Planning

SCAM ALERT: Scammers are impersonating the Planning Dept.

Clear Creek County has become aware of fraudulent emails that are impersonating the Clear Creek County Planning Department and requests payment via wire transfer. The emails being used for this scam are permits.clearcreekcounty@usa.com, PlanningC.clearcreekcountyCO@usa.com, and planningzoning_department@usa.com. If you receive an email from these email addresses, DO NOT open or click on any attachments. Please delete the email as soon as possible, and report them.

Please know that official County email addresses end in @clearcreekcounty.us. Additionally, Clear Creek County will NEVER request payment through wire transfer.

If you have any questions on a case, please contact the County Planning Department at (303) 679-2436.

About

The Planning Department is responsible for guiding the physical growth of the County in such a way that balances good economic development and protection of the County’s natural resources in order to promote the public interest. This is achieved through land use regulations, development review, long range planning, and zoning enforcement. 

Buying and Selling Land

If you are buying or selling land, Clear Creek County has numerous resources at your fingertips to help you navigate all of the important aspects of buying or selling property.

Master Plans

The Clear Creek County Planning Commission has adopted a number of comprehensive and master plans that set forth the policy framework and goals for the future of the County, and identifies strategies to realize that future.  These plans play an important role in the review of land use applications such as rezoning and subdivision requests.  They also help guide the development and revision of the County’s development regulations.

Development Regulations

The Planning Department administers a number of development regulations including the Subdivision Regulations, Zoning Regulations, and 1041 Regulations.  These regulations govern various items like permitted uses, setbacks from property lines, building height, lighting, signage, animals, and other aspects of land development.

Zoning Enforcement

Through the enforcement of the Zoning Regulations, the Planning Department strives to address alleged violations of the Regulations that present an imminent threat to public health and safety or the environment, disturb the livability of the community, or have major visual impacts to a neighborhood.

Burn Permit Ordinance and Notification Procedure

As required by the State of Colorado, the County has adopted an ordinance that establishes a notification procedure for open burning that is authorized via a permit from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), and/or one of the two fire authorities within the County.  Individuals with a respiratory condition may request to be notified of proposed open burning of slash piles through the County notification system.

Camping in Clear Creek County

Due to the popularity of this outdoor recreation activity, Clear Creek County has compiled information on what you need to know about camping on various public and private lands in the County.

Short Term Rentals

Clear Creek County has adopted regulations that govern the use of residential property for short term rental use via popular websites like Airbnb and VRBO.  If you wish to rent out your residence for nightly or weekly use, (less than 30 consecutive days) you must obtain a Permit from the County.

Tiny Homes

Tiny Homes are allowed in the county under certain circumstances and in certain locations.  This page tells you all you need to know about the county’s policies on Tiny Homes.

Marijuana Licensing

Colorado Amendment 64 passed on November 6, 2012 outlining a statewide drug policy for the use of cannabis.  On September 24, 2013, Clear Creek County adopted licensing requirements that allow the sale of marijuana.  This site will explain the requirements for growing and selling marijuana, and manufacturing marijuana products.

Permits

The departments of Building, Planning, Site Development, and Environmental Health work together in the review and issuance of various development permits.  Because most projects require permits from each of these departments, we have prepared development packets that explain how the permits and their reviews are coordinated to assure a seamless development review experience.