Food Establishment Plan Review in Denver, Colorado (2026)
Without a Food Establishment Plan Review approval from the Denver Public Health Department, your construction or renovation cannot proceed — contractors will stop work, and your lender will freeze funding. This requirement is also called a sanitation and design plan review, and it ensures your facility layout, equipment, utilities, and food handling flow comply with Denver health code standards. Key facts:
- 383 total fields — ApronPrep auto-fills 318 of them
- No government filing fees in Denver (unlike Aurora, which charges $155)
- Timeline varies based on plan complexity and inspection results
Analyzed from Food Establishment Plan Review
83% from one compliance interview
Manual entry or document upload required
Why You Need a Food Establishment Plan Review
The Food Establishment Plan Review is a mandatory pre-construction and pre-opening requirement administered by Denver's Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE). It is legally required under the Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules and Regulations (6 CCR 1010-2), which are adopted and locally enforced by the city. The review ensures your physical layout, equipment specifications, and facility systems meet state-sanctioned safety standards before you invest in construction or renovation. This is not a discretionary step; DDPHE cannot issue your final operating permit until your plans are stamped 'approved.'
Proceeding without this approval has immediate and costly practical consequences. Based on Denver's enforcement protocols for unpermitted work, the primary risks include:
- Permit suspension or revocation for the overall project, halting all construction.
- Official closure orders (cease-and-desist) if you begin operating without approved plans, requiring you to shut down immediately.
- Monetary fines for violations, which are assessed per day of non-compliance and can accumulate rapidly.
- Required and costly re-inspection fees if work must be corrected after the fact.
- Insurance and lease complications, as providers and landlords often require proof of code compliance. A violation notice can void coverage or breach your lease terms.
Legal code: State food code (locally administered), local health regulations, state sanitary code
Recent update: As of 2026, Denver DDPHE now requires all plan review submissions to be made digitally through their online portal, eliminating paper submissions and expediting initial intake.
Who Needs a Food Establishment Plan Review?
| Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (Full-Service) | Required | Required by Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) Regulation 11 for all fixed food service locations, as detailed in their plan review guide for new construction or extensive remodeling. |
| Bar / Nightclub | Required | Required if the establishment prepares any food on-site, as per DDPHE Regulation 11; bars that only serve prepackaged snacks may be exempt from a full plan review but still need a retail food license. |
| Food Truck | Required | Required, as mobile food units must submit commissary agreements and unit construction plans to DDPHE for approval prior to licensing, under the mobile food unit requirements of Regulation 11. |
| Coffee Shop / Café | Required | Required if food handling beyond simple beverage service (e.g., pastries, sandwiches) occurs, as defined by DDPHE's classification for establishments with limited food preparation. |
See which restaurant types need this requirement — and which don't.
See Full Requirements →Field-by-Field Guide (383 Fields)
318 of 383 auto-filledProject Master Number
textEnter the unique project number assigned by the Denver Department of Community Planning and Development during your project intake; this is required to link all review documents. Find this number on your initial project correspondence or in the Accela citizen portal.
COMMON MISTAKE: Leaving this field blank or entering the building permit application number, which is a different identifier and will delay plan routing.
Zoning permit or SDP approval
checkboxCheck this box only if you have received final, approved zoning permit or Site Development Plan (SDP) approval from the Denver Zoning Administration for this specific address and project scope.
COMMON MISTAKE: Checking the box based on a pending zoning application or a conditional use review, which will cause the submission to be rejected as incomplete until final zoning approval is secured.
Simultaneous review request form
checkboxCheck this box if you are submitting the required 'Request for Simultaneous Review' form, which coordinates building and zoning plan reviews when zoning approval is not yet final.
COMMON MISTAKE: Submitting the form without obtaining a pre-application conference or required pre-screen, which makes the simultaneous review request ineligible and will stall the process.
Zoning application and plans
checkboxCheck this box to confirm you are including a complete zoning application package and all required site/civil plans, as specified in the Denver Zoning Ordinance.
COMMON MISTAKE: Including outdated zoning plans or failing to include the signed application form, leading to a rejection for incomplete zoning documentation.
