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Development Processes
On this page:
- Starting a Development Process
- Changing the Zoning
- Subdividing Land
- Vacating Roadways
- Changing Lot Lines
- Developing a Commercial, Industrial or Multi-Family Project
- Government/Public Agency Projects
Starting a Development Process
We recommend discussing project ideas with staff early in the planning process to understand any potential issues or financial obligations. Our process guides and regulations are listed below to help. Please email us here with any questions.
Pre-Application Review
This review process is optional but recommended prior to applying for our more complicated development cases (changing uses or standards [Rezoning or Special Use], subdividing land [Plats], developing commercial, industrial or multi-family uses [Site Development Plans], etc.). This process includes a brief review from other agencies, meeting with staff, and a written summary of the key issues and next step(s) for your project.
- Pre-Application Process Guide
- Pre-Application (Section of the Jefferson County Zoning Resolution)
Changing the Zoning
Altering the entitlements of a property to allow different land uses or lot and building standards can be accomplished by these processes.
Rezoning
This process is required to change the zoning of a property to a standard or Planned Development zone district. The final decision for these cases is made by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). This process includes a formal review (referral period), Planning Commission public hearing, and BCC public hearing. A Community Meeting is required prior to applying for this process.
Planned Development zone districts are a type of customized zoning following an Official Development Plan (ODP) specific to that property or area.
- Rezoning Process Guide
- Rezoning and Special Use (Section of the Jefferson County Zoning Resolution)
Special Use
Our standard zone districts contain lists of Special Uses that can be approved by the BCC through this process. This process includes a formal review (referral period), Planning Commission public hearing, and BCC public hearing. A Community Meeting is required prior to applying for this process.
- Special Use Process Guide
- Rezoning and Special Use (Section of the Jefferson County Zoning Resolution)
Subdividing Land
Subdividing property is primarily completed through our Platting processes. A Plat is a map and supporting documents that describe a property’s legal boundaries and development considerations, such as easements, drainage, non-buildable areas, etc.
Preliminary and Final Plat
This process allows applicants to create new property boundaries based on the current zoning and regulations. The final decision for these cases is made by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). This process includes a formal review (referral period), Planning Commission public hearing, and BCC public hearing.
- Preliminary and Final Plat Process Guide (PDF)
- Preliminary and Final Plat (Section of the Jefferson County Land Development Regulation)
- FAQ: Can I Subdivide?
Rural Clusters
This process subdivides land so that lots (and residences) are clustered to preserve open space areas.
Exemptions
This process allows land to be developed outside of subdivision requirements. It is frequently used to correct improper divisions of land.
- Exemption Process Guide (PDF)
- Exemption Process (Section of the Jefferson County Land Development Regulation)
Residential Structure Exclusions
This process allows administrative approval of an improper transfer of land for properties with an existing residence, meeting specific criteria.
- Residential Structure Exclusion (Section of the Jefferson County Land Development Regulation)
Vacating Roadways
Vacation of Rights of Way
This process allows the elimination of boundaries associated with platted Right-of-Way. The surrounding properties may divide and claim the former Right-of-Way, and access easements may be required.
- Vacation Process Guide (PDF)
- Vacation of Rights of Way (Section of the Jefferson County Land Development Regulation)
Changing Lot Lines
Minor Adjustments
This process allows for the adjustment of lot or property boundaries when it does not increase the total number of buildable parcels and all current regulations are met.
- Minor Adjustment Process Guide (PDF)
- Minor Adjustment (Section of the Jefferson County Land Development Regulation)
Property Mergers
This process allows contiguous properties to be merged or combined. This is sometimes required by applicants in order to meet lot and building standards, prior to issuance of Building Permits.
- Property Merger Application (PDF)
- Property Mergers (Section of the Jefferson County Land Development Regulation)
Developing a Commercial, Industrial or Multi-Family Project
Site Development Plans
The Site Development Plan (SDP) process is an administrative process and is not discretionary. SDPs are reviewed in accordance with the processing requirements and standards of the Jefferson County Zoning Resolution (JCZR) and Land Development Regulation (LDR). Please review the SDP Process Section below to see if your non-residential project will require this process prior to obtaining a Building Permit.
- Site Development Plan (SDP) Process Guide (PDF)
- SDP Process (Section of the Jefferson County Zoning Resolution)
Government/Public Agency Projects
Location & Extent
This process, which is also referred to as a Site Approval, is the review procedure for the location and extent of public buildings, facilities or uses as required by the Colorado Revised Statutes.
- Location & Extent Process (Section of the Jefferson County Zoning Resolution)
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Planning & Zoning Division
Physical Address
100 Jefferson County Pkwy
Suite 3550
Golden, CO 80419
Phone 303-271-8700
For the fastest service:
Please contact us online.Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Please make an appointment with Planning & Zoning staff.Submit Permits:
View our guide to submitting permits online (PDF).