It is essential for all contractors to know the following rules that are outlined below. Along with these basic rules, they should also be knowledgeable on the local, state, and federal regulations that are applicable for their chosen line of work.
Construction Hours and Noise (DRMC Chapter 36)
- Construction noise is permitted on weekdays between the hours of seven a.m. and nine p.m. and eight a.m. to five p.m. on weekends.
- The acoustic environment is allowed to be changed by a finished project. However, these projects still need to apply to Denver’s Noise Ordinance. The improper placement or operation of loading docks, generators, and HVAC units usually results in noise violations.
Controlling Pollution at the Job Site (DBCA 3302.2, and DRMC Chapter 4 and Chapter 48)
The debris and dirt produced on job sites may not be placed in city dumpsters, alleys, streets, or sidewalks.
- Contractors are responsible for putting reasonable measures in place to ensure the prevention of any particulate matter becoming airborne.
- These contractors are also required to put procedures in place to prevent the visible particles of dust, debris, and other matters from moving beyond the property where these particles have been formed.
Displaying the Relevant Building Permit (DBCA 140.1 and 130.1)
- The relevant building permits need to be clearly posted on the project’s site and should be visible from the street.
The Public, Workers, and Adjacent Properties
- All materials and equipment should be stored safely to ensure the safety of workers, adjoining properties, and the public.
- A sanitary facility of any kind, such as a port-o-let, needs to be on every job site for workers to use.
- A six-foot fence needs to be placed around any open excavation sites (this includes the digging out of a basement) or any other job sites that can be deemed as hazardous. The purpose of this fence is to aid in the prevention of unauthorized access.
- Any adjacent properties need to be protected from experiencing damage that may occur from, but isn’t limited to, landscaping, foundations, and fences. Contractors are also responsible for making sure they have control over erosion and water runoff.
- A permit applicant is required to notify adjacent property owners about an excavation or demolition before he/she can obtain the necessary permits to conduct this demolition or excavation.
Blocking Alleys or Streets
- Before blocking an alley or street (with a dumpster, container, or with any other means), a right-of-way (ROW) permit needs to be obtained from the Public Works department.
Lead and Asbestos-Based Paint
- Asbestos and lead-based paint may be present in existing structures and may be disturbed from the demolition or renovating of a particular structure. In cases like this, the lead or asbestos-based paint needs to be controlled in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Radon Gas
Radon is a radioactive gas that’s created naturally. It’s also known for being one of the leading causes of lung cancer. The majority of Colorado areas, including the city of Denver, are in Radon Zone 1. This represents the highest risk level of radon. Radon testing isn’t required by the County and the City of Denver. However, the US EPA does recommend the installation of a mitigation system if four picocuries per liter of radon gas are exceeded in a home. Radon-resistant construction methods are also encouraged in new structures.
Preventing Construction Theft
The Denver Police Department warns contractors to put adequate measures in place to prevent construction-related theft.
- Around-the-clock security should be provided to your materials and site.
- All doors, windows, and construction entrances and gates should be securely closed when you leave the site.
- The serial numbers of all tools and equipment should be written down, while some consideration should be placed on lights, cameras, and other deterrents.
You can visit the Denver Police Department’s website to find out more about preventing construction theft from occurring on your job sites.
Important To Note:
Building permits are required to conduct most construction jobs legally. However, there are some exceptions to types of construction projects that don’t require building permits. These can be found in the Denver Building and Fire Code under Section 130.3, labeled as ‘Exempted Work.’
You can contact 311 if you have any inquiries or would like to report code violations that are strictly pertaining to construction-related cases.
Symbol Explanation:
IBC: International Building Code
DRMC: Denver Revised Municipal Code
DBCA: Denver Building and Fire Code
