Denver's 53-year-old zoning code suffers from more than a half century of incremental changes that have made it complicated, inconsistent and cumbersome.  The New Zoning Code will put adopted citywide plans – plans that hundreds of Denver residents helped craft – into action to create a better Denver. Residents called for reform of the Zoning Code in the both the 1989 and the 2000 Comprehensive Plans. This message was repeated in Blueprint Denver (2002) which provided the vision and initial strategy for fixing the Zoning Code. Denver needs a new zoning code that will support a growing economy, a sustainable environment, a diverse mix of housing, strong neighborhoods, and a high quality of life.

Work on a new, "context sensitive" zoning code draft has been underway for several years. Based on six different "contexts" derived from the existing and desirable characteristics of Denver's diverse neighborhoods, the draft was guided by a mayoral-appointed task force with input from a citizens advisory group.

Now the draft is ready for broader public review and discussion. Many public discussions are scheduled over the next few months around the city. At these sessions, a presentation focused on what the New Code means for specific Council Districts, followed by small group discussions where staff will answer questions and record recommendations. This input will be used for revisions to the draft code and draft map.

Later this year, we will post a schedule for review of the draft code by the Planning Board and City Council, including formal public hearings.