Development Processes

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

Residential Structure Exclusions

This process allows administrative approval of an improper transfer of land for properties with an existing residence, meeting specific criteria.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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