Main Street
The Main Street zoning district created in 2005 as an outgrowth of the East Colfax Plan to promote the revitalization of Denver’s commercial main streets, was applied to a major section of East Colfax Avenue in 2006, and was applied on West Colfax from Irving Street to Lakewood in 2007. Main Street zoning covers the length of Colfax Avenue between Aurora and Lakewood, with the exception of Downtown.
Background: Blueprint Denver and the Comprehensive Plan 2000 recommend higher density, pedestrian friendly, mixed use development (commercial, office and residential) along Denver’s transit-rich, commercial corridors or "Main Streets."
Denver City Council established Main Street zoning to encourage a strong mix of housing, office and commercial uses along East Colfax Avenue between Grant and Sherman Streets east to Colorado Blvd. Now, the Denver City Council is exploring whether Main Street zoning should be extended to the remainder of the West and East Colfax Avenue corridors.
Changing Zoning:
Changing a property’s zoning, also known as a "rezoning," is a multi-step process with numerous opportunities for public comment. The Denver Community Planning and Development reviews all proposed zoning changes for conformance with adopted City plans, such Comprehensive Plan 2000 and the Blueprint Denver Land Use/Transportation Plan, and sound land use planning principles. Community Planning and Development staff will make recommendations to the Denver Planning Board and City Council. The City Council makes decisions regarding zoning changes based on criteria stated in the Denver zoning code, and based on recommendations and input from City staff, the Planning Board, and the general public.
Contact:
Chris Gleissner
Senior City Planner
Denver Community Planning and Development
email: chris.gleissner@ci.denver.co.us
p: 720.865.2938
f: 720.865.3056