Englewood proposal would let neighborhoods seek tailored infill design rules
Property owners could propose standards for features such as height, setbacks and rooflines, while the draft would not change permitted uses or let overlays restrict demolition or emergency repairs.
Englewood staff are proposing a process for neighborhoods to seek tailored design standards for future infill. The draft is scheduled for a Planning and Zoning Commission study session on Oct. 6, the city’s packet says.
Property owners would have to initiate the process, with an application representing at least 65% of owners in the proposed area. The area would need to include at least 10 contiguous privately owned properties along half a block face, or 1.5 contiguous acres, whichever is less. Applicants would prepare a Neighborhood Conservation Plan describing the area’s character and boundaries and setting standards for new development.
Those standards could tailor requirements for building height, size and massing, lot coverage, setbacks, parking and rooflines. Plans could also address building materials, landscaping, signs, garage entrances, fences and sidewalks. The specific requirements for future infill would depend on the standards approved for each area.
An overlay could not prohibit uses permitted by the underlying zoning, prevent demolition of an existing structure or restrict emergency repairs. The draft proposes following zoning-map-amendment procedures, with public hearings before the commission and City Council. Council would make the final decision. If an overlay were established, city staff would review projects administratively and issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for proposals that meet the plan.
The Oct. 6 item is a study session, not an adoption decision. The packet proposes a Nov. 9 City Council study session to review the draft and consider whether to direct staff to begin the adoption process. Any later designation would go through the proposed public-hearing process.