GENERALLY

Denver Revised Municipal Code ch. 31, art. II, div. 1

in effect

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 31-16 Scope.

Sec. 31-16. - Scope. It shall be unlawful for any person to install, remodel or operate any dry cleaning establishment, machine or other equipment, using organic solvents as a cleaning agent, or as a component of the cleaning agent without complying with the provisions of this article. (Code 1950, § 972.2-1)

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 31-17 Definitions.

Sec. 31-17. - Definitions. The following words and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them: (1) Closed systems are those wherein the cleaning, drying and deodorizing processes are completed entirely within one (1) unit requiring no manual transfer of materials between stops of the process. (2) Coin-operated dry cleaning machine shall mean any self-service device offered for public use which, upon insertion of a coin, coins or token or by other means, accomplishes dry cleaning. (3) Dipping is construed to mean the immersion of materials, without mechanical agitation, in a solution of organic solvents to impart some finish such as water repellency, moth proofness or sizing. (4) Dry cleaning is a process of removing dirt, grease, paints, oils or other stains from materials by the use of organic solvents. (5) Dry cleaning establishment is any place or premise where any person is engaged in the business of operating coin-operated dry cleaning machines or engaged in the business of dry cleaning, dyeing, spotting, pressing, dipping, spraying and finishing any fabric or material, using organic solvents, but shall not include any place or premise where materials or fabrics are received for pressing alone, or received for further transportation to a dry cleaning establishment. (6) Dry dyeing is a process of dyeing materials in a solution of dye colors and organic solvents. (7) Excessive concentrations of solvent vapors are those concentrations in the machine service or public access area greater than the maximum allowable concentration standard established pursuant to this article. (8) Inspection services shall mean inspections, investigations or examination services furnished by the manager of public health and environment to dry cleaning establishments that conform with the requirements of this article and rules and regulations promulgated under the authority of this article. (9) Machine service area means the space within a dry cleaning establishment other than the public access area. (10) Materials means fabrics, textiles, furs and leathers, and any items manufactured from them, including but not limited to wearing apparel. (11) Maximum allowable concentration standards: a. Perchloroethylene, Trichloroethylene, one hundred (100) parts per million in machine service area atmosphere average for eight (8) hour work day. b. Perchloroethylene, thirty (30) parts per mill in public access area atmosphere, at any time. c. Maximum allowable concentration standards for solvents other than those listed in subsections (11)a. and (11)b. shall be established by the manager of public health and environment, consistent with the provisions of this article and generally accepted maximum allowable concentration standards. (12) Public access area means the space within a dry cleaning establishment available or accessible to any person. (13) Semi-closed systems are those wherein the cleaning and extracting processes are performed in one (1) machine, from which the materials must be transferred manually to another machine or to another part of the same machine for drying. (14) Soaking is construed to mean the immersion of materials without mechanical agitation, in a solution of a detergent and organic solvents for the purpose of removing soil and stains. (15) Spotting is the local application of solvents to spots of dirt, grease, oils, paints and stains on materials and shall include brushing and scouring. (16) Spraying is construed to mean the application to materials of organic solvents, or solutions containing organic solvents, in finely dispersed particles by compressed air or other means. (Code 1950, § 972.2-2; Ord. No. 1110-96, § 1, 12-16-96; Ord. No. 427-18, § 18, 6-11-18)

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 31-18 Solvents.

Sec. 31-18. - Solvents. (a) Solvents other than those listed in sections 31-17(11)a. and 31-17(11)b. may be used in dry cleaning operations only upon approval of the manager of public health and environment pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the manager consistent with this article. No dry cleaning establishment shall use any solvent having a maximum allowable concentration of less than one hundred (100) parts per million or any mixture of solvents which contain more than five (5) percent of any such compounds. (b) Each dry cleaning machine shall bear a label of the manufacturer specifying the properties of the solvent for which it is designed. The use of any dry cleaning unit and solvents with properties other than those for which such unit is designed is prohibited. (Code 1950, § 972.2-4; Ord. No. 1110-96, § 1, 12-16-96; Ord. No. 427-18, § 18, 6-11-18)

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 31-19 Solvent and residue storage and handling.

