A land use code is a planning implementation tool of the community’s comprehensive plan. The land use code can include zoning regulations, subdivision regulations, annexation policy, impact fees, public hearing processes, fence and sign permitting, and more. For example, a land use code may prescribe how tall a single-family home can be, the density of a planned community, the minimum parking requirements for a retail complex, or the allowed uses within a commercial building.
Planning for Hazards: Land Use Solutions for Colorado
The Planning for Hazards: Land Use Solutions for Colorado guide and website enables Colorado communities to prepare for and mitigate multiple hazards by integrating resilience and hazard mitigation into plans, codes, and standards related to land use and the built environment. The guide includes model code language for integrating hazards into 11 planning strategies including development agreements, 1041 regulations, cluster subdivisions, stream buffers and setbacks, and stormwater ordinances. For more information visit Planning for Hazards.
Model Land Use Codes
The Community Development Office has helped fund the development of several model codes and ordinances over the years through its Colorado Heritage Planning Grant program. The Model Land Use Codes are unified development codes that integrate zoning regulations, subdivision regulations, Planned Unit Development regulations, sign code, and other land use regulations into one document. The Model Land Use Codes are not intended to prescribe local land use planning efforts but rather as a resource for local governments to use to tailor codes to meet their community's vision, goals, and objectives.
There are two model land use codes, one for municipalities (2002) and one for counties (2008). They are both likely most useful for Colorado's smaller to medium-sized communities. These models are intended to be used as a template rather than an "adopt as-is" code. The model codes are most effective when communities tailor to their community context and needs. We hope these models result in significant time and cost savings for your community. Since these model codes were developed several years ago, please consult your local government attorney to ensure your code changes reflect current statutes and case law.
The Model Land Use Codes are available for download below. Please email Andy Hill at andy.hill@state.co.us if you have any questions.
County Model Land Use Code
Disclaimer: This model code is intended for use as a template to guide the preparation of land use regulations for Colorado counties. The code meets statutory requirements and has been drafted to be consistent with current land use law at the time of writing. (Note: The Art. 9 regulations are out of date due to Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission rule changes.) Local governments should consult with their attorney before adopting any provisions of these codes.
New resource from History Colorado: History Colorado Model CLG Preservation Ordinance - Basic
- Cover and Special Thanks
- Overview and Table of Contents
- Article 1 General Administration
- Article 2 Land Use Change Permit
- Article 3 Zoning
- Article 4 Permit Application and Review Procedures
- Article 5 Division of Land
- Article 6 Planned Unit Development
- Article 7 Standards
- Article 8 Affordable Housing
- Article 9 Oil and Gas Regulations
- Article 10 Nonconforming Land Use
- Article 11 Signs
- Article 12 Enforcement, Violations, and Penalties
- Article 13 Financial Guarantee
- Article 14 Areas and Activities of State Interest (1041 regs)
- Article 15 Junk, Weeds, Unsafe Structures
- Article 16 Definitions
Municipal Model Land Use Code
Disclaimer: This model code is intended for use as a template to guide the preparation of land use regulations for Colorado counties. The code meets statutory requirements and has been drafted to be consistent with current land use law at the time of writing.(Note: The Art. 9 regulations are out of date due to Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission rule changes.) Local governments should consult with their attorney before adopting any provisions of these codes.
- Article 1 General Provisions
- Article 2 Community Design Principles and, Development Standards
- Article 3 Zoning
- Article 4 Subdivision Regulations
- Article 5 Vesting of Property Rights
- Article 6 Enforcement
- Article 7 Sign Regulations
- Article 8 Floodplain Areas
- Article 9 Oil and Gas Drilling and Production
- Article 10 RV Parks
- Article 11 History Colorado Model CLG Preservation Ordinance - Basic
*new resource from History Colorado - Article 12 Manufactured Home Parks
- Article 13 Annexation
- Appendix (Workbook)