'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)45%
Zone Lot Area (min)6,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)50'
Height in Feet (max)30'/30'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/2.5
Bulk Plane10'/10'

Denver Zoning Code E-MU-2.5 setback standards (4.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-MX-2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code E-MX-2 setback standards (4.3, p.33) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-MX-2Asetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code E-MX-2A setback standards (4.3, p.33) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-MX-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code E-MX-3 setback standards (4.3, p.33) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-MX-3Asetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code E-MX-3A setback standards (4.3, p.33) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-MX-Esetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)40% E-MS: 60%
Side Street Setback (min)25%

Denver Zoning Code E-MX-E setback standards (4.3, p.39) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-RH-2.5setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20'
Side Street Setback (min)5'
Side Interior Setback (min)7.5'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)45%
Zone Lot Area (min)6,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)50'
Height in Feet (max)30'/30'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/2.5
Bulk Plane10'/10'

Denver Zoning Code E-RH-2.5 setback standards (4.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-RX-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code E-RX-3 setback standards (4.3, p.33) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-RX-5setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code E-RX-5 setback standards (4.3, p.33) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-SU-Asetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)12' 12' 20' 20' 20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)3' 5' 5' 7.5' 3' 3' min one side/ 10' min com- bined 5' 10'
Building Coverage (max)45%
Zone Lot Area (min)3,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)25'
Height in Feet (max)30'/17'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/1
Bulk Plane17'/10'

Denver Zoning Code E-SU-A setback standards (4.3, p.21) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-SU-Bsetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)12' 12' 20' 20' 20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)3' 5' 5' 7.5' 3' 3' min one side/ 10' min com- bined 5' 10'
Zone Lot Area (min)4,500 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)35'
Height in Feet (max)30'/17'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/1
Bulk Plane17'/10'

Denver Zoning Code E-SU-B setback standards (4.3, p.21) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-SU-Dsetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20'
Side Street Setback (min)5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)45%
Zone Lot Area (min)6,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)50'
Height in Feet (max)30'/30'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/2.5
Bulk Plane10'/10'

Denver Zoning Code E-SU-D setback standards (4.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-SU-Gsetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)12' 12' 20' 20' 20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)3' 5' 5' 7.5' 3' 3' min one side/ 10' min com- bined 5' 10'
Building Coverage (max)45%
Zone Lot Area (min)9,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)62.5'
Height in Feet (max)30'/30'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/2.5
Bulk Plane10'/10'

Denver Zoning Code E-SU-G setback standards (4.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-TU-Bsetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20'
Side Street Setback (min)3'
Side Interior Setback (min)3'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)12' 12' 20' 20' 20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)3' 5' 5' 7.5' 3' 3' min one side/ 10' min com- bined 5' 10'
Building Coverage (max)45%
Zone Lot Area (min)4,500 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)35'
Height in Feet (max)30'/17'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/1
Bulk Plane17'/10'

Denver Zoning Code E-TU-B setback standards (4.3, p.21) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

E-TU-Csetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20'
Side Street Setback (min)5'
Side Interior Setback (min)3' min one side/ 10' min combined
Rear Setback where no alley (min)12' 12' 20' 20' 20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)3' 5' 5' 7.5' 3' 3' min one side/ 10' min com- bined 5' 10'
Building Coverage (max)45%
Zone Lot Area (min)5,500 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)50'
Height in Feet (max)30'/17'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/1
Bulk Plane17'/10'

Denver Zoning Code E-TU-C setback standards (4.3, p.21) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

G-MS-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code G-MS-3 setback standards (6.3, p.27) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

G-MS-5setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code G-MS-5 setback standards (6.3, p.27) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

G-MU-12setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)5'
Side Interior Setback (min)7.5'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)10'
Zone Lot Area (min)6,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)50'

Denver Zoning Code G-MU-12 setback standards (6.3, p.29) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

G-MU-20setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)5'
Side Interior Setback (min)7.5'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)10'
Zone Lot Area (min)6,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)50'

Denver Zoning Code G-MU-20 setback standards (6.3, p.29) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

