When Denver updated the city zoning code in 2010 it included a new tool, the Conservation Overlay District. Conservation Overlay District are different than historic districts because they do not regulate demolition of historic structures and do not require design review of modifications. However, conservation overlay districts can create special zoning that supports the character of a neighborhood.

A conservation overlay district is a way to conserve or revitalize specific areas that have distinctive features, identity, or character worthy of retention and enhancement. A conservation overlay district takes effect through adoption of area‐specific zoning standards that facilitate maintenance and protection of the area’s character, and are also applicable to the development of vacant or underused lots.

This is an example of what other neighborhoods are looking at

1. Bungalow Overlay District (work began as Harkness Heights Conservation Overlay District)

District 1 Planner Naomi Grundwitz described the design tool called a Conservation Overlay, explained how it is distinct from a Landmark Historic Districts, specifically identified concerns of neighborhood that led to work on an overlay district, what the objectives of the Overlay District are, the process the neighborhood and District 1 Council office underwent to accomplish this Overlay District, as well as what the Overlay can accomplish for a neighborhood. Currently there are five Conservation Overlay Districts, and the Bungalow Overlay District (if approved) will be the sixth. Importantly, the name was changed from Harkness Heights Conservation Overlay to Bungalow Overlay District so that it is a generic overlay.

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