Process Information

A preliminary plat identifies how a proposed subdivision of land will conform to all code requirements for subdivision. It includes documentation that lots will meet minimum lot size and frontage requirements and identifies how the lots will be served by utilities and infrastructure such as streets.

When a preliminary plat has been approved by the City Manager, a final plat may be submitted that conforms to the preliminary plat.

A preliminary plat can be submitted simultaneously with a final plat, at the option of the applicant. An approved site review plan or form-based code plan may substitute for a preliminary plat, if the site review or form-based code plan, as applicable meets all the requirements for preliminary plat Boulder Revised Code, 1981 (B.R.C.) Section 9-12-6 as well as for site review B.R.C. Section 9-2-14 or form-based code review B.R.C. Section 9-2-16.

Land Use Review

Planning & Development Services coordinates development reviews through a Land Use Review process. The various review types include annexation, site review, use review, form-based code review, and preliminary plat for subdivision.

Application Requirements

A preliminary plat application for subdivision must meet the basic requirements listed in the city's land use regulations found in B.R.C. Section 9-12-6.

A site review or form-based code application, under B.R.C. Sections 9-2-14 or 9-2-16, respectively, may also be used as a preliminary plat if it meets both the requirements of this section and those of B.R.C. Sections 9-2-14 or 9-2-16, as applicable.

Required Documents

  • A completed Sign Posting Acknowledgment form
  • An improvement survey or improvement location certificate by a registered surveyor, of the subject property.
  • The legal description of the subject property. (Note: the legal description must also be included on the preliminary plan drawing – see preliminary plat requirements below)
  • A vicinity map indicating the site and names of adjacent streets. If the site is less than one acre, the map must be drawn at a minimum scale of 1":200'. (Note: a separate vicinity map must also be included on the preliminary plat drawing – see required preliminary plat details below.)
  • A written statement which describes the proposal and any requested subdivision variances.
  • A utility plan or utility connection plan, depending on whether public improvements are required
  • A preliminary stormwater plan and preliminary stormwater report, if public improvements are required.
  • A preliminary plat* drawn to a scale of no less than one-inch equals one hundred feet, and of a scale sufficient to be clearly legible, including streets and lots adjacent to the subdivision, and to clearly show the details of the drawing, including, without limitation (see example at the end of this document):
    • The proposed name of the subdivision;
    • The location and boundaries of the subdivision, names of all abutting subdivisions with lines indicating abutting lots, or, if the abutting land is unplatted, a notation to that effect, and names of all abutting streets;
    • Contours at two-foot intervals if the slope is less than ten percent and five feet where the slope is greater than ten percent;
    • The date of preparation, scale, and north sign (designated as true north);
    • A vicinity map showing at least three blocks on all sides of the proposed subdivision, which may be of a different scale than the plat;
    • The location of structures and trees of six-inch caliper or more on the property and approximate location of structures off the property within ten feet of the proposed plat boundary;
    • The name, address, and telephone number of the licensed surveyor, licensed engineer, or designer of the plat;
    • The name, address and telephone number of owner, verification of ownership of the property and current title report or an attorney memorandum based upon an abstract of title, current as of the date of the submittal;
    • The total acreage;
    • The location and dimensions of all proposed public improvements, (as enumerated in B.R.C. Section 9-12-12), easements, lot lines, parks, and other areas to be dedicated for public use, a dedication thereof to the public use, and identification of areas reserved for future public acquisition;
    • Zoning on and adjacent to the proposed subdivision;
    • A designation of areas subject to the one-hundred-year floodplain and the estimated flow rate used in determining that designation, and base flood elevation data and the source used in determining that elevation;
    • The number of lots and each lot size;
    • Proposed uses of each lot;
    • Proposed ownership and use of outlots;
    • The location and size of existing utilities within or adjacent to the proposed subdivision including, without limitation, water, sewer, storm sewers and drainage facilities, fire hydrants within three hundred fifty feet of the property, electricity, and gas, which shall be placed on separate engineering drawings).
    • A master utility plan showing proposed plans for private and public utility systems including water, sewer, electric, gas, drainage, telephone, telecommunications and any other services that will supply the property;
  • A completed Land Use Review Project Fact Sheet.
  • A shadow analysis for any existing buildings that is drawn in compliance with B.R.C. Section 9-9-17, "Solar Access," B.R.C. 1981, and any other standards as may be required by the city manager.
  • If applicable, agreements with ditch companies.
  • Copy of the notification sent to each Mineral Estate Owner per B.R.C. Section 9-12-7(c) of the Land Use Regulations, or written certification that the applicant performed a Mineral Estate search and found no owners.
  • A geological stability report, upon request of the city manager, or if the subdivider has any reason to believe that building or other problems may arise from construction in the area proposed for development.
  • A current title insurance commitment or an attorney memorandum. An attorney memorandum must be based on an abstract of title.
  • Any other information that the applicant wishes to submit.

*Note: Following approval of a preliminary plat, the applicant files a Technical Document Review Application for a Final Plat - Subdivision in order to complete the subdivision if the final plat hasn’t been filed concurrently with the preliminary plat.