G-MU-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20'
Side Street Setback (min)5'
Side Interior Setback (min)3' min one side/10' min combined
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)45%
Zone Lot Area (min)3,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)25'

Denver Zoning Code G-MU-3 setback standards (6.3, p.17) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

G-MU-5setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20'
Side Street Setback (min)5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)45%
Zone Lot Area (min)3,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)25'

Denver Zoning Code G-MU-5 setback standards (6.3, p.17) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

G-MU-8setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20'
Side Street Setback (min)5'
Side Interior Setback (min)7.5'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)40%
Zone Lot Area (min)3,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)25'

Denver Zoning Code G-MU-8 setback standards (6.3, p.17) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

G-MX-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code G-MX-3 setback standards (6.3, p.27) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

G-RH-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20'
Side Street Setback (min)15'
Side Interior Setback (min)3'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)60%
Zone Lot Area (min)3,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)25'
Bulk Plane12'

Denver Zoning Code G-RH-3 setback standards (6.3, p.17) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

G-RO-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20'
Side Street Setback (min)5'
Side Interior Setback (min)3' min one side/10' min combined
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)45%
Zone Lot Area (min)3,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)25'

Denver Zoning Code G-RO-3 setback standards (6.3, p.17) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

G-RO-5setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20'
Side Street Setback (min)5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)45%
Zone Lot Area (min)3,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)25'

Denver Zoning Code G-RO-5 setback standards (6.3, p.17) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

G-RX-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code G-RX-3 setback standards (6.3, p.27) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

G-RX-5setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code G-RX-5 setback standards (6.3, p.27) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

S-CC-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)0'
Side Street Setback (min)0'
Side Interior Setback (min)0'

Denver Zoning Code S-CC-3 setback standards (3.3, p.29) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

S-CC-5setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)0'
Side Street Setback (min)0'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code S-CC-5 setback standards (3.3, p.33) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

S-MS-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)0'
Side Street Setback (min)0'
Side Interior Setback (min)0'

Denver Zoning Code S-MS-3 setback standards (3.3, p.29) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

S-MU-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)13.1.5.9 or 20' , whichever
Side Street Setback (min)5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)50%
Zone Lot Area (min)4,500 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)37.5'
Height in Feet (max)32'/32'
Height in Stories (max)3/3

Denver Zoning Code S-MU-3 setback standards (3.3, p.21) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

S-MX-12setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20' 20'/25'
Side Interior Setback (min)35'/40'

Denver Zoning Code S-MX-12 setback standards (3.3, p.39) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

S-MX-12Asetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20' 20'/25'
Side Interior Setback (min)35'/40'

Denver Zoning Code S-MX-12A setback standards (3.3, p.39) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

S-MX-2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)0'
Side Street Setback (min)0'
Side Interior Setback (min)0'

Denver Zoning Code S-MX-2 setback standards (3.3, p.29) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

S-MX-2Asetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)40% Residential Only Buildings: 30%
Side Street Setback (min)25%
Side Interior Setback (min)0'

Denver Zoning Code S-MX-2A setback standards (3.3, p.37) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

S-MX-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)0'
Side Street Setback (min)0'
Side Interior Setback (min)0'

Denver Zoning Code S-MX-3 setback standards (3.3, p.31) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

S-MX-3Asetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)15'

Denver Zoning Code S-MX-3A setback standards (3.3, p.39) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

S-MX-5setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20'
Side Interior Setback (min)35'/40'

Denver Zoning Code S-MX-5 setback standards (3.3, p.39) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

S-MX-5Asetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20'
Side Interior Setback (min)35'/40'

Denver Zoning Code S-MX-5A setback standards (3.3, p.39) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

S-MX-8Asetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)20'

Denver Zoning Code S-MX-8A setback standards (3.3, p.39) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

S-RH-2.5setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)50%
Zone Lot Area (min)4,500 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)37.5'
Height in Feet (max)30'/30'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/2.5
Bulk Plane10'/10'

Denver Zoning Code S-RH-2.5 setback standards (3.3, p.21) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

