Denver, CO Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Enhanced tier IRU share
- 12-18% (high market), 10-15% (typical)
- Bonus granted
- Increased building height and floor area ratio
- Governing articles
- Denver Zoning Code Articles 8 and 10
- Administering agency
- Department of Housing Stability (HOST)
- Base tier IRU share
- 8-15% depending on market area
Summary
Denver developers who provide income-restricted units above the base requirement earn extra building height and floor area ratio under Articles 8 and 10 of the Denver Zoning Code.
To increase the overall supply of housing and encourage applicants to provide on-site IRUs in excess of the base requirements specified in subsection (a), an applicant is eligible for the incentives set forth in a. and b. of this subsection if the applicant provides IRUs as follows: ... b. Height and floor area increase. A residential development shall be entitled to an increase in building height and floor area ratio in accordance with the provisions set forth in articles 8 and 10 of the Denver Zoning Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Under Denver's mandatory affordable housing ordinance, a residential development that opts into the enhanced on-site compliance tier -- providing 12-18% income-restricted units in high market areas, or 10-15% in typical market areas, versus the 8-15% base requirement -- becomes entitled to an increase in building height and floor area ratio under Articles 8 and 10 of the Denver Zoning Code. The bonus rewards developers who exceed the baseline affordability tier rather than merely meeting it, stacking on top of the building-permit fee reduction available at the base tier. The Department of Housing Stability administers the program under Article X of the Revised Municipal Code.
Violations & Fines
Skipping IRU compliance or falsifying eligibility exposes a developer to a civil fine up to 150% of the value of each required-but-unprovided IRU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Denver actually offer a density bonus for affordable housing?
How much extra height or FAR does the bonus provide?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
Compare Denver to another location·View the Colorado zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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