How to Use this Guide

This guide is a tool to support the Development Review Application process. Below contains information about preparing, submitting, and accessing Development Review Applications.

Development Review Process

Do I need Development Review for my Project?

Not every project will require Development Review. A couple of ways to determine if your project might need Development Review, are as follows:

  1. Does your property fall within a PUD or Site Review?

    Use the City of Boulder Development Review Cases Map or log into the Customer Self Service Portal and use the “Search” feature to see if any of the following case types show up on the property:

    • LUR and/or ADR – high likelihood that Development Review will be required
    • TEC – Possibility that Development Review will be required.
    • No Previous Reviews - Possibility that Development Review will be required.
    • ROW, BLD, REV – Not likely to require Development Review.
  2. Ask a planner through Inquire Boulder.

    Use our Inquire Boulder system to reach out to a planner with your project details so we can help guide you to the correct application(s).

    Property Use and Design (Regulations)

How do I apply?

Please visit Development Review Submittal Calendars to see application submission deadlines .

Applications can submitted at any time. Applications received after a deadline, will automatically be considered for the following review cycle.

  1. Customer Self Service Portal (CSS)

    Most of our Development Review applications can be applied for though the Customer Self Service Portal.

    • To apply for a Development Review, please begin by creating a Customer Self Service account if you do not already have one. To access your application on CSS, you must be a registered user.
    • Once on the CSS Portal, select Login or Register in the upper right-hand corner.
    • Please be sure to use the email address associated with your application.
    • Once you're registered, please click Apply. When asked if you need help getting started, click on No. Then click on PLANS and then scroll down the application list and look for the specific review type you wish to apply for.

    The following case types can be found on the portal:

    • Administrative Reviews (ADR):
      • Administrative Form-Based Code Review
      • Administrative Parking Deferral
      • Administrative Parking Reduction
      • Administrative Solar Exception
      • Administrative Variance
      • Change or Assignment of New Address
      • Congregate, Custodial, or Residential Care Facility
      • Day Care Center
      • Development Extension/Staff Approval
      • Group Home
      • Landscape Standards Modification
      • Minor Modification
      • Minor Modification to an Approved Form-Based Code Review
      • Non-Conforming Use Substitution/Continuation
      • Other Conditional Uses
      • Public Utility and Drainage Easement Vacation
      • Rescission of Development Approval
      • Shelters
      • Site Access or Parking Stall Modification
      • Substitution of Use
      • Temporary Sales or Outdoor Entertainment
      • Zoning Verification
      • Variance

    • Land Use Review (LUR):
      • Annexation
      • Annexation Feasibility Study
      • Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) Amendment
      • Concept Plan Review and Comment
      • Form-Based Code Review or Amendment
      • Minor Site Review Amendment
      • Minor Subdivision
      • Minor Use Review
      • Outside City Utility Permit
      • Preliminary Plat for Subdivision
      • Rezoning
      • Site Review for Height Modification Only
      • Site Review or Amendment
      • Use Review
      • Vacation of Right of Way or Access Easement and Feasibility Study

  2. Email

    * Please note that any Development Review available for online application, must be applied for through the Customer Self Service Portal. Please see Option 1 (above).

    The following Development Review applications are eligible for email submission to PDSskipatrip@bouldercolorado.gov :

  3. Pre-applications

    Pre-Application review is a free service, that provides a more detailed means of exploring questions about how development regulations apply to a specific property when information about code requirements cannot be determined through other means.

    Visit the Pre-Application Review Guide and submit your project details for staff review/referral.

    For questions about Development Review application requirements, submit an Inquire Boulder Ticket - Applications Requirements (Development Review).

What to submit

Upload files through the CSS Portal.

  1. Applications and Forms Database

    Prior to submitting an electronic application, review the attachment that most closely matches your request. You can find attachments on the Planning and Development Applications and Forms webpage.

  2. CSS Cards

    When applying through the Customer Self Service Portal, the system will provide you with required-application-item-cards as part of the apply process.

    • Be sure to upload the required file to each required card.
    • All additional application items can be uploaded as Additional Application Materials.
    • Please watch our How to Attach a Document video for a walk-through of how to upload your documents through the CSS Portal.

  3. Formatting Requirements

    Read the following requirements carefully. Improperly formatted plans will delay the review process for your project.

    In the CSS Portal, all PDFs must be submitted at the same time. Once you click ‘Submit’ you will not be able to upload additional documents until a project specialist has reviewed your submittal.

