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Planning

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1. What is the population of Windsor?

As of the April 1, 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Windsor was 18,644.

2. Do I need a building permit to work on my own home or if I am finishing my own basement?

Yes. Any work being done that involves adding or removing walls, new structures, moving or installing plumbing or electric or finishing a basement requires a building permit, even if you are doing all the work yourself. We require a building permit in order to conduct the required inspections and make sure that the construction meets the building code adopted by the Town of Windsor. In order to submit for a building permit for a basement, you would need to submit 2 copies of a floor plan drawn to scale, showing the dimensions of all rooms, what type of room is proposed, and the location of all doors and windows (this plan does not need to be drawn by an architect, you may draw the plan yourself as long as it contains all the required information). For work other than a basement finish, please contact Windsor Town Hall at (970) 674-2436 to find out if the work requires a permit and what information we will require in order to review or issue a building permit. (Section 16-4-20)
Building Permit information webpage

3. What are the new temporary sign code regulations?

New Temporary Sign Regulations Adopted

In conjunction with the Windsor Chamber of Commerce, the Town recently adopted several temporary sign code regulations for existing businesses and new regulations for grand openings, all of which will be more conducive to companies advertising their businesses. Some of the general highlights of the new regulations are as follows, subject to all advertising periods and sign permit requirements of the Town:

1. Teardrop signs are now permitted for existing businesses on a limited basis (not previously allowed)
2. Two banners are now permitted for existing businesses on a limited basis(only one banner was previously allowed)
3. Inflatable advertising devices are now permitted for existing businesses on a limited basis (not previously allowed)
4. Some types and number of the advertising devices described above, plus strings of pennants and the use of searchlights, are now permitted to be displayed during a limited grand opening periods (not previously allowed)

For additional information on these new regulations or any other planning-related matter, please contact the Windsor Planning Department at 970-674-2415.
Sign information page

4. Do I need a permit to re-roof my house?

Yes. The Town requires a building permit in order to conduct the required inspections and make sure that the construction meets the building code adopted by the Town of Windsor. Please contact our inspection company SAFEbuilt at (970) 686-7511 for any specific questions about the roofing code. Residential re-roof (handout)

5. How can I find out what my zoning is? What does it allow?

You can find out the zoning of your property by calling the Planning Department at (970) 674-2415. Typically, just a street address is needed. Zoning dictates how your property can be used. It also establishes design parameters such as minimum lot size, minimum building setbacks, maximum building coverage, and maximum building height and the number of residential units allowed. The Windsor Municipal Code is at http://www.colocode.com/windsor.html and Chapter 16 is the zoning chapter.
Zoning Map

6. What are Windsor’s boundaries?

The following will take you to a map of Windsor’s boundaries: Zoning map that shows the corporate limits

7. What is planned for the area around my property?

Click on the link below to view Windsor’s Land Use Plan map. This map displays the planned uses within the Windsor area.

Please be sure to review the Planning Department’s Current Projects Sheet where current development projects within the community are listed along with basic information, the staff contact for the project, and contact information for the project’s representative. Land Use Map

8. Do I need a permit to build a fence around my house?

Generally, no, as long as all fences meet the standard fencing regulation -see the handout below. Fence handout

9. Do I need a permit to build a shed and where on my property can I put it?

In accordance with Section 16-8-30(d) of the Municipal Code, a permit is required if the proposed shed exceeds one hundred-twenty (120) square feet OR is taller than eight (8) feet at the peak. If a permit is required due to the aforementioned thresholds, the shed is also required to meet the Town’s setback and offset requirements. If the proposed shed is not larger than one hundred-twenty (120) square feet AND is not taller than eight (8) feet, the shed does not require a building permit. However, no accessory building, regardless of its size, shall be located any closer to the front property line than the rear corners of the principal building, that is, accessory buildings are only allowed in rear yards. In order to find out the specific setback and offset requirements for your home or if you have additional questions, please contact the Windsor Town Hall at (970) 674-2436. Building Permit Information Webpage

10. Do I need a permit to build a deck, porch, pergola, or patio cover?

Yes. Any structure, including decks and porches less than 30” above the ground, require a building permit. In order to submit for a building permit, you would need to submit two (2) sets of your construction drawings and two (2) plot plans of your lot that show the proposed deck or porch and the distances to the property lines. Please note that any structure must be located on your property to meet the Town’s setback and offset requirements. Prior to beginning any construction, it is recommended that you contact the Planning Department to see if a permit is required. In order to find out specific setback and offset requirements for your home or if you have additional questions, please contact the Windsor Town Hall at (970) 674-2436. (Section 16-4-20) Building Permit Information Webpage

11. Do I need a permit to install a sprinkler system?

Yes. A building permit is required to install a sprinkler system whether you are hooking up to Town of Windsor water (potable water) or if you are hooking up to a non-potable system in your subdivision. A sprinkler permit is very simple to apply for and generally only takes about 5-10 minutes to issue on the same day you apply. If you have questions about the cost of a sprinkler permit, the permit process, or whether your subdivision is on a non-potable irrigation system, please contact the Windsor Town Hall at (970) 674-2436. Building Permit Information Webpage

12. Are there regulations for temporary signs in Windsor?

Yes. Most temporary signs require a permit, which you can obtain from the Planning Department. A temporary sign cannot be displayed for more than sixty (60) days per calendar year. These days may be utilized consecutively or on intermittent dates as specified on the approved permit. Temporary signs must be directly related to the use of the lot on which it is located and must be made from durable material that will not deteriorate in wind or bad weather. These signs cannot be attached to trees, landscaping, traffic signs, utility or light poles or other similar structures, and cannot be located within the road right-of-way. For specific requirements, please call (970) 674-2415 and refer to the sign code:
Sign information page

13. What is a variance?

A variance, which requires approval by the Board of Adjustment, constitutes a change in the zoning provisions of the Municipal Code where, due to special conditions or circumstances, the literal enforcement of a zoning requirement would result in an unnecessary hardship. An unnecessary hardship is defined as a situation where the property cannot be reasonably used under the conditions allowed by the code. The situation will occur from circumstances unique to the property and will not be created by the property owner. Economic considerations alone do not constitute an unnecessary hardship. Variances, if granted, will not alter the character of the surrounding neighborhood. (Section 16-6-60 of the Municipal Code) Variance application (pdf)

14. Can I subdivide my property?

Subdivision of property in the Town of Windsor requires approval of a subdivision application. You will need to contact a planner in order to determine the appropriate subdivision process. Please see FAQ concerning on-line application forms for the link to these forms.

If you have additional questions, please contact the Planning Department at (970) 674-2415.

Windsor’s Subdivision regulations are outlined in Chapter 17 of the Municipal Code which can be found at the following address:

Windsor Municipal Code Chapter 17

15. Are your application forms available on-line?

Yes, both Planning and Building applications are available on the Planning Department page. Click on the link below to be directed to the Planning Department page. Planning Department Application Forms and Handouts

16. Are there economic incentives for locating or expanding basic sector businesses in Windsor?

Information about economic incentives for locating or expanding basic sector businesses may be found at the following address: Economic Development Incentive Guidelines

17. What current developments / development projects are being reviewed by the Town of Windsor?

Please use the link below to view current projects under the Community Projects and Development Map heading. Town of Windsor Interactive Maps