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The following is a list of questions frequently asked by citizens. You may search for specific words or phases, or shorten the list by selecting a specific category.
Cemetery
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Plantings of annual flowers are allowed and encouraged. All plants must be located within the actual boundaries of an interment. Fresh or artificial flowers may be placed in approved vases located on the ends of the memorial or on the interment side of the memorial. Placement of perennials, shrubs, evergreens, trees or roses are prohibited except with approval of the Cemetery Technician. The Town reserves the right to remove any overgrown, unapproved plantings. |
Direct Payment - Utility Bills
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Fill out the required application along with a voided check or a savings deposit slip; drop off at the customer service counter, located at 301 Walnut St., mail everything to the address provided on the form, with your next payment. Forms are also available online. Direct Payment Forms |
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Applications must be received in the Town of Windsor utility office by the 5th of the month, to allow processing to be completed for payment on the 20th of the current billing cycle. Applications received on or before July 5th, will be eligible for Direct Payment for the July 20th payment cycle. Please continue to make payments the usual way until you receive confirmation on your utility bill. |
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Yes. You will continue to receive a monthly itemized utility bill showing your current charges which will be drafted from your designated bank account on the 20th of every month. |
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Please notify the utility billing clerk in writing of a change in banking information, including the date change is effective, by completing an account authorization form. A voided check or deposit slip is required for your new account. This update must by received by the fifth of the current billing month Please be aware that if these bank account changes are not completed with the utility billing clerk, you may be subject to insufficient fund fees, should balances on the utility account not be collected at the time the Direct Payment transaction occurs. |
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If your bank account shows insufficient funds, you will be notified to stop by the office to clear the short check in cash and we’ll assess a return check fee of $15. You will be removed from the program if you have two months of insufficient funds within a 12-month period. You will be notified in writing, regarding the termination of enrollment in the program. |
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Please contact the Utility Billing Department to complete a cancellation request in writing, by the fifth of the month, in which you wish to discontinue Direct Payment. In the event of a sale of a property, you will need to complete a cancellation request to discontinue the Direct Payment option for that property. If you purchase a new property in the Town of Windsor, a new application for the program will be required for that service account. Forms are available online or from the customer service counter, located at 301 Walnut St. Direct Payment Forms |
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This program offers our customers a convenient method of making time-sensitive payments without the necessity of writing a check and no worries about due dates. You’ll have two records of bill payment to reference: your Town of Windsor Utility bill and your bank statement. |
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Direct Payment is a safe, reliable way to pay your utility bill. When you authorize Direct Payment, you are giving permission to the Town of Windsor to withdraw the amount due from the bank account you designate. The withdrawals are done by your financial institution. Your monthly statement will inform you of the withdrawal each month. |
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For any other questions regarding Direct Payment please contact the Utility Billing Specialist at (970) 674-2403. |
Engineering
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The Town of Windsor has developed an annual Concrete Replacement Program to evaluate, inventory, and replace deteriorating curb and gutter and sidewalk. In conjunction with the Concrete Replacement Program, the Town developed a Concrete Rating Guide to provide a consistent evaluation of existing concrete conditions; this guide can be found by selecting the "Concrete Repair Guide Page" below. To have your curb and gutter and/or sidewalk evaluated for a possible replacement please contact the Engineering department at (970) 686-7476. Once the concrete is rated it will be inventoried. Concrete replacement will be prioritized based on the rating, but the annual amount of concrete that is replaced will be limited to available funding. Concrete within Capital Improvement Project areas will be considered for replacement prior to other locations in Town. In the spring of 2008, the Town Board passed an ordinance changing the Town Municipal Code such the Town pays for the full cost to replace deteriorating curb and gutter and sidewalk if the concrete is replaced by the Town. Residents may replace the curb and gutter and sidewalk at their cost, but they must obtain a Curb, Gutter, and Sidewalk Permit from the Town prior to replacement. Concrete Repair Guide Page |
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The Town of Windsor adopted a Master Drainage Plan in 2003. The plan identified $15 million of major drainage improvements that need to be made with Windsor’s Growth Management Area. The Town Board decided that the Master Drainage Plan is in the best interest of health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Windsor and provides an adequate, justifiable and reasonable basis upon which to assess a Monthly Basin User Fee. The Monthly Basin User Fee is applied equitably to every developed lot within Windsor based on the size of the property and the percent of impervious surfaces within the property. The fee is to pay for the operation, maintenance, administration and routine functions of the existing Town stormwater drainage facilities and for the design, right-of-way acquisition and construction or reconstruction of such existing and future stormwater drainage facilities. Sometimes a development owns and maintains some of the localized stormwater related infrastructure. In any case, the Town of Windsor has oversight of all facilities within the Town limits. In other words, whether a facility is privately owned or not, the Town is here to see that it operates properly, so as to not adversely affect downstream properties. If it doesn’t the Town may have to step in with enforcement action. The fact that some developments have privately owned facilities helps keep the monthly drainage fee lower than it otherwise would be.
