A gas station along Brighton Boulevard, seen in 2015. (BusinessDen file)
A proposal to restrict where new gas stations could be built in Denver would bar new ones at, among other places, nearly all spots along Colfax Avenue and Federal Boulevard, according to a presentation given by City Council members last week.
Council members Amanda Sawyer, Diana Romero Campbell and Paul Kashmann gave a briefing on their proposal to the city’s Planning Board last week. They initially announced it, with less specifics, in late July.
The members plan to ask their council colleagues to approve a zoning code amendment that would prohibit new gas stations within a quarter mile of an existing one, as well as within a quarter mile of rail transit platforms. The amendment would also prohibit new stations within 300 feet of lower-intensity residential zone districts, such as those dominated by single-family homes.
The presentation included two maps. The first showed, in blue, where zoning currently allows gas stations to be built. The outline of some of the city’s main corridors — such as Colfax, Federal and Broadway — can easily be seen.
Where gas stations can currently be built. (City of Denver)
The second map showed, again in blue, where gas stations could be built if the new restrictions are implemented.
Where gas stations could be built if zoning changes pass. (City of Denver)
Colfax, Federal and Broadway disappear. There would also be few opportunities to build a new station along Colorado Boulevard, although that highway already has relatively few suitable suits — and part of it is bordered by Glendale.
Existing gas stations are shown as red dots on both maps.
The proposal would also allow the city to waive the above restrictions for gas stations accompanying a full-service grocery store.
Proposed new gas stations for which the city received development plans by May 13 would not be subject to the restrictions.
Kashmann said the change is about prioritizing the development of housing, as well as “placemaking.” He also cited “environmental and noise” reasons for establishing a buffer between gas stations and residential districts.
“I have never had a question as to someone being unable to conveniently fill their tank, so I think we need, as a landlocked city, to be as prudent as possible with how we meet our needs,” Kashmann said.
Asked why the proposal calls for a quarter-mile buffer — instead of something further — Sawyer said there’s “precedents in our zoning code for quarter-mile buffers.”
A final vote by the full council could take place on Dec. 9.
A gas station along Brighton Boulevard, seen in 2015. (BusinessDen file)
A proposal to restrict where new gas stations could be built in Denver would bar new ones at, among other places, nearly all spots along Colfax Avenue and Federal Boulevard, according to a presentation given by City Council members last week.
Council members Amanda Sawyer, Diana Romero Campbell and Paul Kashmann gave a briefing on their proposal to the city’s Planning Board last week. They initially announced it, with less specifics, in late July.
The members plan to ask their council colleagues to approve a zoning code amendment that would prohibit new gas stations within a quarter mile of an existing one, as well as within a quarter mile of rail transit platforms. The amendment would also prohibit new stations within 300 feet of lower-intensity residential zone districts, such as those dominated by single-family homes.
The presentation included two maps. The first showed, in blue, where zoning currently allows gas stations to be built. The outline of some of the city’s main corridors — such as Colfax, Federal and Broadway — can easily be seen.
Where gas stations can currently be built. (City of Denver)
The second map showed, again in blue, where gas stations could be built if the new restrictions are implemented.
Where gas stations could be built if zoning changes pass. (City of Denver)
Colfax, Federal and Broadway disappear. There would also be few opportunities to build a new station along Colorado Boulevard, although that highway already has relatively few suitable suits — and part of it is bordered by Glendale.
Existing gas stations are shown as red dots on both maps.
The proposal would also allow the city to waive the above restrictions for gas stations accompanying a full-service grocery store.
Proposed new gas stations for which the city received development plans by May 13 would not be subject to the restrictions.
Kashmann said the change is about prioritizing the development of housing, as well as “placemaking.” He also cited “environmental and noise” reasons for establishing a buffer between gas stations and residential districts.
“I have never had a question as to someone being unable to conveniently fill their tank, so I think we need, as a landlocked city, to be as prudent as possible with how we meet our needs,” Kashmann said.
Asked why the proposal calls for a quarter-mile buffer — instead of something further — Sawyer said there’s “precedents in our zoning code for quarter-mile buffers.”
A final vote by the full council could take place on Dec. 9.
