Durango, Colorado

Durango Residential Infill Standards
   

Durango was recently been challenged by the construction of new homes in five older neighborhoods that were often out of character and scale with existing homes. This frustration boiled over in a moratorium on infill residential development over
24 feet in height. Duncan Associates assisted Winter & Company in the preparation of new infill residential design standards. The process included active public participation in a series of workshops. In these workshops participants defined issues and assets related to current building trends within these neighborhoods. The community was also

presented with three-dimensional visual models that illustrated construction allowed under existing and potential regulations. Five new zoning categories (“Established Neighborhood Districts”) were prepared, along with design standards that established a clear set of expectations for building within these neighborhoods. The design standards allowed development by right, yet ensured that new construction allows light and air, protects neighboring privacy, and respects existing building traditions. An optional review at the staff level provides for additional height or bulk. Preservation of historic buildings is encouraged through bonuses for saving older homes. Staff and historic review invokes a separate set of design guidelines to ensure compatibility. The City has extended the moratorium to allow completion of the design and ordinance work.