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The Town’s web site includes a Bid Postings and RFP's page that allows interested parties to view and download information on open requests for proposals and construction projects. This page is located under the “Service” heading in the main menu or you may follow the link listed below. Included on this page is a link that allows parties to sign up for email notification of newly posted proposals and construction projects. If you have any further question, feel free to contact the Engineering department at (970) 686-7476. Bids and RFP's |
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“100 year floodplain” is a term that is commonly used by the general public to describe a Special Flood Hazard Area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). A Special Flood Hazard Area is defined as any land that would be inundated by a flood having a 1-percent chance of occurring in any given year (also referred to as the base flood). FEMA and floodplain administrators typically discourage the use of the term “100 year floodplain” because some people can inaccurately interpret the term to mean a flood will only happen once every 100 years. |
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Although the Town of Windsor can’t make an official determination if your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, we can give our opinion based upon Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Letters of Map Change available for the subject area. Additionally if a property or structure is very close to the edge of a Special Flood Hazard Area, there are methods of determination such as an Elevation Certificate and Letter of Map Amendment that can be used to demonstrate that a property is out of the Special Flood Hazard Area. Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for viewing on FEMA’s web site at the following link: FEMA Map Service Center |
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FEMA has published a booklet titled Answers to Questions About the NFIP. The contents of this booklet are available on FEMA’s website at the following link: FEMA - NFIP |
Finance
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The Town’s budgetary or fiscal year is from January 1st through December 31st. |
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Town officials have made a conscious effort to reduce and maintain the property tax mill levy, reducing the levy from 15.1 mills in 1996 to the current 12.03 mills, where it has remained steady. |
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The 2010 Budget was adopted November 23, 2009. |
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Governmental Funds: General, Park Improvement, Conservation Trust, and Capital Fund. Proprietary Funds: Water, Sewer, Storm Drainage and Non-Potable Water Fund, with the Internal Service funds of Fleet Management and Information Technology Fund. The Town has no Fiduciary Funds. |
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2010 Budget Preparation Schedule
Jun-Jul: Finance prepares revenue projections - Board and Department Heads meet to plan Capital Improvement PlanJun-Jul: Finance Department prepares historical data and distributes to Department Heads Aug: Town Board and Department Heads confirm goals for 2010 Aug-Sep: Prepare, submit and review initial requests with Finance and Town Manager Oct: Budget reviews with Town Board Nov: Balance and prepare recommended Budget Nov-Dec: Budget Hearing, adoption and distribution |
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In amending the budget, the Town Board may add or increase programs or amounts, or may delete or decrease programs or amounts except those expenditures required by law or for debt service or for estimated cash deficit. The amendment ultimately cannot increase the total expenditures for the overall budget as presented at the public hearing. If the amendment does increase the total expenditures, then another public hearing must be held prior to the adoption of the budget. |
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Every effort is made to forecast revenue and expenditures for the coming year, limiting the need for supplemental budgets. If required, supplemental budgets are adopted at one of the last Town Board meetings of the year. Supplemental items are kept as a “running total” by the Director of Finance throughout the course of the year and adopted in one supplemental resolution as described. |
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Yes, the Budget can be found under Departments and then under Finance. |
Human Resources
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There are 4 ways to apply:
1)Send your application and resume via e-mail to hrm@windsorgov.com 2)Fax your application and resume to 970-674-2496 3)Mail your application and resume 4)Or deliver your resume in person to Town of Windsor
%Human Resources
301 Walnut
Windsor, CO. 80550 Town of Windsor Application (pdf) |
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Not at this time. However, you may print the application, complete it, and then scan it. Once the application has been scanned, you may attach it to an e-mail, and send it to hrm@windsorgov.com. A signature is required on your application. |
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You may check the status of the process by viewing the job you have applied for on the Town of Windsor website under the Employment Opportunities page (please see link below). Here is an example of what you will see: Example:
Administrative Assistant
Status: Closed
Status: Interviews being conducted Employment Opportunities |
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Applicants will be contacted by the hiring department if they have been selected for an interview. |
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Unsolicited applications are not accepted. If you have applied for a similar position and it has been determined that you may be suited for another opening, you will be contacted and asked to submit an application for that specific position. |
Municipal Court
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Municipal tickets can be mailed to: Windsor Municipal Court
