We believe that community input is essential to the project! Phase 2 is kicking off September 6 and is anticipated to conclude in summer/fall of 2024. The Phase 2 update will start with topic-focused community meetings and online surveys to gather community input before we begin drafting updated guidelines. Click on the topics below to find meeting information, survey links, and more.
Windows
Meetings
Join us for one of two community meetings focused on updates to our window replacement guidelines. The same information will be discussed at each meeting.
Wednesday, September 6 | 6-7 p.m.
Watch a recording of the Zoom meeting
Tuesday, September 12 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Carla Madison Rec Center rooftop event space (reservations not required)
Survey
The below survey will ask your opinion on how updates to the windows section of the design guidelines should be treated.
English version
Versión en español
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Accessibility, Site Work, and Small Accessory Structures
What are Design Guidelines?
Design Guidelines help architects, contractors, and owners of individual landmarks and properties in historic districts design sensitive alterations that protect the historic, architectural, or cultural features that make the property significant. The design guidelines serve as the rules and regulations that Landmark Preservation staff and the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) use to evaluate proposed changes. The guidelines are based on the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the treatment of historic properties while expanding on the basic rehabilitation principles with a specific focus on Denver. Learn more about the design guidelines and the design review process for landmark properties and districts in Denver.
Project Overview
The Design Guidelines for Denver Landmark Structures and Districts(PDF, 24MB) were initially developed through a public process from 2012 to 2014, with a minor update in January 2016. Due to evolving needs and the desire for greater flexibility, Landmark Preservation staff and the LPC recognize that the design guidelines need a comprehensive update. Changes to the Design Guidelines for Denver Landmark Structures and Districts must be adopted by the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) through a public rule-making process.
The design guideline update will be divided into four phases with each phase anticipated to take 9-12 months. Each phase will include community meetings and input, public review of draft updates, and a public hearing and vote by Denver’s Landmark Preservation Commission.
Note: The design guideline update does not affect customized design guidelines written for specific historic districts, including Civic Center Historic District, Country Club Gardens Historic District, Country Club Historic District, Five Points Historic Cultural District, La Alma Lincoln Park, and the Lower Downtown Historic District.
Phase 1 (Adopted Nov. 2022)
Phase 1 of the design guideline update included revisions to guidelines for solar panels, retaining walls, and wall cladding materials for additions, infill, and accessory structures. It also included clarifications to existing guidelines about egress windows and wells, landscaping, fencings, lighting, and sheds.
Timeline:
- November 17, 2021 – Phase 1 Community Meeting. View the November 17, 2021 Phase 1 meeting.
- November 17, 2021 to February 15, 2022 – Phase 1 Online Survey.
- April 26, 2022 to May 31, 2022 – Phase 1 draft posted online for public review and comment
- June 21, 2022 – LPC Discussion Item #1. View the June 21, 2022 Discussion Item starting at 2:44 into the recording
- August 2, 2022 – LPC Discussion Item #2. View the August 2, 2022 Discussion Item starting at 3:03 into the recording
- November 1, 2022 – LPC Public Hearing Adoption. View the LPC Adoption of the Phase I update at 1:12 into the recording
Engagement:
Throughout phase 1 of the design guidelines update, we shared the project’s progress through social media posts, Landmark newsletters, and updates with City Council members for their constituent newsletters. We also emailed updates to frequent applicants, past meeting attendees, and Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs). We had 41 participants at our November 2021 community meeting, 64 participants of the online survey, 102 comments and 3 letters focused on the public review draft, and 7 commenters at the LPC Discussion Items and Public Hearing.
Phase 2 (Kicking off Sept. 6)
Phase 2 will include revisions to guidelines about window replacement, alterations to historic buildings, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), signage, and accessibility. This phase will also include clarifications to guidelines about site work and small accessory structures.
Phase 3 (TBD)
Phase 3 will include revisions to guidelines about infill construction, tandem houses, and additions.
Phase 4 (TBD)
Phase 4 will entail the development of a new chapter on alterations to non-contributing buildings, as well as revisions to all guidelines about commercial and institutional buildings except for site work and signage.