The Development Review Process

The City of Boulder uses the development review process to evaluate proposed developments and land uses.

Updates

As part of ongoing process improvements to service delivery times, we are adjusting the submittal deadlines for Development Review Applications.

Beginning July 24, 2024, all submittals and resubmittals will be due at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays before the start of the upcoming review track. This allows staff time to review submittals, and customers time to prepare their resubmittal.

Development Review and Plan Case Application Types

Development Review application types:

  • Administrative Review;
  • Land Use Review; and
  • Technical Document Review.

In addition, Plan Case applications may include, but are not limited to:

  • Revocable;
  • Pre-Applications;
  • Historic Preservation;
  • Planned Unit Development (PUD) Review;
  • BOZA;
  • Flood and/or Wetland permits; and
  • Temporary Outdoor Events.

Administrative Review

Administrative Reviews check that proposed projects are compliant with city development standards and codes.

Types of projects requiring Administrative Review

  • Accessory Dwelling Units or Detached Dwelling Units
  • Parking Reductions
  • Setback Variances
  • Solar Exceptions
  • Antenna for Wireless Telecommunications
  • Change of Address or Street Name
  • Cooperative Housing Unit
  • Group Home Facility
  • Landscape Standards Modification
  • Minor Modification of an Approved Discretionary Review Plan
  • Non-Conforming Uses
  • Public Utility Easement Vacation
  • Residential and Congregate Care Facilities
  • Small Restaurants and Taverns
  • Temporary Outdoor Entertainment
  • Site Access
  • Small Recycling Collection Facilities
  • Substitution of Restaurant Use
  • Solar Access Permit
  • Zoning Verification

Land Use Review

All proposed changes to land uses, including annexation, site review, use review and preliminary plat, require Land Use Review. If you are planning to apply for a building permit and your project falls into one of the project categories listed below, you will need to go through the land use review process before applying for a building permit.

Types of projects requiring Land Use Review

  • Annexation Information
  • Annexation/Initial Zoning
  • Annexation Feasibility Study
  • Concept Plan Review and Comment
  • Minor Subdivision
  • Outside City Utility Permit
  • Preliminary Plat for Subdivision
  • Rezoning
  • Site Review
  • Use Review
  • Extension of Development Approval - Planning Board (Section 9-2-12, BRC)
  • Vacation Review of Street, Alley and Access Easements

Technical Document Review

Technical Document Review takes place near the end of the Land Use Review process and includes review and approval of the technical and final documents required before an applicant can apply for a building permit for new construction.

Types of projects requiring Technical Document Review

  • Final plans
    • Architecture, Landscaping and Site Plan (separately or combined)
  • Subdivision
    • Subdivision Agreement/Final Plat
    • Lot Line Adjustment
    • Lot Line Elimination
    • Right of Way/Easement Dedication
  • Engineering - Final construction documents
    • Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Access Permit
    • Stormwater Plan & Report
    • Transportation Plan
    • Utility Plan

Start the Development Review Process

Apply

  1. Administrative Review
    • Search for the "Administrative Review Application Form" in the Applications & Forms Database to find a complete list of application requirements and fees for applicable projects.
    • Application forms must be emailed to PDSskipatrip@bouldercolorado.gov for case creation by 10 am on the business day prior to the final application deadline to be included for review
    • Fees (if applicable) must be paid and files must be uploaded through the Customer Self-Service Portal by the published application deadline to be included for review
    • Refer to the 2024 Administrative Review Track Calendar.
    • Applications and materials submitted after the published deadline will be routed on the next available review track
  2. Land Use Review
    • Search for the "Land Use Review Application" in the Applications & Forms Database to find a complete list of application requirements and fees for the projects below.
    • Application forms must be emailed to PDSskipatrip@bouldercolorado.gov for case creation by 10 am on the business day prior to the final application deadline to be included for review
    • Fees (if applicable) must be paid and files must be uploaded through the Customer Self-Service Portal by the published application deadline to be included for review
    • Refer to the 2024 Land Use Review Track Calendar.
    • Applications and materials submitted after the published deadline will be routed on the next available review track
  3. Technical Document Review
    • Search for the "Technical Document Review Application Form" in the Applications & Forms Database to find a complete list of application requirements and fees for the projects below.
    • Application forms must be emailed to PDSskipatrip@bouldercolorado.gov for case creation by 10 am on the business day prior to the final application deadline to be included for review
    • Fees (if applicable) must be paid and files must be uploaded through the Customer Self-Service Portal by the published application deadline to be included for review
    • Refer to the 2024 Land Use Review Track calendar.
    • Applications and materials submitted after the published deadline will be routed on the next available review track
  4. Plan Case Application
    • Search for one of the following forms (as applies) in the Applications & Forms Database:
      • "Revocable"
      • "Pre-Applications"
      • "Historic Preservation"
      • "BOZA" - now available to apply through the Customer Self Service Portal, skip-a-trip email not required
      • "Floodplain Development Permit Application"
      • "Wetland Permit Application"
      • "Temporary Event Permit Application"
    • Application forms must be emailed to PDSskipatrip@bouldercolorado.gov for case creation by 10 am on the business day prior to the final application deadline to be included for review
    • Fees (if applicable) must be paid and files must be uploaded through the Customer Self-Service Portal by the published application deadline to be included for review
    • Refer to the 2024 Land Use Review Track Calendar.
    • Applications and materials submitted after the published deadline will be routed on the next available review track
  5. Planned Unit Development (PUD)

    In addition, planned developments (generally referred to as PUDs) are a planning tool utilized by the city since the 1960s to allow for flexibility in development and design. Submit an inquiry for assistance in determining if a parcel is located within a PUD zone.

Check Status

Resubmit

Post a notice sign

  • If you are required to have a posting sign, your case manager will notify you via email or telephone subsequent to the submittal of your application.
  • Per the city’s code, posted notice must meet certain standards. Please see Development Review Posting Signs Instructions.

Schedules

LUR and TEC Track Calendars

ADR Track Calendars

Development Review Committee Biweekly Case Review

The Development Review Committee meets every two weeks to review the following types of cases:

  • Pre-application
  • LUR
  • TEC
  • ADR
  • Revocable
  • Comments

The upcoming meeting time, place and agenda for the meeting can be accessed in PDF format below.

Resources

Connect With Us

Related Documents

2024 Planning and Development Services Schedule of Fees pdf
Development Review Committee Biweekly Case Review pdf

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