Embarking on a home renovation project in Denver is an exciting venture that promises to transform your living space into something uniquely yours. However, before you pick out paint colors or start dreaming of kitchen upgrades, it's critical to understand how local zoning laws could influence your renovation dreams. Denver's zoning regulations play a pivotal role in what you can and cannot do with your property, potentially impacting everything from building extensions to the height of your new fence.
Why are these laws so crucial for Denver homeowners to grasp? Zoning regulations ensure the city develops in an orderly and planned manner, protecting residential areas' integrity and ensuring that all modifications adhere to safety and community standards. Let's dive deeper into how these laws might affect your next home improvement project and explore strategies to navigate the zoning landscape successfully.
Understanding Zoning Restrictions
Zoning laws in Denver are a complex web of regulations that dictate land use and building activities within the city. These rules cover a wide range of aspects, from structural height limits to setback requirements and the percentage of land that can be covered by buildings. For homeowners, this means that seemingly straightforward projects like adding a new deck or converting an attic into a living space could require a thorough review of zoning ordinances.
One common hurdle is the floor-area ratio (FAR), which limits the total square footage of all buildings on a lot relative to the lot size. Understanding these restrictions beforehand can prevent the frustration of having to modify your plans after the fact. It's a good idea to consult Denver's zoning code or speak with a zoning expert to clarify how these rules apply to your specific project.
Why Professional Advice Is Invaluable
The intricacies of zoning laws make professional guidance not just helpful, but often essential. A seasoned zoning issues and disputes attorney can provide the clarity and direction needed to ensure your renovation project doesn't hit legal snags. Whether it's interpreting the zoning code, applying for variances, or navigating the permit process, having legal expertise on your side can streamline your project and mitigate the risks of non-compliance.
Experts in zoning law can also assist in appealing decisions or representing your interests in disputes, such as objections from neighbors or enforcement actions by the city. Their advice can be the key to unlocking the full potential of your property within the framework of local regulations, ensuring that your renovations enhance your home's value and livability without violating zoning laws.
Planning Your Renovation with Zoning in Mind
Successful home renovations in Denver start with thorough planning, with a keen eye on zoning regulations from the outset. This preparatory step can illuminate opportunities and limitations, guiding your design choices to align with legal requirements. For example, understanding zoning can help you maximize your property's usable space by identifying permissible extensions or additions that won't infringe on setback requirements or FAR limits.
Moreover, considering zoning laws during the planning phase can inspire creative solutions that comply with regulations while fulfilling your aesthetic and functional goals. Whether it's designing a multi-level addition that respects height restrictions or a landscape project that enhances your property without violating green space requirements, zoning-aware planning is essential for a smooth renovation process.
Maximizing Property Value within Legal Boundaries
Zoning regulations, while often viewed as obstacles, can also serve as guides to enhancing your property's value and appeal. By navigating these laws skillfully, you can undertake renovations that not only meet your needs but also comply with city planning objectives. This careful balance can result in improvements that boost your home's market value, contribute to the neighborhood's character, and even set a positive precedent for future development in your area.
Adhering to zoning laws ensures that your renovations are sustainable and beneficial in the long term, adding value to your property and the community. It's about finding harmony between your vision and the collective vision of Denver's residents, as expressed through zoning codes. This approach fosters a cooperative relationship with the city and your neighbors, paving the way for a more seamless and enjoyable renovation experience.
At Downey & Associates, PC, we're committed to helping Denver homeowners navigate the complexities of zoning laws with confidence and ease. Our expertise in real estate and zoning laws means we're ideally positioned to guide you through every aspect of your renovation project, from initial planning to final execution. We understand the nuances of Denver's zoning regulations and can provide the legal support needed to ensure your project proceeds without a hitch.
If you're contemplating a home renovation and want to ensure it aligns with Denver's zoning laws, reach out to us today. Our team is ready to assist you in realizing your dream home renovation while staying within the bounds of local regulations. Let Downey & Associates, PC be your partner in bringing your vision to life, ensuring that every aspect of your project is in perfect harmony with Denver's zoning laws.
Considering a real estate transaction, or need assistance with property ownership issues in Denver, Colorado? Contact Downey & Associates, PC at 303-647-9399 for client-focused legal representation and guidance on property ownership complexities in Colorado.
Oasis Brewing was once one of Colorado’s sweetheart microbreweries in Boulder – sporting an Egyptian motif with larger than life palm-leaf fans and hieroglyphs on the taproom walls. The brewery enjoyed a decade-long run in that famous location near the intersections of Broadway and Canyon. But as more and more microbreweries emerged, they pinched on Oasis’ success forcing the breweries’ closure. In 2014, Oasis’ owner George Hanna was talked into resurrecting the brewery by his son and son-in-law, banking on the microbrewery’s still notorious brand of beers.
