Development Review and Plan Case Applications

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 Agreement/Final Plat
  • Lot Line Adjustment
  • Lot Line Elimination
  • Right of Way/Easement Dedication
  • Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Access Permit
  • Stormwater Plan & Report
  • Transportation Plan
  • Utility Plan