Washington Park East

Neighborhood Association

Group Living Update: City Council members weighing alternatives; Committee vote tentatively set for December 22

Neighbors,

Please review the update below from the city on the process of updating Denver’s zoning code related to the definition of a household and group living, including information on the upcoming vote tentatively scheduled for December 22, 2020, as well as links where you can learn more and watch earlier presentations.

From Denver Community Planning and Development:

Members of City Council’s Land Use, Transportation and Infrastructure (LUTI) Committee are weighing potential changes to the group living proposal that would update and modernize the Denver’s rules on residential uses, following a series of discussions at the committee’s regular Tuesday morning meetings throughout the fall. The committee has scheduled a vote on a revised draft of these code amendments for its meeting Tuesday, December 22. The revised draft will be posted on the project website and emailed to this list in advance of the meeting.

How will the proposal change?

During the committee’s ongoing review of the proposal this fall, CPD staff presented and answered questions on various topic areas related to group living in Denver. Additionally, staff presented various alternatives to the original proposed amendments aimed at addressing concerns raised. Here are key changes under consideration:

  • Cap the number of adults in a household regardless of the house’s square footage.
  • Prohibit community corrections in single-unit and two-unit zone districts.
  • Reduce “type 2” residential care facilities from 11-40 residents to 11-20 residents in existing civic, public and institutional structures (like an old church that is no longer in use).
  • Limit the number of smaller facilities serving up to ten people in an area to avoid concentrations in a single neighborhood.

Download December 1 LUTI presentation for complete update on potential changes to the proposal. Use links below to see all staff presentations below or watch the discussions on Denver 8’s online archive.

How do I watch December 22 meeting?

Community office hours appointments still available

City planners have been answering questions and taking comments on the proposed group living rules update at community office hours the last few weeks. Spots are still available for sessions scheduled through December 17. Use the link below to make your appointment.

Sign up for an appointment here.

Responding to misconceptions (PDF).

About the Group Living Project

Denver has an immediate need for housing. With the evolving needs of our residents in mind, the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, the renewed push for addressing issues of race and equity, and changes to other housing regulations, city planners has been working with an advisory committee to evaluate the Denver Zoning Code’s rules for “group living.” This evaluation has included a review of land uses and definitions for: households, community corrections facilities, shelters for the homeless, residential care homes, new uses like tiny home villages, and more. Based on this evaluation, planners will recommend updates to the zoning code for some or all of these housing types. DenverGov.org/groupliving

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