Citizen Boards and Commissions

Building Code Advisory Board ​

The Building Code Advisory Board has several functions. All appeals of written rulings or administrative decisions of the Chief Building Official or the Fire Chief are taken to this Board. The Board may also determine the suitability of alternate methods and materials, and may be asked to provide reasonable interpretations of the provisions of the adopted building and fire codes. However, the Board has no authority to grant deviations or exceptions to the City’s Building or Fire Codes, and does not have the authority to recommend a decrease in public safety or fireresistive standards as set forth in the Code. 

Businesses of Thornton Advisory Commission

The Businesses of Thornton Advisory Commission represents Thornton businesses and makes recommendations to City Council on issues impacting the ability of businesses to be successful in Thornton. The Commission recommends to Council the use of the Vendor Fee funds on an annual basis, which is the source of funds used in commercial graffiti removal, Thornton business development programming, the shop-local campaign ShopThorntonFirst.com, and along with City staff, the Business Improvement Grant (BIG) Program. Applicants must be a business owner or manager.

Development Permits and Appeals Board 

The Development Permits and Appeals Board is responsible for holding public hearings to receive testimony on applications for Development Permits and Variances to Chapter 18 of the City Code.

Election Commission

The Election Commission makes ward reapportionment recommendations, assists with activities on election day and establishes City election precincts, along with other duties that may be set by City Council. 

Local Licensing Authority​

The Local Licensing Authority (LLA) conducts hearings and makes findings of fact on whether to grant or deny liquor/beer licenses within the City of Thornton. The LLA reviews and considers applications for transfer of ownership, manager registration, change of location, request to modify the premises, and change of corporate structure. The LLA consists of nine members who must be at least twenty-one years of age and represent and reflect the conscience of the community.

Parks and Open Space Advisory Commission

The Parks and Open Space Advisory Commission advises and makes recommendations to the City Council on developing and updating the Parks and Open Space Plan. The Commission recommends projects to be funded from the proceeds of the .25% Parks and Open Space Sales and Use Tax. To be considered for funding, projects must be part of the Master Plan and must take into consideration costs for design, construction and ongoing maintenance.

Thornton Active Adult Board

The purpose of the Thornton Active Adult Board is to promote and facilitate communications between the Board and City Council in matters impacting the needs and interest of citizens 55 years of age and older, and to better assist the City Council in being responsive and well advised as to issues of particular relevancy to active adults. The Board makes recommendations for the most appropriate and beneficial use of the Thornton Active Adult Center and how to improve and expand citywide services for active adults.

Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council Board of Directors 

The TASHCO Board of Directors advises and makes recommendations to City Council regarding budgeting and master planning for visual and performing arts, science and history programming projects in the City.

Other Authorities - Membership consists of the incumbent members of the Thornton City Council

Marijuana Licensing Authority

The Marijuana Licensing Authority grants or denies applications for any type of new marijuana establishment license and imposes any conditions on the applicant or licensee related to the granting of the marijuana establishment license.  The members of the Authority are the incumbent members of the Thornton City Council.

Thornton Development Authority (TDA)

The Thornton Development Authority (TDA) was established in 1981. You can find out more about the Thornton Development Authority by visiting the Economic Development Website​.

General Improvement District (GID) Board

The 136th Avenue General Improvement District (GID) was formed by Thornton City Council on August 28, 2000. The purpose of the GID is to assist the City of Thornton in providing financial assistance to construct a new interchange at 136th Avenue and Interstate 25 and the construction of 136th Avenue, from Interstate 25 to Washington Street. The District is a public or quasi-municipal subdivision of the State of Colorado and a body corporate with the limited proprietary powers set forth in Part 6, Article 25, Title 31, C.R.S. The District encompasses approximately 82 acres within the City, generally located on the north side of 136th Avenue between Interstate 25 and Washington Street, Thornton, Colorado. ​

Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council Voting Members of the Corporation

The Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council, Inc. (TASHCO) was created in 1991. TASHCO provides for the production, presentation, exhibition, advancement, and preservation of art, music, theatre, dance, zoology, botany and natural history for the City of Thornton. To learn more about TASHCO, go the Arts & Culture section of this website.

Emergency Telephone Service Authority ​

The City of Thornton created its own Emergency Telephone Service Authority (E911 Authority) on September 28, 2004. The purpose of the E911 Authority is to establish and collect the surcharges for 911 emergency telephone service and manage the provisions of the emergency telephone service.