Construction Law

What You Need to Know About Green Roofing in Denver Part 2 featured image

What You Need to Know About Green Roofing in Denver Part 2

In part one of this two-part article series, our Denver contractor lawyers caught you up to speed on Denver’s Green Roof Ordinance. This green roofing initiative went into effect in the Mile High City on January 1, 2018, and mandates that buildings over 25,000 square feet meet certifications set forth by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. This includes dedicating a significant portion of the building’s rooftop to vegetation or solar panels. In this section, our Denver contractor attorneys will discuss more important details about the law and how contractors can qualify to work on vegetated roofing projects.

Green Roofing Task Force

As government officials debate potential adjustments to the voter-approved Green Roof Ordinance, the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) has established a Green Roofs Review Task Force to create recommendations and enhancements to ensure that the project is effective while staying true to the intentions of voters. For more information on this proposal, please visit the official website.

Exceptions for Existing Structures

Along with potential modifications to the green initiative, there will be exceptions to existing structures that require major structural alterations and some options for owners to invest in green space offsite or pay a fee instead of rooftop installation. Some potential exemptions include the following:

  • Existing structures may qualify if a site development plan review (“SDP”) application was submitted by December 27, 2017.
  • Residential buildings that have less than four stories and a maximum height of 50 feet can qualify.
  • Structures that are non-permanent, open air, or classified as “roof recovery” projects also qualify.

Permitting and Contractor Requirements

Any roofing project in Denver (green or exemption request) will require a submission of the Green Declaration Form. Roofing contractors will also need to obtain several licenses to qualify for Green Ordinance Projects including credentials in both landscape architecture and green roofing installation. The green initiative is intended to not only install renewable resources on rooftops but to also make certain that the right type of vegetation for Denver’s climate is selected to ensure that the green space is appropriately cultivated and maintained well after the project is completed.

Although Denver is not the only city in North America that has a green roofing initiative, it is the first city to mandate the installation of vegetation on existing buildings. Local contractors are presented with both an exclusive opportunity and a unique challenge to work on green roofing installation projects.

If you are interested in learning more about the qualifications to work on green roofing projects in Denver or are interested in recruiting a qualified licensed contractor, contact Cotney Attorneys & Consultants.

If you are interested in speaking with one of our Denver contractor lawyers, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.