301 Walnut St.
Windsor, CO 80550 Or paid at Town Hall at the Court Clerks office or the Receptionist desk. There is also a drop box on the east wall of the Reception area. We accept cash, checks or money orders. We do not accept credit card payments. County tickets (Weld or Larimer) issued by a Windsor Police Officer: Please refer to the back of your ticket for payment instructions. Payments cannot be accepted at this office. |
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Court is held on the second and third Thursday and intervening Tuesday of every month. Please refer to your Citation for date and time. |
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The Town Prosecutor is Kim Emil, she can be reached at (970) 673-2335. Her address is PO Box 354 Windsor, CO 80550. Her fax is (970) 674-9656. |
Parks and Recreation
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The Community Recreation Center has a full-court gym for basketball or volleyball, a fitness room for aerobic and dance classes, meeting and banquet rooms, an activity area with pool tables, air hockey, fooseball, video games, and a babysitting room to drop off your children while attending a class at the Community Recreation Center.
*Please call (970) 674-3500 for availability and cost. |
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Please call the Parks and Recreation Weather Line at (970) 674-3530 for updates on game cancellations. Please contact your youth sport coach to find out if your practice is cancelled. |
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Park shelters are available to reserve for $40 or $50/shelter/day on a first-come, first-served basis. Shelters may be reserved over the phone with a credit card or at the Community Recreation Center with cash,check or money order (checks require a current driver’s license or State ID). You may also fill out a request form online by following this link. Request a Park Shelter |
Planning
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Population information for Windsor can be found under the section entitled “Population Estimates” in Windsor’s Community Profile at the following address: Community Profile |
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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 the Planning Department 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) |
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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 970-674-2436.
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You can find out the zoning of your property by calling the Planning Department at (970) 674-2436. 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. Zoning Map |
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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 |
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Generally, no, as long as all fences meet the standard fencing regulation -see the handout below. Fence handout |
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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 Planning Department at (970) 674-2436. |
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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 Planning Department at (970) 674-2436. (Section 16-4-20) |
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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 Planning Department at (970) 674-2436. |
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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 refer to the sign code: Sign Code |
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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) |
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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. Windsor’s Subdivision regulations are outlined in Chapter 17 of the Municipal Code which can be found at the following address: http://www.colocode.com/windsor/windsor_17.pdf If you have additional questions, please contact the Planning Department at (970) 674-2436.
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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 webpage |
Police
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The Towns Ordinances are published and available on line. More... |
Public Works
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The Town of Windsor doesn’t have a water treatment plant so the Town of Windsor has to buy water from other communities. The Town of Windsor buys water from three sources: Fort Collins Loveland Water District, North Weld Water District, and from Greeley Water. Our primary water supplier is from North Weld Water District with Greeley and Fort Collins Loveland Water District as our secondary source. |
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The "milky" color comes from tiny air bubbles in the water. When cold water comes out of the faucet it may look "milky." If you fill a glass with water you will see that the "milky" color will quickly disappear. The water is perfectly safe to drink when it looks this way.
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If your drinking water has an odor, it is because of an algae bloom in the raw water. If the water smells like a geranium, has a musty odor, or the smell of a wet dog, quite often the smell is associated with algae in the raw water. This problem is harmless, and usually short in duration.
