Denver Zoning Districts
Explore zoning districts across Denver, from Urban and Suburban contexts to Campus and Industrial zones. Each district defines building height, setbacks, transparency requirements, and allowed uses for development.
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Cherry Creek North 12
Cherry Creek North mixed-use shopping district
Cherry Creek North 3
Cherry Creek North mixed-use shopping district
Cherry Creek North 4
Cherry Creek North mixed-use shopping district
Cherry Creek North 5
Cherry Creek North mixed-use shopping district
Cherry Creek North 7
Cherry Creek North mixed-use shopping district
Cherry Creek North 8
Cherry Creek North mixed-use shopping district
CMP EI
Applied to major educational institutions such as universities, colleges and large research campuses. It allows a broad mix of academic, research, residential and support uses to function cohesively as a single campus.
CMP EI2
Designed for institutions anticipating substantial growth, CMP‑EI2 provides additional intensity and flexibility compared with CMP‑EI. It enables universities and research campuses to expand academic, residential and support facilities while maintaining a coherent campus form.
CMP ENT
Intended for large entertainment or cultural campuses such as sports arenas, convention centers, theme parks or mixed entertainment complexes. The district accommodates stadiums and arenas along with complementary uses like hotels, retail and dining in an integrated campus setting.
CMP H
Designated for large health‑care campuses such as hospitals, medical schools and research facilities. The zone provides flexibility for the mix of clinical, educational, office and support uses that make up a health‑care campus.
CMP H2
Provides additional capacity for expanding health‑care campuses. The CMP‑H2 district is applied where a hospital or medical institution expects significant growth and needs to plan for new buildings, parking and support functions while maintaining a coherent campus character.
CMP NWC
The CMP‑NWC district implements the National Western Center master plan. It provides a framework for the redevelopment of the historic National Western Stock Show grounds into a year‑round campus for agriculture, food innovation, entertainment and education. The district encompasses multiple subzones (C, G, F and R) that address distinct areas within the campus.
CMP NWC C
The Core subdistrict is the heart of the National Western Center campus. It houses major event and exhibition facilities and serves as the primary gathering area for large crowds during the National Western Stock Show and other events. The district is designed to accommodate high‑intensity uses and large indoor and outdoor venues.
CMP NWC F
The Facilities subdistrict is dedicated to back‑of‑house and operational functions that support the National Western Center’s events and programs. It includes animal handling and care facilities, storage, maintenance yards and utility infrastructure, all of which are essential to the campus’s operation but generally not open to the public.
CMP NWC G
The Growth subdistrict provides flexible development opportunities to support the evolution of the National Western Center. It accommodates a mix of uses—including research, education, office, residential and retail—that complement the core event facilities and activate the campus year‑round.
CMP NWC R
The Riverfront subdistrict integrates the South Platte River into the National Western Center by creating public parkland, trails and low‑intensity development that connects the campus to the water’s edge. This district emphasizes open space, recreation and ecological restoration while allowing complementary development.
DO‑1 (Uptown Design Overlay)
DO‑1 establishes design standards for Uptown to reinforce a consistent, active streetscape. It applies when properties within the overlay are rezoned to a Denver Zoning Code district and ensures that new buildings and major renovations contribute to a pedestrian‑friendly environment.
DO‑2 (Washington Street Design Overlay)
The DO‑2 overlay is intended to guide development along the Washington Street corridor. Its goal is to enhance the pedestrian environment, encourage compatible building form and massing, and support reinvestment while respecting the corridor’s existing character.
DO‑3 (Lafayette Street Design Overlay)
DO‑3 aims to preserve and enhance the unique residential character of Lafayette Street while guiding infill development. The overlay ensures that new construction and substantial renovations complement the scale, rhythm and architectural qualities of existing homes.
DO‑4 (Side Interior Setback Overlay)
The DO‑4 overlay applies in selected neighborhoods where conventional interior side setbacks restrict development on shallow or narrow lots. It provides alternative setback options to allow more flexible building widths while ensuring adequate light, air and privacy between structures.
DO‑5 (South Sloan’s Lake Design Overlay)
DO‑5 guides development around the southern edge of Sloan’s Lake, a prominent open space in west Denver. The overlay seeks to protect lake views, enhance public access, and ensure that new buildings complement the park’s natural beauty and scale.
DO‑6 (Peña Station Next Design Overlay)
DO‑6 provides flexible signage and lighting standards to support a model transit‑oriented development at the commuter rail station near Peña Boulevard. The intent is to showcase cutting‑edge technology and sustainability through creative signs and special lighting elements, enhancing civic pride and economic vitality.
E CC 3
Promotes pedestrian-scaled commercial development along auto-oriented arterial streets; balances pedestrian orientation with auto access and transitions to residential areas.
