Expedited Site Plan Review (ESPR)

Overview

Certain types of minor projects may be eligible for an expedited review called “Expedited Site Plan Review (ESPR)”. During this process, the same standards analyzed during a Site Plan Review (SPR) are reviewed in a shorter time frame (approximately 3-4 weeks).

An ESPR may be granted if the Community Planning & Permitting Department finds the proposal does not conflict with the standards listed in Article 4-806 of the Boulder County Land Use Code. However, the ESPR determination may include written terms and conditions. The project, even if expedited, is subject to all applicable building permit and building code requirements.

Article 4-802.D requires that adjacent property owners be notified of the request to expedite SPR and be given seven days to respond.

• Document: Expedited Site Plan Review Application Packet
• Document: Planning Review Fee Schedule
• Webpage: Expedited Site Plan Review Applications and Docket Information

Pre-Application Conference

Applicants must first contact the Community Planning & Permitting Department to make an appointment for a Pre-Application Conference with a Planner to discuss the proposal. A virtual pre-application conference can be scheduled with a planner by using the Boulder County Community Planning and Permitting Service Scheduler. If you are uncertain whether your project proposal requires an ESPR, please call 303-441-3930 or email our staff using the  Ask a Planner form.

Eligible Construction Projects

• Increases in Residential Floor Area more than 1,000 square feet but less than 2,000 square feet, provided the proposed structure size does not exceed the zoning district maximum Residential Floor Area.
• In the plains, nonresidential accessory structures that are less than 5,000 square feet, except Agricultural Sales Units.
• In the mountainous areas, nonresidential accessory structures less than 2,000 square feet, except Agricultural Sales Units.
• Any application proposing to utilize the one-time maximum 200 square foot exemption from compliance with the zoning district maximum Residential Floor Area.
• Earthwork involving less than 500 cubic yards.
• Any free-standing small wind-powered energy system that meets the height limitations for the zoning district, any roof-mounted small wind-powered energy system as described in 4-516, a ground-mounted solar energy system less than 0.5 acre (if it doesn’t meet the additional provisions in Article 4-516.L, or a parking canopy solar energy system less than 0.5 acre. See the Land Use Publication Webpage, Renewable Energy Systems  for more details.

Natural Landmarks and Areas

Development proposed within a Natural Landmark or Natural Area (including the associated 250-foot buffer) described in the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan cannot be expedited.

Submittal Schedule for Planning Applications

The Community Planning & Permitting Department manages the number of planning applications accepted each week to align with available resources. Once you have had a Pre-application Conference and have a complete application ready for review, please contact Community Planning & Permitting at 303-441-3930 to get on the schedule to submit your planning application.