Deconstruction Requirements Guide

This guide outlines the minimum documentation necessary to allow a permit application for either a full structure deconstruction or an interior non-structural deconstruction to be taken in for review. Applicants may be required to submit additional information as necessary to clearly demonstrate compliance with all applicable codes.

• Deconstruction Site Plan (identifying structure to be removed)
• Completed Sustainable Deconstruction Plan, to be reviewed and approved by City of Boulder Department of Climate Initiatives
• Deconstruction Approval from:
  • Applicable Utility Companies (on company letterhead)
  • Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment Demolition (CDPHE) (application form stamped “Approved” or Approval Notice)

May Be Required:

• Historic Approval
  • Demolition Review for structures more than 50 years of age or Landmark Alteration Certificate for structures located in a Historic Preservation District or for Individual Landmarks
• Erosion Control Permit
  • Required for projects disturbing more than one acre of land

• Deconstruction Plan Set (separate set of deconstruction floor plans, exclude any construction plans from this set)
• Asbestos Inspection Report (required if disturbing potentially asbestos-containing materials, at the following trigger levels: 260 linear feet on pipes; 160 square feet on other surfaces; or the volume equivalent of a 55-gallon drum).

May Be Required:

• Floodplain Review Approval
  • Required for structures located in a regulatory floodplain.
  • Please confirm construction costs are less than 50% of structure value. Refer to the Substantial Improvements section of the Floodplain Development Permit Application Guide for additional information.

• The contractor is responsible for ensuring that all utilities and fire protection systems are properly disconnected prior to demolition.
  • If you need to have your water service turned off or your water meter removed, please contact Utility Billing at 303-441-3260.
• Be cautious of hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead-based paint. Contact the State of Colorado Air Pollution Control Division at 303-692-3100 for more information.
• Inclusionary Housing, the required provision of affordable housing, may be waived if a building permit application to replace the demolished unit is applied for within three years of demolition permit approval. Any waiver granted would not apply to additional residential units added to the site. The home to be demolished must be habitable to be considered for a waiver. To request a waiver, please contact a housing planner by visiting the Housing and Human Services page.