E CC 3x
Promotes pedestrian-scaled commercial development along auto-oriented arterial streets; balances pedestrian orientation with auto access and transitions to residential areas.
E MS 2
Creates pedestrian-scaled commercial streets with continuous street walls and high build-to percentages. For local streets or small centers.
E MS 2x
Creates pedestrian-scaled commercial streets with continuous street walls and high build-to percentages. For small sites with low-intensity uses.
E MS 3
Creates pedestrian-scaled commercial streets with continuous street walls and high build-to percentages. For local or collector corridors or within centers.
E MS 5
Creates pedestrian-scaled commercial streets with continuous street walls and high build-to percentages. For collector or arterial corridors and largest centers.
E MU 2.5
Allows a range of residential building types, including garden courts, town houses and apartments, while maintaining low scale.
E MX 2
Provides a mix of housing, retail and office uses with pedestrian orientation.
E MX 2A
Provides a mix of housing, retail and office uses with pedestrian orientation.
E MX 2x
Provides a mix of housing, retail and office uses with pedestrian orientation.
E MX 3
Provides a mix of housing, retail and office uses with pedestrian orientation.
E MX 3A
Provides a mix of housing, retail and office uses with pedestrian orientation.
E RH 2.5
Allows row houses and related forms in edge neighborhoods.
E RX 3
Promotes residential areas with limited commercial uses; commercial space is secondary and limited to 10,000 sq ft. Applied to residentially dominated areas with low scale.
E RX 5
Promotes residential areas with limited commercial uses; commercial space is secondary and limited to 10,000 sq ft. Applied to residentially dominated areas with moderate intensity.
E SU A
Allows suburban and urban houses on 3,000 sq ft lots; shallowest setbacks and highest lot coverage.
E SU B
4,500 sq ft lots; slightly larger than A; shallow to moderate setbacks.
E SU D
6,000 sq ft lots; deeper setbacks and lower lot coverage.
E SU Dx
6,000 sq ft lots; similar to E-SU-D but encourages consistent street placement.
E SU G
9,000 sq ft lots; largest side setbacks and lot sizes in the Edge context.
E TU B
Allows duplex and tandem houses on 4,500 sq ft lots.
E TU C
Allows duplex and tandem houses on 5,500 sq ft lots with deeper setbacks.
G MS 3
Creates active commercial streets with shallow setbacks and high build-to percentages.
G MS 5
Creates active commercial streets with shallow setbacks and high build-to percentages.
G MU 12
Supports higher-density multi-unit residential development near transit or mixed-use corridors.
G MU 20
Supports higher-density multi-unit residential development near transit or mixed-use corridors.
G MU 3
Supports higher-density multi-unit residential development near transit or mixed-use corridors.
G MU 5
Supports higher-density multi-unit residential development near transit or mixed-use corridors.
G MU 8
Supports higher-density multi-unit residential development near transit or mixed-use corridors.
G MX 3
Promotes safe, active, pedestrian-scaled mixed-use areas with housing, offices, retail and services.
G RH 3
Provides a transition between single- and multi-unit neighborhoods by allowing attached housing.
G RO 3
Allows multi-unit residential and small office uses; provides a transition between residential and commercial areas.
G RO 5
Allows multi-unit residential and small office uses; provides a transition between residential and commercial areas.
G RX 3
Emphasises residential character while allowing limited commercial uses; commercial area limited to 10,000 sq ft.
G RX 5
Emphasises residential character while allowing limited commercial uses; commercial area limited to 10,000 sq ft.
I‑0 – Light Industrial/Office District
The I‑0 district allows offices and light industrial uses that are generally compatible with nearby residential neighborhoods. It is intended to provide a transition between residential areas and heavier industrial zones. Development standards include bulk plane, setback and landscaping requirements, and some uses are allowed only as conditional uses.
I‑1 – General Industrial District
The I‑1 district accommodates general industrial uses, including manufacturing, processing, warehousing and distribution. It is intended to provide space for industrial businesses requiring larger floor areas and outdoor operations. Bulk plane, setback and landscaping standards apply; building floor area may not exceed twice the site area, and some uses are conditional.
I‑2 – Heavy Industrial District
I‑2 areas are intended to accommodate heavy industrial activities, including large‑scale manufacturing, processing, assembly, and resource extraction. These uses often involve high levels of noise, vibration, odors, or truck traffic. Bulk plane, setback and landscape standards apply, and building area may not exceed two times the site area. Certain high‑impact uses may require conditional use approval.
