Local service guide
Concrete Work in Denver, CO: Scope, Permits and Bids
Arrange Concrete Work in Denver by asking bidders to inspect the site and write down the repair or replacement scope, drainage plan, access arrangements and permit responsibilities before you choose a contractor. Denver requires permits for work in the public right-of-way, including sidewalk replacement. For garage projects, a new or modified driveway connection can also require improvements to adjacent public infrastructure. Resolve those boundaries before agreeing to a price or pour date. [1] [2]
Define the concrete job before comparing contractors
Start with the result you need: a usable driveway, a patio that drains as intended, steps with agreed dimensions, or an assessment of an uneven slab. Send bidders photographs and approximate measurements, then ask them to inspect the site before committing to a scope. Mark the areas you want to keep and the areas you want removed.
For damaged concrete, request a written explanation of the proposed repair and its limits. Ask the contractor to explain why they recommend patching, leveling or replacement, how they will address the observed problem, and what they will exclude. If bidders recommend different approaches, compare their explanations before comparing totals.
Resolve public right-of-way work and equipment access
Denver defines the public right-of-way as city-controlled space for transportation, utilities and public infrastructure. Its width varies, and it may include space between the sidewalk and property line. The city requires a permit whenever someone occupies or works in this area. Ask the bidder to identify which parts of your project fall within it. [1]
Denver requires a right-of-way construction permit for adding or replacing sidewalks, curb and gutter, pedestrian ramps and concrete paving in the right-of-way. The city also requires a traffic control plan for every right-of-way closure and identifies concrete pumpers and excavations as work requiring sidewalk closures. Ask who will arrange permits, pedestrian access and equipment staging, and include those responsibilities in the contract. [1]
The city's FAQ lists a normal minimum review time of five days for street occupancy permits. Treat that as a review minimum, not a promised approval date. Have the contractor confirm the application route and approved dates before reserving delivery or demolition. The FAQ contains both email instructions and a statement requiring online submission through E-Permits, so confirm current intake instructions with DOTI Permit Operations at 303-446-3759. [1]
Include driveway review in garage-related concrete work
Denver's residential garage guidance says transportation engineers review adjacent sidewalks, curb ramps and alleys when a project includes a new or modified driveway connection or curb cut. The city warns that this review could require improvements to the public right-of-way beside the lot. Ask the contractor to distinguish the driveway price from any proposed or unresolved public infrastructure work. [2]
All residential garages need zoning, building, and sewer use and drainage permits under that guidance. Garage application drawings must include foundation and slab details. If your concrete forms part of a new garage, coordinate the slab proposal with the garage plans before authorizing the pour. These garage requirements do not establish the permit rules for every standalone patio or private driveway repair; confirm those scopes with the city. [2]
Compare the written scope, allowances and payment terms
Request a price tied to measured dimensions and an agreed finish. Ask bidders to list removal and disposal, excavation, base preparation, slab thickness, reinforcement, joints, drainage work and restoration of disturbed areas. Have them identify allowances and exclusions, including what happens if excavation exposes conditions they did not include in the bid.
Ask who will supervise the work and request insurance documentation. Review the deposit, progress payments, change-order process and warranty wording before signing. Have the contractor explain how you will inspect the completed work and record any corrections. Avoid choosing from totals that describe different slab sizes or leave access and disposal costs unresolved.
Agree on pour conditions and return to use
For fall scheduling, consider overnight conditions as well as the daytime forecast. The National Weather Service publishes Denver-area October normals based on 1991–2020 data: the normal high and low are 66°F and 38°F on October 14, and 59°F and 31°F on October 31. Use those figures to prompt a protection discussion, not to approve a particular pour. [3]
Ask the contractor to state the weather conditions that would trigger postponement, who will protect the concrete after placement, and whether protection costs appear in the price. Request written instructions for walking, parking, moving furniture and other intended use. Agree on a temporary route to your entrance and a place to park during the work.
Denver October normal daily low and high temperatures
Local details that affect your job
Sidewalk replacement includes a separate permit scope
Denver requires a right-of-way construction permit for sidewalk replacement and a traffic control plan for right-of-way closures. Before accepting a sidewalk bid, ask the contractor to identify the permit applicant, closure plan and included permit costs. Include the pump location if the contractor proposes pumping concrete, because Denver requires sidewalk closures for concrete pumpers. [1]
A garage driveway connection can expand the work
For garage projects, Denver transportation engineers review adjacent sidewalks, curb ramps and alleys when you add or modify a driveway connection or curb cut. That review can require public right-of-way improvements. Ask whether the contractor's proposal includes those improvements or leaves them pending city review, and agree on how you will approve additional work. [2]
Match the project to the next planning step
| Project | Next step | Question for the bidder |
|---|---|---|
| Private patio or driveway repair | Request an inspection and confirm the permit scope with the city. | What work do you recommend, and what does the price exclude? |
| Public sidewalk or curb replacement | Include Denver right-of-way construction permitting. | Who will obtain the permit and arrange any closure? |
| Garage with a changed driveway connection | Resolve transportation review of adjacent public infrastructure. | Could required sidewalk, ramp or alley improvements change this bid? |
| Concrete pumper using sidewalk space | Include the required sidewalk closure and traffic control plan. | Where will equipment stand, and how will pedestrians pass? |
Your hiring checklist
- Photograph the site and mark the concrete to remove, repair or retain.
- Request a site inspection and a measured written scope.
- Ask the bidder to identify private-property and public right-of-way work.
- Assign responsibility for permit checks, applications and approved work dates.
- Compare base preparation, slab thickness, reinforcement, joints and finish.
- Agree on drainage, equipment access, disposal and restoration.
- Record weather postponement terms, protection costs and return-to-use instructions.
- Review insurance documents, payment milestones, changes and warranty terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace a public sidewalk?
Yes. Denver lists sidewalk replacement among work requiring a right-of-way construction permit. Ask your contractor to include permit responsibility and any required closure arrangements in the written proposal. [1]
Could a garage driveway project require work outside my lot?
Yes. Denver's garage guidance says a new or modified driveway connection or curb cut prompts transportation review of adjacent sidewalks, curb ramps and alleys. The city may require improvements to that public infrastructure. [2]
Can I choose an October pour date from historical temperatures?
Use historical temperatures to discuss protection and scheduling. Denver's October normals describe 1991–2020 conditions, not the forecast for your job. Ask the contractor to confirm weather criteria and protection arrangements before placement. [3]
How should I compare concrete quotes?
Compare bids for the same dimensions, preparation, thickness, reinforcement, finish and drainage scope. Ask each contractor to identify access costs, disposal, allowances, exclusions and change-order terms. Request clarification when one bid omits work another includes.
Sources and scope
This guide combines the sources below with practical planning guidance. Figures apply to the stated geography and period; request a written quote for your property.