That dream has taken nearly four years to realize, because Hanna hadn’t found a location suitable for the business’ relaunch. So, they spent the last few years creating contract brews for a few other breweries, such as Prost and Crazy Mountain. The search took Hanna back to Boulder, then back to Denver, and finally the West Highland neighborhood. That’s where he found the Beth Eden Church building (built in 1931) that has stood vacant since about 2007 and was supposed to have date with a wrecking ball. Caving to irate neighbors, RedPeak Properties decided to save the church, but not before a nasty court battle ensued over the zoning of the property the church was located on.
“We were anxious, but also patient, to find the right spot. I don’t think we could have done any better,” says Oasis co-owner and longtime Boulder restaurateur George Hanna. “I love the space. It makes me smile every time I walk in here.”1
Details Surrounding the Beth Eden Church Building Lawsuit & Rezoning
Oasis Brewery Rises from the Ashes after Zoning Dispute | Denver Zoning Issues and Dispute Attorney
The following details about the long zoning dispute over the Beth Eden Church and Highlands Square were gathered from local news reports:2
The Beth Eden Baptist Church is located at 3257 Lowell Boulevard. It was built in 1931 by the Beth Eden congregation and designed in the Tudor Revival style. It operated as a church until the late 1990s, according to Historic Denver records.
The building was sold to RedPeak Properties in 2007. RedPeak Properties planned to demolish the church and put up a five-story, 148-unit apartment building.
Plans to demolish the building angered many of the West Highland neighbors in the area, who filed a lawsuit to prevent its ruin. Not long after the city council, historic preservationists, and the developer got involved with the building issue as well.
The neighborhood has a history of being a formidable foe to developers, including one project that would have brought a Walmart near the property. Developers and city council members even experienced protests, verbal attacks, not to mention a lawsuit against the city and one city councilmember’s defeat for re-election.3
The West Highland neighbors claimed the apartment complex was a violation of the property’s zoning. They pointed to the city’s master land-use and transportation plan, dubbed the “Blueprint Denver.”
Blueprint Denver was created in 2002 as a master plan for denoting areas as either “areas of change,” that would allow for building and transportation growth; and “areas of stability,” which would not seek much further growth for the time being. However, the city council determined there was enough language in Blueprint Denver to support some growth in areas of stability to allow for the apartment building.
The lawsuit went forward and took three days in court. The trial came to an end on Aug. 23, 2013. The judge ruled in favor of the city to develop, saying there was nothing underhanded about the project and that the city was within its right to rezone the property.
In 2014, the city council voted to preserve the church as a historic landmark.
The five-story luxury apartment building was built and attached to the church, so that it’s now part of the project.
The Oasis Brewer, which is located on the first two floors of the old church building, will include a seven-barrel brewhouse, a spacious taproom, and a patio for with space 50 people.
If you have a development project that is hitting roadblocks because of zoning issues or constituents opposed to the project, contact the experienced Denver Zoning Issues and Disputes Attorney at Downey & Associates, PC. To set up a free, initial consultation, call us today at 303-647-9399 or use the message form on the right-hand side of the page.
1“Oasis Brewing Will Rise Again Inside Historic Highlands Square Church” published in Westword, April 2018.
2“The City Takes Blueprint Denver Back to the Drawing Board” published in Westword, March 2016.
3“The City Takes Blueprint Denver Back to the Drawing Board” published in Westword,
The Grove development project seems to be taking fire from every direction. First, the project developer threatened to file a $30 million lawsuit against the city for its attempts to halt the development plans. Now, nearby neighbors are up in arms over the scope of the project - and its potential impacts on their community.
“Fight the Grove – Save Our Historic Neighborhood,” yard signs put up by local residents read. They are reportedly fed up with alleged zoning violations and a development project that some are saying is too big and out of place for the historic Bemis neighborhood.
As a matter of fact, some residents are taking their fight straight to City Council to see if they can stop the developer, Zocalo Community Development, from starting construction.
Details and Allegations Surrounding the Neighborhood Lawsuit
The following details the allegations and events surrounding the neighborhood dispute over the Grove mixed-use development project:
Local residents claim that the city and developer have turned a blind eye to the concerns of locals and that they are doing everything in their power to get the 160-unit, six-story, senior-living development project built. Residents also alleged that the city and developer have overlooked important zoning regulations.
Some of the houses located right across the street from the massive mixed-use development are turn-of-the-century historic homes.
Views of the mountains and the skyline will be blocked by the new development, allege some neighbors.
