Committee advances rezoning for 8401 East Bellevue to SMX-8 to enable mixed-use redevelopment

The Community Planning and Housing Committee on April 28 voted to advance a rezoning request for 8401 East Bellevue Avenue that would change the property from a former Chapter 59/B8 configuration with waivers to SMX 8, a suburban mixed-use district that allows building heights of up to eight stories.

Tony Lajuga, representing Community Planning and Development, told the committee the site is just under four acres and is currently occupied by a two-story bank with an attached parking garage and extensive surface parking. Lajuga said the Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend approval and that staff found the requested rezoning consistent with Comp Plan 2040 and Blueprint Denver, which identifies the area as a regional center and a place appropriate for higher-density, mixed-use development.

Councilmembers asked about protecting mature perimeter trees and how the Denver Tech Center's private design controls interact with city zoning. Sky Stewart, representing Shea Properties (the adjacent-site developer), said detailed development plans are not ready but that the subsequent Site Development Plan (SDP) process would coordinate with the city forester to identify opportunities to preserve trees; Stewart noted Marina Square (the adjacent site) undertook tree protection measures during its SDP.

Staff noted that the Denver Tech Center Architectural Control Committee and Metro District regulations require 40-foot setbacks along Bellevue and Denver Tech Center Boulevard, which would preserve trees within that setback zone. Committee members also discussed the district's history, the Metro District's role in design standards, and the prospect that the rezoning would reduce expansive surface parking by enabling mixed residential and retail uses.

Chair Claire Paradis called for a motion; the committee moved the item (motion moved by Councilwoman O'Connell, seconded by Councilwoman O'Vidrez) and advanced it to full City Council for final action, with council consideration anticipated in early June.