Denver Holiday Moratorium

Lindsey Fleener

Posted by Lindsey Fleener

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Across the country, municipalities limit construction activity, building permit issuances, or street closures during certain dates and times through November and December. This is done to promote full access to retail stores, restaurants and other businesses by the public.

This year, the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) will refrain from issuing new permits for utility or development construction in close proximity to the public Right-of-Way from Thursday, November 27, 2025 through Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

The Moratorium applies to the following areas:

  • Central Business District (Downtown)
  • Cherry Creek North Business District

You can view additional details including more maps, here. As always, the Burnham Nationwide team is available to answer any questions on moratorium procedures or to assist with the application process for waivers in our offices throughout the country.

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What are this year's Denver holiday construction moratorium dates?
Denver's permit freeze runs annually from Thanksgiving week through the start of the new year - DOTI typically issues new official dates and maps each fall. For the upcoming 2026 holiday season, the formal notice (likely similar to "day after Thanksgiving through early January") should be published closer to November; check DOTI's right-of-way services page for the current year's exact dates and boundary maps.
Does Denver's holiday moratorium apply citywide?
No - it's limited to specific high-traffic commercial districts, namely the Central Business District (Downtown) and the Cherry Creek North Business District, rather than every street in the city.
What exactly does the moratorium restrict?
DOTI stops issuing new permits for utility or development construction work in close proximity to the public right-of-way within the affected districts - it's specifically about right-of-way disruption, not a blanket halt on all construction citywide.
Are emergency repairs allowed during Denver's holiday moratorium?
Yes, emergency repair work is excepted from the moratorium, consistent with how most cities' holiday construction freezes are structured.
Can I get a waiver to work in the restricted area during the moratorium if my project can't wait?
Yes, generally - exceptions can be requested through DOTI, though approval depends on the specifics of your project and timeline, so it's worth applying with documentation well ahead of the holiday window rather than after the freeze has already started.
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