5.

GUIDELINES FOR SITE & LANDSCAPE

DESIGN
Site Design, Parking & Treatment of Historic Landscape Features

This chapter includes:

• Introduction............................................................................................................................. Page 92 ILLUSTRATIONS USED IN THIS

• General Principles for Site & Landscape Design......................................................... Page 93 DOCUMENT

• Residential Site & Landscape Design.............................................................................. Page 94

»» Fences & Walls............................................................................................................................ Page 95
»» New Retaining Walls................................................................................................................ Page 97

• Commercial/Multifamily Site & Landscape................................................................... Page 99

»» Streetscape & Parking............................................................................................................. Page 99
»» Alleys & Service Areas............................................................................................................ Page 100 The design guidelines include many
photographs and diagrams to illustrate
• Site & Building Lighting..................................................................................................... Page 101
acceptable or unacceptable approaches.
»» Site Lighting ............................................................................................................................ Page 102
The illustrations are provided as examples
»» Building Lighting .................................................................................................................... Page 103
and are not intended to indicate the only
options.

If there appears to be a conflict between

the text of the design guidelines and a
related illustration, the text shall prevail.

KEY TO ILLUSTRATION SYMBOLS

A checkmark on an
illustration indicates an
approach that is generally
appropriate.
An asterisk on an illustration
indicates an approach that
may be acceptable in some
contexts or situations.
An X mark on an illustration
indicates an approach that is
generally inappropriate.

01-27-16 — DENVER, COLORADO 5. Guidelines for Site & Landscape Design | 91

INTRODUCTION
Site features and landscapes are an • The design of new landscape BUILDINGS ADJACENT TO PARKWAYS
important part of Denver’s historic features such as retaining walls on
Denver has a distinctive system of historic
context. Proper treatment of these an individually-designated Denver
parkways that serve as central organizing
features helps retain the unique qualities landmark or any property in a historic
corridors and confer special identity to
that make Denver special and assists with district
adjacent properties and neighborhoods.
the preservation and interpretation of • The location and design of a new Over a dozen of the city’s early parkways
historic buildings and districts. or expanded surface parking lot on are designated under Denver’s City
This chapter provides guidelines for site an individually-designated Denver Beautiful Parkways Historic District. Several
and landscape design that apply to a landmark or any property in a historic designated parkways, such as the 7th
variety of projects, including: district Avenue and Williams Street Parkways, have
• The location and design of service not only stand-alone historic value, but are
• The treatment of historic streetscape and mechanical areas on an also focal points and character-defining
features such as street trees individually-designated Denver features of residential historic districts.
and furnishings (benches, trash landmark or any property in a historic Denver Parks and Recreation regulates
receptacles, etc.) on an individually- district development adjacent to parkways,
designated Denver landmark or any including setback requirements, and
property in a historic district • Other site and landscape design
design restrictions for buildings, walls and
considerations including landscape
• The treatment of historic landscape fences, and curb cuts to ensure that these
screening and the site lighting on
features, such as a historic site wall, parkways retain their historic character. For
historic commercial properties
sloping “Denver Hill” yard, or fence more information, contact Denver Parks
on an individually-designated Denver This chapter begins with general site and Recreation. Proposed changes to
landmark or any property in a historic and landscape guidelines, followed by historically designated properties adjacent
guidelines that are specific to residential to parkways are also subject to LPC design
district
or commercial properties. review, and these design guidelines.
Owners proposing changes adjacent to
CHARACTER-DEFINING FEATURES OF A HISTORIC DISTRICT landmark designated parkways are advised
When planning site and landscape designs in a historic district, it is important to carefully to coordinate early with both Denver
review the district’s character-defining features. See “Appendix A: The Character-defining Parks and Recreation, and Landmark
Features of Denver’s Historic Districts” for more information. Preservation staff.

