Does Denver have too many gas stations? City Council pushes new limits to save space for affordable housing.

Denver City Council Considers Building Buffers to Prioritize Affordable Housing over Gas Stations

Paul Kashmann says he’s not trying to shut off the gas pumps in Denver altogether.

In fact, the service-minded Denver City Council member is still driving a gas car himself, and he doesn’t like high prices or long drives to stations any more than the next person.

Proposed Ordinance for Building Buffers

Kashmann and some colleagues on the City Council are advocating for a proposed ordinance that would prioritize the construction of new affordable housing over the development of additional gas stations in Denver. The ordinance is currently under consideration by a 2024 committee.

According to Kashmann, he has never received a call from anyone complaining about the lack of gas stations in the city. However, he frequently receives calls from concerned citizens questioning the need for more gas stations in their neighborhoods.

The proposed rules would establish buffers between new gas stations, mass transit stops, and residential housing. These buffers would include a quarter-mile distance from existing pumps, a quarter-mile buffer from an existing light rail station, and 300 feet from the nearest residence. The negotiations also involve the possibility of allowing gas pumps to be combined with a new grocery store if it serves a “food desert” lacking healthy food retailers.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals

The proposed ordinance aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – By prioritizing affordable housing and promoting denser housing along major transportation corridors, Denver aims to create more sustainable and inclusive cities.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The ordinance encourages the development of gas stations that offer healthy food options and accommodate alternative fuel technologies, promoting responsible consumption and reducing environmental impact.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – By considering the future of transportation and the shift towards electric vehicles, the ordinance supports efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

Collaborative Approach with Gas Station Trade Leaders

The restrictions on new gas station construction have been met with amicable negotiations with gas station trade leaders. While some provisions have been pushed back on, Denver’s approach has been more cooperative compared to other cities.

Grier Bailey, executive director of Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers, believes that the ordinance can be implemented without unduly burdening the marketplace.

Considerations for Gas Station Developers

Gas station developers acknowledge the changing market dynamics, with the rise of electric vehicles and the increasing efficiency of gasoline cars. They recognize the need to accommodate EV chargers, hydrogen filling pumps, and other emerging technologies in their designs.

Furthermore, gas station developers are willing to meet Denver’s zoning desires by incorporating additional services, such as selling produce and healthy foods, especially in areas with limited access to full-service grocery stores.

Supporting Zoning Regulations and Future Plans

Gas station developers are familiar with zoning regulations, particularly setbacks zoning, which regulates businesses selling cigarettes and liquor. They appreciate being included in the conversation and acknowledge the council’s efforts to strike a balance between different interests.

Kashmann expects the drafts of the ordinance to undergo further changes. The target is to pass the ordinance in a council committee later this year, followed by a full council vote in early 2025.

Conclusion

While Denver acknowledges the importance of gasoline for transportation, the proposed ordinance reflects the city’s commitment to sustainable development and prioritizing affordable housing. Kashmann envisions a future where alternative modes of transportation replace the reliance on fossil fuels, but acknowledges that this transition will take time.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the construction of new affordable housing and the regulation of gas station development in Denver. These issues are connected to SDG 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The article also mentions the need to accommodate electric vehicles and other technologies, which relates to SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production. Additionally, the focus on reducing the number of gas stations and promoting denser housing aligns with SDG 13 on climate action and SDG 15 on protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content

• Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
• Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
• Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

Based on the article, the targets identified are related to ensuring access to affordable housing and basic services (Target 11.1), improving sustainable transport systems (Target 11.2), promoting sustainable management of natural resources (Target 12.2), integrating climate change measures into policies (Target 13.2), and conserving terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.1).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

• Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
• Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.
• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan that addresses climate change and disaster risk reduction.
• Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.

The article implies the need to measure the proportion of urban population living in inadequate housing (Indicator 11.1.1), the proportion of the population with convenient access to public transport (Indicator 11.2.1), the material footprint and its relation to GDP (Indicator 12.2.1), the establishment of integrated policies addressing climate change (Indicator 13.2.1), and the forest area as a proportion of total land area (Indicator 15.1.1).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: coloradosun.com