Denver is preparing to launch a new project this summer designed to increase affordable housing units by creating more small-scale, multi-unit options across the city.

The project, Unlocking Housing Choices (UHC), would allow — and in some cases incentivize — the construction of more “missing middle” housing types, like duplexes and small multi-unit developments in the city’s low-density residential zone districts.

According to the project website, the city would accomplish this through updates to the zoning code and other city rules and regulations while working to preserve existing affordable units and ensure that new development adds more attainable housing stock.

A presentation made to a joint City Council and Planning Board meeting in March outlined the UHC project with an official public kickoff set for mid-year and public meetings beginning in early 2026.

Community Planning and Development’s implementation of the project is slated for 2027.

The city is now looking to flesh out a 15- to 20-member advisory committee from varied backgrounds to help guide the process.

The committee will advise city staff in developing strategies that will achieve the project objectives, according to the project website.

The website also cautioned that “committee meetings and public engagement are expected to involve robust conversations on topics that solicit strong and varied opinions. To ensure a well-informed and inclusive process, the advisory committee should represent a broad cross-section of residents (both property owners and renters), elected officials, developers, land use planners, neighborhood groups, and other stakeholders.”

Community members interested in participating must complete an online form to sign up for email updates or be considered for the community advisory committee.

The form may be found on the city’s website www.denver.org and by searching “unlocking housing choices.”

“Community Planning and Development is excited to start working with the community to figure out the best ways to incorporate more middle housing forms in Denver’s residential neighborhoods,” city planning department spokesperson Alexandra Foster said in a statement to The Denver Gazette. “By looking at zoning and other regulations to allow house-scaled multi-unit building forms like duplexes, tandem houses and fourplexes in these areas, this project can create opportunities for attainable, family-friendly housing that fits in with existing character and does not strain infrastructure.” 

Earlier this year, Littleton council members voted to postpone their decision on a similar proposal to permit a variety of housing types, notably multiplexes and duplexes, in communities zoned for single-family homes —citing the need for more discussion.

Littleton residents critical of the proposal applauded the council’s decision.

The proposal has drawn opposition from residents of single-family homes, arguing it would devastate the town’s character and sharply increase their communities’ density, with developers peppering older neighborhoods with the new units.

Last fall, Denver passed a measure allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in all residential areas of the city. In February, Brendan and Katie Harrison lost a bid to rezone a lot they purchased in Denver’s Platt Park neighborhood, located south of downtown and east of Broadway.

Their plan for the property was to build a duplex so they — along with their three children and aging parents — could live together, separately but under the same roof.

Denver City Council members voted 10 to 2 to deny the Harrisons’ request to reclassify the zoning on the property at 1628 and 1630 S. Ogden St., echoing city planners’ recommendations that the rezoning should be denied and was “not in the public interest.”

Denver Gazette reporter Noah Festenstein contributed to this story.