Planning
The City's Community Services Department and its Planning Division are primarily responsible for the review, coordination and approval process for all proposed land development, and are involved in a number of special projects and long-term land use planning activities. The division provides a "one stop shop" for residents and businesses by consolidating project review, permit and inspection functions within one city department. Our overall mission is to continue improving the quality of life, transportation system and employment opportunities for Westminster citizens.
Planning Definitions
Comprehensive Plan - The primary planning document for the city. It provides a guiding vision that is long-term and shapes decisions related to new development and redevelopment. It is focused on enhancing the vitality of our community and provides the regulatory framework for the city's Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning.
- Official Development Plan (ODP) - A site-specific development plan for one or more properties in an approved Preliminary Development Plan (PDP). It includes a site plan, grading plan, landscape and lighting plans, architectural plans and specific development standards that govern the site.
- Planned Unit Development (PUD) - A zoning district where a maximum amount of flexibility is allowed to create a unified, innovative approach to mixed-use design. All PUD-zoned properties are required to have an approved Preliminary Development Plan (PDP). All PUDs are required to comply with the Comprehensive Plan.
- Pre-Application Review - The mandatory first step in the development review process. It is a high-level, cursory review of a concept plan for the development of a property and must be completed before the submission of most types of development applications, including PDPs, PDP amendments, ODPs, and ODP amendments.
- Preliminary Development Plan (PDP) - A planning document that illustrates the basic framework for the development of a property. It defines allowed uses; development standards such as height, bulk and building setbacks; design standards; lot arrangement; and access points. All PUD-zoned properties are required to have an approved PDP. All original PDPs require City Council approval.
Private Versus Public
When we talk about the development of our city, the term private is most often used referring to privately owned properties. Privately owned properties are subject to land use regulations that include zoning and design standards. Private developments include things like shopping centers, restaurants, office complexes and industrial complexes.
The term public is most often associated with property that is owned and managed by a governmental agency such as a state or city. Public property generally includes land dedicated to things like parks and open spaces, libraries, recreation facilities, water and sewer treatment facilities, and roads and streets.
Community Services manages the development review and entitlement process. This includes reviewing planning, engineering and building components of development plans and providing project management services to coordinate reviews with other agencies.
More specifically, the Planning Division manages the review of each project individually and coordinates all of the interdepartmental and inter-agency reviews. This ensures that the development complies with all applicable development standards. Planning Division responsibilities include:
- Development review project management, from Preliminary Development Plans (PDPs) to Official Development Plans (ODPs).
- Comprehensive plan amendments.
- Assessing rezoning, annexation, variance, conditional use, and special use circumstances.
- Receiving and reviewing permits for buildings, signs, fences, and telecom installations.
- Assisting in long-range planning initiatives.
The Planning Commission grants final approval for multiple elements of development, which are:
- Official Development Plans (ODPs) that:
- Involve a residential development of more than 10 acres.
- Involve a commercial development of more than 20 acres.
- Are not administratively approved by the City Manager.
- Special Use Permits (SUPs)
- Variances from these zoning requirements:
- Off-street parking standards
- Sign regulations
- Density schedule
- Special regulations
- Telecom facilities
- Antennas
- Non-conforming structures
- Fences
- Appeals from the planning manager's interpretation of the zoning map and the zoning district boundary lines.
The Planning Commission provides recommendations to the City Council regarding:
- Original Preliminary Development Plans (PDPs)
- PDP amendments that require City Council approval
- The Comprehensive Plan and specific plans
- Rezoning
- Annexation
City Council grants final approval for multiple elements of development, which are:
- Original PDPs
- PDP amendments that:
- Add a new land use to the PDP
- Change the land area devoted to any use in the PDP by more than 10%
- Change the density or intensity of use with the PDP by more than 10%
- Change the setback or height of any building in the PDP by more than 10%
- Constitute a significant change to the PDP in the opinion of the City Manager
- Comprehensive Plan and specific plans
- Comprehensive Plan amendments
- Rezoning
- Annexation
- Appeals of Special Use Permit (SUP) denial by the Planning Commission
- Appeals of ODP decisions by the Planning Commission
Review Process
The review process happens across multiple steps, which are:
- Pre-application review. This is the mandatory first step in the development review process. It is a high-level, cursory review of a concept plan for the development of a property and must be completed prior to submitting most types of development applications including PDPs, PDP amendments, ODPs, and ODP amendments.
- New project submittal. An applicant submits all required documents associated with PDPs, ODPs or other types of planning related projects.
- Project reviews. Interdepartmental/inter-agency review of development proposal. This step consists of two or more rounds of review by city staff and outside agencies. The first round of review takes four (4) weeks to complete. Second and subsequent rounds of review take three (3) weeks each to complete. Once staff are satisfied that the project and associated documents have met all city standards, the application moves to Step Four if applicable. If no public hearings are required, then the project moves on to Step Five.
- Public Hearings (if applicable - see role of Planning Commission and City Council above)
- Checkpoint Review. The final review of development plans before recordation. Documents are reviewed for formatting and typographical errors to ensure acceptance in the recordation process.
- Document Recordation. Development plans are required to be submitted to and recorded by the Clerk and Recorder of the respective county in which the property is located.
- Building Permit and Engineering Permit Review. Building and engineering plans for the development are reviewed simultaneously by the Building and Engineering divisions. The processes and timelines are similar to those of the planning review shown in steps one through six above.
- Subdivision plat is recorded (if applicable).
- Building Permit Approval and issuance; Engineering Permits Approval and Issuance.
