Windsor, CO - Official Website

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Planning

1. What is the population of Windsor?: For current demographic trends, please visit the: Demographics/Community Information webpage

2. What are Windsor’s municipal boundaries?: Please see the Town's Municipal Boundary Map

3. What is planned for the area around my property?: *Please be sure to view the Planning Department’s 'Community Development' page for information on current development projects. Planned uses within Windsor's Growth Management Area can be viewed on the Town's Land Use Map

4. What current developments / development projects are being reviewed by the Town of Windsor?: Please visit the Planning Departments Community Development webpage

5. What is the zoning of my property?: In addition to contacting the Planning Department with your address and/or parcel number, you can search property information on the Windsor Information and Navigation Gateway or WING Map

6. What does my zoning allow?: 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 units allowed. Zoning regulations can be found in Chapter 16 of the Windsor Municipal Code

7. Are your application forms available on-line?: Yes, both Planning and Building applications are available on the Application Forms and Handouts webpage

8. 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 contact the Planning Department at (970) 674-2415.

Windsor’s Subdivision regulations are outlined in Chapter 17 of the Municipal Code

9. 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, shall not alter the character of the surrounding neighborhood. Please review Section 16-6-60 of the Municipal Code or contact the Planning Department for further information. Application Forms and Handouts webpage

10. 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. 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 contact the Planning Department at (970) 674-2415 and refer to Sec. 16-9-130 of the Municipal Code

11. Can I have a home occupation/business? What are the requirements?: All businesses in Windsor require an approved business license through the Town's Finance Department. Applicant's looking to have a home-based business shall complete the Home Occupation Registration section of the business license application. Home occupations shall meet all requirements of Sec. 16-10-20 of the Municipal Code

12. Do I need a building permit to work on my own home or if I am finishing my own basement?: Yes.
Work 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. 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. For additional questions, please visit the: Building Permit Information webpage

13. 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)

14. Do I need a permit to build a fence around my house?: Generally, no, as long as the fence meets the standard fencing regulations. For questions, please contact the Planning Department at (970) 674-2415 and review the Fence handout

15. 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 only 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, the structure shall meet the Town’s setback and offset requirements. 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 (accessory buildings are only allowed in rear yards). For permit questions, please visit the Building Permit Information webpage

16. Do I need a permit to build a deck, porch, pergola, or patio cover?: Yes. Any structure, including decks and porches greater than 30” above the ground, require a building permit per Sec. 16-4-20 of the Municipal Code. Please note that any structure must be located on your property and meet the Town’s setback and offset requirements. Prior to beginning any construction, it is recommended that you contact the Town of Windsor Permit Technician at (970) 674-2436 to see if a permit is required. For additional permit questions, please visit the
Building Permit Information webpage

17. 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 generally 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 Town's Permit Technician at (970) 674-2436 and visit the Building Permit Information webpage