S-SU-Asetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Side Interior Setback (min)3' 5'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)50%
Zone Lot Area (min)3,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)25'
Height in Feet (max)30'/30'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/2.5
Bulk Plane10'/10'

Denver Zoning Code S-SU-A setback standards (3.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

S-SU-FAsetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10' 5'/15'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'/15'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)50%
Zone Lot Area (min)8,500 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)62.5'
Height in Feet (max)30'/30'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/2.5
Bulk Plane10'

Denver Zoning Code S-SU-FA setback standards (3.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

S-SU-Isetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Side Street Setback (min)5'
Zone Lot Area (min)12,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)62.5'
Height in Feet (max)30'/30'
Height in Stories (max)3/3
Bulk Plane10'/10' 10'/10'

Denver Zoning Code S-SU-I setback standards (3.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-MS-2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code U-MS-2 setback standards (5.3, p.27) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-MS-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code U-MS-3 setback standards (5.3, p.27) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-MS-5setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code U-MS-5 setback standards (5.3, p.27) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-MX-2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code U-MX-2 setback standards (5.3, p.27) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-MX-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code U-MX-3 setback standards (5.3, p.27) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-RH-2.5setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)10'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)40%
Zone Lot Area (min)3,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)25'
Height in Feet (max)30'/17'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/1
Bulk Plane17'/10'

Denver Zoning Code U-RH-2.5 setback standards (5.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-RH-3Asetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)10'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)40%
Zone Lot Area (min)3,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)25'
Height in Feet (max)30'/17'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/1
Bulk Plane17'/10'

Denver Zoning Code U-RH-3A setback standards (5.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-RX-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code U-RX-3 setback standards (5.3, p.27) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-RX-5setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)7.5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'

Denver Zoning Code U-RX-5 setback standards (5.3, p.27) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-SU-Asetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)3'
Side Interior Setback (min)3'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)60%
Zone Lot Area (min)3,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)25'
Height in Feet (max)30'/17'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/1
Bulk Plane17'/10'

Denver Zoning Code U-SU-A setback standards (5.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-SU-A2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)3'
Side Interior Setback (min)3'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)60%
Zone Lot Area (min)3,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)25'
Height in Feet (max)30'/17'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/1
Bulk Plane17'/10'

Denver Zoning Code U-SU-A2 setback standards (5.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-SU-Bsetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Zone Lot Area (min)4,500 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)35'
Height in Feet (max)30'/17'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/1
Bulk Plane17'/10'

Denver Zoning Code U-SU-B setback standards (5.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-SU-B2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)3'
Side Interior Setback (min)3'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)60%
Zone Lot Area (min)4,500 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)35'
Height in Feet (max)30'/17'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/1
Bulk Plane17'/10'

Denver Zoning Code U-SU-B2 setback standards (5.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-SU-Csetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Interior Setback (min)3' min one 10' min combined
Zone Lot Area (min)5,500 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)50'
Height in Feet (max)30'/17'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/1
Bulk Plane17'/10'

Denver Zoning Code U-SU-C setback standards (5.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-SU-C2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)3'
Side Interior Setback (min)3' min one 10' min combined
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)60%
Zone Lot Area (min)5,500 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)50'
Height in Feet (max)30'/17'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/1
Bulk Plane17'/10'

Denver Zoning Code U-SU-C2 setback standards (5.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-SU-Esetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)5'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)45%
Zone Lot Area (min)7,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)50'
Height in Feet (max)30'/17'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/1
Bulk Plane17'/10'

Denver Zoning Code U-SU-E setback standards (5.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-SU-Hsetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)5'
Side Interior Setback (min)5'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)45%
Zone Lot Area (min)10,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)75'
Height in Feet (max)30'/17'
Height in Stories (max)3/1
Bulk Plane17'/10'

Denver Zoning Code U-SU-H setback standards (5.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-TU-Bsetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)3'
Side Interior Setback (min)3'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)60%
Zone Lot Area (min)3,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)25'
Height in Feet (max)30'/17'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/1
Bulk Plane17'/10'

Denver Zoning Code U-TU-B setback standards (5.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-TU-B2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)3'
Side Interior Setback (min)3'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)60%
Zone Lot Area (min)3,000 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)25'
Height in Feet (max)30'/17'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/1
Bulk Plane17'/10'

