What are the grease trap requirements in Denver, CO?

Food service establishments in Denver must install and maintain grease traps or interceptors per local FOG ordinances. The city follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).

What size grease trap do I need for my restaurant in Denver?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. 1,000 gallons minimum for gravity grease interceptors (outdoor); hydromechanical grease interceptors minimum 50 GPM. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Denver, CO

Q: Do I need a grease trap permit in Denver?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Denver. Fee: No separate FOG permit fee published; included in wastewater discharge permit program.

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Denver, Colorado. Serving 2,319 food service establishments.

At minimum every 90 days

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC (Colorado generally uses IPC with local amendments; Denver has its own plumbing amendments)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency At minimum every 90 days; must pump when FOG and solids exceed 25% of interceptor capacity

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee No separate FOG permit fee published; included in wastewater discharge permit program

Max Fine $999 per violation per day (city ordinance); additional penalties under Clean Water Act for significant noncompliance

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	1,000 gallons minimum for gravity grease interceptors (outdoor); hydromechanical grease interceptors minimum 50 GPM
Pumping Frequency	At minimum every 90 days; must pump when FOG and solids exceed 25% of interceptor capacity
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	No separate FOG permit fee published; included in wastewater discharge permit program
Maximum Fine	$999 per violation per day (city ordinance); additional penalties under Clean Water Act for significant noncompliance
Inspections	Annually; Metro Wastewater conducts risk-based inspections
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	IPC (Colorado generally uses IPC with local amendments; Denver has its own plumbing amendments)
Ordinance Ref.	Denver Revised Municipal Code Chapter 56 - Sewers; Denver Wastewater Management Division FOG Control Program; Metro Wastewater Reclamation District Rules and Regulations
Authority	Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) Wastewater Management Division; Metro Wastewater Reclamation District for regional compliance

Additional Notes

Denver's FOG program works in conjunction with the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District. FSEs must install properly sized grease interceptors approved by the city. Automatic grease removal devices may be approved on a case-by-case basis. The city requires maintenance logs, hauler manifests, and BMP documentation. Denver encourages yellow grease recycling.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.

Contact Information

Phone (720) 913-1311

Email phicomments@denvergov.org

Denver Public Health Inspections Division: (720) 913-1311 or phicomments@denvergov.org

Official Sources

- Southgate FOG Program

Size Your Grease Trap for Denver

Our free calculator uses IPC (Colorado generally uses IPC with local amendments; Denver has its own plumbing amendments) code requirements to recommend the right size.

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