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Planning

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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 Map webpage. Go to the main page and go to "Residents", then "Maps/GIS." Go to "Town Limits" map.  

Municipal Boundary Map (PDF)

3. What is planned for the area around my property?

Active projects within Windsor's Growth Management Area can be viewed on the Town's Map/GIS webpage.  Select "Community Development" to view locations of projects.  To view surrounding zoning districts, go to the "Themes" tab, select the "Layers & Legend" tab, then click on "Boundaries", followed by "Zoning". 

For a list of projects by type of land use application, status, and number of permits issued, please visit the Building Permit Reports page. 

To view general land use designations for future development within the Town's Growth Management Area (GMA), visit the Town's Comprehensive Plan Land Use Plan Map: 

Land Use Map (PDF)

4. What current developments / development projects are being reviewed by the Town of Windsor?

Please visit the Interactive GIS Map and select Community Development icon.

For a list of active projects by type, status, number of building permits, please visit the Building Permits Reports page. 

Community Development webpage

5. What is the zoning of my property?

In addition to contacting Planning 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 Municipal Code.

7. Are your application forms available online?

Yes, both Planning and Building applications are available on the

Application Forms and Handouts webpage

8. Can I subdivide my property? What is the subdivision process?

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 Planning at (970) 674-2415. Windsor’s Subdivision regulations are outlined in Chapter 17 of the Municipal Code and the process in Section 14-2-60.

Table 14-2-10(a) Land Use Application Procedures
Application Type	Code Section	Neighbor-hood meeting		Concept Review Meeting	Decision Maker
					Director	PC	TB	BOA	Vote
Accessory Dwelling Unit	Sec. 14-2-100			o	D			A*
Annexation	Sec. 14-2-30	þ		o	R	R*	D*		S
Appeals	Sec. 14-2-180				Refer to section 14-2-180				S
Code Amendment	Sec. 14-2-190				R	R*	D*		S
Comprehensive Plan  Amendment	Sec. 14-2-200				R	D*	R*		M
Conditional Use Permit	Sec. 14-2-130			o	R	R*	D*		M
Conditional Use Permit Oil & Gas, Gravel Mining	Sec. 14-2-130	þ		o	R	R*	D*		M
Height Modification	Sec. 14-2-160			o	R	R*	D*		M
Master Plan	Sec. 14-2-40	þ		o	R	R*	D*		M
Non-Regulated Land Transfer	Sec. 14-2-50
Rezoning	Sec. 14-2-70	þ		o	R	R*	D*		S
Sign Permit	Sec. 14-2-170				D			A*
Site Plan – Major	Sec. 14-2-90			o	D		A*
Site Plan – Minor	Sec. 14-2-90			o	D		A*
Subdivision, Major –  Final	Sec. 14-2-60			o	R	R*	D*		M
Subdivision, Major - Preliminary	Sec. 14-2-60			o	R	D*	A*		M
Subdivision – Minor	Sec. 14-2-60			o	D		A*
Substantial Change Hearing	Sec. 14-2-20			o	R	R*	D*		M
Telecommunications	Sec. 14-2-110			o	D1			A*
Vacation of ROW or Town Easement	Sec. 14-2-120				R		D*		M
Variance	Sec. 14-2-150			o	R			D*	S
Variance, Minor	Sec. 14-2-140			o	D			A*
Vested Property Rights	Sec. 14-2-210				R			D*	M
1 Director may refer to PC/TB per Sec. 16-5-40(j) to be reviewed as a Conditional Use Permit þ = Required o= May be required by Director  PC = Planning Commission TB =Town Board BoA = Board of Adjustment			R = Recommendation D= Decision Maker  * = Public hearing required A = Appeal of Decision S = Super Majority Vote Required (Ordinances require majority on 1st reading, super majority on 2nd reading)  M = Majority Vote Required

Section 14-2-10

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 14-2-140 (Minor Variance) and Section 14-2-150 (Major Variance) of the Municipal Code or contact Planning for further information.

Application Forms and Handouts webpage

10. 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, per Section 6-3-20 of the Municipal Code.  Those pursuing a home-based business need to complete the Home Occupation Registration section of the business license application.  Home occupations shall meet all requirements of Section 16-3-20 of the Municipal Code. 

