Filing a Case

1. The CPD Referral Document.  This can be an Order to Cease and Desist, a Pre-Application Referral Letter, a ZPSE Referral Letter, or an Official CPD Action or Determination.
2. A completed Application.  You can print one out on our Forms & Fees Page or we can provide you with one at our office.
3. For new projects you will need a copy of your plans.  We typically will need a site plan, floor plans, and elevations.
4. A Payment for the Filing Fee.  

The types of relief that the Board may grant are:

1. Delays of Enforcement(PDF, 244KB)
2. Variance(PDF, 416KB)s (PDF, 416KB)
3. Zoning Permits with Special Exception Review (ZPSE)(PDF, 234KB)
4. Appeals of Administrative Decisions(PDF, 244KB) (PDF, 244KB)

(1) All Registered Neighborhood Organizations (R.N.O.s) in your area are notified by the Board, and receive a copy of your application. You will also receive a copy of your application, as well as a copy of the R.N.O. notification form. (See also Tips & Miscellaneous Information.)

(2) A  notification sign (44” x 28”) will be made up in the office of the Board.  The Board's staff will drop off and post this sign on the property for ten (10 days) prior to the hearing.  This sign must remain in place through the morning of the hearing.  If you notice that anything has happened to the sign, please contact our office so we can arrange a replacement.

(3) Where any property is held in common ownership in a condominium, the Applicant shall contact (at least 10 days prior to hearing) the condominium association and shall obtain a Power of Attorney from the Board of the condominium association.

Appeals for Administrative Review by Other than the Owner, Owner's Agent, or Tenant of the Premises:
Appeals for Administrative Review filed by an aggrieved party other than the owner, the owner’s agent or the tenant of the subject property (e.g., a neighbor), shall be filed on the special Administrative Review Application (see Forms page to download). Include the name(s) of the Applicant(s) and the name(s) of the landowner(s). The notification sign shall be posted near the subject property,(such as on the adjacent public-right-way) but not on private property.

NOTE: The Code provides that any person aggrieved may appeal a Zoning Action to the Board. A Registered Neighborhood Organization (see Section 41-19 R. M. C.) may file an appeal if the property concerned falls within the neighborhood it represents.

Please bring your sign back at the time of your hearing so that we can recycle it. We can clean off the old lettering and reuse the sign board for another applicant. 

Administrative Exceptions 59-38(A)(12) Subject to the limitations and conditions enumerated herein, the zoning administrator shall have and exercise the power to grant the following administrative exceptions. The permitting procedures set forth in section 59-41(b) shall apply.

a. Non-Conforming Uses. For such additions in floor area or land area of legal non-conforming uses as necessary to comply with lawful requirements of the city, state or federal governments.

b. Business Structures. To allow B-2 and certain other uses in a structure designed and erected for business prior to November 8, 1956, in any residential district or in the B-1 or B-2 districts.

c. Human Services. For foster family or day care for not more than 8 children at the same time, in a single unit dwelling or one unit of a multiple unit dwelling.

d. Historic Structures. For an office or fine arts gallery in a designated historic structure in the R-3 district.

e. Keeping of Animals. For animals not considered to be common and customary. This requires the Board to consider type, number, size, space, sanitation, nuisance, and intent to reproduce. The Applicant must notify abutting owners and solicit approval. This exception requires an agreement to be filed with the office of the Clerk and Recorder.

f. Existing Dwelling Units. To allow existing excess dwelling units to remain in the R-0, R-1 or R-2 districts if they have been continually maintained and occupied since May 24, 1958, and meet the Building and Health codes.

h. Retail Uses in I-1 and I-2 Districts. For sale at retail in structures erected prior to November 8, 1956, in the above districts, with conditions.

i. Recycling Collection Station. For recycling stations in business districts other than B-1, with conditions.

j. Second Kitchen Permit. For a second kitchen in single unit dwellings, for residents or domestic servants. This exception requires an agreement to be filed in the office of the Clerk and Recorder.

k. Seasonal Plant Sales Facility. For seasonal plant sales in all business districts.

l. Bed and Breakfast Lodging. For bed and breakfast lodging in historic structures in R-3 or R-3-X districts with spacing and other conditions.

m. Telecommunication Towers. For the placement of towers and their associated telecommunications support facilities in residential districts, with conditions.

n. Child Care Homes, Large. For up to 12 children, 24 months to 16 years old, expanding home occupation child care.

1. Zoning Codes and maps are available for purchase at:
   Department of Zoning Administration
   201 West Colfax Ave, Second Floor Cashier Counter
   Denver, CO 80202
   720-865-3200
   
   
2. The Board's proceedings are ruled by the Denver Zoning Code, which also prescribes that the Board must have Rules of Procedure. The following forms are available online as listed below and are also available in:
   
   Office of the Board of Adjustment for Zoning Appeals
   201 West Colfax Ave, Department 201
   Denver, CO 80202
   720-913-3050 
   
   
   • Rules of Procedure for the Board.
   • Zoning Appeal Applications
   • Power of Attorney forms
     
     
3. All records of the Board are public records and are open for review. (For copies, see the Price List(PDF, 131KB) (PDF, 131KB)(PDF).)
   
   
4. All hearings are recorded. Written transcripts are prepared only on cases which are appealed to District Court, and when ordered by the Court at the Plaintiff’s expense. If you would like a copy of a hearing, please contact the Board's staff.