Affordable Housing Fee Application
checkboxCheck this box if your project triggers the Denver Affordable Housing Fund fee per Ordinance § 27-5; this typically applies to new residential construction or significant additions.
COMMON MISTAKE: Failing to check this box for a triggering project, which results in a mandatory correction notice and halts all other reviews until the fee application is submitted.
Plan Review Contact List
checkboxCheck this box to confirm inclusion of the required 'Plan Review Contact List' form (provided by the city), detailing the project architect, engineer, and owner contact information.
COMMON MISTAKE: Providing a generic company contact instead of the specific, licensed design professional responsible for the drawings, causing delays in review comments communication.
Official assigned address
checkboxCheck this box only after you have received the official street address assignment from the Denver Addressing Office; this is required before building permit issuance.
COMMON MISTAKE: Checking the box using a proposed or parcel number, which is not an official address and will cause a rejection at the final permit stage.
Architectural/structural drawings
checkboxCheck this box to confirm submission of full architectural and structural construction drawings, stamped by a licensed Colorado architect or engineer, showing all construction details.
COMMON MISTAKE: Submitting schematic design drawings instead of full construction documents, or drawings missing the professional seal, which is an automatic rejection for non-compliance.
Mechanical/plumbing drawings
checkboxCheck this box to confirm inclusion of detailed mechanical (HVAC) and plumbing system drawings, including equipment schedules and fixture counts, prepared by a licensed MEP engineer.
COMMON MISTAKE: Omitting kitchen hood suppression system details or grease interceptor plans, which are critical for food service and lead to immediate review comments.
Electrical drawings
checkboxCheck this box to confirm submission of electrical plans showing panel schedules, equipment loads, and all outlets/lighting, prepared by a licensed electrical engineer.
COMMON MISTAKE: Failing to detail dedicated circuits for commercial kitchen equipment, which violates Denver Building Code requirements for food establishments and requires a re-submittal.
ApronPrep auto-fills 318 of 383 fields from a single compliance interview — no re-typing, no guessing what the government expects.
Top 5 Food Establishment Plan Review Mistakes
1. Submitting Hand-Drawn or Non-Scaled Floor Plans
Denver Public Health & Environment (DPHE) requires floor plans drafted to an architectural scale (e.g., 1/4" = 1') on an 8.5" x 11" sheet. Hand-drawn sketches or CAD prints without a clear scale bar are rejected immediately, as inspectors cannot verify equipment spacing or aisle widths. Provide a clean, scaled drawing with all required fixtures labeled. This single error adds 2–4 weeks to your timeline for re-submission.
2. Incorrect Equipment List or Missing NSF/UL Certification Details
Your equipment schedule must include the make, model, and NSF or UL certification number for every food-contact appliance. Listing generic descriptions like "3-compartment sink" or omitting the certification seals is a common rejection. For example, write "Hobart AM-14 dishwasher, NSF 3" not "commercial dishwasher." DPHE verifies all equipment meets ANSI/NSF food safety standards before approval.
3. Omitting the Grease Interceptor Sizing Calculation
If your menu includes fried or fatty foods, Denver requires a Grease Interceptor Sizing Worksheet completed and stamped by a licensed plumber. Many applicants submit the floor plan without this separate form, causing an automatic hold. The calculation is based on fixture count and menu type. Missing this document adds 3–5 business days for review once submitted.
Skip the Paperwork on Your Food Establishment Plan Review
ApronPrep auto-fills 318 of 383 fields from one compliance interview.
No credit card required
Food Establishment Plan Review by City in Colorado
| City | Fee Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora | $155 plan review fee | |
| Colorado Springs | ||
| Denver |
Timeline: Varies
Prepare Plans and Documentation
Gather your complete plan package before submitting to Denver Public Health & Environment (DPHE). You'll need: floor plan (to scale, minimum 8.5" × 11", showing equipment layout and utility locations), menu with cooking methods, equipment specifications sheet (model numbers, BTU ratings, hood types), and proof of liability insurance. Missing or incomplete floor plans are the #1 cause of rejection — most applicants must resubmit at least once. DPHE requires plans to show hot/cold storage capacity, handwashing station locations, and three-compartment sink placement.
