5357 Laredo St, Denver, CO 80239

Planned Unit Development District

The general purpose of a Planned Unit Development zone district (PUD District) District is to provide an alternative to conventional land use regulations, combining use, density, site plan and building form considerations into a single process, and substituting procedural protections for the more prescriptive requirements in this Code. The PUD District is intended to respond to unique and extraordinary circumstances, where more flexible zoning than what is achievable through a standard zone district is desirable and multiple variances, waivers, and conditions can be avoided; Unique and extraordinary circumstances that justify use of a PUD District include, but are not limited to, the following: Where a development site has special physical characteristics, including but not limited to irregular or odd-shaped lots, or lots with significant topographical barriers to standard development or construction practices; Where a customized zoning approach is necessary to protect and preserve the character of a Historic Structure or historic district; Where a development site is subject to an existing PUD and rezoning to a new PUD District will bring the site closer to conformance with current zoning regulations and adopted plans; or Where the proposed scale or timing of a development project demands a more customized zoning approach to achieve a successful, phased development; A PUD District is not intended as either a vehicle to develop a site inconsistent with the applicable neighborhood context and character, or solely as a vehicle to enhance a proposed development’s economic feasibility; In return for the flexibility in site design with respect to the arrangement, heights, and setbacks of buildings, densities, open space and circulation elements, development under a PUD District should provide significant public benefit not achievable through application of a standard zone district, including but not limited to diversification in the use of land; innovation in development; more efficient use of land and energy; exemplary pedestrian connections, amenities, and considerations; and development patterns compatible in character and design with nearby areas and with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.