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This is usually due to the fact that fire hydrants are being flushed, or there has been a water leak in your neighborhood, or there are water taps being made, or new water mains have been recently installed. Let your water run in your bathtub or at several faucets to help clear the water up. If it still appears dirty, call us at (970) 686-7476.
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The Colorado Cross Connection Law applies to all cross connections. Cross connection is any actual or potential connection between a potable water system, the drinking water supply and any other source or system that can introduce contaminants into the treated water system. Contaminants from your sprinkler system may include fertilizers, pesticides, and weed killers. Any part of the sprinkler system that allows back flow to occur is called a cross connection.
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Back flow means water flowing backwards into the water supply system. There are two ways back flow can enter the water supply from a sprinkler system; back siphonage and back pressure. Back siphonage happens when the pressure in the water supply suddenly drops. Pressure drops can happen because of nearby fire fighting or repairs of breaks in the Town water main. The pressure drop creates a vacuum, sucking the water backward through the system. The vacuum is much like a person sipping on a straw, which causes liquid to flow in the opposite direction. Back pressure is also reversal of water flow in the water system. However, this type of reversal happens when water pressure increases on the customer's side of the water system. Examples of things that can cause pressure increases in your sprinkler system would be injection fertilizing or blowing out the system in the fall.
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Atmospheric vacuum breakers cannot be used against back pressure conditions. Valves cannot be installed downstream from atmospheric vacuum breakers. Testing is required upon installation of a new back flow prevention device and annually thereafter by a certified tester. The law applies to both new installations and sprinkler systems that are being repaired or modified. No grandfather clause exists.
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Yes. The WMC requires that you have a permit before installing a new sprinkler system. The permit can be obtained at the Town Hall, 301 Walnut Street. In compliance with the state law, you must upgrade the existing back flow prevention device installed on the system, tested at the time of installation, and tested annually by a state-certified tester. If work is done to repair, expand or modify an existing sprinkler system with an unapproved back flow device, the customer must upgrade the existing back flow device to current standards. The new back flow prevention device must be tested upon installation and then annually by a state-certified tester.
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Before you plant a tree, build and addition, put up a fence, or install a sprinkler system, state law requires that you call the Utility Notification Center at (800) 922-1987 two full business days before digging in your yard. Do not include the day that you make the call. If you fail to do so, and you damage utility lines, you will be charged for repairs. The locating service is free.
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If a problem arises, it helps to know who owns the wires and pipes in and around your house, Your electric company, either Xcel Energy or REA depending upon where you live, owns the electric wires. The electric meter is owned, installed, read, tested, and maintained by the electric company. For the water lines, the Town owns the pipes to the meter pit or curb stop, whichever comes first. The Town owns, operates, and maintains all water mains throughout the Town. The homeowner owns the pipes to the house and inside the house. Sewer lines are the property of the homeowner to the point of connection with the Town of Windsor sewer main. Telephones lines and cable television lines are installed, owned and operated by the companies providing the service to the connection with your home. You are responsible for the lines inside the house. If you have questions, call your service provider.
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Please wait until all utilities have been marked. Then, proceed using the utility markings and locate sheets to help you safely complete your project. |
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Living in Colorado, we all know how unpredictable our weather can be. Although our average snowfall in approximately 58 inches, we can only rely on the most current meteorological information to predict our future needs. Until 1985, the Town of Windsor had no snowplows. Sanders were dump trucks loaded with sand and a man shoveling from the tailgate. Now, with a population over 18,000 and over 106 center miles, and 413 lane miles of streets, the Town has taken a more serious approach to the problems associated with snow and ice control. Our fleet of snow fighting equipment is readied as soon as snow is forecast. Three sanders, three snowplow trucks and a front-end loader, combined with a crew of trained equipment operators, will keep major streets passable. Sanders spread a mixture of sand and salt. Plows move snow when snow depth and estimated accumulation indicate the need to plow. When snow plowing is necessary, it is done on a priority basis. Major arterials are plowed first then minor arterials are plowed as a second priority. With over 106 miles of streets to maintain it is not possible to plow all of the streets. Residential streets are sanded and will be plowed only in emergency situations. For more information please contact the Town of Windsor Public Works Department at (970)686-7476 |
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Snow can be beautiful, but it can also create hazards. When residents fail to clear their sidewalks, the results can be a treacherous ice patch. We need your help on protecting pedestrians from possible injury. Residents are required by ordinance to clear sidewalks (including those crossing alleys and driveways) within 24 hours after the end of a storm. Please pile the snow in your yard, not in the street. If your sidewalk is icy, you may correct the hazard by applying sand, deicer, or cat litter. If you wish to report a hazardous sidewalk, please call Code Enforcement at the Windsor Police Department at (907)686-7433.
