Parkways

Public land that includes the street, tree lawn and sidewalk. The right-of-way width is established by the city. The right-of way also defines the boundary line along the street frontage of a property. In the case of parkways, the right-of-way is defined by the parkway ordinances.

The distance from the right-of-way that permanent structures such as houses and walls can be located. Development on private property is regulated by the city to establish set-back requirements. Set-back distances for parkways are defined by the parkway ordinances and provide the basic framework for the parkway character.

The area between the curb and edge of a detached sidewalk. Tree lawns are an integral component of the parkway character and typically very generous to create a distinctive park-like setting. Street trees are located within the tree lawn and often establish a continuous overhead canopy embracing the street. The lawn under the trees also reinforces the continuity of the parkway landscape. While this area is part of the public right-of-way, individual property owners are responsible for the maintenance of this area. Trees in the tree lawn along parkways are cared for by the city.

The median is a landscaped area separating the street into each direction of travel. Medians along the parkway are typically landscaped with lawn and trees. Shrub masses and flower beds may also add to the park-like setting of the parkway. Some medians are so wide, they can be used as linear parks for recreational uses such as walking dogs and jogging. A median is not always present on a parkway.

The private front yard is the space between the right-of-way and the front of a home or building facing the parkway. The front yard is an important component of a parkway and in many cases the character of the parkway is dependent on the consistency of the set-back and continuous spacious lawns on each side of the street.

Structures located on private property along Denver’s designated parkways are subject to building line restrictions in accordance with and subject to the standards, requirements and procedures of the Parkway Building Line Restrictions Policy. Find maps of Denver parkways below.

Bonnie Brae Blvd.
Buchtel Blvd.
Cherry Creek Drive
City Park Esplanade
Clermont Street
Country Club
E. 6th Avenue
E. 7th Avenue
E. 17th Avenue
E. 26th Avenue
E. Alameda Avenue
Forest Street
Hale
Josephine Street
MLK Blvd.
Monaco St. North
Monaco St. South
Montview Blvd.
Park Avenue
Richthofen Place
S. Irving Street
S. Marion Street
Speer Blvd.
University Blvd.
W. 14th Avenue
W. 46th Avenue

Q: Where does the parkway setback start?
A: The property line (not the curb).

Q: What landscaping does DPR recommend?
A: Generally, DPR recommends a low-water hybrid turf along the parkway to preserve the green, park-like setting.

Q: Can I use rock mulch on my private property along a parkway?
A: DPR does not recommend rock mulch because it can harm historic trees that are acclimated to more water supply. Rock mulch also impacts the green park-like appearance that the parkways are intended to promote.

Q: What about new buildings along a parkway?
A: Section 49-18 of the municipal code requires every building to front on a parkway unless the existing development context would show otherwise (e.g. corner lot property; project has a side adjacent to the parkway consistent with the existing block pattern).

Q: Who can I contact for more information and clarification?
A: Please send an email to parkways@denvergov.org or call 720.913.0623.

Q: Is there an application fee for a parkways exception request?
A: No, DPR provides this service to citizens free-of-charge. Download an exception request application.