Zone Lot Amendments

Step 1.Optional: Consider Meeting With City Staff

A pre-application meeting is beneficial for discussing potential hurdles, submittal requirements, and other implications before formally applying for a zone lot amendment. The meeting is optional but highly recommended for applicants who are requesting a zone lot amendment for the first time and/or when any of the following factors are present:

• the proposal would leave an existing structure of any type behind after the zone lot is amended
• the proposal would amend a property with an existing commercial or multifamily structure
• the proposal does not meet zoning requirements and will need zoning relief (an administrative adjustment or variance)
• the proposal would amend a historic district property or a property including a designated landmark structure

Step 2.Gather Required Documents

• A basic aerial and/or illustration that shows what you hope to accomplish with the zone lot amendment
• Any other helpful attachments

Step 3.Request a Pre-Application Meeting

Visit e-permits (new users will need to create an account) to submit your request. In e-permits, select Development Services > Apply for a Permit > Zoning > Zone Lot Amendment and follow the prompts to submit contact information, project details, and upload documents. 

Note: If your property is a landmark or in a historic district, you can request a joint meeting with zoning and landmark staff. Please note this when requesting your pre-application meeting.

Request a pre-application meeting

Step 1.Gather Required Documents

For all submittals:

• A Zone Lot Amendment Owner Consent Form(PDF, 87KB) for each zone lot.
• 8.5"x11" descriptions and illustrations produced by a surveyor per City and County of Denver Legal Descriptions Guidelines. View example(PDF, 955KB).
  • Typical format:
    • Exhibit A: description(s) and illustration(s) of the existing Zone Lots
      • Existing Zone Lots shall be assigned/labeled/identified by alpha characters, starting at the lowest alpha letter, i.e., Zone Lot A, Zone Lot B.
    • Exhibits B and C: description(s) and illustration(s) of the new Zone Lots
      • Proposed Zone Lots shall be assigned/labeled/identified with alpha characters, continuing where existing Zone Lots ended, i.e., Zone Lot C, Zone Lot D.
      • Illustrations for proposed Zone Lots shall show any existing structures. Label structure type. Show distances from structures to new Zone Lot lines. Include date when structures were located.
    •  Exhibit D: results of Zone Lot Amendment
      • Shall be an illustration only, showing the results of the Zone Lot Amendment, labeling the new zone lots as described above. 
•  The Zoning Reviewer may identify the need for additional information and/or documentation at the time of the Pre-Application meeting and/or upon initial review of your formal submittal.

Additional requirements for submittals proposing to leave improvements (i.e. existing structures) behind:

• Two Improvement Survey Plats (ISPs) produced by a surveyor that meet the requirements of CRS § 38-53-103 and 38-51-106, AES Bylaws and Rules 6.5, as well as those outlined below. View example(PDF, 836KB).
  • Separate sheets must be submitted to outline the existing and new zone lot boundaries.
  • One sheet needs to contain a label “Existing Conditions” and another sheet needs to contain a label “Proposed Conditions”.
    • The Improvement Survey Plats (ISP) must also show the following zoning standards:
      • A fully dimensioned drawing showing all existing structures.(Structure as defined by Denver Zoning Code section 13.3.)
      • Existing and new zone lot information, shown in both graphic and written form (legal descriptions) and including the total zone lot area.
      • Zoning calculations and information, including zone lot width and area, zone district, and building form. (A building form must be declared, or one will be assigned by staff.)
      • The ISP must be drawn to a commonly recognized scale. Drawings that are subsequently reduced/scanned and cannot be verified for dimensions cannot be reviewed.
      • When showing vacated public alleys, drives, or other right-of-way (ROW) as part of the zone lot, submit a deed and title policy that clearly shows ownership of all or a portion of the vacated ROW.
    • Use, location, height, and material of all structures (including fences, sheds, etc.). Height must be measured from the zoning base plane(s) (see DZC section 13.1.2.2 for applicable Rule of Measurement).
    • Area of each structure’s footprint
    • Setback dimensions for all structures from all zone lot lines.
    • Locations and dimensions of all building eaves, projections, and overhangs, measured from the exterior surface of the wall.
    • Front and rear spot grade elevations at the zone lot depth line (e.g., 65%/35% or 80%/20%);
    • Reference lots to establish a Primary Street Setback Offset Distance (see DZC section 13.1.5.9 for applicable Rule of Measurement).
  • Note: Improvement Location Certificates (ILCs) will not be accepted
• If an existing structure will remain, submit the calculated building coverage of each zone lot using the assigned building form's maximum building coverage standard located in the Denver Zoning Code.

• If your property is a landmark or located within a historic district, please upload the landmark design review application and checklist(PDF, 1MB) with your zone lot amendment application.

Step 2.Submit Application

After compiling all required documents, visit e-permits (new users will need to create an account) to submit your application. In e-permits, select Development Services > Apply for a Permit > Zoning> Zone Lot Amendment and follow the prompts to submit contact information, project details, and upload documents.

Submit your formal application

Note: Your review will begin once all required documents have been received and fees have been paid.