After three years of work by residents, business owners and community leaders, along with city staff, the Denver City Council voted to adopt the West Area Plan at its meeting Tuesday, March 28, 2023. The plan breaks new ground as it lays out a vision to guide growth and city decision-making over the next two decades, while helping residents and local businesses stay in their neighborhoods.
Legislative Rezoning
Following the plan's adoption, city planners have started the work of bringing the vision for the West Area to life through a city-sponsored legislative rezoning. The purpose of the rezoning is to put the plan's land use guidance into place in key areas where current rules do not align with the goals community members identified during the planning process. The areas being considered for rezoning are downtown Barnum and the Mulroy Center. In addition, property owners in local centers and corridors and whose properties are governed by Former Chapter 59 (the city's old zoning code) are invited to opt into the rezoning.
The intent of this implementation project is to ensure future development in these areas is consistent with the community's vision for equitable development that prioritizes pedestrian safety, makes room for community-servicing businesses and takes advantage of existing transit options.
What the plan calls for
- Development that enhances the pedestrian experience and is compatible with surrounding areas
- Active commercial uses along the ground floor along main street areas
- Higher-intensity uses along corridors and near high-capacity transit centers
In addition, implementation through rezoning would lay the groundwork for better urban design, predictable development, and similar levels of entitlement.
Proposed Legislative Rezoning Areas and Topics
| Topic |
Plan recommendation |
| Downtown Barnum |
Encourage zoning changes and other regulatory tools that will help foster a "Main Street" environment within Downtown Barnum. |
| Mulroy Center, a Denver Housing Authority property to allow for redevelopment in the future |
Support rezonings in the area south of 13th Avenue to mixed-use zone districts to allow for a mix of uses and services, and to increase diverse housing options near transit for seniors and DHA residents. |
|
Rezoning properties designated in the plan as community centers, local centers and corridors to mixed use or main street districts
|
Support existing commercial areas by promoting community-desired uses and enhancing the physical environment to create quality gathering places for residents. |
| Rezoning properties in Former Chapter 59 zone districts (the city's old zoning code) to the Denver Zoning Code |
General citywide priority for better design and more predictable development outcomes. |
How to Get Involved
City planners will be holding community office hours December 12-14, both in person and virtually. Those who have questions or comments about the legislative rezoning process may sign up to talk one-on-one with a member of the team. Use the button link below to sign up.
| Date |
Time |
Location |
| Tuesday, Dec. 12 |
2-4 p.m. |
Barnum Recreation Center, 360 Hooker St. |
| Wednesday, Dec. 13 |
5-7 p.m. |
Virtual |
| Thursday, Dec. 14 |
2-4 p.m. |
Virtual |
| Thursday, Dec. 14 |
5-7 p.m. |
Barnum Recreation Center, 360 Hooker St. |
Sign up to talk to a planner
The People's Budget in West Denver
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