I‑MX‑3 – Industrial Mixed‑Use (3‑story) District
I‑MX‑3 is designed to facilitate a transition from traditional industrial areas to more diversified neighborhoods. It allows a mix of light industrial, office, retail, civic and residential uses. Minimum build‑to requirements and increased transparency standards are intended to promote active pedestrian areas on public streets. Affordable housing is encouraged, but industrial activities remain a key component of the district’s character.
I‑MX‑5 – Industrial Mixed‑Use (5‑story) District
I‑MX‑5 is intended to enable mixed‑use redevelopment while retaining employment opportunities. It allows a wide range of light industrial, residential, and commercial uses with minimum build‑to requirements and increased transparency to promote active pedestrian areas along public streets. This zone supports affordable housing and seeks to balance industrial preservation with new development.
I‑MX‑8 – Industrial Mixed‑Use (8‑story) District
I‑MX‑8 provides opportunities for denser mixed‑use development in industrial areas, allowing the greatest height and intensity among Industrial Mixed‑Use districts. The district is designed to retain employment uses while introducing substantial residential and commercial components. It includes minimum build‑to requirements and strong transparency standards to create active street fronts and vibrant pedestrian environments. Affordable housing and transit‑oriented development are encouraged.
Main Street 12
High-intensity Main Street commercial corridors with high-rises
Main Street 5
Active Main Street commercial corridors with moderate heights
Main Street 8
Active Main Street commercial corridors with higher buildings
Mixed Use 12
High-intensity mixed-use for major arterial streets
Mixed Use 16
Very high-intensity mixed-use for major arterial streets
Mixed Use 20
Maximum-intensity mixed-use for major arterial streets
Mixed Use 3
Small-scale mixed-use for local/collector streets
Mixed Use 5
Moderate-scale mixed-use for collector/arterial streets
Mixed Use 8
Higher-intensity mixed-use for arterial streets
Conservation Overlay District (CO)
A Conservation Overlay (CO) district is applied to areas with unique historic, architectural, cultural or environmental features that warrant tailored zoning standards beyond the underlying base district. It preserves and enhances the defining character of these areas by modifying use, form and design requirements to protect valued resources while allowing compatible development.
Residential Mixed Use 12
High-density residentially-dominated mixed-use
Residential Mixed Use 5
Residentially-dominated mixed-use for collector/arterial streets
Residential Mixed Use 8
Higher-density residentially-dominated mixed-use
S CC 3
Applies to auto-oriented commercial corridors; balances pedestrian-scaled development with vehicular access; deeper setbacks.
S CC 3x
Applies to auto-oriented commercial corridors; balances pedestrian-scaled development with vehicular access; deeper setbacks.
S MS 3
Creates pedestrian-focused commercial streets with high build-to requirements and shallow setbacks.
S MS 5
Creates pedestrian-focused commercial streets with high build-to requirements and shallow setbacks.
S MU 12
Provides higher-density residential options in suburban contexts, often near transit or mixed-use centers.
S MU 20
Provides higher-density residential options in suburban contexts, often near transit or mixed-use centers.
S MU 3
Provides higher-density residential options in suburban contexts, often near transit or mixed-use centers.
S MU 5
Provides higher-density residential options in suburban contexts, often near transit or mixed-use centers.
S MU 8
Provides higher-density residential options in suburban contexts, often near transit or mixed-use centers.
S MX 12
Promotes safe, active, pedestrian-scaled areas with a mix of housing, retail and office uses; applied along corridors and within neighborhoods.
S MX 12A
Promotes safe, active, pedestrian-scaled areas with a mix of housing, retail and office uses; applied along corridors and within neighborhoods.
S MX 2
Promotes safe, active, pedestrian-scaled areas with a mix of housing, retail and office uses; applied along corridors and within neighborhoods.
S MX 2A
Promotes safe, active, pedestrian-scaled areas with a mix of housing, retail and office uses; applied along corridors and within neighborhoods.
S MX 2x
Promotes safe, active, pedestrian-scaled areas with a mix of housing, retail and office uses; applied along corridors and within neighborhoods.
S MX 3
Promotes safe, active, pedestrian-scaled areas with a mix of housing, retail and office uses; applied along corridors and within neighborhoods.
S MX 3A
Promotes safe, active, pedestrian-scaled areas with a mix of housing, retail and office uses; applied along corridors and within neighborhoods.
S MX 5
Promotes safe, active, pedestrian-scaled areas with a mix of housing, retail and office uses; applied along corridors and within neighborhoods.
S MX 5A
Promotes safe, active, pedestrian-scaled areas with a mix of housing, retail and office uses; applied along corridors and within neighborhoods.
S MX 8
Promotes safe, active, pedestrian-scaled areas with a mix of housing, retail and office uses; applied along corridors and within neighborhoods.
