DDPHE Housing Code Update: Add Relocation Assistance Authority for Unfit Units
- When: 2025/05/21
- Address: Citywide, Denver, CO
- City: Denver
- State: CO
- Category: Zoning Code Modification
- Subcategory: Process Update
The ordinance amends Chapter 27 of the Denver Code to strengthen enforcement of the housing code by the Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE). It authorizes the DDPHE manager to order owners or operators to provide relocation assistance to tenants when a dwelling unit is designated unfit for human habitation and requires posting of relocation orders on the affected property. The amendment also refines inspection and enforcement provisions, including the ability to request management records and assess civil penalties for violations. It streamlines service of notice and recording processes and clarifies the manager's authority to issue warrants for inspections. The unfit dwelling section is expanded to explicitly allow relocation assistance orders and creates a lien mechanism to recover city costs if a non-compliant owner fails to provide assistance. Additional technical edits remove the requirement to notify affected occupants of administrative citations and replace it with conspicuous posting of orders. Appeals, modifications under special circumstances, and recording and release of notices are clarified in the amended sections.
