Development Handbook

The Development Handbook includes resources for staff, property owners, developers, consultants, and community members. It is intended to provide a better understanding of the City’s development review process. Each section of the guide explains a step of the process in greater detail. We hope this guide will make the process more predictable, timely, logical, accountable and customer-focused.

Click here to view the Planning & Development Services Development Handbook

Looking for information on development and permit fees? Please visit our Building Inspection Permit Fees page the view the new Fee Manual.

Applications and Permits

• Accessory Dwelling Unit Application – An application for accessory dwelling units (ADU) should be completed for all ADUs within the city.
• Backyard Chicken Permits – Ordinance O-2011-02 allows any resident in the City to own and keep chickens in the backyard of residential uses in residential zoning districts and residential uses in non-residential zoning districts.
• Building Permits – A building permit is required for all commercial construction, new construction, and any addition, alteration in, or to, a existing building or structure.
• Carnival Permits – The City permits carnivals that are operating within the City. A carnival application and permit are required.
• Development Applications – Development Services is responsible for coordinating the review of development applications submitted to the City. The review of development applications is coordinated through the Development Review Committee (DRC).
• Electric Vehicle Charging Station – An application should be completed for all new accessory electric vehicle charging stations within the City.
• Home Occupations – Anyone conducting a business out of the home, (i.e. Home Occupation) is required to obtain a complete Home Occupation Affidavit.
• Mobile Retail Food Vending Permit – An annual permit is required to operate a mobile retail food establishment and pushcart on public and/or private property within the City.
• Minor Modification – The Planning and Development Services Department may grant minor modifications to approved projects as stated in the Longmont Municipal Code, Chapter 15 Land Development Code.
• Permanent Stormwater Control Plan – Verification of proper design and construction of Permanent Stormwater Controls, as well as the establishment of long-term operation and maintenance responsibilities, is managed through the City’s Permanent Stormwater Control Permit system.
• Prairie Dog Management – Due to changes in land use, only 1-2% of all historic Prairie dog habitat still exists. In order for this species to co-exist along Colorado’s Front Range a variety of management practices must be implemented.
• Pre-Application Meetings A pre-application meeting is required prior to the submittal of a development application and are held every Wednesday between 9 am and noon with the DRC.
• Private Activity Bonds – This tax exempt bond financing program can be used by private and non-profit organizations interested in acquiring land and equipment, as well as construction of facilities.
• Request for Certificate of Legal Nonconforming Status – Owners of nonconforming uses, structures, signs, lots, or site features may request a certificate of legal nonconforming status by filing an application with the planning division.
• Sales and Use Tax – Any entity engaged in any business within the City of Longmont must obtain a City Sales and Use Tax License and collect City sales tax on business transactions within the city.
• Site Plan Waiver/Change of Use For redevelopment of property with structural additions, site changes, or changes in use. For use when a full site plan review is not required.
• Short Term Rentals – The City of Longmont requires an annual permit and inspections for short terms rentals.
• Stormwater Construction Activity Permit – A Stormwater Construction Activity Permit (SCAP) from the City of Longmont is required for all activities that disturb one or more acres of land, are a part of a ‘Common Plan of Development’, or which could have a detrimental effect on the environment and public health.
• Temporary Use Permit – A temporary use permit is required for seasonal and holiday sales, as well as special events.
• Use of Public Places – A Use of Public Places permit is required when planning to use an public space for placing a fence or other improvements or conducting a special event, block party or event where alcohol will be served.
• Variances – A Variance is an exception from the specific requirements in the Development Code.
• Zoning Verification Request – The Planning & Development Services Department can issue two types of zoning research letters for properties in Longmont.
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For more information, please contact the Development Services Center at (303) 651-8330.