According to Denver's zoning laws, a zone lot is a buildable piece of land. When conducting zoning reviews and permitting, Community Planning and Development applies standards, such as building setbacks, to the zone lot. (It is important to note that a zone lot is different from a parcel. A parcel is used by the Assessor’s Office to identify ownership and levy and collect property taxes.)
Download brochure: Will My Proposed Assessor’s Parcel(s) Comply with Denver Zoning Rules? (PDF)
For more detailed information about zone lots, see the Denver Zoning Code, section 1.2, "Zone Lots," and section 12.4.4, "Zone Lot Amendments."
A pre-application meeting is available to all applicants but is highly recommended for those who are 1) requesting a zone lot amendment for the first time, 2) proposing a change to a commercial or multifamily property, or 3) proposing to leave an existing structure of any type behind after the zone lot amendment. This meeting is beneficial for discussing potential hurdles, survey requirements, and other implications before formally applying for a zone lot amendment.
Request a pre-application meeting or submit your formal zone lot amendment application online via e-permits:
Questions? Email zoningadministration@denvergov.org or call 720-865-2606.
NOTE: All local landmarks and historic district properties must undergo design review by Landmark Preservation staff. It’s best to alert Landmark staff to the zone lot amendment proposal early in the process. Use the DevelopDENVER mapping tool to check your landmark status, and visit the Landmark webpage for information on the design review process.
Your formal zone lot amendment review will begin once all items listed below have been received and the invoiced fee has been paid:
Sample surveys/elevations:
Please note that most of these issues can be anticipated by having a pre-application meeting prior to formally submitting and paying for a zone lot amendment.
Unnecessary hardship must be found in order to receive an Administrative Adjustment approved by a member of the Zoning Administration team, or a Variance from the Board of Adjustment. The review criteria for proving unnecessary hardship can be found in DZC, Section 12.4.7.5.
Administrative Adjustments can only be granted if hardship is proven and the requested adjustment is within the scope allowed in DZC, Section 12.4.5.3.A.