News from Denver CPD that may impact building and development projects
City Council amends the Denver Zoning Code
Lights in a parking lot
On Monday, May 21, Denver City Council approved a bundle of text amendments to the Denver Zoning Code. These amendments are part of the city's ongoing effort to keep the zoning code modern, clear, and user-friendly. Denver's codes are periodically reviewed in order to make corrections and clarifications, and also to make changes based on feedback from the community.

Changes approved in this round of text amendments include the following:
  • Updating language to be gender neutral (e.g., "brother and sister" is now "siblings")
  • Allowing online retail sales like Etsy and eBay as a permitted home occupation
  • Promoting pedestrian-oriented development by prohibiting or restricting mini-storage and drive-thru facilities in certain zone districts and within a quarter-mile of rail stations
  • Setting limits on how bright parking lot lighting can be, particularly at car dealerships and gas stations or when the lot is directly adjacent to a low-scale residential zone district
Impacts on your project

Site development plans and single-family or duplex projects that have already submitted a complete permit application can proceed through the review process under the old rules, but must be approved by November 10, 2018.

Effective immediately, any new or modified parking lot light fixtures or canopy lighting will need a zoning permit in addition to the standard electrical permit. Learn more.
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.
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