N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay District Introduction

1. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictIntroduction Why we are here Provide information Gauge level of support Listen to feedback, opinions, & ideas Why it is important Provides a way for neighbors to come together in a collaborative effort to further define future growth and development in our neighborhood.

2. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictAdvantages Empowers residents to be proactive in defining growth and development in their neighborhood. Helps promote thoughtful renovation and additions that preserve the charm and character of the neighborhood Helps promote building that does not diminish quality of life on neighboring properties

3. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictWhat we love about our neighborhood What are the first three things that come to your mind when you think of our neighborhood?

4. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictWhat we love about our neighborhood Commonly stated words and phrases: -Character -History -Trees -Community Feel -Sunlight -Privacy

5. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictWhat has been changing in our neighborhood New development not to scale with historical existing homes and lot size Loss of sunlight to neighboring properties Loss of privacy Removal of mature trees

6. What has been changing in our neighborhood

7. What has been changing in our neighborhood

8. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictWhy our neighborhood is worth preserving Pride in our neighborhood and our properties Green space with abundance of mature trees and landscaping Historic brick homes that provide uniqueness and charm to our neighborhood and make it a desirable place to live “Distinctive features worthy of retention and enhancement” – Denver Zoning Code

9. History of Present Zoning Code Denver Comprehensive Plan 2000 Establishes a vision for Denver's future - “Manage growth and change through effective land use policies to sustain Denver's high quality of life.” Blueprint Denver An Integrated Land Use and Transportation Plan, adopted in 2002 as a supplement to the Denver Comprehensive Plan 2000. Areas of Stability and Areas of Change

10. History of Present Zoning Code Denver Zoning Code 2010 East Wash Park is considered an urban single unit neighborhood New development is under the new code Makes allowance for Conservation Overlay

11. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictSteps done so far Pre-application approved by Denver Community Planning and Development Consulted with professionals Research on historic characteristics of neighborhood Area chosen – “Broadway Heights” linked to historic subdivision as recommended by Denver Community Planning and Development

12. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictWhat is a Conservation Overlay District? A zoning tool used to preserve, revitalize, protect, and enhance significant older areas within a community beyond what is specified in the standard zoning code. The conservation overlay regulations take precedence over standard zoning regulations.

13. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictWhat is a Conservation Overlay District? Denver Zoning Code Section 9.4 General Rules Section 9.4.3.1 Purpose – “Intended to provide a vehicle to initiate and implement programs for the revitalization or conservation of specific areas within Denver possessing distinctive features, identity, or character worthy of retention and enhancement.”

14. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictWhat is a Conservation Overlay District? Denver Zoning Code - other pertinent sections: Found at www.denvergov.org Section 12.4.10 – Official Map Amendment (Rezoning) Section 5.3-5 Urban House

15. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictHow is it established? Collaborative effort by neighbors Denver acknowledges it is a “grass roots” effort Application – requires at least 51% of defined district Fee due with application Internal review by Denver Community Planning & Development Public Planning Board hearing City Council member vote

16. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictWhat a Conservation Overlay District is Not Not a Historic District Differences from a Historic District Less restrictive No design committee approval Parameters designated by existing residents Not a Homeowner’s Association

17. Successful Conservation Overlay Districts in other cities Denver used part of Raleigh NC conservation overlay district as model Why were they successful? Broad-based community support Active participation in establishing

18. Denver Zoning Code 2010What is currently allowed in our neighborhood Bulk plane & height Side set-backs 5 ft. on each side Existing if side wall maintained Front set-back Average of neighboring properties – 20ft minimum Building Coverage 37.5 % with exemption if detached garage

19. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictIdeas for Change Sunlight access study – solar exposure standards to ensure adequate sunlight to neighboring properties Consistent front setbacks – average of adjacent properties – additional properties included in average Increased backyard space – distance between garage and house increased

20. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictSample Prototype Houses

21. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictFactors We Have Considered Argument Against: “This has been done already” Argument For: Although the new Denver Zoning Code has been recently put in place, but within the code are the allowance for further revisions via a Conservation Overlay District.

22. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictFactors We Have Considered Argument Against: “This neighborhood does not have an HOA” Argument For: A Conservation Overlay District does not function as an HOA. It would only redefine certain allowable dimensions on new building and additions.

23. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictFactors We Have Considered Argument Against: “These new large homes greatly increase neighboring property values” Argument For: Our neighborhood was increasing in value long before the larger homes began moving in. Property values of existing properties have remained stable or modestly increased in the last four years. Currently, price per sq. foot more for smaller homes in neighborhood is greater than for larger homes.

24. East Wash Park Sales Trends

25. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictFactors We Have Considered Argument Against: “These old houses are too expensive to remodel” Argument For: Existing construction quality of the existing building is difficult to duplicate in today’s market. It can be maintained and utilized with new construction to achieve a better project at no additional cost.

26. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictFactors We Have Considered Argument Against: “These old homes have a limited life” Argument For: The age of the home does not mean it needs to be removed. There are many homes greater than 100 years old in Denver and in other cities.

27. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictNext Steps and What You Can Do Add your name to our e-mail list Contact our city council member, Charlie Brown Become members of the Washington Park East Neighborhood Association Attend monthly meetings – Second Tuesday of each month at St. Johns Lutheran Church (corner of Exposition & Gilpin)

28. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictNext Steps and What You Can Do Complete our survey that will quantify your opinions and ideas Be active and participate in future N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay District meetings and projects Attend important meetings where community support should be visible (ex. Presentation to WEPNA board and public hearing

29. N.E. Wash Park Conservation Overlay DistrictQuestions??