Sec. 31-19. - Solvent and residue storage and handling. (a) No solvent shall be received or stored in a dry cleaning plant except in containers bearing a warning label, meeting the approval of the manager of public health and environment. SOLVENT NAME CHEMICAL NAME WARNING! VAPOR HARMFUL USE ONLY WITH ADEQUATE VENTILATION AVOID PROLONGED OR REPEATED BREATHING OF VAPOR AVOID PROLONGED OR REPEATED CONTACT WITH THE SKIN DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY (b) All solvents shall be stored and handled in such a manner as to minimize evaporation and spillage. The storage containers for such solvents shall be tightly covered. All residues and wastes containing solvents shall be stored in a tightly covered metal container pending disposal so as not to constitute a health or fire hazard. (c) All solvents shall be transferred directly from drums or other containers to a storage tank through a pipe or hose, and accomplished so as not to create excessive concentrations of solvent vapors in a machine service or public access area. (Code 1950, § 972.2-5; Ord. No. 1110-96, § 1, 12-16-96; Ord. No. 427-18, § 18, 6-11-18)

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 31-20 Machines for closed and semi-closed systems.

Sec. 31-20. - Machines for closed and semi-closed systems. (a) Closed system. All closed systems shall complete all cleaning, drying and deodorizing processes entirely within vapor-tight machines, and shall be provided with ventilation in accordance with section 31-26(b) during loading and unloading to prevent the occurrence of excessive concentrations of solvent vapors in the machine service, or public access area while in operation. Such ventilation equipment shall operate automatically whenever the loading door is open. (b) Semi-closed system. All semi-closed systems shall be provided with mechanical ventilation in accordance with section 31-26(b) to prevent the occurrence of excessive concentrations of solvent vapors in the breathing zone of the employees or customers. This ventilation shall operate automatically at all times when the system, or any part thereof, is in use; except that when part of the ventilation is provided through the door of a vapor-tight extracting and drying unit, it shall operate automatically whenever the loading door is open. (Code 1950, § 972.2-6)

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 31-21 Solvent vapor control.

Sec. 31-21. - Solvent vapor control. (a) All dry cleaning machines and equipment shall be so designed, installed and operated as to prevent the escape of solvent, either as liquid or vapors, into the machine service or public access area, in such quantities as to produce excessive concentrations of solvent vapors. (b) Machines and equipment shall not be used while in such a state of disrepair that excessive concentrations of solvent vapors are produced in the machine service or public access atmosphere. (c) All electrical systems and controls for the ventilation equipment shall be on a separate circuit, and shall be capable of operation in the event the dry cleaning equipment should fail either mechanically or electrically. (Code 1950, § 972.2-7)

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 31-22 Drying of materials.

Sec. 31-22. - Drying of materials. All materials removed from the drying unit shall be free from solvents so that excessive concentrations of solvent vapors will not be produced in the machine service area or public access area. (Code 1950, § 972.2-8)

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 31-23 Other operations.

Sec. 31-23. - Other operations. All operations including dipping, dry dyeing, soaking, spotting and spraying shall be conducted in such a manner not to create excessive concentrations of solvent vapors. (Code 1950, § 972.2-9)

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 31-24 Instructions to workers.

Sec. 31-24. - Instructions to workers. (a) All employees engaged in the operation or maintenance of dry cleaning machines shall be instructed in the safe operation of such machines. (b) Notices with instructions for safe operating methods for organic solvents in the establishment shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the machine service area. Such notices shall be provided by the manager of public health and environment. Manufacturers of dry cleaning machines sold or offered for sale in the city shall provide with such machines written instructions for proper installation and safe operating methods. (c) All employees shall be instructed in procedures to avoid excessive inhalation of solvent vapors in the event of accidental discharge of such vapors into the atmosphere or solvent spillage. (d) Where coin-operated dry cleaning equipment is provided, notices with proper step-by-step instructions for safe operating methods and procedures, shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the public access area. (e) Where semi-closed systems are provided, an attendant trained in safety and machine operation shall be present at all times during the hours the dry cleaning establishment is open for business and shall accomplish the manual transfer of materials from the cleaning unit to the drying unit. Where closed systems are provided, an attendant trained in safety and machine operation shall be immediately available during the hours the dry cleaning establishment is open for business. (Code 1950, § 972.2-10; Ord. No. 1110-96, § 1, 12-16-96; Ord. No. 427-18, § 18, 6-11-18)

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 31-25 Maintenance, repair and operation.

