City Council - 2026-02-17
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Denver City Council denied a rezoning request at 1965 Verbena Street in East Colfax that would have allowed lot subdivision from 9,000 to two 4,500 sq ft lots (5-6 vote). The council approved the 'mini bundle' text amendments aligning Denver zoning code with state mandates including Prop 123 affordable housing expedited reviews, wireless telecommunications permitting changes, ADU allowances in planned unit developments, and extended site development plan approval periods.
Key Decisions (8)
Mini Bundle Text Amendment - Denver Zoning Code Alignment
Approved text amendments to Denver Zoning Code covering four areas: Prop 123 expedited 90-day reviews for affordable housing projects, wireless telecommunications permitting for non-substantial modifications, ADU allowances in planned unit developments and removal of owner occupancy requirement for Denver Housing Authority properties, and extension of site development plan approval periods to 30 months. Vote was 11-0.
DRMC Chapter 59 Zoning Language Amendments
Approved corollary amendments to Denver Revised Municipal Code Chapter 59 aligning certain standards with Denver Zoning Code changes resulting from state mandates and incentives.
Rezoning at 1965 Verbena Street in East Colfax
Denied rezoning from E-SU-Dx to E-SU-B for 9,000 sq ft lot owned by Pavel Demshchenko. Proposal would have allowed minimum lot size reduction from 6,000 to 4,500 sq ft enabling lot subdivision for two single-family homes. CPD recommended denial citing inconsistency with Blueprint Denver and East Area Plan guidance requiring established pattern of smaller lots on surrounding blocks. Planning Board had unanimously recommended approval.
Proclamation Recognizing Racial Justice Struggle at Washington Park
Adopted proclamation recognizing the 1932 protest by African American residents at Smith Lake beach and bathhouse in Washington Park, where 17 protesters were arrested while no assailants were arrested. Proclamation honors history of racial injustice and resistance.
Lunar New Year 2026 Proclamation
Adopted proclamation celebrating Lunar New Year 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse, recognizing Asian American Pacific Islander communities and celebrations at Far East Center, Little Saigon Business District, Sakura Square, Asia Center, and Alameda Square.
M and P Concessions Agreement at Evergreen Golf Course
Council resolution 0089 for seven-year agreement between Denver and M and P Concessions for Evergreen Golf Course postponed one week by Council member Flynn under rule 3.6 pending additional information.
Settlement - Paulina Guzman v. City and County of Denver
Approved $25,000 settlement payment to Franklin D Azar and Associates for civil action related to Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, case number 2025CV030187.
Settlement - Chandler Blinky v. City and County of Denver
Approved $30,000 settlement payment to Chandler Blinky and Fidler Trial Lawyers for civil action against Denver Police Department, case number 2024CV32605.
Zoning Changes (1)
1965 Verbena Street, East Colfax
Pavel Demshchenko
Development Activity (2)
1965 Verbena Street Lot Subdivision
Proposed subdivision of 9,000 sq ft lot into two 4,500 sq ft lots for two single-family homes. Current lot has 75 ft frontage, would create two lots meeting 37-45 ft minimum width requirement.
Kennedy Golf Course Clubhouse Renovation
Final clubhouse design open house scheduled for February 26, 5:30-7:00 PM. Building will include golf course facilities and community meeting space.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Council member noted Denver remains one of the most unaffordable cities in the nation despite recent rent and land value decreases, indicating continued housing supply pressure.
Housing Demand
Denver Housing Authority operates over 13,000 units serving 29,000 household members, with ADU program expansion on DHA-owned properties approved to increase affordable housing supply.
Infrastructure
State-mandated Prop 123 compliance requires 90-day expedited review process for qualifying affordable housing projects, with city updating procedures to access grant funding.
Sentiment
Planning Board unanimously supported density increase at 1965 Verbena despite CPD denial recommendation, suggesting professional planning body sees merit in incremental density increases in single-family areas.
Housing Demand
Unlocking Housing Choices regulatory process underway with Phase 1 expected by end of 2025, potentially allowing additional primary units on single-family lots without rezoning if existing structures preserved.