Development Applications

• New Development Application Form [PDF/161KB] (for projects submitted after September 1, 2025)
• Previous Development Application Form [PDF/242KB] (only for projects with an eligible pre-existing CSP)
• Development Submittal Instructions [PDF/180KB]
• Commercial Development Water Questionnaire [PDF/243KB]
• Mineral Estate Notice 

ONLY for projects with a pre-existing Conceptual Site Plan approval or submitted prior to July 23, 2025. The deadline to submit Development Permits under an existing CSP is November 12, 2025.

• Development Permit Application Form [PDF/242KB]
• Development Permit Checklist [PDF/10.5MB]

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.

ONLY for projects with a pre-existing Conceptual Site Plan approval or submitted prior to July 23, 2025. The deadline to submit a Minor Development Permit under an existing CSP is November 12, 2025.

• Minor Development Permits General Checklist [PDF/1.6MB]
• Landscape Plans Residential Subdivision Checklist [PDF/6.9MB]
• Minor Development Permit Eligible Facilities Request [PDF/566KB]

Below are updated checklists for Residential Design Review.

• Residential Design Review - Single Model [PDF/147KB]
• Residential Design Review - Multiple Models [PDF/174KB]

The checklists below are ONLY for projects with a pre-existing Conceptual Site Plan approval or submitted prior to July 23, 2025. The deadline to submit an Architectural Review under an existing CSP is November 12, 2025.

• Single Model Architectural Review Application & Checklist [PDF/0.9MB]
• Multiple Models Architectural Review Application & Checklist [PDF/839KB]
• Townhome Architectural Review Application & Checklist [PDF/708KB]

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".

• Subdivision Plat Checklist [PDF/2.2MB]
• CAD Template

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.

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. 

• Zoning Verification Letter Application [PDF/369KB]
• Zoning Compliance Verification for Marijuana Business [PDF/105KB]