Denver Softens Land Use Regulations for Churches

We are pleased to report that, after talking with Denver Planning, city staff met and discussed the current Denver Zoning Code’s treatment of church and similar public assembly uses, and revisited how or whether the New Code should change that treatment. Denver Planning has agreed to remove the assembly area size restriction (see our previous update entitled Denver Proposing Strict Land Use Regulations for Churches) and to permit churches in all zone categories. Instead, planning will use the existing administrative review process. This will apply to a church moving into a residential or mixed-use zone district to occupy an existing building for the first time (different use prior to), to expand an existing building, or to develop a new building ground-up. This is customary in our experience and likely typical for other municipal jurisdictions along the Front Range. Further, we understand that in commercial zone districts, in which residential is not present, there would be no administrative review process even though it would still be necessary to apply for a change of use from zoning (if not previously used by a church)

The only restriction (limitation on use) remaining would be the 11 pm end-time for regular hours of operation in a residential zone district.

If you have questions or need any help, please feel free to contact us.