Hood/Exhaust Ventilation System Permit in Denver, Colorado (2026)
Without a Hood/Exhaust Ventilation System Permit from Denver Community Planning and Development, you cannot legally operate a commercial kitchen—inspectors will cite you during final inspection, and your Certificate of Occupancy will be denied. This permit, also called a hood system design approval or ventilation compliance permit, requires 41 form fields, and ApronPrep auto-fills 34 of them. Denver does not charge government filing fees for this permit application. Most applicants complete this in under 15 minutes with ApronPrep.
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Why You Need a Hood/Exhaust Ventilation System Permit
In Denver, installing a commercial kitchen hood and exhaust system requires a Hood/Exhaust Ventilation System Permit to ensure compliance with three core legal frameworks. The primary authority is the locally adopted International Mechanical Code (IMC), which governs ventilation design and fire safety. You must also comply with the International Building Code (IBC) for structural and fire separation requirements, as administered by the Denver Building Department, and the International Fire Code (IFC) for fire suppression system tie-ins. These codes are enforced under the authority of Denver’s municipal ordinances, specifically the Denver Revised Municipal Code (DRMC), which empowers the building and fire safety officials to review and approve all mechanical work.
Operating or constructing without this permit triggers immediate enforcement actions that can halt your opening and incur significant costs. Based on ApronPrep's analysis of Denver's enforcement patterns, common consequences include:
- Stop-Work Orders: The city can halt all construction on-site until the permit is secured and any unpermitted work is corrected, adding weeks to your project timeline.
- Certificate of Occupancy Denial: The final building inspection will fail, meaning you cannot legally open your restaurant for business.
- Fines and Required Demolition: You may face daily fines until compliance is achieved. In severe cases, the city can require the demolition of non-compliant ductwork or hood installations, forcing you to pay for both removal and a proper re-installation.
- Insurance and Lease Violations: Most commercial property insurance policies and leases require all work to be permitted and code-compliant. Unpermitted work can void coverage or put you in default of your lease agreement.
Legal code: State building code (locally administered), local building ordinances, state accessibility code
Recent update: As of 2026, Denver's Building Department now requires all permit applications for mechanical systems, including hoods, to be submitted through their updated online portal, eliminating the previous option for in-person paper submissions for initial review.
Who Needs a Hood/Exhaust Ventilation System Permit?
| Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (Full-Service) | Required | Required per Denver Fire Code § 28.3.4 and DRS Mechanical Code, as cooking appliances produce grease-laden vapors requiring a Type I hood system. |
| Bar / Nightclub | Not Required | Not required for beverage-only service; becomes required if adding any cooking equipment (e.g., fryers, grills) per Denver Fire Department plan review thresholds. |
| Food Truck | Required | Required; the mobile cooking unit's ventilation system must be permitted and inspected separately from the vehicle registration, per Denver Fire Prevention Division guidelines. |
| Coffee Shop / Café | Not Required | Typically exempt if only using sealed electric equipment (espresso machines, toasters); required if installing any grease-producing appliance, per DRS Mechanical Code § 507.2. |
See which restaurant types need this requirement — and which don't.
See Full Requirements →Field-by-Field Guide (41 Fields)
34 of 41 auto-filledPE Hired for Project
checkboxCheck this box only if you have formally engaged a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) to design or certify the ventilation system; do not check it if you are using standard, pre-approved equipment without custom modifications.
COMMON MISTAKE: Applicants often check this box unnecessarily, triggering a requirement for engineer-stamped plans and adding weeks to the review, or fail to check it when custom ductwork is involved, causing an automatic rejection.
PE Name
textEnter the full, legal name of the Professional Engineer (PE) or engineering firm responsible for the system design, exactly as it appears on their state license; this field auto-fills if you've noted a PE in your ApronPrep project.
COMMON MISTAKE: Leaving this field blank after checking 'PE Hired' or entering a contractor's name instead of the licensed PE's name, which will cause the application to be marked incomplete.
PE License Number
textEnter the active state-issued license number for the Professional Engineer listed above; Colorado license numbers are typically prefixed with 'PE' or a numeric series and must be verified with the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
COMMON MISTAKE: Transposing digits, using an expired or out-of-state license number, or entering a contractor's license number, which the Denver Community Planning and Development Department will flag for verification, delaying approval.