    • Each application requirement should be its own file. When prompted in CSS to attach required files, please be sure to only upload the applicable file(s) to the specified card. Additional files should be named in accordance with the file naming conventions (listed below) and uploaded to the “Add Attachment” card.
    • All plans must be saved as PDF files. PDF a-s, JPEGs, PNGs, Word Documents, etc. will not be accepted.
    • No zipped files or PDF packages will be accepted.
    • Files must be unlocked/ unprotected.
    • Fast Web view must be enabled on all PDFs (this can be done using free online tools).
    • PDFs must be saved as reduced file size (this can be done using free online tools).
    • Individual file sizes cannot exceed 100 MB.
    • All pages shall be oriented so that the top of the page corresponds with the top of the computer monitor.
    • On the cover page, include a 3-inch by 3-inch space in the lower-right corner reserved for the city’s approval stamp. This may be offset the minimum needed to avoid conflict with preferred title block.
    • Drawings must be legible, and scalable (to a standard architectural or engineering scale).
    • Drawings must include a graphic scale bar on every page.
    • Each plan sheet must include the project name and address.
    • Each plan sheet must be marked to clearly identify the content of the page (Example: Sheet A1.0 Architectural Site Plan).
    • Electronic stamps for corresponding design professionals shall be included on each applicable plan page or report cover. Refer to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies requirements for electronic stamps and signatures.

      File Naming Conventions:

      Required File Name Format: File Prefix_Project Address_Date Uploaded EXAMPLE: ArchPln_1739Broadway_04-25-2025

    File/DocumentRequired File Prefix
    Address PlatAddPlt
    Annexation MapAnxMap
    Annexation PetitionAnxPet
    Architectural Character SketchesArchSketch
    Architectural PlansArchPlns
    Attachment to Application (guide)Attach
    CDOT - Letter of RequestLtrRqst
    CDOT - State Highway Access Permit ApplicationCDOTApp
    Computer CheckCompChk
    Context MapCtxtMap
    Coop - Affidavit of Legal ResidencyResidencyAff
    Coop - Baseline Inspection FormInspection
    Coop - Bank AccountBankAcct
    Coop - BylawsBylaws
    Coop - Cooperative Housing License AffidavitHousingLicAff
    Coop - Expert Cooperative Housing Organization RecommendationECHO
    Coop - Governance StructureGovernance
    Coop - List of the Number of Adults and Dependent/Address ListOccupants
    Coop - Proof of Registration w/ Colorado Secretary of StateCSSReg
    Coop - Rental License ApplicationRentLicApp
    Coop - Tax Exempt DeterminationTaxExmptDet
    Coop - Trash Removal PlanTrashRmvl
    CovenantsCovenants
    Ditch Company Agreement/ ApprovalDitchApprvl
    Elevation PlansElevPlns
    Exhibit MapExMap
    Floor PlansFlrPlns
    Form Based Code Compliance DrawingsCompDwgs
    Housing and Development Excise Tax FormHsgDETCFI
    Improvement Survey/ Improvement Location CertificateSurvey
    Insurance Policy/ Certificate of InsuranceCertInsur
    Landscape PlansLndscpPlns
    Legal Description of Dedication AreaLeglDescDed
    Legal Description of Vacation AreaLeglDescVac
    Legal Description of PropertyLeglDescProp
    Lighting PlansLtgPlns
    Lot Line Adjustment MapLotLnAdjMap
    Neighbor Notification/ApprovalNghbrNotice
    Notification to Mineral Estate OwnerMnrlOwnrNotif
    Obligation to Pay FormObligPayForm
    Parking Plan/ Required Parking/ Parking SummaryParkngPln
    Pavement Design ReportPvmntRpt
    Persons in Interest FormPrsonInIntrst
    PhotographsPhoto
    Plumbing Fixture Count FormPlumbFixCt
    Preliminary Determination of Inclusionary Housing Compliance FormPrlimInclHsngFrm
    Previous Approvals PrevApp
    Project Information FormInfo
    Project Fact SheetFactSht
    Proof of Authorization to Bind - OwnerProofAuthOwn
    Proof of Authorization to Bind - TenantProofAuthTen
    Proof of Current OwnershipOwnership
    Proof of Owner Authorization/ ConsentOwnerConsent
    Recorded DocumentsRecdDoc
    Restaurant Information/ Operational CharacteristicsRestOpChar
    Sign Posting Acknowledgement FormSignPost
    Site Development Plans/ Site PlanSitePlns
    Soils Report/ Geological Stability ReportSoilsRpt
    Solar Shadow AnalysisSolarAnalysis
    Stormwater PlansStrmPlns
    Stormwater Report - FinalFnlStrmRpt
    Stormwater Report - PreliminaryPrelimStrmRpt
    Subdivision Plat - FinalFnlPlt
    Subdivision Plat - PreliminaryPrlimPlt
    Subdivision Replat MapSubdvRpltMap
    Technical Document Review ApplicationTECApp
    Title InsuranceTitleIns
    Traffic Control PlanTrffcCntrlPln
    Transportation PlansTrnspPlns
    Travel Demand Management PlanTDMPln
    Trip Generation AnalysisTripGen
    Utility PlanUtilPlans
    Utility ReportUtilRpt
    Utility Signatures/ AcknowledgementUtilSign
    Vested Property Rights Option FormVestPropRtsForm
    Vicinity MapVMap
    Wireless – Existing Site InventorySiteInventory
    Wireless - Photo SimulationsPhotoSims
    Wireless - Proof of Agent AuthorizationProofAgntAuth
    Wireless - Shot ClockShtClk
    Written Consent/ ApprovalWrtnApprvl
    Written StatementWrtnStmnt
    Zoning Confirmation - Licensed Premise DiagramLicPremDgrm
    Zoning Confirmation - State Zoning Approval FormStateApprvl

