Frequently Asked Questions
For every question, we need as much information as possible about the property.
- For property in a platted subdivision, we need a physical address and a legal description of the property (lot block and subdivision name). If available, the tax schedule number and the parcel identification number are helpful.
- If the property is a metes and bounds legal description, we will absolutely need the tax schedule number, the address (if one is assigned), the acreage, the section, township, range, and quarter section, and the owner's name.
If the legal description, tax schedule number and parcel identification number aren't readily available, call the Assessor's office at (303)271-8666. This information is available to the public. You do not have to be the owner of the property.
If you are unfamiliar with any of the terms used here please check out our Planning & Zoning Glossary of Terms.
How do I look up a permit? Try our Jeffco Permit Search.
Zoning and what is allowed: how do I look up zoning? (Unincorporated Jefferson County - Map)
What are my Setbacks?
How do I Measure setbacks?
How do I Define the front lot line?
How do I Determine building height?
How do I Place a fence on a property?
How do I Demonstrate access to my property?
How do I Show driveway compliance?
How do I Ensure that I am meeting lot area requirements?
How do I Place a mini-structure on my property?
How do I Understand signs that advertise?
How do I Place a sign on a property?
How do I Check that I have a legal parcel?
How do I Establish a Legal Nonconforming Use?
How do I Obtain an Address for my Property in Unincorporated Jefferson County?
How do I Obtain a Residential Individual Sewage Disposal System (ISDS) Permit on my Property?
How do I Create a defensible space around my homesite to meet the County's Wildfire regulations?
How do I Landscape Non-Residential Developments?
How do I Complete a landscape inspection for my project?
How do I File a petition on a land use case?
How do I Build adjacent to a floodplain?
Wildfire/Defensible Space
Permits (Shed, Fence, New Building, Grading)
Traffic Impact Fees
Grading
Floodplain
Number of Pets
Home Occupation
Improvement Location Certificate (Foundation)
Inquiries on Properties within City Limits
When will I or my registered association receive notification of a land development application?
Is there a list of who to call, by topic, within Planning & Zoning or all Jefferson County? And how about related agencies outside the County?
Can I store a recreational vehicle on my residential property?
What is this property zoned?
We hope to have a system available on the Internet soon, that will enable citizens to research zonings. Currently, you must call us. For a property in a platted subdivision, we need an address and legal description. If it's vacant land within a platted subdivision, the legal description and schedule number is needed. If the property is metes and bounds, we need the section, township, range and quarter section, a schedule number, and an address (if assigned). The schedule number and parcel identification number (PIN) are available through the Assessor's office at (303)271-8666. To find out what the zoning allows see the Zoning Resolution under that zone district.
What are my setbacks?
Setbacks are the distance required from a property line to any structure. You need to know setbacks prior to submitting a site plan to the county (for a permit). Check out our Building Setback Requirements by Zone District table and a diagram showing the Vision Clearance Triangle. See How do I . . . ? about measureing setbacks, defining the front property line and placing a fence on a property. Please come in or call to verify setbacks and any special plat restrictions for your property.
Do I need a permit for ..... ?
The answer is probably "yes". It may be a building permit for new structures or additions, a miscellaneous permit for a shed, a special use permit for a satellite dish, a driveway permit, a fence permit, a sign permit, or a grading permit.
- Shed:
We need a site plan and structural plans that show the square footage and height of the shed, drawn to scale. Sheds over 200square feet and/or over 14 feet tall to the peak need a building permit (see the new structure requirements). If under 200 square feet and less than 14 feet to the peak, a miscellaneous permit is needed for this structure (fees). We will accept the manufacturer plans as long as they are to scale and show that the shed is under the above-specified dimensions. The planner reviewing the application will tell the applicant setback requirements.
- Fence:
A permit is needed for a new fence and/or replacement of an existing fence or any section thereof. See How do I . . . ? about placing a fence on a property. Submittal requirements include the type of materials, length and height, and a site plan drawn to scale showing location. Any fence over 42" in height requires a permit. Planned Development (PD) zoning may have different requirements. Please check the zoning and contact us if zoned PD. The cost of the permit is listed on our development fees page. There may be questions regarding height, setbacks, and, if on a corner, the Vision Clearance Triangle. A corner property will make a difference in placement and setbacks.
- New structure, addition, patio/deck cover, etc.:
There is a zoning review fee for zoning review of each building permit. Please see our Building Permit Check List for a list of fees and documents needed.
