Public Notice for Zoning Permits

All zoning permit applications are reviewed by city staff to confirm the application and submitted materials meet the standards found in the Denver Zoning Code. In most cases, these reviews are performed only by city staff. However, some applications will require public notice before a permit can be approved. There are two types of zoning review procedures that require public notice.

For both permit types listed on this page, start by scheduling a pre-application meeting with zoning staff.

Zoning Permit with Informational Notice

If your project requires a Zoning Permit with Informational Notice, or ZPIN, city staff will instruct you to post a public notice of the proposed project where it is visible on the property as well as send a written notice to registered neighborhood organizations. Both of these notices will provide instructions for how the public can submit written comments to zoning staff regarding the application. After the public comment period closes, city staff will consider any public input received along with the application materials before making a decision.

Common projects that require a ZPIN:

• Telecommunication towers
• Outdoor retail sales or services
• Air conditioning units being placed in the required setback area
• Keeping of more animals than allowed by the code
• Unlisted home businesses that are not addressed in the code
• Nonresidential uses in existing commercial structures in a residential zone district
• Other projects that have the potential to impact neighboring properties

Learn more in Section 12.4.2 of the Denver Zoning Code

Zoning Permit with Special Exception

If your project requires a Zoning Permit with Special Exception, or ZPSE, then it will be reviewed by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing before making the final decision to approve or deny the zoning application. The Board of Adjustment will also instruct you to post a public notice of the hearing at the subject property and provide written notice to registered neighborhood organizations.

Common projects that require a ZPSE:

• Outdoor restaurant/bar patios located within 50 feet of a single-unit (SU) or two-unit (TU) residential zone district
• Heavy automobile services and repair (e.g., auto body repair or paint shops)
• Utility projects with major impact

Learn more in Section 12.4.9 of the Denver Zoning Code