The purpose of an Administrative Adjustment is to provide a process to allow modifications or deviations from the development standards of this chapter for developments that, while not meeting the standards of this chapter, will continue to meet the intended purpose of those standards.
The purpose of an Administrative Amendment is to establish a process by which the director may review minor amendments to previously approved Conceptual Site Plans, Planned Development Overlay Standards, or Overall Development Plans and/or Planned Development Standards for Planned Development Legacy Districts for conformance with the Development Code.
To accommodate growth and expansion of the municipal boundary in a purposeful manner, and to ensure that all such growth and expansion is accommodated according to applicable regulations.
The purpose of this an Appeal of Administrative Decisions is to provide a process by which decisions of the director or other city officials may be appealed by an applicant or affected party with standing.
To reflect changing conditions in the community, this section is established to create a process by which an applicant may propose to amend Future Land Use Map designation of a property, or the city manager, planning commission, or city council may propose to amend the Comprehensive Plan and/or Future Land Use Map designation of a property in the city of Thornton’s future growth area.
Review of a Development Plan provides assurance of conformance of applicable standards through the review of site, landscape, and architectural plans prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.
The purpose of Interpretations is to provide a procedure by which interpretation of the Development Code’s standards and provisions may be sought and determined. The director shall render official interpretations of the meanings of the provisions in this chapter in accordance with procedures and criteria in this section.
Applicants requesting City approval of a service plan or intergovernmental agreement are required to use the City's current model service plan and intergovernmental agreement forms. Additionally, applicants shall submit all other required application information and fees as outlined in the application instructions.
Application Information and Forms
- Submittal and Payment Instructions
- Model Service Plan [PDF/2.7MB]
- Model Intragovernmental Agreement [PDF/256KB]
Application Deadlines
Each year, applications are due by:
- November 1st for May elections
- May 1st for November elections
Applications received after these deadline dates may not be reviewed in time for the specified election. Contact the City Development Department at 303.538.7295 for questions.
Metro District Changes Adopted in 2021
On October 12, 2021, City Council adopted an ordinance amending the City's model service plan, model intergovernmental agreement, and Chapter 66 of the City Code for metropolitan districts ('metro districts'). The changes are intended to: 1) ensure homeowners are adequately informed about metro districts and tax obligations; 2) set limitations to protect homeowners from excessive tax burdens; and 3) ensure metro districts remain a viable tool for developers to fund necessary and required infrastructure and services.
The purpose of a Minor Planning Permit is to provide a review process for minor development activities that require review but are not addressed by other application types or building permits, ensuring compliance with the standards of the Development Code and the applicable zoning district.
Artificial Turf
Residential Driveway
Residential driveway installations require a permit from Current Planning. Applications require a site plan. Driveways are applied for through the City View Portal. Once you have registered and logged in, go to the CityView Portal home, and select “Apply for a Planning Permit” under the Planning header, and then choose "Minor Planning Permit" from the drop-down menu. Instructions for applying can be found using the City View Portal Help webpage and opening "Driveway Permit - Residential" document.
If you require assistance applying or creating a site plan, please contact the Planner of the Day (POD) by calling 303-538-7295 or by emailing pod.info@thorntonco.gov
Driveway regulations are found on the Current Planning webpage under "Helpful Resources for Homeowners".
The purpose of the Preliminary Plan is to:
(1) Ensure compliance with zoning and other development regulations;
(2) Ensure performance criteria and standards are met;
(3) Develop a conceptual, overall vision for a development which indicates general land uses and their locations, access points, and major circulation routes; and
(4) Create unique criteria for development on a specific property.
The purpose of a Residential Design Review is to ensure that detached and attached dwelling units comply with the standards of the Development Code and the applicable zoning district. Residential Design Review provides assurance of conformance of applicable standards through the review of architectural plans prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.
Residential Design Review - Multiple Models Checklist
Residential Design Review - Single Model [PDF/147KB] Checklist
A Special Use Permit provides a means for developing certain uses in locations where they are determined to be compatible based on the criteria listed in Section 18-59 of the Development Code. It is used when some, but not all, locations within a zoning district may be appropriate for a specific use. For which uses are considered a special use, refer to Article IV.
Temporary Use Permits allow applicants to request use of a property temporarily in accordance with Chapter 18, Article 4, Division 11 of the Thornton City Code. Temporary Use Permit application instructions and submittal requirements can be accessed at the link below:
Temporary Use Permit Submittal Checklist [PDF/127KB]
Apply for a Temporary Use Permit using City View Portal(opens in new window). For assistance on using City View Portal to apply for a Temporary Use Permit, please utilize this help article from the portal website.
A Variance process is intended to provide limited relief from the requirements of the Development Code in those cases where strict application of a particular requirement will create a practical difficulty or unnecessary physical hardship prohibiting the use of the land in a manner otherwise allowed by the Development Code.
To reflect changing conditions in the community, the Development Code outlines a process by which an applicant, the city manager, planning commission, Thornton Development Authority (TDA), or city council may propose to amend the zoning map. This application applies to rezoning requests for land that is within city boundaries as well as the designation of a city zoning district or districts to land that is being annexed into the city.
The City Development Department provides research for any property located within the City of Thornton. You can obtain this information by requesting a Zoning Verification Letter. To obtain a zoning verification letter, a completed application and a $45.00 fee per parcel address are required. Once a request is submitted, the letter takes approximately 2-3 business days to complete. For more information, please call 303-538-7295 or email pod.info@thorntonco.gov.