In This Issue

Verify contractors

The Mall Experience

New permit software

Highland zoning overlay

Zoning bundle advances

Highland zoning overlay

Planning Board

2015 Building Code

Website tips

Spring showers bring summer weeds! Denver requires that properties are well-maintained; weeds and grass should not be taller than 6 inches.

It takes a village! Give a neighbor a hand or connect with neighbors in need via Volunteers of America's handyperson program.

Quick Links

Denver Community Planning & Development

Denver Development Services

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Storm damage? Verify your contractor

Major storms often leave behind a trail of roof, siding and water damage, as well as contractor brochures tucked into mailboxes. This spring's record rainfall and seemingly endless storms were no different.

If you are considering hiring someone to take on your repairs, use Denver's contractor license lookup at DenverGov.org/contractorlicenses to verify that a contractor is licensed to work in Denver. Development Services will not issue a permit to an unlicensed contractor.

Follow these tips for hiring contractors:

Seek at least three bids.
Verify that your contractor is licensed.
Have a written contract detailing that the contractor will pull a permit, and outlining the work to be performed, cost of each task and time frame with estimated start and finish dates.
Always get a receipt for payments made to contractors.
Make payments (beyond a deposit) to your contractor only when you get something in return, such as materials delivered to your address.
For large projects, before each payment, ask for a walk-through with the contractor to understand the work done so far and what will happen next.
Never pay in full until the job is complete, has been inspected and the building permit has been closed.

The Mall Experience: seeking volunteers

16th Street Mall

Community Planning and Development, along with the Downtown Denver Partnership, is studying how people use the 16th Street Mall as part of The Mall Experience study -- a project of Activate Denver's Urban Core.

With the help of volunteers and our global consultants from Gehl Studio, we will be studying mall activity and conducting public outreach to identify ways to help the mall reach its full potential as a welcoming place for everyone, in the heart of our vibrant downtown.

Volunteers will receive training and help to collect data on the street, using Gehl's world-renowned methodologies. As a volunteer, you will: learn how to collect research on public life, and how to use that data to guide public quality of life improvements; receive a certificate of survey training; get tasty refreshments; and meet like-minded urbanites!

We need volunteers for any or all of the following dates:

June 28
July 5, 9, 12, 18, 19, 23 and 26
August 2 and 9

To volunteer or learn more, contact Loralyn Fabian at
LFabian@downtowndenver.com or 303.534.6161 ext. 229.

How do you experience the 16th Street Mall? Share your opinion in our mall survey.

Denver upgrades to new permit software

On June 8, Denver implemented new permitting software for virtually all Development Services functions. This step to replace an old, dying software system is laying the groundwork for better, faster, more efficient city services and public-facing features.

Permit counter customers have experienced longer wait times in the initial period following launch of the new system. Some delays are to be expected, and we sincerely thank you for your patience as we address bugs and get used to the new software. Learn more at DenverGov.org/accela.

New resource for single-family and duplex projects: Time-saving guide and checklist

Click to view PDF

In an effort to help customers start off on the right foot, we've created a guide to the zoning and building review process for single-family and duplex projects. The guide creates a new standard for complete submittals, with the goal of reducing the number of times plans must be re-submitted in order to receive a permit.

The guide includes a step-by-step explanation of the zoning review process, a submittal checklist and illustrated examples of the required documentation. Additionally, zoning "tip sheets" explain common zoning terms so customers know exactly what they need when submitting plans. The guide and the tip sheets are available at DenverGov.org/DS and at the Development Services permit counter.

When and How the New Guide Will Affect Customers
During the month of June, customers are encouraged to begin using the guide and its forms when applying for residential plan review.

Starting Monday, July 6, the Log-In and Residential teams will begin using the guide checklists as the standard for all submittals. Customers who do not have a complete application, as outlined in the guide, will have a chance to complete their application after their initial submittal.

Starting Monday, July 20, no projects will be logged in until the application package meets the submittal requirements outlined in the guide.

"Bundle" of zoning updates advances

An image from a proposed
article 13 zoning code update

Earlier neighborhood notification of rezoning applications, right-sized bicycle parking standards and ground-story activation are among the highlights of the latest series of updates to the Denver Zoning Code. The text amendments -- which also add helpful graphics and re-organize some provisions for ease of use -- are part of the city's ongoing effort to keep the code modern, clear and user-friendly.

City staff periodically review the Denver Zoning Code and prioritize potential updates in response to customer and community feedback, industry changes and other factors. In March of this year, CPD made available a draft of these amendments for public review and comment, and reached out to the public via community meetings, walk-in office hours, email and web updates, and a televised briefing on Denver8.

City Council will review the amendments on June 29. If approved, the new provisions will be effective starting on July 6. For more on the update, including how current projects will be affected, visit DenverGov.org/textamendments. The newly amended code will be available at DenverGov.org/zoning.

Proposed zoning changes will help retain, reinforce Highland's unique character

Highland house

Highland United Neighbors, Inc. has proposed zoning code text amendments that would add three new "overlay" districts in the Highland neighborhood.

Councilwoman Judy Montero is sponsoring the one design overlay and two conservation overlays that will reflect Highland's unique character and reinforce the neighborhood's distinct late-19th Century development patterns. Learn more at our website.

Denver Planning Board FAQs

The Denver Planning Board is an 11-member volunteer board comprised of Denver residents that advises the mayor and City Council on land use matters. Learn more about the Board and its purview in our Planning Board frequently asked questions flyer (PDF).

2015 Building code on the way

In 2015, Denver will adopt the 2015 international codes for building and fire safety, bringing Denver codes in line with the latest building safety and energy-efficiency standards worldwide. Review proposed amendments at DenverGov.org/buildingcode.

Planning and zoning at your fingertips

Visit DenverGov.org/CPD to find up-to-date planning and zoning information about any property in Denver.

Do I live in a designated "Area of Change?"

Blueprint Denver map

Visit our Blueprint Denver page and go to the map to view current land use classifications across the whole city.

What city plans apply to my neighborhood?
Visit our completed plans page and go to the map that allows you to search using your address. All plans, assessments and studies are available online.

What's my zoning?
Our online zoning map can quickly tell you the zone district for any address in Denver.

How can I learn about proposed rezonings?
Review proposed rezonings, and visit our rezoning page, where you'll find general information about the rezoning process for applicants and neighbors.

What are the site plans for a specific project?
The site development plans map at DenverGov.org/maps displays information about projects involving new construction that have received site development plan approval from the city. It does not include single-family and duplex projects.

What construction procedures are allowed?
Every project must follow Denver's safety codes to minimize ill effects on the community. For basic rules, visit DenverGov.org/constructionprocedures. Call 311 to report construction-related code violations.

How can I contact the Planning Board?
Visit our Planning Board page to learn the best way to submit comments for a public hearing to ensure your voice is heard.

How can I provide feedback to Denver CPD?
Please take our survey and let us know about your experience with planning and development in Denver!

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