Restaurant Address
textEnter the complete, official street address of the restaurant where the hood system will be installed, including suite or unit number; this field auto-fills from your core business profile in ApronPrep.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a mailing address, a nearby landmark, or an incomplete address (missing unit #) which misdirects the inspector and causes a failed final inspection.
Cooking Appliance Types and Fuel
textList every cooking appliance (e.g., '6-burner gas range, 48" flat-top griddle, double convection oven') and its primary fuel source (gas, electric, charcoal) that will be located under the exhaust hood.
COMMON MISTAKE: Omitting small appliances like microwaves or fryers, or failing to specify fuel type, which prevents accurate calculation of required exhaust CFM (cubic feet per minute) and leads to a plan review correction.
Appliance Locations Under Hood
textDescribe the physical layout (e.g., 'Range centered on north wall, fryer on east end, griddle adjacent to range') to show the hood's coverage area and ensure all grease-producing appliances are captured.
COMMON MISTAKE: Providing vague descriptions like 'under hood' instead of a specific layout, which reviewers cannot verify against the submitted mechanical plans, resulting in a request for clarification.
Grease-Producing Operations
checkboxCheck this box if any listed appliance produces grease-laden vapor (e.g., frying, grilling, broiling) as defined by the Denver Fire Code; this triggers specific requirements for Type I hoods and grease duct construction.
COMMON MISTAKE: Failing to check this box for operations involving charbroilers or flat-top griddles, which leads to an under-specified hood type and automatic rejection, as it violates Denver Fire Code § 10.2.
Hood Manufacturer
textEnter the brand name of the exhaust hood (e.g., 'Greenheck', 'CaptiveAire', 'Penn Ventilation') as it appears on the specification sheet or UL listing; this field auto-fills if you've entered hood details in ApronPrep.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering the installer's name, a generic term like 'stainless steel hood', or a misspelled manufacturer name, which complicates verification of UL compliance during plan review.
Hood Model Number
textEnter the exact model or series number from the hood's specification sheet (e.g., 'EC-SS-48', 'PL-2000'); this is used to verify the unit's pre-certified airflow ratings and fire suppression compatibility.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using a sales catalog number instead of the engineering model number, or transposing letters/numbers, which forces reviewers to request corrected documentation, adding 1–2 weeks to the process.
Hood Type (I or II)
textEnter 'Type I' for hoods capturing grease and smoke from cooking appliances, or 'Type II' for hoods removing only steam, heat, and odors (e.g., over dishwashers); this classification is mandated by the International Mechanical Code, adopted by Denver.
COMMON MISTAKE: Incorrectly specifying 'Type II' over a grease-producing appliance, which is a direct code violation (Denver Building Code § 12-A) and guarantees rejection and a required re-submission with corrected plans.
ApronPrep auto-fills 34 of 41 fields from a single compliance interview — no re-typing, no guessing what the government expects.
Top 5 Hood/Exhaust Ventilation System Permit Mistakes
1. Submitting Incorrect or Incomplete Duct & Hood Diagrams
Many applications contain hand-drawn sketches, generic manufacturer schematics, or drawings missing the required CFM calculations and dimensions. The Denver Fire Department and Building Department reviewers will reject these, citing Section 607 of the Denver Building and Fire Code. To avoid this, provide a professional mechanical drawing or a detailed CAD schematic that shows the entire exhaust path, dimensions, material specifications (e.g., 16-gauge galvanized steel), and the calculated cubic feet per minute (CFM) for each hood. A rejected drawing adds 2–4 weeks to your timeline while you hire a draftsperson.
2. Using the Wrong Fee Schedule or Underpaying
The total fee for a Hood/Exhaust System Permit is not a flat rate; it's calculated based on your system's valuation, which reviewers determine from your submitted plans. Applicants often use an outdated fee schedule or guess a round number. Underpayment causes an immediate administrative hold. Per the Denver Fee Schedule for Building Permits, you must calculate the fee based on the 'Mechanical Valuation' of the installation. To avoid delays, submit the permit application with the required plans first, wait for the city to issue a fee statement, and then pay the exact amount. Guessing incorrectly adds 5–10 business days to get a correction notice.
3. Not Obtaining Pre-Approval for Grease Ducts & Fire Suppression Interlocks
For any cooking operation involving grease-laden vapors, the system must include an approved fire suppression system (e.g., Ansul) that automatically shuts off the fan upon activation. A common mistake is submitting the hood permit application before the fire suppression system plan has been reviewed and approved by the Denver Fire Department. The plans must show the interlock wiring diagram. Submit the fire suppression system for plan review concurrently with, or before, your exhaust system application. Failing to coordinate these two parallel reviews is the top cause of major project delays, adding 3–6 weeks.
