Any Denver Zoning Experts Out There?!?

Question

I am looking at a property zoned as a U-SU-C1 property and want to rehab the interior of the home to turn it into a Duplex or 4-Plex.  Does anyone know much about what this zoning area allows for and/or how to apply for a change?  I dug into it a bit and the code descriptions are a bit misleading.

Micki M. · Answer

@Rachel Dunham @Dorothy Ma may be able to give you some advice, but often it's best to talk directly to the city.

Rachel Dunham · Answer

That's great info Bill!  Thank you!  Maybe if we do it right, we could make the numbers work as a luxury vacation rental and live in one half, since we could make a bit more on it as a vacation rental and Denver's vacation rental laws allow for you to rent it if it's your primary home.

Bill S. · Answer

@Rachel Dunham sorry I'm a bit late to the party. So an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) will allow you to make the property into two units but the owner must live in one of the units. It's not a duplex like most of us think duplex. That zoining won't allow more than 2 units unless the lot is large enough to split into two or more lots. I've been told the City frowns on lot splits within the SU zoning but I've seen it done.

What's in the same zoning (across the street and/or next door) doesn't mean squat. The rules changed in 2010 so there are many legal non-conforming uses in many areas.

Changing the zoning is not likely to happen. Think big bucks and most times it results in a "no". The City is very resistant to changing zoning or allowing exceptions especially in the SU zoning.

Rachel Dunham · Answer

Thanks for the recommendation Micki!  I'll definitely reach out to Dorothy.  I was hesitant to talk to the city, because sometimes they can tell you different things depending on their mood.  :)

Rachel Dunham · Answer

That's what was a bit misleading.  If you can do an ADU, does that include a duplex?  There is a duplex across the street, which is in the same zoning according to the map.  To get the use changed to a multi-family unit, do I have to apply for different zoning or just a zoning permit?

Jonathan Harris · Answer

It doesn't appear that duplexes are allowed for that zoning though it does allow for an ADU.