What is a legislative rezoning?
Rezoning is a process that changes the rules for the types of uses and buildings allowed on a given property by changing its zone district. Because the process amends the city’s official zoning map it requires a public hearing and final approval from City Council. Typically, property owners apply to rezone their own properties. Legislative rezonings, however, are initiated and led by the City.
What will this project address and not address?
This project will address the zoning of properties. The rezoning proposal focuses on creating a unified zoning map under the 2025 Land Development Code. Rezonings will also aim to implement the 2045 Comprehensive Plan, guided by character areas land use map, residential and economic framework maps, and connected corridors plans. These maps show the community’s desired future land uses and will help guide zoning recommendations and conversations with stakeholders.
This project will not address public improvements such as roadways, parks, or utilities. These topics are often addressed through the city’s Transportation Master Plan, capital improvement projects, and as part of active development applications submitted to the city for formal review.
How will this affect my property?
Generally, a rezoning does not change the existing uses or buildings on a property; instead, it establishes the rules that will apply if a property owner chooses to make changes in the future. For many property owners, zoning will transition on a one for one basis, meaning that if a property is zoned R 1 under the current 2009 Land Development Code, it may be likely that it will also be zoned R 1 under the newly adopted 2025 LDC. In other instances, the zoning for a property may be recommended to change to a different zoning district either because of guidance from the Comprehensive Plan or because the zoning assigned under the 2009 LDC does not exist in the new code. You can check both current and proposed zoning for your property on the project website. Please click here(PDF, 2MB) to see more detailed descriptions of the 2025 Land Development Code zoning districts.
Some rezonings may result in legal nonconforming uses. This simply means a building or use that was allowed when it was first built, but no longer complies with the current zoning rules. These uses can stay in place, but there may be limits on how much they can be expanded or changed. As part of the rezoning effort, staff will be re‑evaluating the City’s standards for nonconforming properties to ensure that unintended hardships are not created and that appropriate flexibility is maintained for property owners, while still advancing the goals of the Comprehensive Plan.
What are PUDs and how will they be addressed?
Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) are custom zoning standards adopted for specific properties or projects through a public hearing process. Many properties in Commerce City, especially in the northern areas, were developed under PUD regulations. Because PUDs are negotiated standards adopted by City Council, they will be carried forward as overlay districts. This approach preserves existing PUD entitlements while assigning a base zoning district that would apply if a PUD were ever removed or if the PUD does not address a particular standard.
When assigning base zoning districts to PUDs, the City’s intent is to align them as closely as possible with existing PUD entitlements and property lines while also supporting the future land use vision outlined in the Comprehensive Plan.
How can I get involved?
There are several ways to provide input and participate in the project. You can attend virtual or in‑person community meetings, review and comment on the draft using interactive online survey tools, sign up for office hours to speak directly with staff, or connect with staff at upcoming community events like Music at the Park and SpeakUp Commerce City.
Will this impact me if I live in unincorporated Adams County?
This project does not include or anticipate any annexations, so it will not affect the land use entitlements of properties in unincorporated Adams County. Property owners in unincorporated areas should continue to refer to Adams County’s land use regulations for applicable standards.