Page 45 - Denver, CO Adaptive Reuse Program

Development Services (Community Planning and
Development)
i. Zoning Review
As mentioned in Chapter 3, the Development Services Division
has two review tracks. The first is the Site Development Plan
(SDP) review process, which is required for new commercial zon-
ing projects and residential projects of three or more units. Adap-
tive reuse projects are unlikely to fit into this category due to their
relatively small size and use of an existing building; however, there
are cases where adaptive reuse projects do go to the SDP process,
often due to infrastructure requirements and Project Coordinator
discretion. More often, adaptive reuse fall under the Commercial
Zoning review process. While applications are submitted through
the e-permit system, the review is conducted by staff on the Com-
mercial Zoning Team, which reviews zoning-related activities such
as zoning permits, zone lot amendments, and zoning verification
and compliance letters.

a. Zoning Administrator
Another important position in facilitating this review process is
the Zoning Administrator, who may authorize minor changes to
pending applications or to approved plans and permits, and may
provide relief from specified standards as stated in section 12.4.5
of the Zoning Code. Most of the work completed under the name
of the Zoning Administrator will actually be completed by her
staff due to the large volume of work, though the Zoning Admin-
istrator is consulted when issues require her review. An adminis-
trative adjustment may be granted if it helps relieve unnecessary
hardship with code compliance, and if it helps promote context
sensitive development in established neighborhoods.

Administrative adjustments outlined in the zoning regulations
cover a wide variety of topics including setback requirements,
build-to requirements and landscaping standards. It is important
to note that the zoning regulations includes the maximum adjust-
ment available for each of the topics included. If an applicant is
requesting administrative adjustment(s), a pre-application meeting
must be held before the application can be submitted. Multiple
requests for administrative adjustments may be submitted concur-
rently, and the appropriate fees must be paid when the application
is submitted. The Zoning Administrator may decide to approve,
approve with conditions or deny the proposed adjustment.

Adaptive Reuse Strategy Paper 41