Citizen Responsibilities
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Sales Tax
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Windsor's Sales and Use Tax rate is 3.2% of net sales and service in Windsor. In Windsor, all food, beverages, machinery, and tools are taxable. The State of Colorado sales tax exemption does not apply. |
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Windsor Municipal Code Sec. 4-3-480. Tax on credit sales. “Whenever tangible personal property is sold… under a conditional sales contract or rental purchase contract, whereby the seller retains title as security for all or part of the purchase price, the total tax, based on the total selling price, shall become immediately due and payable.” Leases are subject to the same sales taxes as if an outright sale of property has taken place. If the lessor retains title to a vehicle or equipment in the Town, the lessor meets the definition of “engaged in business”, Windsor Municipal Code, Sec. 4-3-30, and the vendor must obtain a Windsor sales tax license, and must collect and remit the Windsor sales tax due. COLLECTION REQUIREMENT ON LEASES
Leases more than 36 months: When the right to continuous possession or use for more than three (3) years of any article of tangible personal property is granted under a lease or contract and such transfer of possession would be taxable if outright sale were made, such lease or contract shall be considered the sale of such article, and the tax shall be computed, collected and remitted by the vendor upon the rentals paid. Leases 36 months or less: In the event the lease is less than 36 months – the Town may allow the vendor to opt to collect the sales tax on (1) the entire value of the lease, or (2) each individual lease payment. However, once the vendor establishes how the tax is collected, they are not allowed to deviate from the selected approach.
Location of the “lessor” - The lessor location is a factor in determining how the tax is imposed. If a dealer prepares the lease papers and the lessee obtains the vehicle from the dealer, then the location of the dealer is used as the lessor’s location. If a leasing company prepares the lease papers, but the vehicle is obtained from a dealer, the location of the dealer is used as the location of the lessor. If a broker prepares the lease papers, the location of the broker is used as the location of the lessor. Location of the “lessee” – The lessee location must also be considered. The address where the vehicle is to be garaged should be used as the lessee location. If the vehicle is garaged in Windsor (see the town of Windsor Street/Address Locator found on the website) then Windsor sales tax is applicable. If the locations of both the lessor and the lessee are in the same jurisdiction, then sales tax is calculated based on the regulations in that local jurisdiction. However, if the locations of the lessor and lessee are in different jurisdictions, the lessor must calculate, collect and remit all applicable city, county, and state sales tax based on the jurisdiction of the lessee. |
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In Windsor, a Sales Tax License is MANDATORY when any person is engaged in the business of selling retail tangible personal property, including food and taxable services, to the general public regardless of local presence, prior to the first day of conducting business. A sales tax license assigns you the right and the obligation to collect taxes for the Town of Windsor. These monies are a public trust and must be remitted directly to the Town of Windsor’s Director of Finance. Approval of your sales tax license is not “all inclusive” and does not give permission to do business in Windsor. It does not guarantee approval of other ordinances, codes, or regulations in the Town, County or State. Contact other Windsor Municipal offices, Weld County offices or Larimer County offices, and the State of Colorado for information concerning zoning, signage, health, safety, liquor licensing, and etcetera as they may pertain to your business.
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NEW BUSINESS = $10.00 First time applicants with no prior history of conducting sales in Windsor. A new business license issued after November 15 of each year shall be valid for the remainder of the current year and all of the next calendar year. SPECIAL EVENT = $10.00 Per Event Per Calendar Year – The license applies to the Event Organizer only when three or more vendors sell goods at fairs, festivals, bazaars, etc. A Special Event Sales Tax License is not the same as a Special Event License. (See FYI 09 – Organizing a Special Event – for more information) RENEWALS = $10.00 Per calendar year. The RENEWAL PERIOD is between October and December annually and applies to the next calendar year. Failure to obtain a renewal license by the December 31st expiration date shall result in payment of increased fees according to the following schedule: After January 1 = $15.00; After February 1 = $20.00; After March 1 = $25.00
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Definition of “Special Event” means any sales event taking place at a single location for a limited period of time not to exceed seven (7) consecutive days, which includes three (3) or more vendors.
