Vested Rights Options and Waiver

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are Vested Rights?

• Colorado law allows an applicant, on certain development projects, to request Vested Rights, which allow a property owner to develop the project under the rules that were in place at the time of application approval. The City cannot apply new zoning changes to stop or alter the project during the vesting period.

How long is an approval valid without Vested Rights?

• Site Review and Use Review approvals are valid for three years regardless of any zoning code changes that happen after the application is submitted. An applicant can also request a development phasing plan to extend the approval timeline without requesting vested rights.

Should I request Vested Rights?

• Requesting vested rights requires a mandatory public hearing when one might not otherwise be required and the applicant will be charged an additional Planning Board fee. The Vested Rights public hearing may significantly delay the approval time frame.

What happens if I request Vested Rights?

• Requesting vested rights requires a mandatory public hearing when one might not otherwise be required and the applicant will be charged an additional Planning Board fee. The Vested Rights public hearing may significantly delay the approval time frame.