The August 2018 INC ZAP meeting was almost entirely focused on an overview of two key planning documents: Comprehensive Plan 2040 and Blueprint Denver. Both are currently in the public comment period and all citizens are encouraged to review the documents and offer feedback. See the minutes for Citizen Open House events to speak with Planning Department staff.
The June 23, 2018 INC Zoning and Planning Meeting focused on three areas of discussion: 1) an upcoming text amendment to the zoning code dealing with colors of signs; 2) efforts to bolster Denver’s Affordable Housing Fund with additional monies from the city’s General Fund and an additional 2% tax on recreational marijuana; 3) the recent proposal by Larimer Associates and Urban Villages to find ways to increase revenue from Larimer Square which could materially impact Denver’s first historic district.
The May 19 2018 Zoning and Planning Committee meeting discussed the controversial proposed Larimer Square development, volunteers were sought for a sub-committee to make suggestions for improvements to the Platform for Zoning and Planning, there was a discussion about INC’s role in organizing and informing RNO’s about pertinent city activities, and finally, the position statement that INC sent to City Council and the Executive Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation on November 22, 2017 urging that “land designated as Zone District OS-A be subject to the planning and engagement processes of City Council, instead of the appointed Parks Executive Director” in order to “ensure a public voice is included in decisions made regarding the zoning and use of public parks” was discussed, as no response has yet come from the city.
The April 28 2018 Zoning and Planning Committee meeting featured a presentation by Kevin Priestly and Brad Calvert of the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) informing the committee about the organization and its Metrovision Plan. As well, an update was given on the Group Living Advisory Committee efforts.
The March 24 2018 Zoning and Planning Committee meeting featured a presentation on the effort to update the 2000 Comprehensive Plan, a discussion about the recently-formed Group Living Advisory Committee, and the Downtown Area Plan Amendment related to the Central Platte Valley and Auraria, which were not addressed in detail by the 2007 Downtown Area Plan.
If passed, it would require CPD to send written notifications by mail of any proposed rezonings to all owners of property within a 200-foot radius of the property proposed for rezoning, both before a Planning Board hearing and the City Council public hearing. This would improve notification to neighboring property owners. Currently, Registered Neighborhood Organizations receive such notice (thanks to the 1979 ordinance sponsored by INC), but some parts of the city do not have RNOs and some RNOs do not have active zoning committees or regular meetings to discuss rezonings. Several cities in Colorado and across the United States have such notification requirements. The Planning Board hearing on this proposed text amendment will be on April 18 and the City Council hearing will probably be on June 18.
Many slot homes do not engage the street or sidewalk with street-level building activities, porches or human entrances that promote interaction with neighbors and ownership of the public realm.
The siting, setbacks and uses sometimes do not reflect the existing or desired future conditions of the street or neighborhood.
They often negatively impact the pedestrian-oriented character of the street and sidewalk by visible driveways, parking areas and garage doors.
Many slot homes do not incorporate human-scale proportions, heights and design elements.
