Zoning
The neighborhood association is lucky to have several board members who are professionals in the area of real estate, law and architecture. They act on our behalf to preserve the integrity of the neighborhood by reviewing each zoning application and representing the membership in front of the City and County of Denver Board of Adjustments for Zoning Appeals and the City Council. An example of their work is their close interaction with the City and private developers to ensure that major infill projects in Hilltop and surrounding areas are compatible with the neighborhood and enhance the quality of life.
Current Projects in and around Hilltop
8th Avenue & Colorado Blvd. As you are probably aware, the project at the corner of 8th Avenue and Colorado Blvd has been delayed. Not unlike numerous projects affected by the financial downturn, the developers of this project have been unable to secure financing. They continue to seek opportunities and hope that as the credit markets ease, they will be successful. In the meantime, they have agreed to keep the property maintained by cutting the weeds and treating any water which might accumulate. Insurance requirements mandate that the property be fenced.
9th Avenue & Colorado Blvd – Redevelopment Over the past year, The Colorado Blvd. Healthcare District Board has worked diligently with Shea Homes, city staff from Planning and Community Development, each of the five institutions and neighborhood representatives to refine site design, obtain various zoning districts, secure preservation of several historic structures and areas such as the Quadrangle.
The District Board continues their work to prepare the site for redevelopment, so as economic recovery allows, the project can proceed.
In the meantime, the site remains secured and monitored to help prevent any unwanted activity.
There will be a meeting of the Colorado Blvd. Health Care District on November 5th from 4-6 PM, at the Molly Blank Conference Center on the National Jewish Health campus. The agenda will be a summary of this year’s accomplishments, as well as next year’s work plan. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
The New Zoning Code
You should have received a post card in the mail talking about the proposed new zoning code. The 2nd draft is available on their website for review and feedback.
Construction, Home Improvements, etc.
If you are considering doing construction on your property, putting up a fence, or researching which projects require a permit or licensed contractor, clink on the link below:
http://www.denvergov.org/TabId/37910/TopicId/842/default.aspx
To find out the current zoning by a particular address or intersection, click here http://www.denvergov.org/DenverMaps/report.asp?rpt=map&cat=ccust&me=3106976%2C1644364%2C3255209%2C1761837
Sidewalks to Nowhere
If you have walked the streets of Hilltop, you’ve noticed there are several in-contiguous sidewalks, most often found in front of new construction, AKA “Sidewalks to Nowhere”. In Hilltop we have streets with sidewalks along a full block, some streets do not have sidewalks at all. Those with sidewalks have a mix of Hollywood sidewalks, those attached to the curb, and in other locations they are set back into the right of way. Because of the lack of rules and regulations in the past regarding sidewalks, we are left with a lack of consistency. Somewhat recently, a law was passed that required sidewalks to be placed in front of houses who pull a permit to make improvements on their property that is valued at $100,000 or greater. The specific code enforcing these rules is by Denver Revised Municipal Code “DRMC” Section 49-84(c), revised 8/21/07.
New Zoning Code may or may not chance the current requirements for adding sidewalks but this is still to be seen.
There are arguments for and against sidewalks in Hilltop. If you would like to share your opinions, the following are persons you may want to contact.
Manager of Public Works, Bill Vidal; pworks@ci.denver.co.us; Telephone 720-865-8630
John Hickenlooper, Mayor, MileHighMayor@denvergov.org
Betty Jennings, who lives at 250 Ash Street, has dedicated a large amount of time to collect signatures to fight the sidewalk code rules. She became involved when a neighbor on her street was required to put in a concrete sidewalk where there are no others on her block. Established street trees are also directly in the path of the “required” sidewalk. She, along with many others, does not feel that these requirements are consistent with Mayor Hickenlooper’s Greenprint for Denver. The removal of trees and the increase of concrete are both contrary to the plan.
If you would like to talk to Betty about her efforts, she can be reached at bjjennings9@aol.com
Zoning questions? If you are not able to answer your zoning questions with the above information or by visiting www.DenverGov.org, you can also email the Cranmer Park / Hilltop Neighborhood Association zoning committee at Zoning@DenverHilltop.com