S MX 8A
Promotes safe, active, pedestrian-scaled areas with a mix of housing, retail and office uses; applied along corridors and within neighborhoods.
S RH 2.5
Accommodates row houses and other multi-unit forms in a suburban setting.
S SU A
Accommodates suburban houses and ADUs on relatively small lots; shallowest setbacks and highest lot coverage (min lot area 3,000 sq ft).
S SU B
Provides modestly larger lots (min 4,500 sq ft) than S-SU-A with slightly deeper setbacks.
S SU D
Establishes traditional suburban pattern on 6,000 sq ft lots with deeper setbacks and lower lot coverage.
S SU F
Allows suburban houses on 7,500 sq ft lots; deeper setbacks and large yards.
S SU FA
Allows suburban houses on large lots (up to 9,000 sq ft) and small-scale agricultural uses such as backyard chickens.
S SU Fx
Similar to S-SU-F but permits tandem houses on corner lots.
S SU I
Estate housing on minimum 12,000 sq ft lots; greatest setbacks and lowest lot coverage; promotes a rural estate character.
S SU Ix
Same as S-SU-I but prohibits home occupations (no home-based businesses).
U MS 2
Activates commercial streets with continuous street walls and high build-to percentages. For local street corridors within neighborhoods; low-scale main street.
U MS 2x
Activates commercial streets with continuous street walls and high build-to percentages. For small sites with low-intensity uses.
U MS 3
Activates commercial streets with continuous street walls and high build-to percentages. For local or collector street corridors; encourages vertical mixed use.
U MS 5
Activates commercial streets with continuous street walls and high build-to percentages. For collector or arterial corridors; suitable for larger mixed-use centers.
U MX 2
Promotes safe, active, pedestrian-scaled areas with mixed uses; encourages transit and walkability. Applied to local streets; low-scale mixed use.
U MX 2x
Promotes safe, active, pedestrian-scaled areas with mixed uses; encourages transit and walkability. Similar to U-MX-2 but for small sites; flexible placement.
U MX 3
Promotes safe, active, pedestrian-scaled areas with mixed uses; encourages transit and walkability. Applied to local or collector streets; moderate-scale mixed use.
U RH 2.5
Introduces attached multi-unit housing into urban neighborhoods. Allows row houses and other forms up to 2.5 stories with varied placement.
U RH 3A
Introduces attached multi-unit housing into urban neighborhoods. Allows row houses up to 3 stories; emphasises consistent street wall.
U RX 3
Creates safe, pedestrian-scaled areas where commercial uses are secondary to residential; encourages affordable housing. Applied to residentially dominated areas served by local or collector streets.
U RX 5
Creates safe, pedestrian-scaled areas where commercial uses are secondary to residential; encourages affordable housing. Applied to residentially dominated areas with moderate intensity; served by local or collector streets.
U SU A
Smallest urban lots (3,000 sq ft); shallowest setbacks; allows ADUs.
U SU A2
Same as U-SU-A but allows duplexes on corner lots.
U SU B
4,500 sq ft lots; slightly larger than A; duplex permitted on corner lots in B2 variant.
U SU B2
Same as U-SU-B but duplex allowed on corner lots.
U SU C
5,500 sq ft lots; deeper setbacks; single-unit character.
U SU C2
Same as U-SU-C but duplex allowed on corner lots.
U SU E
6,000 sq ft lots with deeper setbacks and lower lot coverage; single-unit only.
U SU H
Estate-sized lots (10,000 sq ft) with deepest setbacks and lowest coverage; single-unit only.
U TU B
4,500 sq ft lots; duplex and tandem allowed.
U TU B2
Same as U-TU-B with slightly deeper setbacks and duplex on corner lots.
U TU C
5,500 sq ft lots; duplex and tandem allowed; deeper setbacks.
UO‑1 (Adult Use Overlay District)
UO‑1 preserves the right to operate adult businesses (e.g., adult entertainment or adult retail uses) in specific areas of the city where such uses existed under the previous zoning code. The intent is to maintain the status quo of adult use entitlements and prevent displacement of legally established adult businesses after June 25 2010.
UO‑2 (Billboard Use Overlay District)
UO‑2 allows the continued operation of billboard uses (outdoor general advertising devices) in specific areas of the city. The overlay preserves the entitlement for billboard advertising that existed prior to June 25 2010 and ensures that no new billboard districts are created. It maintains sign standards consistent with Denver’s regulations for outdoor general advertising.
UO‑3 (Historic Structure Use Overlay District)
UO‑3 encourages the preservation and adaptive reuse of landmark or historic structures located in residential zone districts. The overlay allows limited non‑residential uses within qualifying historic buildings, providing an incentive to maintain and repurpose them.