92 | 5. Guidelines for Site & Landscape Design DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR LANDMARK STRUCTURES & DISTRICTS
 General Principles for Site & Landscape Design

110. Preserve established trees and historic tree lawns. 111. Preserve historic stone sidewalks

INTENT STATEMENTS GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR SITE & LANDSCAPE DESIGN
5a To preserve historic site features that 5.1 Retain and restore historic site and landscape features.
support the character-defining features a. Preserve original landscape and features, such as walkways, fences, site walls,
of historic properties and districts street trees, historic stairways and special plantings or ornamental site features
that are character-defining features of the property or historic district.
5b To ensure that new site features
b. Preserve historic stone sidewalks. See “Historic Sidewalks” at left for more information.
maintain and enhance historic character
c. If beyond repair, replace deteriorated historic site features with matching
5c To maintain a strong relationship features, including design and materials.
between buildings and the street
d. Retain original open space patterns at the sides and rear of a structure.
through sensitive site design
5.2 Preserve established trees and historic tree lawns.
CARE OF ESTABLISHED TREES a. Preserve established and specimen trees in the front yard area and tree lawn.
Assess tree conditions and ensure measures of protection/preservation are
The City Forester provides information on
included in any development plans.
the maintenance of established trees, as well
b. Maintain grass and/or low-water ground cover in an existing or new tree
as assistance with the selection of hardy,
lawn (the landscaped area between the street and the sidewalk).
drought-tolerant plants. More information is
c. Do not cover or pave an existing tree lawn, except for ADA-compliance or to
available a the Denver Forestry Web Site.
provide necessary connections to the sidewalk.
5.3 Plan new site and landscape features to respect the character-defining
HISTORIC SIDEWALKS features of the historic district or individually-designated Denver landmark.
Many of Denver’s original sidewalks are a. Landscape the street-facing portion of a lot to be consistent with historic
constructed from sandstone quarried landscape patterns on the street, such as matching tree types where one is
missing along a consistent tree row.
along the Dakota Hogback near Lyons,
Colorado. Lyons sandstone was also b. Where an established tree has been removed, replace it with a similar species.
used in some Denver buildings exported c. When introducing a new site feature or modifying an existing feature, such as a
to Midwestern cities. Many of Denver’s stairway, fence or retaining wall, respect historical patterns in terms of placement,
proportions and design compatibility with surrounding historic context.
Lyons sandstone sidewalks have been
replaced with concrete. Those that remain d. When designing a new sidewalk or path, use colors, styles and finishes similar
are highly valued for their color, character to those seen in nearby historic sidewalks.
and durability, and should be preserved. e. Avoid introducing new site features that convey a false sense of history.
f. Avoid introducing new readily visible site features, such as curb cuts, which were
not historically present on the property, or prevalent in the historic district.
INTENT STATEMENTS
01-27-16 — DENVER, COLORADO 5. Guidelines for Site & Landscape Design | 93
 Residential Site & Landscape Design

112. Preserve the context of a historic building and district by 113. Maintain the character of a “Denver Hill” sloping
maintaining historic front yard landscape areas. front yard area.

5d To preserve the context of a historic GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR RESIDENTIAL SITE & LANDSCAPE DESIGN
building and district by maintaining
historic front yard landscape areas 5.4 Maintain front yard landscape areas.
a. Reserve most of the front yard area for a grass lawn or a designed xeriscape
5e To maintain the traditional features,
that uses low-water plantings while maintaining the appearance of a
such as topography and plantings, landscaped front yard.
that define private yards without
b. Where grass is not used, plant less water-intensive ground coverings.
obscuring historic properties
c. Use decorative modular pavers, a cellular paving system or recycled historic
5f To ensure that new front yard site materials (such as stone or brick) to minimize the visual impacts of a
features maintain and enhance the larger paved surface area.
character of historic properties and d. Avoid introducing topographic features, such as berms, that were not
districts historically present, especially if other front yard areas on the street do not
include similar features. Changes to grades can also impact the watering and
USE OF THE TERM “FRONT YARD” health of existing yard and street trees.

The design guidelines for residential site and 5.5 Maintain the character of a “Denver Hill” sloping front yard area.
landscape design primarily address “front
a. Preserve the character of a “Denver Hill” sloping front yard area where it is
yard” areas that are highly visible from the a character-defining feature of the historic district or a characteristic of the
sidewalk and street. The guidelines for a block. See “Historic Background & Treatment Strategies for the “Denver Hill””
“front yard” also apply to a street-facing on page 98 for more information.
side yard on a corner property, or other yard b. Where the slope is unstable, use plant materials, or subterranean retaining
areas between buildings and the street. walls to stabilize the slope, whenever possible. See Guideline 5.10 on page
97 for more information.

