Committee forwards zoning changes to limit new gas stations near rail, other stations and residential districts

The Land Use, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Tuesday voted to forward two zoning text amendments (files 241866 and 241867) to the full City Council that would limit where new retail gas stations (automobile fueling stations) can be established in Denver.

Community Planning and Development staff Alisa Childress and Andrew Webb presented the proposal on behalf of sponsors Council President Pro Tem Diana Romero Campbell (District 4), Councilmember Amanda Sawyer (District 5) and Councilmember Paul Cashman (District 6). Childress said the amendment would prohibit new retail gas stations in three circumstances: within a quarter mile of a rail transit station, within a quarter mile of an existing retail gas station, and within 300 feet of protected (low‑intensity residential) districts. The proposal would not apply to non‑public fueling facilities such as fleet or government fueling sites.

The proposed ordinance includes an exception that would allow a new fueling station where it is established simultaneously with a related large‑format retail use (for example, a full‑service grocery or big‑box store) in a single structure of 20,000 square…