The Building Department is the last stop in the building permit issuance process, and has additional requirements (phone: (303)271-8260).
What are the traffic impact fees and when are they assessed?
Traffic Impact Fees are due when a building permit is purchased from the Building Department and are assessed for all new construction in Jefferson County. For residences, these fees are based on number of garages being constructed. For all other new construction, other forms of measure are used, i.e., unit, square foot, number of rooms. Traffic Impact Fees are not assessed for additions to existing residences. See the Traffic Impact Fees for fee amounts.
Do I need to meet the wildfire regulation?
If a new structure is being built in the mountains, the wildfire regulation will have to be met. Before the State Forest Service forester can do a site check, you will need a Wildfire (defensible space) permit, obtained at the Planning and Zoning department (see fees). This can be applied for prior to or at the same time as the building permit. Bring a site plan with you at the time of application. There is a certain amount of risk in doing it prior to the building permit, primarily, that the structure may not end up where anticipated prior to the wildfire review. Wildfire regulation will also apply to any addition over 400 square feet of habitable space.
See the Zoning Resolution, Section 45, Wildfire Hazard Overlay District for a full description. See our guide "How do I Create a defensible space around my homesite to meet the County's Wildfire regulations?".
Do I need a Grading Permit?
Please see the Zoning Resolution, Section 11, Grading and Erosion Control for when a grading permit is needed, exemptions from the grading permit, and performance standards. Also take a look at
- Construction/Land Disturbance Activities
- Do I need a grading permit? Find out if a grading permit is required.
Is this property in a floodplain?
Many insurance companies require this information. County approved floodplain and FEMA maps are available in our office.
Are horses allowed? How many pets are allowed?
See the Zoning Resolution under the zone district for exact specifications. Some zonings allow for horses if certain conditions are met. All zonings allow for a specific number of pets.
Can I have a business in my home?
There are specific requirements for home occupations in the Zoning Resolution, Section 8. If you meet these requirements, then a miscellaneous permit is required (see fees). We need a floor plan that indicates where the home occupation (office, storage/warehouse, craft/assembly) will occur. We also need a letter from the applicant indicating exactly, all details of the business. Some home occupations are considered a "use by right", while others are either not permitted or require Board of Adjustment action.
I called for my building inspection and found an Improvement Location Certificate (ILC) is needed. Why?
You should have been given this information when you applied for a building permit. The ILC can be approved as soon as the foundation is dug and the form completed by your surveyor. The ILC must be a stamped copy from a surveyor, showing boundary lines and placement of the new foundation. The following situations require an ILC:
- New Structures (Plains): Lots less than 8,000 square feet; lots with proposed setbacks of 5 feet or less; lots where a proposed setback is less than 3 feet from the required minimum setback for the applicable zone district; hazardous site conditions (geologic, floodplain).
- New Structure (Mountains): Lots of 1 acre or less; lots with proposed setbacks of 10 feet or less; lots where a proposed setback is less than 5 feet from the required minimum setback for the applicable zone district; hazardous site conditions (geologic, floodplain).
- Additions (Plains & Mountains): Required for all additions which are subject to the same conditions noted above.
- All variances.
A faxed copy is accepted under certain conditions: We must be able to read and scale the faxed copy, and they must be stamped copies. If we cannot read or scale it, or if it is not stamped, we will not be able to sign-off for inspections to proceed. We must have the original mailed or delivered to us for the permanent building permit file.
My address is in the City of ______, what is my zoning? How do I get a building permit?
If you are within a city, you need to contact your city's planning office. For phone numbers for cities in Jefferson County, please see our "Who ya' gonna call? - Other Contacts" page.
South Jefferson County is served by the Littleton post office so has a mailing address of Littleton 80123 or 80127. While there are areas annexed to cities in South Jefferson County, most of the area is unincorporated and in our jurisdiction.
Can I store a recreational vehicle on my residential property? Does it have to be parked in the driveway?
In the majority of residential developments in unincorporated Jefferson County, recreational vehicles (RV?s) are treated as any other non-commercial type vehicle ? they must be currently licensed and operable. Those areas which are governed by an Official Development Plan (ODP) ? particularly in the southern portion of the County ? may be subject to additional restrictions, i.e., the RV must be screened. To determine the standards for your particular community, please call (303) 271-8725.
