Before You Apply
Before you apply for a permit, you need to answer the following questions:
Know Your Property
Use the P&DS Property Information tool and eMapLink application to get the following details regarding your property:
Zoning District
The zoning district that your property is located in determines restrictions for building on your lot, such as the maximum height, minimum setbacks, and allowed solar shading. Once you have determined which zoning district your property is located in using the tools above, you can visit the City of Boulder's Land Use Regulations for more information about restrictions that may impact your property.
Previous Reviews and Approvals
Many properties in the City of Boulder have had previous reviews and approvals by the Planning Department. These reviews may have significant impacts on your redevelopment plans. Before doing any design work, we strongly encourage you to determine if there are existing reviews and approvals that apply to your project. Visit or call a project specialist in the Planning & Development Center for more information about your property.
Survey Information
For projects ranging from small accessory structures and additions to new construction, it is necessary to obtain accurate survey information to determine the boundaries of your lot. Use the City of Boulder's survey information handout for assistance in understanding the various survey products.
Floodplain
Any construction within the 100-year floodplain area requires a floodplain development permit. The applicant must determine whether their property is in the floodplain, and if it is, which flood zone. This should be determined before doing any design work. New building construction, substantial improvements and substantial damage must satisfy all flood protection regulations. For residential properties, this means that the floor must be at least two feet above flood elevations.
To apply for a floodplain development permit, fill out the application form and bring it to the Planning & Development Services Center, 1739 Broadway, third floor. For more about floodplain mapping and additional information go to the floodplain development page.
Wetlands
Read more about wetland and stream basics, and the city's Stream, Wetland and Water Body Protection Ordinance. You can also find Functional Evaluations on or near your property by following these steps:
-
Obtain the Wetland Number by following the path above to the regulatory map on the property.
-
Check Wetland.
-
Place cursor on the wetland (green area on the map) and the number of the wetland will appear in the left column.
-
Use that number to find the functional evaluation.
For more information on Wetlands go to the Stream, Wetland and Water Body Protection Program page.
Potential Mass Movement Hazard (Steep Slope)
Any property located within the "Potential Mass Movement Hazard" area of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan - Geological Development Constraints Map (Pendelton Map) is subject to additional submittal requirements at the time of building permit application. This includes a soils report and a grading/drainage plan prepared by a Colorado licensed, professional engineer.
Historic Building and Districts
The City of Boulder has many individually landmarked buildings, historic districts and buildings over 50 years old. Any external modifications to Individual Landmarks or buildings in Historic Districts, including roofing and fences, may need to be approved by Historic Preservation staff or by the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board.
For assistance with any of the above information, visit the Planning & Development Services Center at 1739 Broadway.
Other information needed from the County:
Legal Descriptions
Legal Descriptions, including lot, block, subdivision, section, township and range, are required on all permit applications.
-
This information can be found on your property tax assessment statement. To obtain this information, go to the
Boulder County Assessor's website or call them at 303-441-3530.
Last Updated on Thursday, 21 March 2013 10:31