Page 31 - Denver, CO Adaptive Reuse Program

Recommendations specific to CPD requirements
i. Provide flexibility to adaptive reuse projects in Main
Street Zone Districts
Adaptive reuse projects should be recognized for what they bring
to the East Colfax corridor rather than grouping this project type
with new development and making it abide by those standards.
Exceptions to the Main Street Standards, including the General
Standards (build-to and parking), should be provided in the Zon-
ing Code for adaptive reuse projects so applicants do not have
to seek a variance. More detail on these design topics is included
below.

ii. Allow distribution or elimination of required landscaping
areas
While the landscaping requirements outlined in Section 10.5.4.2.B
of the zoning code can be retained, consider allowing adaptive
reuse projects to distribute landscaping requirements throughout
a site. This would allow an applicant to meet the quantitative
number of the requirement while potentially locating more of the
landscaping to the sides or rear of the property in order to meet
the needs of their project. A minimum required amount could be
retained for landscaping in the front of the property. In addition
to permitting the movement of landscaping around a site, consid-
er allowing creative ways to achieve landscaping on a site such as
large planters or turfed outdoor areas.

iii. Potential changes to parking regulations
In order to more intentionally accommodate adaptive reuse proj-
ects along East Colfax, update the parking requirements in the
zoning code to provide flexibility to these projects, even going as
far as eliminating parking requirements or repurposing parking
to a use productive to the adaptive reuse project. Consider the
following changes:
• Amend Section 10.4.2.1.B to allow adaptive reuse applicants
to reduce the existing vehicle parking if there is a plan to
incorporate the space into part of the adaptive reuse project
that contributes to a more active, engaging street life.
• In section 10.4.2.1.C.2.a.i, increase the 25 percent to at
least 50 percent for adaptive reuse projects. This will mean
that if an adaptive reuse project requires the previous use’s
minimum parking requirement by 50% or less, no additional
parking spaces shall be required. Expanding this to above
50%, and even considering eliminating the need for new
parking for adaptive reuse projects, is also appropriate.
• In section 10.4.2.1.C.2.b, remove the 1967 requirement for
building age to allow any adaptive reuse project to take ad-
vantage of this provision.

Adaptive Reuse Strategy Paper 27