News from Denver CPD that may impact building and development projects
City Council says goodbye to "slot homes"
Image showing the old slot home design of multi-unit townhomes perpendicular to the street with a red _x_ over them_ and below a new sample design of units facing the street
Monday night, Denver City Council voted to approve major changes to the Denver Zoning Code that will curb the development of "slot homes" throughout Denver. Slot homes are boxy, multi-unit residential buildings arranged perpendicular to the street that often feel disconnected and out of place in many Denver neighborhoods. 

The zoning changes approved by City Council stem from a year and a half of research, public outreach, and analysis by city planners and a volunteer task force. Read the final draft of the zoning text amendment on the Slot Homes website.

For a quick debrief of slot homes and what changed, check out this Denverite article.
Four changes to the Denver Building and Fire Code
In a busy Monday night, City Council also approved four amendments to the Denver Building and Fire Code. The changes include:
  1. DBC Admin Sections 103.8 and 134: Reduced repetitive language and added a 180-day extension on permits for temporary structures that contain a residential use, like Beloved Community's temporary tiny homes.

  2. IFC Section 102.5: Added language to match requirements from the Denver Zoning Code regarding the Fire Department's review of accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

  3. IFC Section 105.6.161: Rooftop gardens or landscaped roofs of 500 square feet or larger must obtain an operational permit from Denver Fire.

  4. IRC Section R305.1: Allows for greater flexibility for basement finishes in older Denver homes (pre-1990) that cannot meet current ceiling height requirements.

Download a redlined version of the code (PDF) showing these amendments.

What's new with green roofs?
green roof NREL
Denver adopts administrative rules for green roofs

On April 30, Denver adopted administrative rules and regulations (PDF) for implementing the green roofs ordinance as passed by voters in November 2017. These rules apply to all projects subject to the green roof requirement and should be read in conjunction with the ordinance (PDF). Adoption of the rules and regulations comes after a public review process held earlier in 2018.

A task force recommends changes to the ordinance

The Green Roofs Review Task Force has created a  draft proposal (PDF) for strengthening the benefits of the ordinance, while reducing the costs. The proposal is open for public review and comment through noon on June 3. To comment, use this form or  email your feedback. Responses received by noon on May 18 will reach the task force before its next meeting. 

A cost analysis and methodology are available on the green roofs web page.

Two public briefing and input sessions will be held at 201 W. Colfax Ave., Denver:
  • Friday, May 11, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. in room 4.G.2
  • Monday, May 14, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. in room 1.B.6
Any changes to the initiative will require the support of two-thirds of City Council, or 9 votes.
Reminder: Affordable housing fee to increase July 1
All building permits issued on or after July 1 will be assessed the new fee amounts

Each year on July 1, the affordable housing fee assessed on building permits is adjusted for inflation. Even if your project is already under review, all building permits issued on or after July 1 will be assessed the new fee amounts. Increases range from $0.01 to $0.06 per square foot, depending on project type.  View the new few schedule here.
Single-stall restrooms must now be gender neutral
gender-neutral bathroom sign that reads _restroom_ all people and families may use this restroom._
As of May 1, any restroom meant for only one person at a time must have a gender-neutral sign, meaning no text or graphic that would imply use by only a certain gender. The deadline to update signs was April 30, and city inspectors will now respond to 311 calls from residents regarding gendered signage.

This also applies to family restrooms and ADA-compliant restrooms, which must still indicate they are accessible or equipped for families. Please note, this does not apply to restrooms with multiple stalls. Learn more about this code.

If you haven't updated the restroom signs at your business yet, help us build a more inclusive Denver by ordering new signs now.  
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