Some popular annual Special Events held in Windsor include: Pelican Fest, 4th of July Celebration, Roar of the Rockies, Harvest Festival, October Fest; and Christmas in Windsor. During the planning of any special event in Windsor, you should anticipate meeting with the departments listed in this FAQ to obtain approval of all the required license(s) and permit(s) of the Town Code and State Statutes. For your financial benefit, it is highly recommended that before you start your advertising campaign, you allow enough time for these departments to properly review and prepare the licenses and/or permits necessary for your successful event. v Sales Tax Department – 970-674-2486 – special event Sales Tax License for Windsor.
v Recreation/Parks Department – 970-674-3500 – Facility reservations or Parks permits. You must complete the Town’s facility permits and have prior approval before conducting any event at a Windsor park or City building. Fees vary.
v Town Clerk Department – 970-674-2404 – Liquor License (if distributing alcohol is part of your event). Fees vary.
v Windsor Harvest Festival Event Organizer – 970-674-3512 – A city-wide festival celebrated annually during Labor Day weekend. The Town is the event organizer. Contact this office if you are interested in participating or volunteering in this festival.
v Police Department – 970-674-2429 – Special Event License. This is an event license and is not the same as the sales tax license.
v State of Colorado Department of Revenue – 970-498-7050 – Special Event Sales Tax License and other vendor requirements for Colorado.
SPECIAL EVENT LICENSING IN WINDSOR
Only the Event Organizer is required to obtain a Windsor Special Event sales tax license. A minimum of thirty (30) days is recommended for planning and meeting with town officials for event approval. The cost of the sales tax license application is $10.00. The fee is not refundable. In cases when an event must be cancelled due to inclement weather and rescheduled, all the processes and approvals from all departments must be re-submitted and re-approved for the new date(s). The fee may be waived on the new sales tax license application. This FAQ is not all-inclusive of all regulations in the Town of Windsor. PLEASE REVIEW ADDITIONAL FAQs in the "Sales Tax" section in the Finance Department on this website for additional information. |
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http://www.windsorgov.com/DocumentView.aspx?DID=1163 Sometimes it becomes confusing when a business is trying to determine if shipping charges are taxable or exempt from sales tax on a sale. The charge can be either taxable or exempt from tax, depending on who assumes responsibility for loss or damage during shipping.
Generally, when the business assumes responsibility for the property loss or damage during shipping, then shipping charges are taxable. If the buyer or common carrier is assuming the responsibility for property loss or damage, then it is not taxable.
TERMINOLOGY USED IN THIS FYI:
Shipping Charges can be referred to as “shipping”, “shipping & handling”, “freight”, “delivery”, or “transportation fees”. Shipping includes common carrier freight and transportation or delivery in the vehicle of the seller and drop shipping.
Property is referring to “tangible personal property” or “merchandise” or “inventory” that is sold in a retail transaction.
Seller is referring to “the company”, “the business”, “the merchant”, “the retailer”, “the vendor”, or “the person who is releasing ownership of the property”.
Buyer can be referred to as “the customer”, “the purchaser”, or “the person acquiring the property”. They have become the end user of the merchandise when they assume title or ownership of the property.
Common Carrier is referring to a company whose business it is to only perform a delivery service. Examples could be the US Mail, UPS, or FedEx. Private courier companies also fall into this category.
TAXABLE SHIPPING CHARGES
When the act of shipping is combined with a retail sale of tangible property, the charge for shipping becomes part of the selling price of the product.
1. If the seller assumes responsibility for loss or damage to the property during shipping and the seller recovers that expense from the buyer, it becomes part of the selling price of the property; whether or not it is billed as a separate charge.
