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Planning Board live

Tiny houses

Short-term rentals

Elevator permits

Counter services

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Denver Community Planning & Development

Denver Development Services

pocketgov.org

Winter 2016

Coming soon: Help design Denver's future

This spring, the City and County of Denver will ask residents citywide to share your ideas and dreams for the future of your city. What are your priorities for mobility, open spaces and for directing growth? What are your ideas for building and preserving healthy, sustainable communities -- from Highland to Hampden, from Montbello to Mar Lee?

Civic leaders who had a vision for Denver 15 years ago created Blueprint Denver, a citywide land-use and transportation plan that was ahead of its time. Strategies from Blueprint Denver have served us well, guiding transportation choices, promoting mixed-use development, and catalyzing areas of change while preserving the character of stable neighborhoods. Now it's time to update that plan as we think about what we want Denver to be in the next 20 years.

In addition to land use and transportation, we'll also seek your input on the future of Denver's parks and recreation centers, pedestrian and trail routes, and transit options. The community's direction on these topics will inform a total of four plans, facilitated by Denver Community Planning and Development, Denver Parks and Recreation and Denver Public Works:

Blueprint Denver -- Land use and transportation
Game Plan -- Parks and recreation
Denver Moves: Pedestrians and Trails
Denver Moves: Transit

Starting this spring, we'll be asking you to put your stamp on these plans and help guide the future of your city. Stay tuned for further updates on how you can get involved!

Denver readies to adopt new building code

The 2015 international codes for building and fire safety and Denver amendments will soon go to City Council for adoption. Their adoption will bring Denver's codes in line with the latest building safety and energy-efficiency standards worldwide.

From the date the code is adopted and signed, there will be a 6-month transition period during which new construction plans may adhere to either the current codes (2011 Denver Building Code) or the newly adopted Denver Building Code. After the transition period, customers who wish to come in under the 2011 codes must receive prior approval.

You can track the code's adoption via the projected milestones below, all viewable on Denver 8 and Denver8.TV.

Proposed Building Code Adoption Schedule

Feb. 16: Denver City Council Safety and Well-being Committee
Feb. 23: Mayor-Council meeting
Feb. 29: First reading at City Council
Mar. 7: Adoption at City Council

Find additional information on amendments, adoption and implementation at DenverGov.org/buildingcode.

Planning Board meetings now broadcast live

In response to community input, Community Planning and Development and Denver 8 now broadcast Denver Planning Board meetings live on Denver 8 and Denver8.TV.

As always, all meetings are open to the public and offer opportunities for public comment. Items considered by the board often move on to Denver City Council committees and Council hearings, which are also broadcast live on TV and online. For information on the Denver Planning Board, visit DenverGov.org/planningboard. How to watch:

Watch live on TV's Channel 8.
Visit Denver8.tv to watch live or view archived broadcasts.
Attend in person at the Parr-Widener Room (Room #389) of the City and County Building, 1437 Bannock St.

Tiny house trends cause a little stir

A tiny house in Washington, D.C.
Photo via Inhabitat on Flickr

In 2016, city planners and plan reviewers fielded a lot of questions about tiny houses. These sometimes-mobile, usually-under-400-square-foot, stand-alone dwellings have become more popular and have even garnered their own reality show.

In general, smaller dwelling units offer myriad benefits to individuals and the community at large including sustainability, affordable housing and accommodation for shifting demographics (like single-person households and downsizing retirees).

But like any other structures built in the city, a small dwelling must meet health and safety codes to ensure the safety and quality-of-life of all city residents -- current and future.

Just as there is no standard definition of a tiny house, there is no one code or regulation that addresses all tiny house considerations. Check out our website for an overview of some common tiny-house features that may clash with local health and safety codes.

City seeks input on licensing short-term rentals

Denver's Department of Excise and Licenses is developing a framework to regulate short-term rentals. The proposal comes at a time when rentals of residential property for fewer than 30 days are growing in popularity in Denver, despite the fact that the Denver Zoning Code currently prohibits them.

In partnership with Councilwoman Mary Beth Susman, Denver Excise and Licenses and Denver Community Planning and Development will be hosting four town hall meetings to outline the proposed licensing and enforcement framework, answer questions and get feedback from the community.

For information on the town halls, the licensing framework and the public review process, or to provide feedback or sign up for email updates, visit www.DenverGov.org/STR.

Elevator permitting & inspection reminders

All electrical modifications and upgrades to elevators (including but not limited to new feeders and overcurrent device ratings) must be permitted and inspected.

Electrical engineered plans must be reviewed prior to permitting, with an electrical inspection following. The electrical permit can be issued only to a Denver-licensed electrical contractor.
No electrical modifications or upgrades may be performed without the required electrical permit.
Denver Fire Department conveyance permits must also be obtained by a licensed elevator contractor for all elevator alterations/modifications. For information on conveyance permit requirements, call (720) 913-3514.

Do your part to clear your sidewalks

To ensure safe travels throughout the city, Denver property owners are responsible for clearing their sidewalks after a snowfall. Once snow has stopped falling, walks adjacent to homes must be cleared within 24 hours, and walks adjacent to commercial properties (including multi-family buildings), must be cleared within four hours.

From mail carriers to neighbors walking their dogs, many use public sidewalks every day, and timely shoveling ensures we can all do so safely. When snow isn't shoveled, it gets packed down and becomes ice, making sidewalks hazardous for pedestrians and wheelchair users.

We encourage you to shovel early and often, use de-icing product to keep snow from building up, and lend a hand to neighbors in need.

Neighborhood inspectors will respond to complaints of unshoveled sidewalks, which may be submitted via 311 or pocketgov.com. For more information on sidewalk shoveling, visit DenverSnowPlan.com.

Did you know? Counter service upgrades

Late last year, the Development Services permit counter made a series of service upgrades to help customers save time and get what they need more quickly and efficiently.

New check-in times
New queue to pick up logged-in plans
Log-in appointments now available

Read about these and other service upgrades on our website.

Planning and zoning at your fingertips

Blueprint Denver map

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

Do I live in an "Area of Change?"
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!

About Us

Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD) is responsible for visionary city planning and ensuring safe, responsible, sustainable building. CPD regulates planning, zoning, development and maintenance of private property in Denver. We're BUILDING COMMUNITY -- working hard to make Denver a great place to live, work and play! Learn more at DenverGov.org/CPD.