Development Plans

What is a development plan?

When is a development plan application required?

Depending on the scale of development you are proposing, approval of a development plan may be required prior to applying for a building permit. View the chart below to determine whether your proposed development will require a development plan application. A development plan application is always required when you propose to change the use of a property to a use that is only allowed by special review.

Standards for Review—

Uses permitted by right vs. Uses requiring special review

Estes Valley Development Code Table 4-1 lists permitted uses in residential zoning districts.
Estes Valley Development Code Table 4-4 lists permitted uses in nonresidential zoning districts.
Uses permitted "by right" are designated with a P, while uses permitted only by special review are designated with an S.

Development plan applications and special-review applications must demonstrate compliance with applicable Estes Valley Development Code standards in order to be approved. However, uses requiring special review require a higher level of review and involve more discretion on the part of the decision-making body in determining whether to approve the application. Special-review applications must demonstrate that the proposed use mitigates, to the maximum extent feasible, potential adverse impacts on nearby land uses, public facilities and services, and the environment.

Who reviews development plans?

When the proposed development plan is for a use or uses that are permitted by right and falls under the parameter of "Staff Review" in the table shown above, the proposal is reviewed by Community Development Department planning staff. Legal notice must be published and neighboring property owners are notified about the proposed development to allow for public input. However, a public hearing is not required.

When is proposed development plan is for a larger-scale development, but is still for a use or uses that are permitted by right, the plan is reviewed by the Estes Valley Planning Commission through a public hearing process.

Proposals that involve uses allowed only by special review are heard by the Estes Valley Planning Commission, which makes a recommendation for approval or denial of the plan to the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners or to the Estes Park Town Board of Trustees. The Board of County Commissioners or Town Board is the final decision-making body for special-use applications. Public hearings are held before the Planning Commission and respective Board.

What information must be submitted for review?

Applicants must submit an application form, statement of intent, and development plan. Additional information, such as a drainage plan and traffic impact analysis, is also often required. Choose the appropriate link below to view a complete list of submittal requirements.

Development Plan Submittal Requirements (Estes Valley Development Code Appendix B.III)
Special Review Uses Submittal Requirements (Estes Valley Development Code Appendix BIV)

What is the next step?

If you live within the Estes Valley and are interested in developing your property, contact a Planner in the Community Development Department. If you decide to submit a development plan for review, you must schedule a formal pre-application conference with a Planner prior to submitting your application. Click here to access the pre-application and development application forms.

Questions? Contact us.