You may soon see a limit on new gas stations in Denver, in effort to address housing crisis

DENVER (KDVR) — You may soon see a limit on where new gas stations can pop up in the city of Denver in an effort by council members to address the housing crisis.

"We're not opposed to more gas stations and it certainly does not ban gas station development in the city of Denver. There are many, many locations where gas stations can still be built in the city," said Denver City Council District 5 Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer. "We need gas stations, but acknowledging that there's got to be a balance between kind of the need for gas stations and the need for housing that is a real crisis in our city."

In a now-approved proposal to the planning board on Wednesday, new gas stations would not be allowed:

• Within a quarter mile of an existing gas station
• Within a quarter mile of a rail transit station
• Within 300‐feet of low‐intensity residential zone districts defined in the Zoning Code as
  Protected Districts, including single‐unit, two‐unit and row house

Alongside Sawyer, the proposed Gas Station Limitations text amendment was initiated by City Council sponsors Diana Romero Campbell of District 4 and Paul Kashmann of District 6. It "proposes new zoning regulations that would prioritize the implementation of Denver's adopted plans and policies for walkable, mixed-use, sustainable development with affordable housing on and near transit corridors."

"We have a housing crisis. We don't have a gas station crisis," said Sawyer. "Instead of watching more gas stations come in, what we want to do is preserve that land and make sure that it could be used for housing and community serving uses, shops, restaurants, different kinds of things."

Drivers at the Evans and Monoco QuikTrip on Friday, which is near several other gas stations, had mixed opinions.

"I mean, there is a housing shortage right now and it's driving up prices and if that helps that side of things, then I can see that. I also know that when gas stations are limited, that may also drive up that costs so I would worry about that too," said Melissa Cantu, who stopped at the gas station with her family before heading out of town for Christmas. "We definitely make more use of gas stations than just for gas."

"I don't know, I'm pro-housing. I think that the housing shortage in Denver is a big deal. That being said, I operate multiple vehicles, I'm always down for more convenience," said neighbor Will Clary.

The proposal will head to the City Council in February.