Development news from Community Planning and Development (CPD)

In this issue, you will find:

• Nominate a project for the 2022 Mayor's Design Awards
• CPD has a new, central phone number
• Zone Lot Amendment process improvements for vacant lots
• Denver Outdoor Places Program to be developed in 2022
• Provide feedback on upcoming Energize Denver code changes
• ICYMI: Recaps from our last newsletter

Nominate a project for the 2022 Mayor's Design Awards

Since 2005, the Mayor’s Design Awards have honored projects throughout the city for excellence in architecture, exterior design and place-making. The awards are presented to Denver homeowners, business owners, nonprofits, and artists for their creative contributions to the public realm through innovative design. Many different types of projects are eligible. Previous award winners range from restaurants and galleries to private single-family homes to plazas and other shared public spaces. Help us recognize the building and placemaking projects that are elevating our community.

Nominations are due Friday, September 9, 2022. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony later this year. To nominate a project, learn more about the Mayor’s Design Awards and see past winners, visit DenverGov.org/MDA.

CPD has a new, central phone number

Do you have a general question and want to reach a live CPD agent? Or, contact a specific workgroup within CPD but you don't know the correct number to dial? Great news! We recently launched a new, central phone number that allows you to connect with a live agent, as well as reach the appropriate workgroup, through an easy-to-use phone tree system.

Connect with a live CPD agent today by calling 720-865-2700.

Denver Outdoor Places Program to be developed in 2022

During the pandemic, the city took extraordinary measures to make it easier for restaurants and bars to expand operations outside. This included providing relief from some city regulations that address patios, such as zoning and rules for private use of the public right-of-way.

That temporary program ends on October 31, 2022, after which the city will no longer accept new applications for temporary outdoor expansion areas. Note: patios approved under the temporary program will be allowed to remain into 2023.

Building on the successful temporary Outdoor Dining Program, the driving objective of Denver's permanent Outdoor Places Program is to facilitate safe, well designed, privately maintained outdoor spaces that enhance and activate the public realm for everyone. Creating the Outdoor Places Program will include amendments to the Denver Zoning Code. All zoning code amendments must be approved by Denver City Council before they can become effective. This work will also entail updates to city rules and regulations governing the use of the public right-of-way.

Help create the permanent Outdoor Places Program

The driving objective is to facilitate safe, well designed, privately maintained outdoor spaces that enhance the public realm for everyone. Through appropriate safety and mobility guidelines and a coordinated permit process, the Outdoor Places Program will offer greater flexibility for unique and enjoyable outdoor activities. 

Learn more >>

Provide feedback on upcoming Energize Denver code changes

Denver's Office of Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency (CASR) is hosting two informational meetings on upcoming code changes affecting multifamily and commercial buildings replacing natural gas space and water heating and cooling appliances starting in 2023. These sessions will cover code requirements, changes to permitting, and upcoming incentive programs affecting building owners, HVAC contractors, HVAC vendors, plumbers, Mechanical Engineers, Architects, building owners and property managers.

Feedback Session 1

August 4 at 11 a.m.

Join the Zoom meeting

Feedback Session 2

August 11 at 1 p.m.

Join the Zoom meeting

Learn more about Energize Denver requirements >>

ICYMI:

Recaps from our last newsletter

• Dennis Shults is Denver's new Deputy Building Official and Inspections Manager. He will manage the building inspections teams and lead the investigation of building code and ordinance violations, making decisions and recommendations on complex code enforcement cases. Dennis can be reached at Dennis.Shults@denvergov.org or 720-865-2924. 

• On June 6, Denver City Council voted to approve the historic Expanding Housing Affordability policy. Staring July 1, all new residential developments of 10 or more units must designate 8% to 12% of the units as affordable for a period of 99 years, regardless of whether the units are for rent or for sale. Learn more >>

• The Residential and Commercial Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Energy System Permits policy has been revised. Read the updated solar PV policy >>

• Registered Neighborhood Organization registration is open now through July 31. Learn more >>