94 | 5. Guidelines for Site & Landscape Design DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR LANDMARK STRUCTURES & DISTRICTS
 Residential Site & Landscape Fences & Walls

115. Where they are part of the historic context, pre-

serve and repair historic front yard, and street fac-
ing, fences, masonry site walls and retaining walls.
114. Design a new front yard fence to minimize impacts on the historic context.

GUIDELINES FOR FENCES & WALLS FENCES & MASONRY SITE WALLS
5.6 Where they are part of the historic context, preserve and repair historic front Front yard fences and site walls are not
yard and street facing fences, masonry site walls and retaining walls. common in most of Denver’s historic
a. Replace only those portions of an original fence, site wall or retaining wall districts. Where present, they combine with
that are deteriorated. gates, pillars and low hedges to help define
b. Preserve the character of the original mortar joints when re-pointing an the public edges of private yards without
original masonry site wall or retaining wall. blocking views of the property. The most
c. Preserve an original wire fence when it is a character defining-feature of the common fence materials were wrought iron
historic district (a new chain link fence is not allowed). and wood. Site walls (freestanding walls)
and retaining walls (walls used to hold back
5.7 Add a new front yard or street-facing fence only where at least one of the
following conditions is present: earth) were most often constructed using
stone, although other masonry materials
a. An open front yard is not a character-defining feature of the historic property
or district such as brick were sometimes used.

b. Historic or legally built fences or site walls are present on several properties in the New front yard fences are discouraged because
surrounding context/block they often interrupt the pattern of historic front
c. It is not possible to create a usable enclosed side or rear yard area yards. Where they are part of the surrounding
d. Constructing a low fence at the top of a “Denver Hill” sloping front yard area historic context, low open hedges or shrubs
would provide a compatible alternative to removing the slope. See “3. A Fence at may provide alternatives to constructing a new
the top of the slope” on page 98 for more information. fence. New site walls are generally not allowed.

DENVER ZONING CODE FENCE

AND WALL STANDARDS

Article 10 of the Denver Zoning Code sets

forth base standards for the location and
height of new fences and walls in front
and side yard areas. The Design Guidelines
promote maintenance of historic fences
and walls, and provide strategies for the
compatible design of new fences.

01-27-16 — DENVER, COLORADO 5. Guidelines for Site & Landscape Design | 95

 Residential Site & Landscape Fences & Walls (continued)

116. Locate a rear yard fence to have minimal visibility from public view.

TREE REQUIREMENTS IN DENVER GUIDELINES FOR FENCES & WALLS (Continued)

Denver’s mature and diverse tree canopy 5.8 Design a new front yard fence to minimize impacts on the historic context
adds to the character and desirability (when warranted based on the criteria in Guideline 5.7).
of many historic districts. A permit a. Design a new front yard fence to be simple, open, and low (unless taller
is required from the Office of the City fences are typical of the historic district or surrounding historic context).
The maximum front yard fence height should be 48” or less.
Forester prior to planting or removing
trees from the public right-of-way (such b. Use compatible but simplified (less ornate) versions of historic fences and
as trees located in the buffer lawn walls present in the historic district or in the surrounding historic context.
between a sidewalk and street curb) c. Use historic fence and wall materials present in the historic district or in the
per Chapter 57 of the Revised Municipal surrounding historic context. Do not use vinyl or other nontraditional fence materials.
Code). When considering a new street d. Do not install a new chain link fence in the front yard (an existing chain link fence
tree, contact the City Forester for the should be preserved when it is a character-defining feature of the district).
approved street tree list and for tree e. Do not install opaque fencing of any kind. A fence should be more than 50% open.
spacing guidelines. When a property
5.9 Add a rear yard fence consistent with historical patterns of the property and
is in the process of demolition or surrounding historic district.
construction, property owners must also
a. Locate a rear yard fence to have minimal visibility from public view.
protect established trees and provide
new landscaping within setback areas b. Situate a rear or side yard fence return at least one foot behind the front
corner of a historic house façade, and to be located behind important
of a property per Article 10 of the Denver
architectural features, such as bay windows and chimneys whenever
Zoning Code. possible.
c. Use a rear and side yard fence type and materials traditionally found in the
historic context, such as simple iron or wooden solid or open picket fence.
Only use stone, brick , or a stuccoed wall if it corresponds with the historic
property and surrounding historic context.
d. Design new fences to have traditional height, style and design to blend with
historic building and surrounding historic context.
e. When installing a wooden fence, ensure that the pickets face to the exterior
and the framing faces to the inside.
f. Locate a rear yard fence along traditional lot lines. If a non-traditional fence,
such as a dog run, is proposed, locate in a way as to be concealed from
public view.

