Denver Zoning Code

Zoning code interpretations clarify how zoning regulations are applied to a specific case as well as guide general application of the code. Interpretations can be appealed to the Board of Adjustment within 15 days of issuance.

All documents below are PDF downloads.

• Setback from Primary Street Facing Facade of Primary Structure (last updated 6/10/20)
• Short-term Rental Accessory Use (issued 12/27/19 | DZC §11.12.7.7, §11.8.10; Former Chapter 59)
• Car Sharing Program (issued 11/4/19 | DZC §10.4.5.3.B)
• Setback Permitted Encroachments for Window Wells and/or Emergency Basement Egress Areas (last updated 4/2/20)
• Transit Priority Streets, Enhanced Transit Corridors, Regional or Urban Ten-Minute Bus Corridors (last updated 10/25/19 | DZC §10.4.5.3.B)
• Party Wall or Common Wall, Detached Structures (last updated 4/1/20 | DZC §13.3)
• Applicability of the Small Lot Parking Exemption to Buildings that Existed on March 23, 2017 (issued 6/5/19 | DZC §12.4.6.1.A.2, 10.4.5.1.A, 10.4.5.1.A.3)
• Voluntary Demolition Definition and Measurement (issued 2/19/19 | DZC §13.3, 12.6.3.3.A, 12.8.4.5, 12.4.6.1.A.2)
• Applicability of Use Limitations for Mini-Storage Facilities in Industrial Zone Districts (issued 1/22/19 | DZC §12.4.6)
• Residential Structures Containing a Second Complete and Independent Dwelling Unit (last updated 6/10/20 | DZC, FC59, and 2015 IRC)
• Maximum Building Footprint and Gross Area of Footprint (last updated 6/10/20 | DZC §3.3.4.5.A, 13.1.5.11.C)
• Interpretation for Polo Club Place Subdivision — Zone Lot Clarification and Zoning Review Guidance (last updated 4/17/20)
• Initial Assignment of Building Form to Existing Structures and Change of Building Form After Initial Assignment (last updated  11/25/19)
• Maximum Floor Area and Habitable Space Limits for Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (issued 6/4/18 | DZC §11.8.2.2.5, 13.3) 
• Number of ADU Uses Allowed with One Single-Unit Dwelling Use (issued 12/7/17 | DZC Article 11)

Zoning code determinations summarize the zoning administrator’s decisions on unlisted uses and decisions on which of two or more conflicting code provisions apply. Determinations can be appealed to the Board of Adjustment within 15 days of issuance.

All documents below are PDF downloads. 

Unlisted Accessory Use Determinations

• Former Chapter 59 (FC59) Use Determinations: The Other Side Academy (issued 9/19/19)
• Outdoor Animal Run Accessory to Animal Services Sales, Household Pets Only (issued 7/18/19, updated 6/10/20)
• Limited Commercial Sales, Service Accessory to Nonresidential Primary Uses
  (issued 2/22/19)
• Outdoor Off-Leash Dog Enclosure Accessory to Primary Eating/Drinking Establishment (The Watering Bowl) (issued 6/19/18, updated 8/27/18)
• Short-term Rentals in Areas Zoned under Former Chapter 59 (issued 4/5/18)
• Common Meeting Space with Alcohol Service (Grid Workspace, Inc.) (issued 10/13/17)
• Outdoor Dog Play Yard Accessory to Primary Eating and Drinking Establishment (Bark Bar) (issued 10/16/14, updated 6/10/20)

Unlisted Temporary Use Determinations

• Outdoor Holiday Decorations (issued 1/17/13, updated 6/10/20)
• Outdoor Expansion Space for Restaurants and Bars(PDF, 192KB) (issued 5/18/20, updated 9/3/21)
  • Learn more about the temporary expansion program
• Managed Campsites During COVID-19(PDF, 388KB) (issued 10/10/2020, updated 9/3/21)

Zoning code clarifications primarily provide guidance to staff on how to apply the Denver Zoning Code consistently. These clarifications are posted here to assist customers and the public on how code regulations might apply to their project or in general.

All documents below are PDF downloads.

• Rule of Measurement for Base Plane Calculations(PDF, 681KB) (issued 9/28/21 | DZC § 13.1.2.2 and 13.1.3.2)
• Rooming and/or Boarding Home Occupation Floor Area Calculations (issued 5/29/19 | DZC §11.9.2.5)
• Detached Accessory Structures with Vehicle Access Doors (issued 3/1/19 | DZC §1.2.3.5)
• Guide to Development on Carriage Lots under the Denver Zoning Code (revised 3/2/20)
• What Version of the Code Applies to Modification or Amendment of Applications, Plans, and Permits? (issued 10/1/18 | DZC §12.3.7)
• Detached Accessory Structures (issued 9/10/18 | DZC § 3.3.4.3.C, 4.3.4.3.C, 5.3.4.3.C, 6.3.4.3.C, 7.3.4.3.C, and 9.7.4.3.C)
• Rule of Measurement for Upper Story Stepback (issued 7/31/18 | DZC §13.1.6.1.H.2)
• Roof Overhang and Building Coverage (issued 5/24/18, updated 5/14/20 | DZC Art. 3-9, §13.1.5.11.C)
• Definition of Wall Sign (issued 5/24/18 | DZC §13.3)
• Parking Structure Stories and Incentive Heights (issued 5/15/18, updated 6/10/20 | DZC Art. 3-9, §13.1.3.3.B.5, §9.4.6.6.E)
• Detached Accessory Dwelling Units and Side Setback Requirements (issued 4/30/18 | DZC Art. 4-6)
• Definition of Habitable Story (issued 2/7/18 | DZC §13.3)
• What Types of Roof Eaves Qualify for Exceptions to Zoning Bulk and Height Standards (issued 2/2/18 | DZC Art. 3-9)
• Rule of Measurement for DZC Building Coverage vs. FC59 Unobstructed Open Space (issued 1/10/18, updated 6/10/20 | DZC §13.1.5.9, FC59 §59-2[305])

Zoning Admin Policies

• Zoning Enforcement for Household Limits During COVID-19 (issued 9/15/20)