Clear Creek County Project Approval Process

In order for a project to come before the Board of County Commissioners, it must go through a series of processes. It must also be brought to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission recommends decisions on land use cases to the Board of County Commissioners and certifies recommendations on zoning regulations and maps.

In general, the process for a major land use project (like a development or rezoning) typically involves the following stages:

1. Pre-Application Conference 

• Before formally submitting a complex application, the applicant is highly encouraged to meet with the Planning Department staff.
• Purpose: To review the proposal, determine if it meets the County's criteria, and clarify the necessary procedures and submittal requirements. This helps prevent delays from incomplete applications.

2. Formal Application Submission and Staff Review

• Submittal: The applicant submits the required documentation and fees to the Planning Department. This documentation is extensive and can include site plans, engineering reports, proof of ownership, and more, depending on the project type.
• Completeness Check: Planning Staff reviews the submittal for completeness. An incomplete application will not be processed.
• Referral Agencies: Once complete, the application is sent to various referral agencies (like the Fire Authority, Environmental Health, and Site Development departments) for their review and comments. The Planning Staff also conducts a site characteristics analysis.
• Public Notice: Notice of the upcoming public hearing is published in a local newspaper a minimum of 14 days before the Planning Commission meeting.

3. Planning Commission Public Hearing and Recommendation

• Function: The Planning Commission is an advisory board. Their role is to review the case and provide a formal recommendation to the BoCC.
• Public Hearing: A public hearing is held where the applicant presents the project. Planning staff provides their analysis (including referral agency comments), and the public has the opportunity to provide testimony (voice concerns or support).
• Decision: The Planning Commission evaluates all the information and votes to recommend approval, approval with conditions, or denial of the application to the Board of County Commissioners.

4. Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) Public Hearing and Final Decision

• Final Review: The Planning Staff prepares a final report and recommendation for the BoCC, which includes the Planning Commission's recommendation.
• Public Hearing: The BoCC holds its own public hearing on the matter. Similar to the Planning Commission meeting, the applicant, staff, and the public present their case and testimony.
• Final Decision: The BoCC evaluates the application, staff report, Planning Commission's recommendation, referral comments, and all public testimony. The Board then makes the final decision to approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application.

It is also important to note that larger developments often are required to come back to the BoCC for more approvals as it continues.

Current Status: Bakerville LLC Rezoning (RZ2025-03)

The Subject Properties are legally described as BAKER MILLSITE - 54 and a portion of the ELMA MILLSITE – 1704B in Section 20, T4S, R75W, of the 6th PM, Clear Creek County, State of Colorado. Generally located along Steven’s Gulch Road and Ray’s Lane, south of Interstate 70 at mile marker 221, addressed as 15 Ray’s Lane. 

The Applicant is proposing to rezone the Subject Properties to C-TR in order to develop a Motor Fuel Filling Station and Retail Facility (convenience store), pursuant to Sections 5 and 19 of the County Zoning Regulations. An application was submitted to the Planning Department on September 22, 2025. Referral Agencies were noticed on November 21, 2025. Legal notice was published in the Clear Creek Courant on November 27, 2025. Adjacent Property owners were notified on November 21, 2025. Signs were posted on the subject property on December 3, 2025.

• Applicant: Mandy Madrid and Nate Reeves, Reeve & Associates Inc on behalf of Bakerville LLC
• Planner: Garrett McAllister, Planning Manager for Clear Creek County
• When: December 17th: Staff will be requesting that the Planning Commission continue the case until the January 21, 2026 regularly scheduled meeting. At the January 20, 2025 Board of County Commissioners hearing, Staff will also be recommending continuation until a future date, to be determined by the Board.

Why are staff requesting a continuance?

Continuing the item will promote a more transparent, informed, and inclusive review process by allowing adequate time for public participation, clear communication, and thorough policy review. This approach supports sound decision-making and aligns with best practices for public process and land use review.

For more information on the Planning Commission, including agendas, click here.