City Council - 2026-03-16
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Denver City Council approved a rezoning at 385 South Zuni Street in Athmar Park from B-1 with waivers to E-MX-3, enabling a medical office to open on the site. The council also approved $67,500 in settlements against the Department of Public Health and Environment, bringing 2026 total city settlements to $447,500. Three additional rezonings were introduced for properties in Northeast Park Hill, Cherry Creek, and multiple Southwest Denver neighborhoods.
Key Decisions (4)
Rezoning at 385 South Zuni Street
Rezoning from B-1 with waivers (Chapter 59) to E-MX-3 (urban edge mixed-use, 3 stories) for a 0.14-acre parcel in Athmar Park. The applicant seeks to open a medical office, which was prohibited under the previous zoning waivers. Planning board recommended approval unanimously with no public opposition.
Settlement Payment - Department of Public Health and Environment
Council resolution 26-0333 approving $67,500 settlement for claim number 2025027935 related to an incident on April 10, 2025 at North Gilpin Street and East 1st Avenue. This brings 2026 total city settlements to $447,500.
Proclamation Honoring Dr. Gregory Laberge
Proclamation 26-0331 recognizing the service of Denver Crime Lab Director Dr. Gregory Laberge, who served as the first non-sworn director since July 2005 and handled over 3,000 cases.
Proclamation Recognizing SGI USA Youth Day
Proclamation 26-0332 declaring March 16, 2026 as SGI USA Youth Day of Peace, Culture, and Education in Denver, recognizing the Buddhist organization's community contributions including planting over 2,000 cherry trees in Denver parks.
Zoning Changes (4)
385 South Zuni Street, Athmar Park
Not named in transcript
3601 North Monaco Street Parkway, Northeast Park Hill
Not specified
2625 East 3rd Avenue, Cherry Creek
Not specified
Multiple properties in Bear Valley, College View South Platte, Harvey Park, Harvey Park South, and Marston
Not specified
Development Activity (1)
Medical Office at 385 South Zuni
Conversion of former single-unit residential structure to medical office use. Building limited to 4,400 square feet and 32 feet height under previous zoning; new E-MX-3 zoning allows 3 stories.
Market Signals (3)
Commercial Demand
Medical office space demand driving rezoning requests in established neighborhoods, with applicant seeking to convert residential structure to medical use in Athmar Park.
Infrastructure
Southwest Area Plan recently adopted identifies Alameda Square Shopping Center as focus area for infill development and mixed-use redevelopment on underused parcels.
Sentiment
Council member noted importance of tracking all city settlement expenditures given current budget environment, with $447,500 in settlements approved year-to-date for 2026.