Development Review Planning

Development Review Planning reviews development projects for consistency with the city’s adopted code and policy documents and makes criteria-based decisions and recommendations to Planning Board and City Council. Additionally, the team administers the city’s zoning code and responds to zoning and process related inquiries from the community and our customers. Collaborating with other workgroups across the city organization as well as external organizations and stakeholders, the Development Review team ensures consistent application of city regulations and policies in both “by right” and discretionary review projects. The group also coordinates regular, and council directed updates to the city’s zoning code.

The recommended budget includes $126,000 in ongoing funds for a Senior Planner position. This position would support zoning code amendments to maintain schedules related to City Council priority code changes (accessory dwelling units, permanently affordable housing, occupancy, etc.), and to support proactive code changes that simplify processes, zoning code administration, and shortens review times.

Objectives

Encourages sustainable and well-regulated development of buildings supported by reliable and affordable city services and public infrastructure.

Provides a variety of housing types with a full range of affordability.

Program Outcomes

Accurate, timely review of development review applications with consistently applied zoning standards.

Accurate, timely responses to day-to-day zoning inquiries from the public. Regular and timely completion of City Council directed amendments to the city’s zoning code. Continuous improvement of review processes for internal and external customers. Accurate, professional recommendations to Planning Board and City Council.

Measurements

% of on time Zoning Permit Reviews (administrative, discretionary and other zoning types). % of on time Inquire Boulder tickets for Planning / Zoning. % of on time council priority code changes completed per commitment.

% of development review applications completed within three rounds of review (initial, one resubmittal, one correction).