The ordinance, Council Bill 26-1430, passed its first reading. It would authorize the city to seek the property interests it needs through negotiated agreements or, if those efforts are unsuccessful, condemnation. The full council must still take a final vote.

The work is part of Denver’s East Colfax sidewalk project in Council District 8, represented by Council member Shontel Lewis. The city plans to fill sidewalk gaps and add ramps that meet accessibility standards. The project area includes streets between North Quebec and North Willow, as well as North Rosemary Street between East Colfax and East 16th Avenue.

Contractors need temporary access to private land to stage equipment and complete construction. The city’s project summary identifies easements on 36 residential properties and three commercial properties, covering about 2,000 square feet in total. The measure concerns access rights for the work, not a blanket transfer of property ownership.

Some neighbors on North Valentia Street between East 13th and East 14th avenues said they knew sidewalks were planned but had not heard about the ordinance. Residents who spoke with a local television station said they were unsure whether their properties were included or what compensation they might receive.

The city said it will seek fair-market-value agreements and that owners may obtain their own appraisals. It also said negotiations cannot begin until council approves the ordinance. The city did not contact owners before the initial council vote.

Denver has used similar authority before: last year, council approved an ordinance involving three parcels along South University Boulevard. The East Colfax proposal covers 39 properties.

The project is part of a broader city effort to address sidewalk gaps. Denver lists 60 sidewalk projects across 19 neighborhoods: seven completed in the past year, one under construction and 52 planned. The city has not said how many of the planned projects could require property-access agreements.

Voters approved the sidewalk program in 2022. Before it began, adjacent property owners were responsible for sidewalk repairs. Since January 2025, more than 95% of owners have paid a $150 annual fee through their stormwater bills, split into two $75 payments. Owners with more than 230 linear feet of sidewalk pay an additional $3.50 for each foot beyond that threshold.

The first phase of the East Colfax work is expected to finish by the end of 2027. A second phase is projected to begin in early 2029, after the real estate process concludes. Property owners will remain responsible for snow removal, while the city’s sidewalk program will handle ongoing maintenance, including repairs to broken panels.