Questions on group living proposal answered

Since the release of the overview of updates proposed to the Denver Zoning Code's residential use regulations last month, we have heard from residents and community groups who want to know more about how the potential changes may affect their neighborhoods.

We have collected answers to the most common questions in a document that we hope will offer additional clarity. We encourage you to read the FAQs and share them with anyone interested in learning more about the proposal. We have also added two additional open houses in February and March , for a total of four, at which community members can learn about the proposal and share their thoughts in person. See complete details below.
What are the issues being addressed?
Key issue : Outdated definition of “household” limits common living arrangements and reduces affordability especially for people who could live with roommates.
Proposed solution : Allow more unrelated people to live together, as is already possible in most other cities, and provide flexibility and affordability.
Key issue : Residential care regulations perpetuate inequity, effectively keeping some populations from living in residential neighborhoods and near jobs, transit and other services they need.
Proposed solution : Allow residential care and group homes in more places and reduce inequity by categorizing them by size instead of the needs they serve. This will eliminate barriers that facilities addressing community needs like shelters and halfway houses currently face, and it will allow residents to live closer to transit and services.
Key issue : It is difficult to establish some needed uses, while others are not clearly regulated, and existing facilities cannot grow to meet demand.
Proposed solution : Improve predictability for providers and neighbors by standardizing permitting processes and regulations, such as spacing between facilities.
Key issue : Inconsistent notification and permit requirements can interfere with establishing some kinds of shelters and frustrate neighbors.
Proposed solution : Require community information meetings prior to submitting a formal application for larger residential care uses to notify and educate neighbors and foster positive relationships.
How do I weigh in?
Interpretation and child care will be available at all open houses. For complete details, click on each event.
6 to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, February 11
Bruce Randolph School
3955 Steele St., Denver
9 to 11 a.m.
Saturday, February 22
Goldrick Elementary School
1050 S. Zuni Street, Denver
6 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, February 26
Hebrew Educational Alliance
3600 S. Ivanhoe St., Denver
6 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, March 4
Schietler Rec Center
5031 W. 46th Ave., Denver
About the Group Living Project
Denver is seeing increasing demand for non-traditional housing. With the evolving needs of our residents in mind, along with recent changes to other housing regulations, city planners will work with an advisory committee to evaluate the Denver Zoning Code’s rules for “group living.” This evaluation will include 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.