96 | 5. Guidelines for Site & Landscape Design DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR LANDMARK STRUCTURES & DISTRICTS
 Residential Site & Landscape New Retaining Walls

117. Explore alternatives before proposing significant

alterations to the “Denver Hill”, including using stabi- 118. Explore constructing a low, open style, fence at 119. Locate and design a new retaining wall to mini-
lizing plant materials with drought-tolerant planting the top of the slope to provide an enclosed front mize impacts on the historic context. As illustrated
and other ground cover that does not require mowing yard area for children or pets, rather than replacing above, a low kick wall can help stabilize the yard
or a high degree of maintenance, as illustrated above. the slope with a new retaining wall. while maintaining most of the historic slope.

GUIDELINES FOR NEW RETAINING WALLS

5.10 Explore alternatives before proposing significant alterations to the “Denver Hill.”
Alternatives to explore include:
a. Using stabilizing plant materials with drought-tolerant planting and
other ground cover that does not require mowing or a high degree of
maintenance, rather than constructing a new retaining wall.
b. Constructing a low, open style, fence at the top of the slope to provide an
enclosed front yard area for children or pets, rather than replacing the slope
with a new retaining wall.
c. Constructing a subterranean retaining wall to stabilize the slope.

5.11 Avoid adding a new retaining wall unless necessary and all alternatives have
been explored.
a. Add a new retaining wall that will alter the slope of a “Denver Hill” front yard
area only where at least one of the following conditions is present: 120. Do not completely replace the slope with a tall
retaining wall.
»» The “Denver Hill” is not a character-defining feature of the historic district.
»» There is a high level of variety in the treatment of front yard areas among
adjacent properties, including retaining walls.
»» The front yard slope is unstable, threatens the foundation of a historic
structure, and other stabilization strategies have failed.

5.12 Locate and design a new retaining wall to minimize impacts on the historic district or
historic property (when warranted based on the criteria in Guideline 5.11).
a. Use a low kick wall, up to one foot in height, to help stabilize the yard while
maintaining most of the historic slope.
b. Design a new retaining wall to minimize visual impacts on the character-
defining features of the historic property, block and district.
c. Use materials that are common to the historic district or that relate to the
historic property. For example, if a stone wall is a part of the design tradition,
the wall should be stone, or stone-faced.
d. Avoid using terraced retaining walls.
e. Do not completely replace the slope with a tall retaining wall.

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 Historic Background & Treatment Strategies for the “Denver Hill”
A number of Denver’s historic districts feature properties elevated above the street with mostly flat front
yards that slope steeply towards the street at the inner edge of the sidewalk. Denver promoted this
particular configuration since it allowed rain hitting public sidewalks to drain into the street rather than
onto private property, while also providing an attractive planting strip at street curb level. When present,
this “Denver Hill” (also called the “Denver Roll”) can be a character-defining feature of a property or
historic district. Refer to the character-defining features of a particular district in Appendix A.

Several potential treatment strategies for the “Denver Hill” are illustrated below. Maintaining the
original grassy slope is preferred. Other treatment strategies may be appropriate where there is variety Photo of unnamed street in Denver,
ca. 1930. (Courtesy of Denver Public
in the treatment of front yard areas along the same block, or where it is necessary to stabilize the slope. Library, Call No. Rh-1036)

1. SLOPE MAINTAINED IN ORIGINAL CONDITION 2. STABILIZING PLANTS REPLACE GRASS

Maintaining the original grassy slope is preferred where the slope Stabilizing the slope with low-water plantings may be appropriate,
was not previously altered with retaining walls or other features. especially as an alternative to constructing a new retaining wall.