Sec. 31-25. - Maintenance, repair and operation. (a) Workers performing any operation, maintenance or repair that may lead to their exposure by inhalation to excessive concentrations of solvent vapors shall be provided with and shall wear gas masks or other respiratory protective devices approved by the United States Bureau of Mines for the solvents used. (b) Such respiratory protective devices shall be supplied by the employer and shall be maintained by him in a sanitary condition in good operating order. (c) Workers performing any operation, maintenance or repair that may lead to contact with solvent shall be provided with and shall wear suitable protective coverings. (d) In the event of accidental discharge of excessive concentrations of solvent vapors in the machine service or public access area, no one shall remain in the dry cleaning establishment or return to it until excessive concentrations of solvent vapors have been removed unless the person is equipped with an approved respiratory protective device. (Code 1950, § 972.2-11)

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 31-26 Ventilation requirements.

Sec. 31-26. - Ventilation requirements. (a) Every building or portion thereof housing dry cleaning equipment or processes shall be ventilated so as to prevent excessive concentrations of solvent vapors in the machine service or public access area. (b) All dry cleaning equipment including closed, and semi-closed systems, and drying units shall be provided with an exhaust system capable of maintaining a minimum of one hundred (100) feet per minute face velocity through the loading door whenever the loading door is open. (c) Special provisions for coin-operated dry cleaning equipment: (1) Ventilation of public access area shall be engineered so that the air flow will be from public access area to the machine service area. (2) An interlock system shall be provided on each machine to prevent the loading door from being opened during the normal cycle. This system shall be either electrical or mechanical and so constructed that in the event of mechanical or electrical power failure the machine fails safely. (d) A supply of make-up air equal to or greater than the total volume of air exhausted from the establishment shall be provided in order to eliminate any negative pressure which might otherwise develop within the structure. (e) All ventilation equipment, piping or ducting shall be kept clean and in operating condition. (Code 1950, § 972.2-12)

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 31-27 Vent piping.

Sec. 31-27. - Vent piping. (a) Any vent pipes or ducts which conduct solvent vapors removed from dry cleaning machines and processes, shall have vapor-proof joints and shall discharge outside unless a solvent vapor reclaiming device is provided. They shall not discharge into any flue for combustion products nor into any building ventilating duct. (b) Solvent vapor discharged as in subsection (a) shall be so controlled that it shall not create a health hazard or nuisance, as determined by the manager of public health and environment, to the occupants of the same or adjoining building or result in excessive concentrations of solvent vapors pursuant to the maximum allowable concentrations established for public access areas. (c) Heating appliances lacking sealed combustion chambers and open flame heating appliances shall not be located in the same room with the dry cleaning machine, unless it is physically separated to prevent air containing more than five (5) parts per million solvent vapor coming into contact with fire or open flame. Such heating equipment shall be fitted with a corrosion-resistant flue and draft hood and shall convey products of combustion out-of-doors. (Code 1950, § 972.2-13; Ord. No. 1110-96, § 1, 12-16-96; Ord. No. 427-18, § 18, 6-11-18)

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 31-28 Sanitation.

Sec. 31-28. - Sanitation. (a) Floors, walls and ceilings. Floors, walls and ceilings shall be constructed as to be easily cleaned and shall be kept clean and in good repair. Floors shall be constructed of a material which is resistant to solvent retention. (b) Toilet facilities: (1) Every dry cleaning establishment shall be provided with at least one (1) toilet. Where both sexes are employed there shall be provided at least two (2) toilets except when a total of four (4) persons or less of both sexes is employed, only one (1) toilet need be provided. (2) Floors and walls of all toilet rooms shall be constructed of a material which is nonabsorbent and easily cleanable. Toilet facilities shall be kept clean and in good repair. (3) All coin-operated dry cleaning establishments shall be provided with at least one (1) toilet for public use. (c) Lavatory facilities. Hand washing facilities provided with hot and cold running water, soap and sanitary towels shall be located convenient to the dry cleaning operation and to the toilet rooms. (d) Premises. Premises of all dry cleaning establishments shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times. The premises of any building or portion thereof used as a dry cleaning establishment shall include the back, side and front yard of the property. (e) Separation of domestic areas. All domestic areas shall be separated from the dry cleaning establishment. (f) No food preparation, sleeping or similar domestic operations shall be conducted in any room where dry cleaning is accomplished. (g) No food operation intended for resale shall be conducted within a dry cleaning establishment without complying with chapter 23. (Code 1950, § 972.2-14)

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 31-29 Lighting.

