One-size-fits-all

We have all heard the criticism for the old zoning code in Denver that it was “one-size-fits-all” approach. Particularly negative review received residential zone R2 that allowed single and two-family dwellings as well as row houses. The new code promised a diverse approach, one that will consider all the nuances and unique qualities of different parts of town and specially focus on the diversity in urban neighborhoods. That was an ambitious plan requiring an extensive study of existing inventory and lots of intricate planning to accommodate the variety of forms and patterns.

Today, as I look at the Fourth and Final draft of the zoning code I can’t help but be disappointed. The majority of urban neighborhoods are light yellow indicating a SU (Single Unit) zone designation. It seems like we have a new size to fit all our needs again. The first and obvious problem here is that we have missed the opportunity to recognize formal diversity of our urban heritage. The even bigger problem is that the new size is smaller than the old one.

Our population is growing and so is the City of Denver. The new smaller size will not fit (accommodate) all. As a matter of fact the new zoning will allow for very little growth in already established urban neighborhoods. The consequences can be pretty nasty. We will see excess spilling over the edges. In the fashion world we lovingly call it “love handles”. In the city planning jargon the name is “urban sprawl”.

So after five years and millions of dollars that Denver spent to develop this new code, if we have to (again) settle for one size to fit all, can we at least allow for some room to grow?