Denver Zoning Code U-TU-B2 setback standards (5.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

U-TU-Csetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Primary Street Setback (min)10'
Side Street Setback (min)5'
Side Interior Setback (min)10'
Rear Setback where no alley (min)20'
Rear Setback where alley abuts (min)12'
Building Coverage (max)40%
Zone Lot Area (min)4,500 sf
Zone Lot Width (min)35'
Height in Feet (max)30'/17'
Height in Stories (max)2.5/1
Bulk Plane17'/10'

Denver Zoning Code U-TU-C setback standards (5.3, p.19) — effective 2010-06-25 · View the code

Verify current requirements with the jurisdiction — informational reference only. Standards vary by overlay, lot, and use; we confirm the exact rules for your property during feasibility.

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What painting work covers in the Denver metro

Painting scopes in the Denver metro include interior walls and ceilings, trim and doors, finish-only cabinet painting, and exterior body and trim coats. Prep is part of the work: cleaning, patching, sanding, priming bare or stained areas, and protecting floors and fixtures. Commercial jobs often use low-odor products and after-hours phasing around occupancy. A municipally licensed Denver general contractor coordinates the overall finish package and the licensed specialty trades required when painting is part of a larger remodel. Discovery items found during prep, such as water damage or failed substrate, should be scoped separately from finish coats.

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Prep, materials, and Front Range conditions

Durability tracks prep quality more than brand names. Exterior Front Range exposures bring UV, freeze-thaw, and hail that show weak scraping, priming, or caulking. Interior work depends on de-glossing glossy surfaces, sealing stains, and matching primer to drywall, wood, masonry, or metal. Product systems are usually primer plus finish coats suited to the substrate. Spray methods can fit some exteriors or cabinets when masking and overspray control are planned; brush and roll remain common for most interiors.

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Permits, landmarks, and HOAs

Cosmetic painting that does not alter structure, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems is generally treated as finish work that does not need a City and County of Denver building permit through Community Planning and Development. Confirm edge cases when painting is bundled into a larger remodel. Other metro cities and counties are the permit authority for their own addresses. Denver Landmark Preservation reviews exterior work on designated landmarks and historic-district properties when a building or zoning permit is required, and issues a Certificate of Appropriateness when that review applies. Ask Landmark staff before exterior color changes on designated properties. HOA color approval is separate from city permits.

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Pre-1978 paint disturbance and buyer checks

When paid work disturbs paint in housing or child-occupied facilities built before 1978, the U.S. EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule can apply even if no building permit is required. Painting preparation that disturbs coated surfaces is among the covered activities. Buyers should ask how RRP firm certification, renovator assignment, lead-safe work practices, and Renovate Right pamphlet acknowledgment will be handled when the building is pre-1978. Cities and counties license general contractors in Colorado. Colorado has no statewide general contractor license.

FAQ

Common questions

Do I need a Denver building permit just to repaint?

Usually no for cosmetic-only interior or exterior painting that does not change structure or building systems. City and County of Denver Community Planning and Development is the building-permit authority inside Denver. Confirm if the paint work is part of a larger remodel that does need permits.

Who handles painting permits and licensing?

A municipally licensed Denver general contractor coordinates the project and the licensed specialty trades required when other regulated work is included. Building permits, when needed, come from the local city or county. Colorado has no statewide general contractor license.

What changes for homes built before 1978?

Disturbing painted surfaces can trigger the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule. Ask how firm certification, renovator oversight, containment, and pre-renovation education will be documented for that address.

Do historic districts or HOAs affect exterior paint colors?

They can. Landmark Preservation may review exterior changes on designated landmarks and historic-district properties when permit-triggering work is involved, and staff guidance should be sought before color changes on those properties. Many HOAs require separate exterior color approval.

What should a painting proposal include?

Rooms or elevations, prep level, coat count, product approach, protection plan, schedule or phasing, exclusions such as rot or stucco repair, and how discovery items will be approved. For pre-1978 buildings, include the lead-safe work approach.

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