2. If the charge for shipping appears on the invoice, the charge is presumed to be taxable, unless the seller can demonstrate that they did not assume responsibility for loss or damage of the property during shipping. Otherwise, the seller is held liable for sales tax not billed on the receipt for shipping.
3. Freight charges appearing on the purchase invoice are presumed taxable, unless it can be shown that the buyer has no recourse to the seller if the merchandise is damaged during shipping.
4. If shipping charges are combined with any other taxable charges, such as “shipping and handling”, then the entire charge is taxable.
EXEMPT SHIPPING CHARGES
The act of shipping tangible personal property is generally a service when it is performed as a “stand-alone” transaction, then the shipping charge is exempt from sales tax.
1. Sometimes, as a convenience to the customer, the merchant will arrange for shipping on behalf of the buyer. If this service is arranged separate from the sale of the property, and the seller assumes no responsibility after it leaves the seller’s premises, then the charge for shipping is exempt. The seller has assumed no risk for the merchandise during shipping and the customer must go to the shipping company to recover the cost if the property is lost or damaged.
2. If the buyer is arranging for transportation, then the shipping cost is an exempt service. That shipper is an agent of the buyer and the buyer pays for shipping directly to the shipping company. This cost is not part of the purchase price of the property. DROP SHIPPING
The Drop Ship method of merchandising allows anyone to sell products without buying and stocking any inventory of those products. Generally, these are internet sales. In short, the internet retailer takes orders and payment for the property; then forwards those orders to the supplier, who then ships the property directly to the customer. Under this system, the retailer does not have to invest any money in stock or inventory before it is sold. The advantages of this system include: minimal space requirements,
elimination of loss on unsalable goods, and zero packing and shipping expenses.
However, if the internet retailer is located in Windsor and they make a sale to a Windsor resident or business, then a physical presence has been made and he has created “Nexus” or “Agency” or “a connection” with the wholesaler. Therefore the retailer must be licensed and collect and remit the Windsor sales tax in these sales.
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It is very important that taxpayers double check their returns for accuracy before remitting the return and the tax to the city and that every return is signed. However, once in a while, after remitting a tax return, you will discover that a payment in a previous period was either underpaid or overpaid because of a mathematical error or an omission on the return. Corrections or adjustments may be made in three (3) ways: amend an original return; apply an adjustment to a future return; or submit a refund claim in writing to the Director of Finance if the refund is greater than $50.00.
A taxpayer may apply for a refund or use a credit for overpayment within sixty (60) days after filing the original return provided the procedures outlined below are followed. In cases of overpayment, the Director of Finance will review the claim and either pay or deny the claim. If the claim is denied, the taxpayer will receive an explanation in writing of his decision. The taxpayer then has fifteen (15) days from that notice to request a hearing on the claim.Be forewarned that a taxpayer who files multiple amended returns or multiple refund requests may be required to attend a sales tax class. Or, the account may be flagged for an immediate audit and an investigation for suspicion of evasion or avoidance of tax or for fault or fraudulent refund requests may follow. You may find more information concerning Sales and Use Tax in the Windsor Municipal Code by logging onto our website at www.windsorgov.com and click on Information/Brochures. Select Municipal Code, then 04 Revenue & Finance. The index at the beginning of this chapter will lead you to the section you want to read. The procedures on the following page provide instruction on how to correct errors on previously filed sales tax returns in Windsor. Check with Colorado Department of Revenue for methods to correct state filed sales tax returns. IF YOU UNDERPAID THE TAX DUE IN ANY PERIOD, YOU MAY FILE AN AMENDED TAX RETURN: • Make a copy of the original sales tax return for the period in error.
• Write “AMENDED RETURN” in large print at the top.
• Make your corrections “for the difference only”.
• Re-calculate the tax due based on the difference.
• Issue a check for the difference amount.
• Attach supporting documentation. The amount you calculated and remitted on the Original return plus the amount of the “difference” on the Amended return must equal the total net sales and the total sales tax collected for Windsor during that period. You are not allowed to take additional Vendor Fees. IF YOU OVERPAID THE TAX IN ANY PERIOD YOU MAY APPLY THE CREDIT ON YOUR NEXT RETURN: • Prepare and calculate your next regular sales tax return as you normally would.
• Fill in Line 12 by entering the amount you overpaid on a previous return.
