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DO-2DO

DO‑2 (Washington Street Design Overlay)

Purpose

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.

Height & Scale

Story RangeUnderlying height limits remain in place; however, the overlay encourages human‑scaled building massing and discourages blank façades. Height step‑backs may be required to transition from taller buildings to adjacent residential areas.

Building Placement

Build-to (Primary)Buildings should align with the street to create a continuous street wall. Setbacks are minimized to engage the pedestrian realm. Corner lots require prominent entries and architectural emphasis.

Design Standards

Transparency (Primary)Ground floors must be transparent and activated with entrances, windows and commercial uses where permitted. Materials, fenestration and articulation should reflect the historic and industrial character of Washington Street. Mechanical equipment must be screened from view.

Permitted Uses

Uses follow the underlying zone district. Ground‑floor commercial uses are encouraged where allowed to create an active streetscape.

Typical Application

Lots fronting Washington Street in areas targeted for corridor revitalization.

Quick Reference

CodeDO-2
FamilyDO
StoriesUnderlying height limits remain in place; however, the overlay encourages human‑scaled building massing and discourages blank façades. Height step‑backs may be required to transition from taller buildings to adjacent residential areas.
TransparencyGround floors must be transparent and activated with entrances, windows and commercial uses where permitted. Materials, fenestration and articulation should reflect the historic and industrial character of Washington Street. Mechanical equipment must be screened from view.
Denver Zoning Code

Properties Zoned DO-2(0)

No published properties currently zoned DO-2.

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