What to expect after you submit

  • Development Reviews are processed in accordance with the Development Review Submittal Calendars.
  • When will I be assigned a Case Number?
    • Applications that come in through the CSS Portal, a case number will be created for your application once you complete all the prompts in the Apply process.
    • Applications that are received via email, will often be processed on the Wednesday associated with the next application deadline. If you have not received a case number by the end-of-day, on a Wednesday deadline, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us through Inquire Boulder.
  • Ensuring Effective Communications about your application progress:
    • To ensure you will be able to receive communications about your application, please review the following:
    • The email which you use to apply, is the email we will be sending notifications to. This should be the same email we have on file for you on the CSS Portal.
    • Keep an eye on spam and junk folders in your email, as many of our system communications come from a ‘No-Reply’ address.
    • Make sure you are added as a contact on the case. The applicant can add additional contacts under the contacts tab in the CSS Portal.
  • What happens after I submit the application, and it’s accepted?
    • When we first process a new application, we will check to ensure all required files are provided and the plan check fees will be invoiced. A No-Reply email will be sent to you with a list of any missing application items and/or a notification to pay your application fee. An adjusted deadline will be provided to let you know when we will need these actions completed by. You will need to have a complete submittal and application fees paid in full before we will route your application for review. If additional materials are requested but not provided, and/or an application fee is due and not paid by the adjusted deadline, then the case will be considered for the next available track, once the requirement is met.
  • Who will be managing the review of my application?
    • Once your application is ready for routing (all required files have been provided and all applicable fees paid) a Planning or Engineering Case Manger will be assigned to manage your application.
    • Your Case Manager will reach out to you within the first week of your application review to introduce themselves and notify you if they have any questions.
  • How can I check the status of my application?

Your plan application status can be found on the CSS Portal.

To view your application status:

  1. Log in to your account on the CSS Portal.
  2. Open the Dashboard and click on “View," then choose "My Plans.”
  3. Click on the case number. The application status information identified below is only available within the plan.
  4. The plan status will be displayed as one of the following:
    1. Received
    2. In Review
    3. Revisions – Resubmit
    4. On Hold
    5. Closed

Case Status Definitions:

  • Received - When you apply online or through email, the case status will say ‘Received’ until you have passed completeness check, paid all application fees, and have been routed for review.
  • In Review – The application has been routed for staff review. The plan will remain in this status until all reviews and administrative processing has been completed. Development Reviews are routed to staff for review, the Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) following the posted application deadline.
  • Revisions -Resubmit – Staff has completed their review of the provided application materials, and revisions are required. Whenever an application is changed to this status, an email is sent to the email addresses of the contacts on file for the plan, and a comment(s) letter is added to the case under the “Attachments” tab within the plan case in the CSS Portal.
  • On Hold – The applicant or city Staff has placed a hold on the plan process.
  • Closed – The review has been completed, and a decision has been reached (approved, approved with conditions or denied). If approved, the approval documents and final approved plans are available under the “Attachments” tab within the plan case in the CSS Portal.

Resubmittals

If staff requests revisions after reviewing the application, please follow these guidelines:

Gather your resubmittal documents based on what is requested in the comment(s) letter issued by your Case Manager. Upload the following to the CSS portal:

  • A written response to reviewers’ comments identifying all changes made.
  • All revised or requested documents addressed in the reviewer comments letter.
    • Revised plans must include clouding of all changes and the date of ALL revisions.
  • Please watch our How to Attach a Document video for a walk-through of how to upload your documents through the CSS Portal.
  • Resubmittals are processed in accordance with the Development Review Submittal Calendars. Documents must be uploaded no later than 10:00AM MST on the Application Submittal Deadline date posted.
  • Fee Notice: Application fees include an initial and two subsequent staff reviews of the application. Each additional staff review of an application is $2,040 (BRC Title 4, Chapter 20)


Approvals

Once your Development Review application is approved, you’ll want to determine next steps.

More often than not, Building Permit will be your next stop.

When applying for Building Permit

  • Visit the Building Permits and Inspections webpage for information about how to apply for Building Permit(s).
  • Submit a copy of your Disposition of Approval with your permit application materials. Every approved Development Review application will be issued a Disposition of Approval.
  • Include the Development Review application case number(s) in the project description of the building permit.