3. A FENCE AT THE TOP OF THE SLOPE 4. A LOW RETAINING WALL

Constructing a low fence at the top of the slope may be appropriate Stabilizing the slope with a low “kick wall” may be appropriate to
to provide an enclosed yard area for children or pets. help stabilize the yard while maintaining most of the historic slope.

5. SLOPE TERRACED WITH RETAINING WALLS 6. LOT LEVELED WITH A HIGH RETAINING WALL

Terracing the slope with retaining walls is generally inappropriate. Completely removing the slope with a single retaining wall is inappropriate.
Figure 27: Historic Background & Treatment Strategies for the “Denver Hill”

98 | 5. Guidelines for Site & Landscape Design DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR LANDMARK STRUCTURES & DISTRICTS
 Commercial/Multifamily Site & Landscape Streetscape & Parking

121. Maintain the active, pedestrian-friendly, character of historic commercial, multifamily and mixed-use streets. 122. Minimize the visual impacts of a surface parking area.

INTENT STATEMENTS GUIDELINES FOR STREETSCAPE & PARKING

5g To maintain the active, pedestrian- 5.13 Use pedestrian-scaled design elements to enhance the historic streetscape.
friendly, character of historic commercial, a. Locate street furniture near heavily used pedestrian areas, such as major
multifamily and mixed-use streets pedestrian routes, building entrances and outdoor gathering places.
5h To minimize the impact of parking areas, b. Design street furniture to complement the character-defining features of the
new site features and mechanical equip- historic district (See page 88 for more information on site furnishings in
courtyards, plazas and patios).
ment on the historic character of commer-
cial, multifamily and mixed-use streets c. When a new fence and/or retaining wall is needed for security purposes,
design a new open-style fence and/or retaining wall to be as low in height
ENHANCING THE STREET EDGE as possible and with a simple design to minimize visual impacts. Refer to 5.8,
5.9 and 5.12 for additional guidance.
Building and streetscape features should work d. Do not impede a primary pedestrian way with street furniture.
together to reinforce neighborhood character
e. Plant street trees to enhance historic buildings and offset heat island effects
and enhance the pedestrian experience along of commercial areas. (Contact the City Forester for specifications on planting
the street edge between buildings and the trees in hardscape).
street. Such features include: 5.14 Design a patio or dining area in/adjacent-to the public right-of-way to
maintain views of a historic building from the street and sidewalk.
»» Pedestrian-oriented entries
a. Use high quality materials for patio railings and furniture.
»» Street-facing windows
b. Use simple, low, patio railings.
»» Public spaces that are linked to the
c. Avoid highly decorative patio railings.
sidewalk (i.e., patios and courtyards)
d. Do not locate walls or other solid enclosures between the sidewalk and a
»» Street trees patio or dining area.
»» Sidewalks e. Do not affix umbrella holders or planters to patio railings because they
»» Street furniture (lighting, benches, etc.) reduce visibility between the sidewalk and building.
f. Do not obstruct a sidewalk with an at-grade patio or dining area. See
»» Public art
Guideline 4.28 on page 88 for more information.
5.15 Locate and access surface parking areas to minimize impacts on the historic
Note that the Denver Streetscape Design streetscape, rhythm of the built environment and disruption to pedestrians.
Manual provides the template for a. Minimize the visual impacts of a surface parking area (note that this is
enhancements in the street right-of-way. especially important in, and adjacent to, historic residential areas).
b. Locate surface parking areas to the side or rear of buildings.
c. Provide access to surface parking areas from an alley, when feasible.

01-27-16 — DENVER, COLORADO 5. Guidelines for Site & Landscape Design | 99

Commercial/Multifamily Site & Landscape Alleys & Service Areas

123. Screenground-mountedmechanicalequipment. 124. Locate service areas and ground-mounted mechanical equipment to the side or rear of buildings.

GUIDELINES FOR ALLEYS & SERVICE AREAS

5.16 Site and access service areas and ground-mounted mechanical equipment to
minimize impacts on the historic streetscape and disruption of the pedestrian
environment.
a. Locate service areas and ground-mounted mechanical equipment to the
side or rear of buildings.
b. Where possible, place a service area or ground-mounted mechanical
equipment within a building alcove, especially if it is not located to the side
or rear of a building.
c. Provide access to service areas from an alley, where present.
d. Avoid locating a service area (including trash containers), or mechanical
equipment, adjacent to residential property or directly against a public
sidewalk.