Project Meetings
Project Meetings are an opportunity for the local community to provide input on projects proposed for their neighborhood. Notification of all project meetings is typically mailed to all addresses and property owners within 1,000 feet from the project site. To view recordings of past Project Meetings, visit our YouTube page.
Public Hearings
Some projects require public hearings and approval by the Planning Commission and/or City Council. The public has the opportunity to comment on development projects at these hearings. Notification of all development-related public hearings is typically mailed to all addresses and property owners within 1,000 feet from the project site. For a schedule of upcoming and past public hearings and project meetings visit the City Events page. (Filter by "Category" to specify meeting type).
Information related to Planning Commission and City Council, including past and upcoming hearing agendas, can be found on the following pages:
Permits
The Planning Division handles Special Use Permits and Conditional Use Permits.
For all other permits, please visit the Permits and Licenses page.
Variances
To apply for a variance in order to seek relief from designated zoning requirements that would be otherwise be prohibited by code, email planning@westminsterco.gov or reach out to the staff person you have been working with.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications Submittal Guide for Applicants
Adjacent Property Owner Notice Letter (Template)
Insurance Requirements for WCF Installations on City Property
Who We Are
The Long Range Planning team is responsible for developing plans, policies, and programs designed to guide the physical design and development of Westminster. Specifically, this section develops, maintains, and implements a coordinated, comprehensive planning program that guides the growth and development of the community. The work of the Long Range Planning team is oriented to the future and to implement the City of Westminster Strategic Plan vision and goals.
Programs & Services
Long Range Planning promotes the vision and intent of the Comprehensive Plan through guidance on municipal projects, consultation with development customers, and regional collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions and the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG). Both Long Range Planning functions look beyond individual sites with a view toward the collective community vision as reflected by established goals and policies. Ongoing dialogue with other city staff, regional partners, and individual stakeholders serves to inform our awareness of development trends, new technologies, economic development opportunities, and demographic changes.
The 2040 Comprehensive Plan (PDF) (referred to as the Plan) outlines the community's vision for the future through a framework of goals and policies that support a thriving and healthy community comprised of great neighborhoods. The Plan is meant to be a living document that is updated over time to respond to changing conditions and the evolving needs of the community.
The Plan is one of a group of long-term planning efforts to create the framework for the future of Westminster. Five partner plans were developed in association with the Plan and are integral to achieve the city's Vision: Parks, Recreation and Libraries Plan; Transportation and Mobility Plan; Sustainability Plan; Water Supply Plan; and a sixth project - Unified Development Code - to update municipal codes relative to development to ensure the goals and policies are actionable relative to land development. All parts of the Plan, in conjunction with partner plans, work together towards the realization of the city's vision for the future.
The Plan was adopted by City Council on March 27, 2023 and updated on November 3, 2025.
- Executive Summary (PDF)
- Complete 2040 Plan Document (PDF)
- Interactive Online Land Use Map
- Implementation Action Plan (PDF)
Biennial Reporting:
Learn more about zoning in Westminster and view an interactive zoning map.
Planning Commission meetings are held in-person in City Council Chambers. Public participation is encouraged and can be done in-person or virtually. Please view the guidelines and instructions on how to give testimony (PDF).
Community members are encouraged to attend in person or listen to the meeting on the City's YouTube channel.
Learn more on the Planning Commission page.
This project will create a new, Unified Development Code ("UDC") to serve Westminster for the 21st century. The new code will be more user-friendly, will advance the goals of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan (PDF), and be better equipped to meet the myriad needs of the city in such areas as housing, design, conservation, and transportation. This is the first significant rewrite of these regulations in over 25 years.
The city regulates development through Title XI of the Municipal Code, adopted design standards and guidelines, and conditions to Planned Unit Development (PUD) approval. Title XI, Chapters 1-5 and 7, establishes zoning regulations, development procedures, and site design standards. The Design Standards and Guidelines are applied through seven separate documents for single-family detached, single-family attached, multifamily, senior housing, retail and traditional mixed-use neighborhood development (TMUND), along with landscaping standards.
This Project Will
- Update the development regulations to address current conditions
- Reorganize the Municipal Code sections pertaining to land development into a "Unified Development Code"
- Consolidate the Design Standards and Guidelines in the Municipal Code
- Refine the uses allowed in zoning districts or character areas
- Update dimensional standards such as building setbacks, building height and lot coverage
- Clarify standards for building elements such as entryways, materials, articulation and windows
- Consider site features such as parking and landscaping
- Update processes such as rezonings, site plans, variances and appeals
Title XI also establishes requirements for public land dedication, school land dedication, park development fees, and public art that are not addressed in this process.
Project Process & Schedule
This process is designed with ample opportunities for public participation. Prior community conversations included discussion as part of the Comprehensive Plan Update and additional conversations with the Code Forward Task Force. Work on the Unified Development Code was slowed until the completion of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to provide City Council the opportunity to establish policy direction for the physical planning of the City. With the Plan now adopted work has resumed and will be closely coordinated with Strategic Plan Focused Objectives for the Redevelopment and Adaptive Re-Use Toolkit and Housing Needs Assessment. To view the 2018-2020 Community Engagement summary, click here. Project Process & Schedule Project Process & Schedule Project Process & Schedule Project Process & Schedule Project Process & Schedule Project Process & Schedule Project Process & Schedule
- Comprehensive Plan Housing-Related Policies (PDF)
- December 11, 2023 City Council Presentation (PDF)
- March 18, 2024 Informational Report to City Council (PDF)
- October 21, 2024 City Council Presentation (PDF)
In 2025, The Planning Commission held four workshops for residents to learn more about the UDC and offer input. To view those workshops, please visit the links below: