Back to Zoning Districts
UO-3Use Overlay

UO‑3 (Historic Structure Use Overlay District)

Purpose

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.

Height & Scale

Story RangeThe overlay does not alter height or bulk standards. Buildings must continue to comply with the underlying zoning’s dimensional requirements.

Building Placement

Build-to (Primary)Placement standards follow the base zone. Any additions to historic structures must meet setback requirements and preserve the historic building’s character.

Design Standards

Transparency (Primary)Adaptive reuse must maintain the architectural integrity of the historic structure. Exterior alterations require landmark or design review approval. New additions should be compatible in scale and materials but distinguishable from the original building.

Permitted Uses

UO‑3 permits office, art studio and bed‑and‑breakfast uses in qualifying historic structures, provided the property is owner‑occupied, over 5,000 square feet, and designated for preservation. These uses are otherwise not allowed in the underlying residential zones.

Typical Application

Historic houses or mansions within residential neighborhoods where owners wish to convert part of the building to office space, an art studio or a bed‑and‑breakfast while preserving the structure’s historic value. Unlike UO‑1 and UO‑2, properties may be rezoned to UO‑3 after 2010.

Quick Reference

CodeUO-3
FamilyUse Overlay
StoriesThe overlay does not alter height or bulk standards. Buildings must continue to comply with the underlying zoning’s dimensional requirements.
TransparencyAdaptive reuse must maintain the architectural integrity of the historic structure. Exterior alterations require landmark or design review approval. New additions should be compatible in scale and materials but distinguishable from the original building.
Denver Zoning Code

Properties Zoned UO-3(0)

No published properties currently zoned UO-3.

Browse all properties