Invitation to comment on updates to Denver Zoning Code
Neighbors, as some of you are aware, Denver is updating its zoning code related to the maximum number of unrelated adults allowed to live together in a household and the rules regarding group living. We’ve previously shared updates here, but since this impacts you, we want to be sure you have every opportunity possible to learn about this and help you share your opinion with Denver’s planning board at the public hearing, August 19, 2020. Please see below a reminder from the city of the upcoming planning board hearing and details on how you can provide public comment, whether as a submitted comment, online, or in person. These updates impact the zoning code that governs what can and cannot be built in our neighborhood, as well as the rest of the city, so it is important you take a moment to learn more and weigh in if you want to.
Here is information on the overall “Group Living” effort: DenverGov.org/groupliving
Additionally, here is the actual text of the Amendment: https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/646/documents/Zoning/text_amendments/Group_Living/GroupLiving_Amendment7_PB_Draft.pdf (opens PDF).
And, finally, here is the Group Living staff report: https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/646/documents/Zoning/text_amendments/Group_Living/GroupLiving_Amendment7_PB_SR_081220_final_.pdf (opens PDF).
From Denver: Planning Board public hearing on proposed changes in one week
The Denver Planning Board will hold a public hearing next week on the proposed text amendment to the Denver Zoning Code that would update group living rules. The hearing will be held in person and broadcast live on Denver’s Channel 8 at Denver8.tv. People who wish to speak at the hearing can sign up to speak in person or virtually via Zoom. Registration instructions below.
Planning Board Public Hearing
3 p.m., Wednesday, August 19
Council Committee Room (#391) & Parr-Widener Community Room (#389)
City and County Building, 1437 Bannock St.
Watch live on Denver’s Channel 8 and online at Denver8.tv.
Submit Comments or Sign Up to Speak
Submit written comments using the online comment form. All comments will be forwarded to board members ahead of the meeting.
Speaker registration will open at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17 and will close at noon on Wednesday, August 19.
- All speakers must sign up in advance, and can choose whether to speak in person or virtually via Zoom. Pre-registration will help us accommodate the high volume of speakers expected.
- Speakers will be called in the order they sign up. If speakers sign up to speak virtually and in person, only the virtual registration will be honored.
For speakers using Zoom:
- Please download the Zoom platform ahead of time and ensure you have a reliable internet connection and functioning microphone and camera.
- Only speakers who have signed up to speak virtually will have access to Zoom. To watch the hearing but not speak, please use Denver8.tv.
For speakers coming in person:
- Face coverings and physical distancing are required.
- To make distancing easier, in-person speakers will be hosted in the Parr Widener room and testimony will be given via a computer connected to the Zoom meeting. The quorum of Planning Board members participating in person will join the Zoom meeting in the Council Committee Room. Attendees may be staged in the hallway until it is their turn to speak.
We anticipate that public testimony will last several hours. Please be patient with staff and one another as we try to ensure every who signed up to speak can do so.
Sign up to speak (opens Monday, August 17)
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.