This project involved creating a welcoming and functional space for the tea shop's inaugural location, featuring:

• First-Generation Space Compliance: Meeting stringent requirements for life-safety features such as fire suppression systems, emergency exits, accessibility, and proper ventilation for food service, all subject to rigorous review by the Building and Fire Departments.
• Design Clarity:  Ensuring construction documents clearly and accurately depicted all life-safety features and code-compliant elements to minimize confusion and expedite the review process.
• Efficient Collaboration:  Facilitating effective communication between the design team and the Building and Fire Departments to address any concerns promptly.

Navigating the Permitting Process with Expertise

Permitting a first-generation space, especially in a historic district like LoDo, demands a thorough understanding of building codes, fire safety regulations, and local design guidelines. Here's how we helped our client:

• Code Interpretation: We leveraged our expertise in building codes and fire safety regulations to guide the design team in meeting the specific requirements for a first-generation space and ensuring compliance with LoDo's design standards.
• Plan Revisions: We assisted the design team in revising their plans to clearly illustrate compliance with life-safety requirements, ensuring the drawings accurately reflected the necessary features and addressed potential concerns from the Building and Fire Departments.
• Proactive Communication: We facilitated proactive communication between the design team and the Building and Fire Departments, addressing any questions or concerns promptly and minimizing potential delays.
• Expedited Review: By providing clear and comprehensive documentation, we helped expedite the plan review process, resulting in fewer comments and a quicker turnaround time for permit issuance.

Outcomes

Our proactive approach, focus on clear communication, and expertise in navigating the complexities of permitting in LoDo resulted in a significantly faster permitting process for the client:

• Reduced Time to Occupancy:  The client was able to occupy the space 4 weeks faster than typical timelines for a similar scope of work, allowing them to open their doors and begin serving customers sooner.
• Cost Savings:  Expediting the permitting process minimized potential holding costs and allowed the client to generate revenue earlier.
• Code Compliance:  Our meticulous approach ensured the completed space met all safety and building code requirements, providing a safe and functional environment for customers and staff.

This case study demonstrates our ability to navigate the unique challenges of permitting first-generation spaces in historic districts. By combining technical knowledge with effective communication and a focus on efficiency, we helped our client achieve a faster-than-typical occupancy timeline and a successful launch of their tea shop in the heart of LoDo.

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