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I-MX-3Industrial

I‑MX‑3 – Industrial Mixed‑Use (3‑story) District

Purpose

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.

Height & Scale

Building Placement

Build-to (Primary)I‑MX‑3 requires buildings to be built close to the street along primary frontages (minimum build‑to percentage), creating a consistent street wall and active ground floor. Side and rear setbacks provide space for service and loading. Surface parking is generally located behind or beside buildings, not between the building and the street.

Design Standards

Transparency (Primary)Design standards emphasize transparency, frequent entrances, and weather protection (awnings or canopies) along ground floors to enhance pedestrian experience. Industrial uses should be located behind more transparent uses or combined with them, with operations screened from public view. Upper stories may include residential or office uses with balconies or terraces.

Permitted Uses

Permitted uses include light industrial and craft manufacturing, warehousing, research and development, offices, retail, restaurants, civic uses (such as community centers), and residential uses (multi‑unit dwellings, live/work units). Heavy industrial uses are generally prohibited. Waivers may require that ground floors include industrial or commercial uses to maintain employment opportunities.

Typical Application

The I‑MX‑3 district is used on smaller industrial sites near residential neighborhoods or transitioning corridors where a mix of employment and housing is desired. Examples include redevelopment of older warehouses into mixed‑use complexes with maker spaces on the ground floor and loft apartments above.

Quick Reference

CodeI-MX-3

FamilyIndustrial

TransparencyDesign standards emphasize transparency, frequent entrances, and weather protection (awnings or canopies) along ground floors to enhance pedestrian experience. Industrial uses should be located behind more transparent uses or combined with them, with operations screened from public view. Upper stories may include residential or office uses with balconies or terraces.

Denver Zoning Code

Properties Zoned I-MX-3(0)

No published properties currently zoned I-MX-3.

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