Denver's Expanding Housing Affordability ordinance (CB22-0414, effective July 2022) replaced Initiative-300 era inclusionary rules with mandatory affordable-housing requirements plus floor-area-ratio and height density bonuses for projects exceeding base zoning.
The Expanding Housing Affordability (EHA) ordinance, codified through Denver Zoning Code §10 and DRMC §27, requires most new for-sale and for-rent residential projects of ten or more units to provide on-site affordable units at 60-90% of Area Median Income, pay a fee-in-lieu, or build off-site equivalents. In exchange, the Denver Zoning Code grants density bonuses, including increased floor-area ratio, additional stories above base height, and reduced parking minimums in transit-rich areas. Linkage fees apply to commercial development. The Department of Housing Stability (HOST) administers compliance, monitors affordable units in perpetuity, and oversees the dedicated affordable-housing fund. Adopted by City Council in June 2022.
Violators face permit holds, civil penalties up to $999 per day per unit, recapture of incentive value, lien recording on affected property, and ineligibility for future Denver development incentives.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Denver, CO
Denver's Zoning Code allows residential lawn ornaments and statuary without permits provided they do not exceed accessory-structure height limits in DZC Arti...
Denver, CO
Denver does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Blower-motor noise falls under DRMC 36-6 (Noise) limits, lighted inflata...
Denver, CO
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Denver, CO
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Denver require permits from Community Planning and Development whenever the project includes gas piping, electrical, plumbing, o...
Denver, CO
Backyard wood and pellet smokers are allowed at single-family Denver homes but are governed by DRMC Chapter 4 (Air Pollution Control) and Colorado Department...
Denver, CO
Denver Fire Code (DRMC Title 9, adopting IFC 2018 with amendments) Section 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal grills and LP-gas containers over 1 lb on combustible b...
See how Denver's density bonus law rules stack up against other locations.
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