• DEDUCT Line 12 from Line 11 and enter that amount on Line 13.
• Write you check for the adjusted amount due.
• Make a notation in the space provided in Schedule A noting the period in which the overpayment occurred.
• Attach supporting documentation. YOU MAY REQUEST A REFUND FOR OVERPAYMENT IF YOUR CREDIT IS MORE THAN $50 OR IF YOU FILE ANNUAL RETURNS BY: • Requests must be in writing.
• Include your account number, name and address.
• Provide the contact person’s name and daytime phone number.
• Explain why a refund is being requested.
• Indicate the amount of the refund.
• Attach supporting documentation. Credits less than $50 must be deducted on future returns unless you are an Annual Filer. If you are an Annual filer, you may not want to wait until the end of the next year to use the credit on the return in which you may write the Director and request a refund. If your overpayment was more than $50, you may not want to wait until the next filing period to deduct it from your regular return. Please be advised however, that after receiving your refund request in writing, it may take up to three (3) business weeks to generate a payment back to you.
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STARTING, BUYING OR CLOSING, SELLING A BUSINESS:
WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR LICENSING, REPORTING FINAL SALES TAX DUE, AND PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON TANGIBLE BUSINESS ASSETS?In Windsor, a sales tax license terminates the day the business changes ownership or quits. No license shall be transferable. The new owner is required to obtain a new sales tax license prior to the first day of business under their ownership. A Final sales tax return and payment must be remitted to the Town of Windsor within fifteen (15) days after the business is sold or the taxpayer quits business. A final return must include all current and delinquent sales tax, penalty and fees collected through the last day of business. Sales tax must also be remitted for tangible personal property assets acquired with the purchase or transfer of possession of the business based on the purchase price paid, within fifteen (15) days of purchase. Colorado Department Of Revenue requires payment within twenty (20) days of purchase (see CDOR FYI Sales 74 for more state information). Tangible assets do not include tax on inventory that is intended to be resold to the public in the course of regular business. Examples of tangible assets would include items like cash registers, shelving, scales, machinery, tools, ice makers, ovens and appliances, furniture, non-disposable dishes and service wear, utensils, linens, etc. The Purchaser shall withhold sufficient money to cover all taxes until such time that the former owner produces a receipt from the Director showing all taxes have been paid in full. Both the Seller and Purchaser is personally liable for all sales tax due and both are subject to tax collection proceedings for unpaid taxes, interest, and penalty and collection costs. Delinquent taxes are a subject to a lien on both the seller and purchaser. A bona fide gift of tangible personal property is not a “sale”. No final inspection shall be made by the Building Inspector and no Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued unless all taxes due have been paid. Town of Windsor Ordinance, Sec 4-45
PLEASE SEE THE FAQs in the Sales Tax section under the Finance Department for more information. |
Town Board
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Every meeting of the Town Board, Advisory Boards, and Commissions is open to the public. The public is invited to address the Board about their concerns during these meetings. (There are occasions when the Board must adjourn to Executive Session to discuss matters related to personnel, negotiations or legal questions. These discussions are not open to the public). You are also free to write or phone any Board member with your questions, ideas or concerns. |
Town Clerk
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You can register to vote or change your voter information (address, party affiliation, request absentee ballots) at any of the following locations: Colorado Department of Revenue (driver’s license office)
Greeley Office
800 8th Ave.
Greeley, CO 80631 Fort Collins Office
1121 West Prospect Rd.
Fort Collins, CO 80526 Larimer County Clerk’s Office
200 West Oak St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521 Weld County Clerk’s Office
1402 North 17th Ave.
Greeley, CO 80631 Town of Windsor
Town Clerk’s Office
currently located at:
631 Birch Street, Unit D
Windsor, CO 80550 Download a Voter Registration Form at the Colorado Secretary of State website and mail, or drop off at any of the locations listed above. Voter Registration Form |
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Municipal Elections can occur at any time, but most often take place in April of even-numbered years. Municipal Elections are overseen by the Town Clerk. In 2010, a Municipal Election will be held and Town Board Members will be elected to represent Districts 2, 4 and 6. This will be a mail in ballot election. Election Day will be April 6, 2010. |
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