One resident calls the project “an urban architecture that’s getting dropped like a bomb into this historic neighborhood.”
Neighbors claim the building permits were issued without any feedback or comments from the general public.
Nearly a dozen residents have been protesting the development. They say that they plan to march to the next City Council meeting to talk to civic leaders and take a stand against the project.
The neighbors filed a lawsuit to try to squash the development before the construction phase gets underway.
Do the Neighbors Have a Case?
Based on the available facts and court documents, it seems that the city and developer may have rushed into this development and overlooked the need for (or importance of) public input with regards to this development project.
What remains to be determined, however, is whether:
The lack of public input would be enough to halt the development, especially in light of the fact that the city manager reviewed the development and has affirmed that it meets city codes and regulations
The city did, in fact, violate any regulations with regard to public comment and/or hearings for this proposed development project.
If so, the neighbors may have grounds to sue and seek monetary damages. As more news about this contentious issues becomes available, we'll report the latest details to you here, in future blog.
Until then, tell us your opinions about this project and the dispute surrounding it on Facebook & Google+
For experienced, effective representation in any real estate or development dispute, contact Denver Real Estate Attorney Thomas E. Downey. Since 1983, Thomas Downey and the other legal professionals at Downey & Associates, PC have been providing individuals and businesses in the Denver Metro Area and throughout the U.S. with the highest level of legal service for their business litigation, development conflicts, property tax and real estate legal issues.
Our dedication to our clients, coupled with our extensive experience handling complex matters of real estate law, means that our clients can always trust that we will aggressively protect their rights and help them achieve the best possible outcomes to their sensitive legal matters.
Call (303) 813-1111 or email us using the contact form on this page for a thorough case evaluation and clear advice about your best options for proceeding.
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The Grove senior-living, mixed-use development project in downtown Littleton got pretty heated at a recent City Council meeting, and which council members considered putting an immediate halt to it.
This city also faces a potential $30 million lawsuit from the project developer, Denver-based Zocalo Community Development, if the council decides to vote to withdraw the project development plan and the building permits.
Why Is City Council Considering Shutting Down the Project?
The following details of the Grove development project were provided by local news reports and court documents:
The property in question a 160-unit complex located at the southwest corner of West Littleton Boulevard and South Bemis Street.
The City of Littleton approved the Grove development plans in 2015.
The attorney for Zocalo warned the City Council that “a direct Council vote or order by the Council to any other party to rescind, revoke, or otherwise impair the full force and effect of the building permit in any way is blatantly … devoid of any legal authority, and will be viewed as a willful and wanton act against my client.”
Several Littleton residents also got up in front of the Council and alleged various violations of the Grove development, such as zoning violations.
A smaller contingent was on hand to support the Grove development project, urging Council members to not shut down the development.
Councilman Doug Clark brought a motion before the Council after hearing from several concerned residents that the project doesn’t comply with zoning for several reasons.
Alleged violations include the residential component being on a 4.3-acres site that supposedly exceeds city code, a parcel identified at the site is being improperly proposed for for emergency access, and the Grove isn’t providing sufficient open space that is suppose to be provided at the site.
Another neighbor referred to the project as a “behemoth” and totally out of character for the area.
What Will Happen Next?
It’s highly unlikely that the Grove mixed-use development project will be shuttered. Mostly due to the fact that the city would be facing an impending lawsuit if they did.
Not only would the city be libel to pay for damages, but the move to pull permits could expose “council members individually and personally to financial liability,” according to the Grove’s attorney.
Littleton’s City Manager Michael Penny said he reviewed the project and concluded that the project in its entirety and found that “…it met the applicable land use and zone codes.”
Penny added that “there’s no provision for the Council to get involved, and no language in the code for the Council or staff to send the matter to the Board of adjustment, which hears appeals.
For experienced, effective representation in a real estate or zoning dispute, contact Denver Real Estate Attorney Thomas E. Downey. Since 1983, Thomas Downey and the other legal professionals at Downey & Associates, PC have been providing individuals and businesses in the Denver Metro Area and throughout the U.S. with the highest level of legal service for their real estate litigation, property tax and real estate legal issues.
Call (303) 813-1111 or email us using the contact form on this page to schedule an initial consult with Denver Attorney Thomas Downey and find out more about how he can serve you.
From offices in Centennial, Thomas Downey serves clients throughout Colorado and the U.S.
Downey & Associates PC represents clients in Denver and in the surrounding Colorado communities including Englewood, Littleton, Aurora, Greenwood Village, Broomfield, Boulder, Westminster, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Adams County, Denver County, Arapahoe County, Douglas County, Jefferson County, Boulder County, Larimer County and El Paso County.
