Existing Building Regulations Survey - CPD

Introduction

The City and County of Denver is looking to understand the challenges faced from a regulatory perspective when adaptively reusing existing buildings (changing the building from its previous use to something new). There are zoning, transportation, building and fire safety processes that allow for some measure of flexibility, but they take time and do not have a predictable outcome.

Information provided in this survey will help City staff identify where challenges exist to determine an appropriate approach for addressing these challenges. Supporting adaptive reuse bolsters our plans and policies around strong and authentic neighborhoods, environmental resiliency, and economic diversity and vibrancy. Furthermore, ensuring adaptive reuse projects meet life safety regulations will be an important consideration for any effort that may result from this outreach.

We are seeking feedback from both internal and external stakeholders. If you have questions, please reach out to Jill Jennings Golich, CPD Deputy Director at jill.jenningsgolich@denvergov.org. Your input is greatly appreciated.

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* 1. Which of the identities/occupations below best describe(s) your position? (Select all that apply)

Architect

City Staff

Developer

Engineer

Historic Preservation Consultant

Property Owner

Tenant

Other, please specify below

If you selected "Other", please specify below.

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* 2. What type(s) of adaptive reuse project have you been involved in? (Select all that apply)

Conversion of a one- or two-story building from one use to another

Conversion of a mid-rise building (3-8 stories) from one use to another

Conversion of a high-rise building (more than 8 stories) from office to residential

Conversion of a high-rise building (more than 8 stories) from office to a hotel use

I have not been involved in any adaptive reuse project (if you select this answer please provide a response to questions 3 and 4)

Other, please specify below

If you selected "Other", please specify below.

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* 3. If you have considered doing an adaptive reuse project, but have not, please tell us why.

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* 4. What might motivate you to pursue an adaptive reuse project? (Select all that apply)

Reduced permit fees

Greater regulatory flexibility

Adherence to committed review turnaround times

A Project Coordinator focused on helping navigate the permitting process

Depends on the building (floor plate size, exterior skin, etc.)

Other, please explain

If you selected "Other", please explain below.

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* 5. Are certain types of adaptive reuse projects more challenging than others? Please specify.

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* 6. Have any of these codes/regulations been difficult to comply with in adaptive reuse projects? (Select all that apply)

Building Codes (International Residential Code, International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Fuel and Gas Code, International Existing Building Code, and the National Electric Code)

International Energy Conservation Code

Landmark regulations

Urban design standards and guidelines

Denver Zoning Code and Former Chapter 59

Parkway regulations

Other, please specify

If you selected "Other", please specify below.

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* 7. If any of the above codes/regulations in Question 6 were difficult to comply with, please provide specific information on which codes or regulations were a challenge, why it was a challenge and any other information you think would be helpful to share.

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* 8. Denver first adopted the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) in 2016 which is intended to give some flexibility for reuse of existing buildings. If you have worked on a project since 2016, has the IEBC been helpful with an adaptive reuse project? Why or why not?

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* 9. Have any of these codes/regulations been difficult to comply with in adaptive reuse projects? (Select all that apply)

Right-of-way

Sanitary sewer

Stormwater and water quality

Erosion control

Other, please specify

If you selected "Other", please specify below.

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* 10. If any of the above codes/regulations in Question 9 were difficult to comply with, please provide specific information on which codes or regulations were a challenge, why it was a challenge and any other information you think would be helpful to share.

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* 11. The Department of Parks and Recreation manages street tree requirements through the Forestry division, as well as requirements for parks and parkways. Please describe if any of these requirements were a challenge for an adaptive reuse project.

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* 12. The Denver Fire Department manages the International Fire Code and associated permitting requirements. If there are specific regulations that were difficult to comply with for an adaptive reuse project, please explain what the challenge was, why and any other information you think would be helpful to share.

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* 13. Please provide any other relevant information that you believe would be helpful about regulating and/or designing and constructing adaptive reuse projects in Denver.

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* 14. Do you have any familiarity in working with adaptive reuse ordinances in other jurisdictions?

Yes

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* 15. If you selected "Yes" to Question 14, please provide information about the jurisdiction and whether that ordinance was helpful in navigating the regulatory process.

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* 16. If you would be willing to be interviewed or followed up with regarding the information provided, please provide your name and contact information.

Name

Cellphone (optional)