5.17 Minimize the visual impacts of a new service area.

125. Where possible, place a service area or ground-
mounted mechanical equipment within a building a. Orient a service entrance, waste/compost disposal area or other service area
alcove, especially if it is not located to the side or toward alleys or service lanes, and away from public streets and residences.
rear of a building.
b. Locate a service area to minimize potential noise impacts or other residual
MECHANICAL, UTILITY & SECURITY effects on nearby properties.
EQUIPMENT ON A HISTORIC BUILDING c. Screen ground-mounted mechanical equipment.
The design guidelines on this page address d. Screen a service area with a wall, fence or planting.
site service areas, security and ground-
5.18 Minimize potential security issues in an alley or parking area.
mounted mechanical or utility equipment.
a. Install vandal-proof security cameras, whenever possible.
Guidelines for mechanical, utility and
security equipment on the exterior of a b. Minimize hidden areas or tight spaces between buildings and service areas.
historic building are provided on page 58. c. Use compatible lighting to improve security in an alley or parking area. See
Guideline 5.23 on page 103 for more information on compatible lighting.

100 | 5. Guidelines for Site & Landscape Design DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR LANDMARK STRUCTURES & DISTRICTS
 Site & Building Lighting

127. If new light fixtures are necessary, use a contem-

porary design, or simplified historic lighting design
that is compatible with the placement, design, ma-
terials and quality of lighting on adjacent historic
126. Preserve historic light fixtures. buildings.

INTENT STATEMENTS GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SITE & BUILDING LIGHTING

5i To minimize the impact of site 5.19 Preserve historic light fixtures.

lighting on historic properties and a. Supplement, rather than remove, historic light fixtures.
districts b. Adapt historic light fixtures with better illumination and glare control while
5j To preserve historic lighting to maintaining the original physical appearance of the fixture.
maintain the original historic c. Repair and retrofit historic light fixtures whenever possible.
ambiance d. Replace missing light fixtures if sufficient documentation exists.
5k To provide illumination that enhances e. Where historic fixtures remain and additional lighting is needed, add new
the historic context and does not fixtures to be subordinate to the historic fixtures in terms of placement,
scale, design and illumination.
overwhelm historic structures
5.20 Coordinate lighting with historic streetscapes and buildings.
ZONING REQUIREMENTS FOR
LIGHTING a. Coordinate light fixtures to be compatible with the design of the historic
structure, historic district and surrounding historic context.
In addition to these guidelines, the Denver b. Coordinate storefront lighting along the street whenever possible.
Zoning Code provides standards for exterior
c. When considering street lights, avoid conflicts with street trees. Street lights
lighting, including requirements to prevent should be located below the street canopy and at least five feet from street
light trespass and glare onto adjacent trees.
properties, and to limit light pollution
generally. Certain light sources are prohibited 5.21 Design lighting to be compatible and subordinate to historic buildings and
the surrounding historic context.
in Denver. Refer to Section 10.7 of the Denver
Zoning Code for more information.. a. Use existing or ambient streetlight or storefront lighting rather than adding
new lighting whenever possible.
b. If new light fixtures are necessary, use a contemporary design, or simplified
historic lighting design that is compatible with the placement, design,
materials and quality of lighting on adjacent historic buildings.
c. Limit the level of illumination to be sufficient to perform the needed lighting
task.
d. Design and orient new light fixtures to provide down-lighting.

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Site & Building Lighting Site Lighting

Light Bollard

128. Use low, shielded, fixtures with down-lighting, or light bollards within landscaping to illuminate pedes-
trian walkways if needed.

SCALING SITE LIGHTING GUIDELINES FOR SITE LIGHTING

Site lighting should be scaled to its 5.22 Design site lighting to be compatible and subordinate to historic buildings
and the surrounding historic context.
purpose as illustrated below.
a. Base site lighting designs on historic site or building lighting patterns if they
are known.
b. Scale new site lighting fixtures to the building and to be subordinate to
adjacent historic structures.
c. Use low, shielded, fixtures with down-lighting, or light bollards within
landscaping to illuminate pedestrian walkways if needed.
d. Use modest site lighting to illuminate building entrances and entries into
parking areas.
e. Use fixtures that provide even lighting for a plaza, courtyard or patio area.
Use small scale fixtures to illuminate f. Do not install site lighting that conveys a false sense of history, such as faux
pedestrian walkways. historic street lights.
g. Do not provide greater illumination in parking areas than at building
entrances or for pedestrian walkways.
h. Do not use site lighting that is brighter than historic building lighting.