Sec. 31-29. - Lighting. All areas in which any of the dry cleaning processes are conducted shall be provided with at least fifty (50) footcandles of natural or artificial light on the working surfaces. (Code 1950, § 972.2-14(2))

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 31-30 Plans and specifications.

Sec. 31-30. - Plans and specifications. It shall be necessary to submit in triplicate to the zoning, building and fire departments and to the manager of public health and environment detailed plans and specifications before any dry cleaning establishment is installed, constructed, modified, remodeled, extended or enlarged. Before such work commences, such plans and specifications shall be approved by the respective departments in respect to the following: (1) Layout and arrangement of all areas in which operations are to be conducted; (2) Equipment specification and mechanical controls; (3) Materials to be used in construction. (Code 1950, § 972.2-17; Ord. No. 427-18, § 18, 6-11-18)

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 31-31 Rules and regulations.

Sec. 31-31. - Rules and regulations. The board of public health and environment may promulgate, from time to time, rules and regulations pertaining to adequacy of facilities, safety of equipment, construction of equipment, sanitation and cleanliness as it affects and relates to the operation of dry cleaning establishments. (Code 1950, § 972.2-26; Ord. No. 1110-96, § 1, 12-16-96; Ord. No. 427-18, § 18, 6-11-18)

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 31-32 Enforcement.

Sec. 31-32. - Enforcement. (a) Repair or cleaning order. The manager of public health and environment or a duly authorized representative may order any person to whom inspection services are accorded to effect such cleaning or repair operations as are necessary to place such dry cleaning establishment in conformity with the requirements of this article and pertinent rules and regulations adopted hereunder as follows: (1) If the order involves a cleaning or repair operation which requires expenditures of considerable time or money, such order shall be made in writing and delivered personally or by registered mail to the person and shall specify a reasonable period within which compliance shall be had. (2) While cleaning and repair operations pursuant to an order under terms of this article are being undertaken, the area of the dry cleaning establishment affected by such order shall not be utilized in connection with the operations of such dry cleaning establishment. (3) The rules and regulations promulgated and adopted pursuant to the terms of this article relating to construction, sanitation, equipment, maintenance, supervision and control shall be applicable uniformly to all newly constructed dry cleaning establishments; provided, however, that the board of public health and environment may in such rules and regulations provide for application of such rules and regulations to the operation of any presently existing dry cleaning establishment, whenever in the opinion and discretion of the manager the application of any rule or regulation promulgated and adopted hereunder is necessary to maintain the existing dry cleaning establishment in a safe condition, upon finding that the public health, safety and welfare are adversely affected thereby. It shall be the duty of the manager to show cause in writing the reasons for the necessity of requiring presently existing dry cleaning establishments to comply with rules and regulations promulgated and adopted under the provisions of this article. Provided, however, that all dry cleaning establishments shall be required to comply with all rules and regulations adopted under the provisions of this article within one (1) year from the effective date of this ordinance. (b) Right of entry. For purposes of ascertaining violation of this article and conducting routine inspections, the right of entry into the premises of any dry cleaning establishment during hours the dry cleaners are conducting business and at other times during which activity is in evidence is hereby granted to the manager of public health and environment to conduct a reasonable inspection or investigation. It shall be unlawful to hinder, prevent or refuse to permit any lawful inspection or investigation authorized in pursuance of this article. (c) Nuisance abatement. If any order lawfully issued in pursuance of subsection (a) is not complied with in such reasonable time as is specified, the particular instance of violation of this article is hereby declared to be a nuisance and may be summarily abated by the manager of public health and environment, costs of such abatement may be collected by an action at law. (d) Sampling. Samples sufficient for air or vapor analysis may be taken by the manager of public health and environment whenever necessary for the efficient conduct of inspection and investigatory procedures. (Code 1950, § 972.2-25; Ord. No. 1110-96, § 1, 12-16-96; Ord. No. 427-18, § 18, 6-11-18)

Source: City and County of Denver, Revised Municipal Code and Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/co/denver/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIREMUCO_CH31LA_ARTIIDRCLES_DIV1GEFetched: 10/27/2026