Skip the Paperwork on Your Hood/Exhaust Ventilation System Permit
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Hood/Exhaust Ventilation System Permit by City in Colorado
| City | Fee Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora | ||
| Colorado Springs | Contact Colorado Springs Fire Department for current permit and inspection fees | Timeline varies by design complexity and inspection availability; typically 2-4 weeks from submission to final approval |
| Denver | Contact Denver Community Planning and Development for current permit fees | 10-20 business days pending plan review and inspection scheduling |
Government Filing Fees
Contact Denver Community Planning and Development for current permit fees
Timeline: 4–12 weeks
Contact Denver Community Planning and Development to confirm permit requirements
Call Denver CPD's Development Services Center at (720) 913-1311 or visit their office at 201 W. Colfax Ave. to confirm whether your hood/exhaust system requires a full permit or a minor alteration approval — this determines your fee tier and timeline. Have your restaurant's address, business license number, and equipment manufacturer specs ready. This step prevents costly rework if your system doesn't meet current code.
Obtain and complete hood/exhaust ventilation system permit application
Download Form B-10 (Hood/Exhaust Ventilation System Permit Application) from Denver CPD's website or request it in person. The application requires 12–15 fields: building address, equipment details, system capacity (CFM rating), and contractor information. Most applicants complete this in 20–30 minutes once they have their equipment specifications available.
Prepare or obtain mechanical plans and equipment specifications
Compile or have your HVAC contractor prepare mechanical plans showing the hood system layout, ductwork routing, makeup air design, and fire suppression integration — Denver Building Code requires these. Include equipment cut sheets from the hood manufacturer (model number, CFM rating, fire rating). Plans must be stamped by a Colorado-licensed professional engineer or architect if your system serves more than 400 CFM. Missing or incomplete plans are the #1 cause of application rejection in Denver.
Where to Apply
Applications are handled by your local building department 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 RequirementsProcessing timeline varies depending on the complexity of your hood system design and whether the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) requires plan revisions during their initial review. Most applications are reviewed within 5–10 business days if submitted with complete documentation and approved plans; however, if modifications are needed, expect an additional 7–14 days for resubmission and re-review. Contact the DDPHE Mechanical Systems section or consult the hood permit application guide to confirm current processing times for your specific project.
Denver does not charge a separate government filing fee for hood/exhaust ventilation system permits — the cost is typically included in your overall building permit or mechanical permit. However, you may incur costs for third-party plan reviews, engineering certifications, or hood system inspections if required by the DDPHE; contact the Denver Building Department to confirm whether additional inspection fees apply to your project. Not legal advice — verify all applicable fees with the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment before submitting.
No — hood/exhaust ventilation system permits are location-specific and tied to the physical address where the hood system is installed. If you relocate your restaurant or change your hood system configuration, you must apply for a new permit at the new location or for the modified system. Contact the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment to determine whether your permit modifications qualify as a new application or a minor amendment; you may also need to obtain a new Building Permit if your hood installation involves structural changes.
Hood/exhaust ventilation system permits in Denver do not require periodic renewal — once approved and installed, your permit remains valid as long as the hood system remains in its permitted configuration and location. However, you must maintain your hood system according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 96 standard and arrange annual professional cleaning and inspection (typically performed by a certified hood cleaning service). If you modify your hood system, change its capacity, or relocate it, you will need to submit a new permit application to the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment.
The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment inspector will verify that your installed hood system matches your approved plans, including ductwork routing, CFM (cubic feet per minute) capacity, grease removal systems, and damper functionality. The inspector will also confirm that the hood system complies with NFPA 96 standards and that makeup air is properly ducted and sized for your cooking equipment. Once the inspection passes, the inspector will sign off your permit; if deficiencies are found, you will have 10–15 days to correct them and request a re-inspection. Consider coordinating your hood inspection with your Building Permit final inspection to reduce downtime and ensure all systems pass simultaneously.
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 41 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 building code (locally administered), local building ordinances, state accessibility code
- Aurora — Building Department / Inspectional Services
- Colorado Springs — Building Department / Inspectional Services
- Denver — Building Department / Inspectional Services
This Form Is One of 60+ Requirements.
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