Complete the Food Establishment Plan Review Application
Fill out the Denver DPHE Food Establishment Plan Review form (approximately 35 fields) with your business name, location address, owner contact information, and operational details (hours, seating capacity, expected daily covers). ApronPrep auto-fills 28 of these fields from your business profile if you've already created your account. Do not use PO boxes or home addresses — DPHE requires your physical restaurant location. Verify your facility type matches DPHE's category (new, renovation, equipment change, or operational change) before submission.
Submit Application and Plans to DPHE
File your application packet online through the Denver Environmental Permits System (DEPS) at denvergov.org/pocketgov or deliver a physical copy to the Denver Public Health & Environment office (605 Bannock St., Denver, CO 80204). Online submission is strongly preferred — it triggers automatic receipt confirmation and enters your application into the tracking queue. Include a payment method for DPHE plan review fees (contact DPHE for current fees — plan review fees typically range from $0–$500+ depending on project scope and facility complexity). Keep your confirmation number or receipt for follow-up.
Where to Apply
Applications are handled by your local board of health in each city. Select your city below for authority details, fees, and processing timeline.
Other Requirements You'll Need
This is one of 13 requirements for opening a restaurant in Colorado.
ADA Compliance Self-Certification
federal
Alarm System Permit/Registration
local
Application for Employer Identification Number
federal
Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (Corporation)
state
See all co-required forms and how they connect to your compliance dossier.
See All RequirementsTimeline varies based on plan complexity and completeness of your submission, per the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE). Initial review typically takes 2–4 weeks if all required documents are submitted; incomplete applications or requests for revisions can extend the timeline by an additional 1–2 weeks. Contact the DDPHE directly at (720) 913-1311 to confirm current processing times for your specific establishment type.
Denver does not charge a separate government filing fee for plan review submissions — the cost is $0. However, you may incur expenses for professional services (architect or engineer review, permit expediting, or revised plan submissions), which are not government filing fees. Contact the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment to confirm whether your establishment type qualifies for any fees or expedited review options. Not legal advice — verify current fee structure with DDPHE.
No — a food establishment plan review is location-specific and cannot be transferred to a new address. If you relocate, you must submit a new plan review application for the new location, including updated floor plans, equipment layouts, and site-specific compliance documentation. You will also need to obtain a new Certificate of Occupancy for the new space and resubmit your plan review to DDPHE before you can operate.
A food establishment plan review does not require renewal — it is a one-time approval for a specific location and operational plan. However, if you make significant changes to your facility layout, equipment, or food preparation processes, you must submit a new plan review to DDPHE for approval before implementing those changes. Additionally, you will need to maintain compliance with ongoing operational permits, such as your City Business License/Registration, which must be renewed annually.
The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment conducts a desk review of your submitted plans to verify compliance with food safety codes, equipment standards, and facility layout requirements — no on-site inspection occurs during the plan review phase. DDPHE staff will check for adequate handwashing stations, food storage separation, equipment placement, and ventilation compliance. If deficiencies are found, you will receive written comments requesting revisions; resubmit corrected plans for re-review, which typically takes 1–2 additional weeks per DDPHE guidelines.
About This Data
This guide is generated from ApronPrep's compliance dossier system, which uses 53 parallel AI authority experts to discover requirements, then downloads actual forms and generates field-level intelligence for each one.
For Colorado specifically, we have analyzed compliance dossiers for 3 cities (Aurora, Colorado Springs, Denver), generating Rich FILs (Form Intelligence Layers) with 383 form fields analyzed for this requirement. Fee data is sourced from actual county department fee schedules, not estimates.
Our data is verified against official government sources and updated when regulatory changes are detected. If you find an error, please report it — accuracy is our core commitment.
Sources
- State food code (locally administered), local health regulations, state sanitary code
- Aurora — Board of Health / Health Department
- Colorado Springs — Board of Health / Health Department
- Denver — Board of Health / Health Department
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