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20150825 Broadmoor Development Report EP-96-0059 & EP-99-0029

Land Use Review

Colorado has diverse geologic structures, rocks, soil types, topography, and climatic conditions that sometimes combine to create geologic hazards in many areas where people live and build communities. Human activities and development may also inadvertently trigger these hazards so that they pose a risk to life and property, damaging or destroying roads, buildings, homes, and other infrastructure. Because of this, it is important to review plans for new land use and development to ensure that they take the geologic environment into account and appropriately mitigate risk through proper land-use practices. The CGS is mandated by state law to review land-use plans for certain new development, critical infrastructure, and school facility construction to determine whether they are at risk from geologic hazards. Our staff writes a land-use review to the particular county stating whether the geologic hazards present at a site have been properly identified and that the proposed plan of mitigation is adequate. The foremost goal of this process is to reduce the impact of geologic hazards on the lives and property of Colorado residents.

Pre-pay review fee or pay LUR invoice

This link goes directly to our online (pre-)payment system and includes a short information form and the schedule of fees. By using this link directly you can avoid filling out our older paper/pdf form.

Land Use Review Program

A primary goal of the CGS is to help local governments plan for new development while reducing the impact of geologic hazards on the lives and property of residents of the state.

When is CGS land use review required?

Subdivisions

CGS review is required for all proposed subdivisions that will create lots of less than 35 acres in unincorporated areas. (Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) 30-28-136 )

Public School Sites

School districts must submit geologic suitability reports to the CGS for land purchases, new schools, and improvements to existing schools involving a change in building footprint. C.R.S. 22-32-124.

Municipal Major Activity

Municipalities must send notice to the CGS of any activity which covers five acres or more, before approving any zoning change, subdivision, or building permit application. C.R.S. 31-23-225.

Other assistance

The CGS can also assist local governments in reviewing/creating

  • Any land use application
  • Comprehensive plans
  • Mineral resource extraction plans
  • Subdivision regulations
  • Natural hazard mitigation plans
  • Zoning codes

Land Use Applications and Guidelines

The request for CGS review must come from the county or municipal planner, school district (or school district’s representative), or other official entity.

CGS Land Use Review Fee Schedule

Reviews for Counties:

  • Very small residential subdivision (1-3 lots and <100 acres): $600
  • Small subdivision (<100 acres): $950
  • Large subdivision (≥100 acres and <500 acres): $1550
  • Very large subdivision (≥500 acres): $2,500

Reviews for municipalities: At hourly rate of reviewer

Special reviews: At hourly rate of reviewer

School site reviews: $855

Please contact Jill Carlson (303-384-2643) to discuss details of review or other project needs. In some cases, a fixed cost may be practical. In others, it will be more practical to use hourly fees plus other direct costs attributable to the work.