If you’re planning a remodel, addition, basement renovation, or other construction project in Denver, you may encounter a permit that many homeowners and even some contractors aren’t familiar with: the Sewer Use and Drainage Permit (SUDP). For example, if you are finishing a basement and plan to add a bathroom or relocate plumbing, you may need an SUDP review to ensure all sewer connections and drainage systems meet Denver requirements. Understanding how this permit could affect your project early on can help you avoid delays and surprises.
I’m Vikas Sarawat, owner of MSSV Construction, a licensed contractor serving Denver and the surrounding metro area. I’ve lived in Colorado for more than 25 years and have worked on numerous permitted remodeling and construction projects in the City and County of Denver. We’ve learned that successfully completing a Denver remodeling project isn’t just about construction—it’s also about understanding Denver’s permitting process and knowing how to respond when additional reviews, such as SUDP, are triggered.
What Is an SUDP Permit in Denver?
An SUDP, or Sewer Use and Drainage Permit, is administered through Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI). SUDP review can address sanitary sewer, storm drainage, water-quality controls, groundwater, and related site conditions. Denver states that an SUDP is required for new structures and additions and may also be required when work affects the sanitary sewer, storm sewer, or storm drainage systems. Homeowners can determine whether their project requires an SUDP review by discussing plans with me, Vikas, owner of MSSV Construction, who is familiar with Denver’s requirements, or by reviewing the City’s building permit guidelines available on the Denver government website.
This can become particularly important when a Denver remodeling project includes an addition or construction that extends outside the existing building footprint. According to Denver’s published guidance for single-family and duplex additions, any portion of a building sewer that will be built over or lies within two feet of the proposed addition must be replaced with approved material. Denver identifies Schedule 40 PVC, ABS/DWV, or cast-iron pipe as approved materials in that guidance and requires a minimum four-inch diameter for replaced piping.
That does not mean every basement remodel or Denver construction project automatically requires sewer replacement. Requirements depend on the scope of work, existing sewer location and condition, site conditions, and Denver’s review of the project. For example, Denver also has separate SUDP requirements for construction within regulatory floodplains.
Why Experience With Denver Permits Matters
For homeowners, an unexpected SUDP requirement can feel like another obstacle between the plans and construction. For us, it is a familiar part of working in Denver. MSSV Construction regularly works with Denver’s permitting process, including building permits and projects where SUDP review becomes part of the approval process. We manage the SUDP application and review process on behalf of our clients, coordinating directly with the City to prepare and submit all necessary documentation. Throughout your project, we keep you informed about permit milestones and requirements, so you do not have to navigate the process alone. When we evaluate a Denver basement remodel, home addition, structural renovation, or other permitted construction project, we look beyond the visible construction work. We consider how the proposed work may interact with existing utilities and permitting requirements so we can identify and address potential issues as the project moves through review. If you’re considering a basement renovation, home addition, or remodeling project in Denver and have questions about building permits or an SUDP requirement, contact MSSV Construction. We can help you understand the permitting path and move your Denver construction project forward. Permit requirements are project-specific and can change. Final SUDP requirements and approvals are determined by the City and County of Denver/DOTI.