Reader: It Is Ridiculous How Long It Takes to Open a Business in Denver

"We hear anecdotally all the time there's nothing that drives up the cost of a project more than taking years for it to get done."

By Westword Staff

April 20, 2025

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston signed an executive order on Monday, April 14, to create the Denver Permitting Office. Bennito L. Kelty

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A new Denver agency dedicated to permitting will open in mid-May as part of an effort to speed up decisions on applications through the city, especially for new businesses. The Denver Permitting Office, as the new agency will be known, will try to review permits and site development plans and then approve or deny them in 180 days, according to Mayor Mike Johnston, who announced the plan on April 14.

"This is a very big deal, because, right now, if you are someone who is looking for an affordable housing unit somewhere in the city, if you are an entrepreneur looking to open a small business, this, right now, is going to make that work faster, easier and cheaper," Johnston said. "For us, that's sending a clear message that Denver is open for business. ...We hear anecdotally all the time there's nothing that drives up the cost of a project more than taking years for it to get done."

In their comments on the Westword Facebook post of the news, readers deliver their own clear message. Says Andrew:

It is ridiculous how long it takes to open a business in Denver. I feel sorry for these entrepreneurs who try to do something and they are blocked by this red tape bureaucracy.

Notes Stephanie:

I'd prefer they hire contractors who actually do the work in a timely manner; instead, it takes years to get anything finished and do projects that don't need work...Civic Center Park comes to mind.

Wonders Andrew:

Six months for permits is a fast track?

Responds Martin:

For Denver, it is.

Pam points out:

We've heard this before, from other mayors. What's going to make the difference this time?

Concludes William:

More government is never a good thing.

What do you think of Denver's current permitting system? This proposed fix? Post a comment or share your thoughts at [email protected].

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