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Blueprint Denver wants to know:
How do we handle growth?
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How will Denver address growth as our population continues to increase? Come be part of a Blueprint Denver workshop to help identify the best path forward for managing Denver’s growth.

At the April 25 scenario planning workshop, join a Blueprint growth strategy game that plays out the implications of different patterns of growth. What are the trade-offs for different populations, employment and housing increases, and what are the trade-offs associated with different growth strategies?  

Blueprint Denver is part of Denveright, a community-driven planning process that challenges you to shape how our community evolves in four key areas: land use, mobility, parks and recreational resources. Through four coordinated citywide plans, we will chart the course of the Mile High City for the next 20 years.

Tuesday, April 25, 2017
5:30 p.m.– 8:00 p.m.
West Leadership Academy / Denver West High School
951 Elati St, Denver, CO 80204
Hearing on small lot parking exemption proposal set for May 1
Denver's City Council will hear from the public before voting on a proposal to change the Denver Zoning Code's current exemption on off-street parking for small lots in mixed-use commercial zone districts, at its meeting on Monday, May 1. Check out our website for details about the current proposal.

Denver City Council meeting
May 1, 5:30 p.m. 
Denver City and County Building, 1437 Bannock Street, Room 451
Discover Denver survey goes to City Park West
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What makes buildings in City Park West special? Discover Denver, a project to identify historic and architecturally significant structures citywide, begins work in City Park West this month, and wants your help!

The survey is gathering information about all Denver buildings using public records, neighborhood canvassing, academic research, and tips from the public. Findings from the survey will later be accessible online so that everyone can learn about Denver’s past — building by building.

Historic Denver, Inc. and the City and County of Denver lead this project, funded mainly by a History Colorado grant. 
Getting a handle on "slot homes"
“Slot homes" (also sometimes called “sideways-facing town homes” or “fraux homes”) are attached dwelling units arranged side by side and primarily perpendicular to the street in patterns that can detract from the design quality and sense of community in Denver’s neighborhoods. 

Since late 2016, city planners and a city-appointed task force have been conducting research, analysis and taking input from the public to identify the problem, explore alternatives and identify tools to promote better design. 

Planners are now evaluating strategies to address these issues with the goal of promoting multi-family infill development that engages the public realm, considers the character of the neighborhood, addresses the human scale, and minimizes negative effects on neighbors and pedestrians while ensuring a solution that provides equity, flexibility and predictability.

For more on slot homes and the forthcoming text amendment to the Denver Zoning code, visit DenverGov.org/slothomes.
2017 Zoning "bundle" headed to City Council April 24
Community Planning and Development's latest "bundle" of text amendments to the Denver Zoning Code will have its public hearing before the Denver City Council on Monday, April 24. 

The bundle has been in the works since late 2016 and is part of the city’s ongoing effort to keep the Denver Zoning Code modern, clear and user-friendly. Updates for usability, clarification and substance are prioritized in response to customer and community feedback, industry changes and other factors.
Bring the kids to Box City!  
Box City is a free event for children — grades K-5 — where they can learn about the process of urban development and the principles that make for sound architecture, design, and planning. Students start with a building permit for their desired building type, make a draft sketch of their building in the design studio, stop at the hardware store to get their cardboard supplies, then head to the construction zone to make their Box City structure.

After getting a building inspection, students head to the Box City street grid where an urban planner helps them select an appropriate building site. The activity concludes with picking up a certificate of occupancy that includes a photo of them with their building! Box City is part of Doors Open Denver

Box City
Saturday April 29, 2017

Participant entry is between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Sign up in advance or walk in -- availability is limited
Wellington Webb Municipal Building, 201 W. Colfax Ave, Denver 

What's new for permit customers
Permitting activity in Denver continues at a historic rate, and with it, we have been hard at work behind the scenes to improve efficiency. 
  • Commercial projects can now apply for zoning and building permits simultaneously. No more waiting for a zoning review before you can log in building plans. Check in for the counter once; submit for both. Learn more here.
  • The permit counter is getting a facelift! Work is expected to be complete in May, and will give us more counter space, a dedicated customer service center, and better signage.

  • Watch for new applications, guides, and a website refresh! As a complement to the residential permitting guides we released in 2016, we will soon be releasing updated application forms and guides for commercial zoning and commercial building permits, which will better reflect the information we need to complete a review and offer greater clarity on permit types and how to apply.
Homeowners:
New online resources for getting permits
Considering a spring home project and not sure if you want to hire a contractor or do it yourself?

Our new webpage -- designed for homeowners getting their own permits -- will help you determine if you can apply for your own permits, what you will need, and how to apply.

Take a look and let us know: Helpful? Missing something? Send feedback to CPDcommunications@denvergov.org .
Late counter opening: Tuesday, April 11
All CPD counters will be temporarily closed on Tuesday, April 11 from 8 to 9 a.m. to allow staff to attend an employee meeting. Please plan accordingly, and thank you for your understanding.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017:

  • Cashier (will open 7:30 to 8 a.m. and re-open at 9 a.m.)
  • Permit counter (opens at 9 a.m.)
  • Contractor licensing (opens at 9 a.m.)
  • Records (will open 7:30 to 8 a.m. and re-open at 9 a.m.)
  • Inspections (will only open 7:30 to 8 a.m.)
Far northeast Denver ready for new plan

The Neighborhood Planning Initiative will officially be underway this year as planning begins in three areas of the city. Up first is Far Northeast, which encompasses the Montbello and Green Valley Ranch/Gateway neighborhoods.

Along with Far Northeast, the East and East Central areas are also on tap. East Central encompass the Capitol Hill, North Capitol Hill, City Park West, Cheesman Park, City Park and Congress Park neighborhoods, while East encompasses the South Park Hill, Hale, Montclair and East Colfax neighborhoods. Visit our website to learn more and sign up for updates: DenverGov.org/neighborhoodplanning.

We're hiring!
From architects to inspectors to plans review engineers...check out all of our job postings here.  B e sure to sign up online for job alerts to get regular updates on future opportunities!
Planning and zoning at your fingertips
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Visit denvergov.org/cpd to find up-to-date planning and zoning information about any property in Denver.

Do I live in an "Area of Change?"
Visit our Blueprint Denver page and go to the map to view current land use classifications across the whole city.

What's my zoning? 
Our online zoning map can quickly tell you the zone district for any Denver address.

What city plans apply to my neighborhood?
Visit our completed plans page and go to the map that allows you to search using your address. All plans, assessments and studies are available online. 

How can I learn about proposed rezonings? 
Review proposed rezonings, and visit our rezoning page, where you'll find general information about the rezoning process for applicants and neighbors.

What are the site plans for a specific project?
The site development plans map at denvergov.org/maps displays information about projects involving new construction that have received site development plan approval from the city. It does not include single-family and duplex projects. 

What construction procedures are allowed? 
Every project must follow Denver's safety codes to minimize ill effects on the community. For basic rules, visit denvergov.org/constructionprocedures. Call 311 to report construction-related code violations.

How can I watch Planning Board meetings? 
Visit our Planning Board page to watch live or archived board meetings or submit comments to the board. 

How can I provide feedback to Denver CPD? 
Please take our survey and let us know about your experience with planning and development in Denver!

BUILDING COMMUNITY:
About Community Planning and Development
Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD) is responsible for visionary city planning and ensuring safe, responsible, sustainable building. CPD regulates planning, zoning, development and maintenance of private property in Denver. We're BUILDING COMMUNITY -- working hard to make Denver a great place to live, work and play! Learn more at denvergov.org/cpd.
Denver Community Planning & Development | denvergov.org/CPD