Development news from Community Planning and Development (CPD)

In this issue, you will find:

Shaping Future Policy

• Adaptive reuse pilot program for East Colfax Ave. accepting applications
• Join us for a Cherry Creek & Speer Blvd. vision study open house

Code and Policy Changes

• Proposed revisions to the 2022 Building & Fire Code and 2022 Denver Green Code
• Important building code dates to remember
• Review and comment on draft requirements for structures & enclosures for below curb and above curb outdoor patios

Notable Progress

• Nominations open for 2023 Mayor’s Design Awards
• Updates to the city's heat pump rebate programs

ICYMI: Recaps from our last newsletter

Shaping Future Policy

Adaptive reuse pilot program for East Colfax Ave. accepting applications

Denver is piloting an adaptive reuse program in two locations: Upper Downtown and East Colfax Ave. These pilot programs will support projects undergoing conversion to a new use or purpose by providing direct assistance to business owners, developers, and property owners as they navigate the City and County of Denver’s review and permitting process.

The adaptive reuse pilot program for East Colfax is now open for applications. The East Colfax pilot program targets the conversion of underutilized commercial buildings into a variety of new residential and commercial uses along Colfax from Broadway to Yosemite.

Learn more about the city's adaptive reuse program >>  

Join us for a Cherry Creek & Speer Blvd. vision study open house

The Cherry Creek and Speer Boulevard Vision and Reconfiguration Feasibility Study is taking a close look at one of Denver’s most important corridors, Speer Boulevard and the Cherry Creek trail between Colfax Avenue and I-25. This study aims to develop a realistic vision, vetted for technical and financial feasibility, to improve how people move through and experience this area. This is not a construction project. This is an opportunity to conduct a preliminary analysis and solicit public feedback to create a vision for a future project.

You’re invited to an open house to learn more about the study, view potential changes that can be made to the study area, and provide feedback on your experience as a user of the area, whether you live, commute, recreate, shop, or explore along the corridor.

Cherry Creek & Speer Boulevard vision study open house

Thursday, November 30 | 4-6 p.m.

The Commons on Champa | 1245 Champa St., Denver

For those unable to make the in-person open house, there will be an interactive online version of the same material provided on the project webpage from November 30 – December 14.

Code and Policy Changes

Proposed revisions to the 2022 Building & Fire Code and 2022 Denver Green Code

In November and December, the Denver City Council will consider a small suite of revisions to the Denver Building & Fire Code and Denver Green Code (including the Residential Code, Energy Code, and administrative provisions). These changes are to correct grammatical errors, typos, incorrectly referenced code sections, and to clarify unclear or conflicting code language. The drafts below include strike through and underline formatting to identify the proposed changes.

NOTE: Projects already in construction drawing (“LOG”) review can choose to remain on the current version of the building code or update their designs to the new building code following City Council adoption. New projects that submit for construction drawing review after December 15 will need to comply with the third printing of the 2022 Denver Building & Fire Code and second printing of the 2022 Denver Green Code. If you have questions, please email CPDCommunications@denvergov.org.

Adoption timeline:

• LUTI presentation: November 14, 2023
• First reading at City Council: December 4, 2023
• Second reading & vote at City Council: December 11, 2023

Important building code dates to remember

January 1, 2024

Any building permit plans submitted on or after January 1, 2024, must have partially electrified space and water heating systems for all commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects. For requirements, see Denver Energy Code C403.2.4 for space heating and C404.10 for water heating. Visit this webpage for info on requirements, training videos, and more. Questions? Email mechplumb.review@denvergov.org.

February 1, 2024

Any building permit plans submitted on or after February 1, 2024, for all commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects must document compliance with both Accessible EV Installed spaces and Universal EV Installed spaces as required by Chapter 11 of the Denver Commercial Building Code.

View a summary of requirements.

Review and comment on draft requirements for structures & enclosures for below curb and above curb outdoor patios

The Outdoor Places Program has released draft requirements for structures and enclosures for below curb and above curb outdoor patios. The design standards seek to ensure that these elements integrate with surrounding environment while maintaining safety, accessibility and the outdoor character of the space.

Public comment on the draft structures & enclosures requirements will be accepted until November 8, 2023. Feedback received will be used to further refine the draft requirements. 

View the draft structures and enclosures standards >>

Submit a comment or question >>

Notable Progress

Nominations open for 2023 Mayor’s Design Awards

Mayor Mike Johnston will hand out his first awards in February 2024

Once again, it's time to celebrate great design in Denver! Since 2005, the Mayor’s Design Awards have honored projects throughout the city for excellence in architecture, exterior design and place-making. The awards are presented to Denver homeowners, business owners, nonprofits, artists and others for their creative contributions to Denver's built environment through excellence and innovation. Many different types of projects are eligible. Previous award winners include restaurants, galleries, supportive housing, private single-family homes, plazas, and other shared public spaces. What they have in common is the imaginative and innovative way they enhance public spaces and support community.

Submit your nominations today >>

Updates to the city's heat pump rebate programs

Stacking Rebates: In May, the city launched heat pump rebates for existing commercial and multifamily buildings. In September, Xcel Energy launched similar heat pump rebates for commercial buildings (PDF). Commercial buildings in Denver can now use and stack BOTH rebates together. 

We updated Denver's rebate equipment requirements to match most of Xcel's requirements. This makes it easier for building owners and contractors to use both rebate programs. Covering 100% of the cost of heat pump projects is now possible.

Participant Eligibility: Effective immediately, we also updated the participant eligibility for our commercial and residential rebates. 

Buildings eligible for the building electrification program rebates:

• Existing commercial buildings
• Multifamily apartment buildings
• Multifamily condominium buildings 

Buildings eligible for the climate action rebates:

• Existing single-family dwellings
• Two-family dwellings (duplexes)
• Townhomes  

New construction is not eligible for either rebate program at this time. 

Learn more and apply >>

ICYMI:

Recaps from our last newsletter

Get caught up on last month's news >>

• CPD is pursuing financial assistance from the federal government through the PRO Housing Grant to identify and remove barriers to affordable housing in Denver.

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