The not-so-green new Zoning Code

The new Zoning Code for Northwest Denver proposes rezoning majority of the area to a “single family dwelling” zone. This is lower density that currently allowed by R2 and R3 designations. This move seems to be contradictory while Denver strives to be a “green city”.

Increased urban density results in more sustainable communities because it reduces the need for developing virgin land for housing and decreases urban sprawl. Urban infill and new construction on previously developed land allows for access to existing services and transportation. Usually city planning efforts encourage higher density residential zones near town centers to bring people closer to their work place and thus eliminate long commute.

Now, nobody is proposing to build high rise developments in the Highlands. Current zoning restrictions make it impractical and impossible to do anyways. But there are hundreds of duplexes and townhouses here, built anywhere from early 19 hundreds till present, that are a part of our urban landscape. Why shouldn’t new developments of this kind continue to be allowed in the area?

Northwest Denver has been thriving in the past recent years as more people like to live near attractions offered by the downtown. That said I’m puzzled why the City wants to limit the growth of NW Denver.

Proposed new Denver Zoning Code

I’m extremely concerned with the down zoning of NW Denver to a single family district. This will result in decreased property value and a number of foreclosures. As an architect I have opportunity to talk with the developers in the area. For a while this has been the strongest neighborhood in the Denver Metro. But the new zoning code will eliminate existing development opportunities. The investors who currently own lots with hopes for building a duplex or a triplex will let the properties go into foreclosures when the new code comes to effect. In the current economy the results will be catastrophic for the area. Now is NOT the time to down zone!