Comprehensive Plan 2040 sets Denver's long-range vision while Blueprint Denver (the integrated land-use and transportation plan), Game Plan, and Housing an Inclusive Denver guide neighborhood planning and area-specific small-area and station-area plans.
Adopted in 2019, Denver Comprehensive Plan 2040 establishes citywide goals for equity, environmental sustainability, healthy housing, mobility choice, and a strong economy. Blueprint Denver, adopted concurrently, integrates land-use and transportation policy, designating Neighborhood Context types (urban-edge, urban, general urban, urban center, downtown), street typologies, and growth strategy areas (centers, corridors). Together with Game Plan for a Healthy City, Housing an Inclusive Denver, and the Climate Action Plan, these frameworks guide rezonings under Denver Zoning Code (DZC) and DRMC §59. Neighborhood-scale plans (Far Northeast, East Central, East Area, West Area, Near Northwest) provide more detailed guidance, and small-area station plans cover transit nodes.
Plans are not directly enforceable against private property, but rezoning applications that conflict with adopted plans are denied. Building permits inconsistent with applicable small-area plans risk appeal challenges and Board of Adjustment review.
Denver, CO
Denver's Green Buildings Ordinance (Initiative 300, 2017; amended 2018 and 2022) requires buildings 25,000 square feet or larger to choose a sustainable path...
Denver, CO
Denver's Expanding Housing Affordability ordinance (CB22-0414, effective July 2022) replaced Initiative-300 era inclusionary rules with mandatory affordable-...
See how Denver's specific plans overview rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.