Administrative Modification Request – Denver, CO

The Administrative Modification Request is a formal process of the City and County of Denver that allows applicants to propose an alternative method for complying with a specific Denver Building Code or Denver Fire Code requirement when their project cannot meet the exact code language.

The applicant must demonstrate that the alternative solution fully satisfies the purpose of the code without compromising safety, fire protection, or structural integrity. The City's E-permits application guide is explicit about its limits: it is not a shortcut for general code compliance and not a means to reduce costs. It is reserved for unique situations where a technically based, creative, code-consistent solution is necessary and justified.

In the guide, the request is listed under Submit Building Plans for Review, next to the Building Log, Residential Interior Remodel, and fence and retaining wall applications. It differs from them in purpose. The Building Log is the primary entry point for most construction projects that require plan review. The Administrative Modification Request does not start a project: it asks the City to accept a different way of meeting one code requirement.

The guide places it among the Development Services applications available through the City and County of Denver's E-permits system.

Applicants whose project cannot meet the exact language of a specific Denver Building Code or Denver Fire Code requirement, and who can propose an alternative method that fully satisfies the purpose of that requirement, use the Administrative Modification Request.

Conditions that apply:

• The alternative must not compromise safety, fire protection, or structural integrity, and the applicant must demonstrate this.
• The situation must be unique. The guide describes the request as reserved for cases where a technically based, creative, code-consistent solution is necessary and justified.

Do not use it as a shortcut for general code compliance, or as a way to reduce costs. If the project simply needs plan review for new construction, an addition, a remodel or a major alteration, the guide points to other applications, such as the Building Log. The guide does not say who may apply on an applicant's behalf, so confirm representation questions with Denver Planning and Development.

Use the Administrative Modification Request when your project cannot meet the exact language of a specific Denver Building Code or Denver Fire Code requirement and you need to propose an alternative method. The guide sets no deadline or validity period for it. It advises reading the E-permits application guide before you start in E-permits, so that you select the correct application or applications for the project. Because the request is reserved for unique situations where an alternative solution is necessary and justified, it is not a routine step for every project.

The Administrative Modification Request is one of the Development Services applications available through the City and County of Denver's E-permits system, and the City's E-permits application guide names no other channel.

• E-permits: Start the application in E-permits and select the Administrative Modification application, which the guide lists under Submit Building Plans for Review. The guide recommends using it as a reference first, to make sure you choose the correct application or applications.

The guide gives no mailing address, appointment rule or fee amount for this request. For questions about fees or requirements, contact City and County of Denver Planning and Development. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the City's channels above.