People having brunch outside
People dining on a patio

Planning, Zoning & Guidelines

Access Cherry Creek North’s comprehensive planning framework, zoning regulations, and development standards.

District Planning & Development Guidelines

The Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District (BID) collaborated with the City of Denver to establish a regulatory framework guiding land use and development. Our comprehensive approach includes:

Cherry Creek Area Plan

Published in 2012, the Cherry Creek Area Plan emerged from extensive community engagement, with over 1,000 participants helping identify the area’s long-term vision. The plan serves as a foundation for district development and growth.

Cherry Creek North Zoning

In 2014, Denver City Council unanimously adopted new zoning for the Cherry Creek North BID area. Developed by an all-volunteer technical task force in partnership with city planners, this custom zoning enhances the district’s live-work-play environment.

Design Advisory Board & Guidelines

The Cherry Creek North Design Advisory Board (DAB) works with the City’s office of Community Planning and Development to ensure all submittals maintain Design Standards and Guidelines. These guidelines provide clear, comprehensive documentation of expected design quality within the district.

Modern apartment building with leasing sign and street view.
Modern apartment building with leasing sign and street view.

General Restrictions 

To reflect Denver’s character, the Cherry Creek North BID maintains minimal restrictions. Primary requirements include:

  • Property maintenance in clean, sightly, wholesome condition
  • Landscaping installation within one year of occupancy
  • Compliance with City and County of Denver ordinances
  • Reliance on owners’ “best judgment” for neighbor-sensitive conduct

For submittal requirements and signage/building renovation questions, contact Olga Mikhailova.

Construction Standards

As Cherry Creek North evolves, developers, contractors, and sub-contractors must respect and reinforce the BID’s goals while maintaining our mixed-use character. The Cherry Creek North Construction Standards outline requirements and expectations before, during, and after construction to ensure efficient project completion while preserving a vibrant public realm for residents, retailers, workers, and visitors.

Streetscape Design Standards

The Cherry Creek North Streetscape Design Standards and Guidelines maintain and strengthen our unique public realm and BID investments in streetscape assets. These standards guide developers and designers working within our compact urban area, which experiences significant daily vehicular and pedestrian traffic and hosts regular community events.