NEWS for RELEASE: February 9, 2021

Denver City Council approves Group Living rules update

Vote will modernize zoning code’s residential use rules

DENVER – Denver City Council voted tonight to approve the much-needed Group Living package of zoning code amendments. The amendments are the product of three years of work by city staff, Denver residents, housing providers, and city councilmembers. Throughout this process, thousands of people have shared their thoughts and lived experiences – all of which were instrumental in shaping the final amendments approved tonight by City Council. These changes will take effect this week with the Mayor’s signature, giving residents more legal housing options and providers more flexibility to address the needs of vulnerable communities.

“This change has been a long time coming, and I want to thank Community Planning and Development staff and City Council for their work to bring forward an update to these rules that is comprehensive and inclusive,” said Mayor Michael B. Hancock. “Our work to provide more housing options for individuals and families to access isn’t finished, but this is a positive step in the right direction, and one that we will build on.”

“Tonight’s vote is a step toward rectifying the role zoning has played historically in dividing cities based on race, class, and perceptions of people,” said Laura E. Aldrete, executive director of Community Planning and Development. “We are modernizing our codes and ensuring our policies reflect our values.”

The approved package of zoning amendments increases the number of unrelated adults who may live together to five, up from 2 in a house and 4 in a duplex or apartment, and adjusts rules for residential care facilities so they are regulated by the number of people they serve, rather than by the type of service they offer. It also expands the land area available for community corrections from about 3,210 acres primarily in industrial areas and downtown to about 19,000 acres throughout the city in commercial and mixed-use areas.

• Download approved amendments
• Download staff presentation
• For more information: www.denvergov.org/groupliving