Colorado Office of Smart Growth

Model Codes for Colorado's Communities

The Office of Smart Growth has helped fund the development of several model codes and ordinances over the years through its Colorado Heritage Planning Grant program. The models are included here, along with helpful models from other agencies. We've added additional resources, and are always looking for more to add here. Our intent is NOT to tell local governments how to plan, but to reduce your time spent researching so you can get right to tailoring the good and tested work of others to meet your community's circumstances. Model County Land Use Code
Model Municipal Land Use Code
Model Green Building Program
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
Other Model Codes

DOLA's Model Land Use Codes

The municipal and county model land use codes are available here for download (pdf only) -- see below. If you prefer, click on the order forms below and we will send you the code on compact disc in both Word (doc) and Adobe (pdf). The codes are offered on CD free to Colorado counties and municipalities, and $25 for others.

 

The Department of Local Affairs, through the Colorado Heritage Planning Grant Program, has funded the development of two model land use codes. One is for municipalities and the newest model code is for counties. Both are intended to be most useful for smaller to medium-sized communities.

These model codes are intended for use as a template to guide the preparation of land use regulations. Communities choosing to use these templates should understand these codes must be tailored to fit the local circumstances and values in order for them to be effective.

Whether communities use the model code to create or update their codes using existing resources or by using a consultant, we are hopeful the model code template will result in significant cost and time savings.

Thinking of updating your community's comprehensive plan and/or land use regulations? Be sure to review these helpful handouts:

 

More DOLA Model Codes & Ordinances
New   Model Green Building Program
(as adopted by Steamboat Springs and Routt County) -     checklist          supporting booklet
Water-Efficient Landscape Design (model ordinance)

Water-Efficient Landscape Design (model landscape ordinance for communities utilizing a water conservation-oriented planning approach) and companion guide best practices manual

 

Model Codes & Ordinances from Other Agencies

Find local government land use codes and regulations, sample plans and more on these sites:

 

Contact staff for assistance or to alert us to other resources we can add to this webpage.

 


Model Land Use Code for Counties
View the model code by article by clicking on the links below. If you wish to receive the entire code in PDF and Word formats, fill out the order form and we will send the CD to you by mail.
Cover and special thanks Art. 8 Affordable Housing
Overview and Table of Contents Art. 9 Oil and Gas Regulations
Art. 1 General Administration Art. 10 Nonconforming Land Use
Art. 2 Land Use Change Permit Art. 11 Signs
Art. 3 Zoning Art. 12 Enforcement, Violations and Penalties
Art. 4 Permit App. and Review Procedures Art. 13 Financial Guarantee
Art. 5 Division of Land Art. 14 Areas and Activities of State Interest
Art. 6 Planned Unit Development Art. 15 Junk, Weeds, Unsafe Structures
Art. 7 Standards Art. 16 Definitions

Disclaimer: These model land use codes are intended for use as a template to guide the preparation of land use regulations for Colorado municipalities and counties. The codes meet statutory requirements and have been drafted to be consistent with current land use law at the time of writing. Local governments should consult with their attorney before adopting any provisions of these codes.

 

Model Land Use Code for Municipalities
View the model code by article by clicking on the links below. If you wish to receive the entire
code in PDF and Word formats, fill out the order form and we will send the CD to you by mail.
Art.1   General Provisions Art. 8   Floodplain Areas
Art. 2   Community Design Principles and Development Standards Art. 9   Oil and Gas Drilling and Production
Art. 3   Zoning Art. 10   RV Parks
Art. 4   Subdivision Regulations Art. 11   Historic Landmarks and Historic Districts
Art. 5   Vesting of Property Rights Art. 12   Manufactured Home Parks
Art. 6   Enforcement Art. 13   Annexation
Art. 7   Sign Regulations Appendix    Workbook

Disclaimer: These model land use codes are intended for use as a template to guide the preparation of land use regulations for Colorado municipalities and counties. The codes meet statutory requirements and have been drafted to be consistent with current land use law at the time of writing. Local governments should consult with their attorney before adopting any provisions of these codes.

 


Contact staff for assistance or to alert us to other resources we can add to this webpage.