Lots of great discussion at the neighborhood open houses last month

Thank you to everyone who provided comments on the ADUs in Denver draft strategy report over the past few weeks, both in person at 5 neighborhood open houses, and at the virtual open house or through the online comment form. 

We’re excited to share that a public review draft of the proposed zoning changes is now available for review and comment, along with an updated strategy report. You can learn more about the public input Denverites provided, including comments on the draft strategy report, in the feedback summary.

Some highlights in the updated strategy report include:

• Rules that are responsive to the needs of different neighborhoods, with maximum flexibility in urban neighborhoods
• Allowing ADUs as accessory to duplexes, row houses and town houses as a detached structure
• Allowing a more usable second story deck on a detached ADU when the deck would face a public alley
• and more...

Public comment on both the public review draft and the updated strategy report may be submitted via the project comment form through March 27. Feedback received will inform the next version of the text amendment of zoning code changes to be submitted to the Denver Planning Board before a hearing on April 5.

Not at all. There are still opportunities to provide public comment as this proposal moves through the legislative process.

Attend the Virtual Planning Board Hearing on April 5

The Denver Planning Board will hold a hearing on this proposal on April 5. You can sign up to speak at the hearing via the Planning Board website as the date gets closer.

Attend the City Council Hearing Later this Spring

After the proposal moves through the Denver Planning Board, the next step is to receive a hearing before the Denver City Council in early June. You will be able to sign up to speak at this hearing via the project webpage as this date gets closer.

Provide Comment via the Project Comment Form

You can provide a comment at any point during the legislative process before the City Council hearing and your input will be used to inform the City Council draft of the zoning code changes.

In 2019, the Denver City Council adopted Blueprint Denver, a citywide land use plan that was developed based on public input. Thousands of residents helped create the policy recommendations in Blueprint Denver, which includes specific recommendations regarding ADUs:

• that barriers to ADU construction be removed, 
• that zoning rules be reviewed and adjusted so ADUs fit into a variety of neighborhood contexts. 

ADUs can be a great way to increase affordable housing options, keep families living on the same property, and add gentle density to a neighborhood.