Denver is again weighing a citywide upzoning plan known as “Unlocking Housing Choices,” which would permit duplexes, triplexes and four‑unit buildings on residential lots across the city. City planner Rob Elsasser said the shift back to a citywide approach reflects feedback from elected officials and community members, aiming to avoid concentrated impacts in specific neighborhoods.
Key provisions
The proposal does not eliminate single‑family homes but would allow owners to build denser housing if they choose, targeting roughly 2,000 new homes annually. When a vacant single‑family lot is developed or an existing home is demolished and rebuilt, at least one unit must be designated as affordable; no affordable unit is required when converting an existing single‑family house into multiple units.
Recent changes and opposition
Earlier staff revisions limited upzoning to properties within a quarter‑mile of “transit priority streets” and rail stations and dropped size‑cap restrictions. After council members urged a broader approach, the city restored the citywide scope. Councilmember Darrell Watson supports the original plan for its potential to boost affordability, while Councilmember Kevin Flynn opposes a citywide rollout, citing conflicts with existing neighborhood plans.
Next steps
The full proposal is slated for a City Council vote in the spring, with in‑person information sessions continuing through mid‑November.
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