Use fixtures that provide even lighting for

a plaza, courtyard or patio area.

102 | 5. Guidelines for Site & Landscape Design DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR LANDMARK STRUCTURES & DISTRICTS
 Site & Building Lighting Building Lighting
BUILDING LIGHTING IN DENVER

129. Use lighting sources and illumination levels that enhance historic building and district character. In the years following Mayor Speer’s 1904
visit to Paris, France, Denver began to
GUIDELINES FOR BUILDING LIGHTING
artfully light key downtown streets and
boulevards as part of his City Beautiful
5.23 When necessary, design and install new building light fixtures that are
compatible with the historic building and surrounding historic context. initiative. Many early civic structures in city
parks were also highlighted with elegant
a. Install lighting at the ground level of buildings only.
lighting. No building was more exuberant
b. Design and locate new light fixtures to be perceived but not seen,
in its lighting than the 1910 Denver Gas
incorporating lighting into recessed entries, porches, canopies and alcoves
and Electric Building (Insurance Exchange
whenever possible.
Building) on 15th Street (see above) . New
c. Scale new light fixtures to the building (i.e., use monumental light fixtures
banks and office blocks in the early 20th
only on monumental buildings)
century often included monumental
d. Consider using building light fixtures with a contemporary design that are
entry light fixtures that matched the scale
compatible in materials, quality and design with the historic building.
of the new architecture. More modest
e. Consider using period reproduction fixtures if they can be matched in style,
commercial buildings were often lit with
quality and materials with the historic building, and are subordinate to
unobtrusive fixtures, sometimes hidden
historic building architecture and features.
under a recessed entryway. Residential
f. Do not design lighting for the sole purpose of attracting attention to
lighting became more common after the
building architecture or to building uses.
turn of the century. Grand mansions might
5.24 Use lighting sources and illumination levels that enhance historic building have wall gates with lights on entry posts
and district character. or ornamental wall lighting, but most early
a. Use illumination with a warm white light which does not distort the color of 20th century residences had unobtrusive
building materials or finishes. porch ceiling lights or pendant fixtures.
b. Do not install flood lights or fluorescent tube lighting on street elevations. While incandescent lamps were the single
c. Do not use colored bulbs or gels, or lighting with changing colors on historic option for night lighting in the early 20th
buildings. century, neon lights and fluorescent
d. Do not install light fixtures that cast light upward into the sky or onto the lamps were used for some commercial
façade of a historic building, except as noted in design guideline 5.25 below. applications in Denver by the 1930s.

01-27-16 — DENVER, COLORADO 5. Guidelines for Site & Landscape Design | 103
 Site & Building Lighting Building Lighting (continued)

130. Minimize negative impacts to a historic building

façade when installing lighting.
GUIDELINES FOR BUILDING LIGHTING (continued)

5.25 Use building illumination that is appropriate to the significance of the

building.
a. Direct floodlights, or other façade illumination, only onto important civic
buildings while avoiding illumination on adjacent façades or the sky.
b. Limit lighting of detached houses to entries and walkways.
c. Coordinate security lighting with other building lighting, where possible.
d. Use professionals when designing floodlighting for civic buildings to avoid
distortion of building features and unnecessary glare.
e. When designing architectural lighting for a civic building, use the smallest
possible fixtures hidden underneath cornices and parapets to minimize
visual impacts to the extent feasible.

5.26 Minimize negative impacts to a historic building façade when installing

lighting.
a. Locate and install light features so they may be removed without significant
damage to historic building fabric.
b. Do not install lighting conduits, junction boxes and wires on primary
building façades.
131. Direct floodlights, or other façade illumination, c. MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
only onto important civic buildings while avoiding
illumination on adjacent façades or the sky.

104 | 5. Guidelines for Site & Landscape Design DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR LANDMARK STRUCTURES & DISTRICTS