• Article III, Business Licenses
• Sales Tax & Business Licensing

11. 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

12. 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. See the Residential Re-Roof (PDF) handout for more details. 

13. What is a Conditional Use Grant (CUG)?

A conditional use grant / conditional use permit (CUG) allows a temporary use or specific land use once special review criteria is met. The permit does not allow for uses in zoning districts where the use is prohibited.   Please see Conditional Use Grant review criteria in Section 14-2-130 of the Municipal Code and CUG review workflow.

Conditional Use Grant (CUG) and use applications:

• Conditional Use Grant  
• Conditional Use Grant (Oil and Gas)

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 Planning at (970) 674-2415 and review the

Fence handout (PDF)

15. Do I need a permit to build a shed and where on my property can I put it?

In accordance with Section 16-3-10 of the Municipal Code, a permit is only required if:  1) the proposed shed exceeds one hundred-twenty (120) square feet; OR - 2) is taller than ten (10) feet at the peak.  If a permit is required, the structure shall meet the Town’s setback 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) [Sec. 16-3-10].  For permit questions, please visit the Building Permit webpage.

Building Permit Information webpage

16. Do I need a permit to build a deck, porch, pergola, or patio cover?

Please contact the Town of Windsor Permit Technician at (970) 674-2436 to see if a permit is required.  Some permit questions can be answered by visiting the Building Permits webpage. 

Please note that any structure must be located on your property and meet the Town’s setback requirements.  Note:  some encroachments into the setback are allowed, per Table 16-1-20(a) of the Municipal Code.  

Table 16-1-20(a) Setback Exceptions
Accessibility ramps	May encroach into any setback but shall be no closer than 2’ to any property line.
Accessory buildings, large (greater than 120 square feet in size or greater than 10’ in height)	May encroach into side or rear setbacks up to 5’, provided they are not located closer than 5’ from the property line. In no case shall less than 20’ of clearance be provided between an accessory garage and public sidewalk.
Accessory buildings, small (up to 120 square feet in size and up to 10’ in height)	May encroach into side or rear setbacks.   May encroach into a secondary front setback provided they are located behind a solid fence which is at least 5’ in height.
Decks	May encroach into side or rear setbacks up to 10’, provided they are not located closer than 5’ from the property line.
Fences or walls, including trash enclosures, and retaining walls less than 4’ in height measured from top of wall to bottom of footer.	May encroach into any setback subject to fence and wall standards.
Flagpoles	May encroach into any setback provided the flagpole is setback at least a distance equal to the height of the flagpole from property lines. Flagpoles and their related flags shall be setback sufficient distance to enable the flag to fly fully open without flying over the property of others.
Mail boxes	May encroach into front setbacks.
Mechanical equipment, ground mounted	May encroach up to five feet into side or rear setbacks provided no equipment or component of such equipment is located closer than two feet from any property line and the equipment is screened.
Patios	May encroach into any setback provided they are no more than 12 inches above grade and are not located closer than three feet from the property line.
Stairs, at grade	May encroach into any required setback up to six feet.
Stairs, above or below grade	May encroach into any required setback up to six feet provided they are not located closer than three feet from the property line.
Structural projections such as cantilevered bay windows, balconies, chimneys, eaves, or other non-foundational overhangs or projections	May encroach into side setbacks up to 2’.   May encroach into front or rear setbacks up to 3’
Swimming pools, hot tubs and/or spas	May encroach into side and rear setbacks provided they are not located closer than three feet from the property line.
Window Wells	May encroach into any setback up to two feet.

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

18. Are there regulations for temporary signs in Windsor?

Yes. Most temporary signs require a permit, which you can obtain from Windsor Planning.  A temporary sign cannot be displayed for more than sixty (60) days per calendar year (see Temporary Signs, Section 15-17-130, of Municipal Code for exclusions).  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.  The permit form is located on the Planning webpage under the tab "Applications, Forms and Handouts": Temporary Sign Permit.  For specific requirements, please refer to Section 15-17-130 of the Municipal Code and contact Planning at (970) 674-2415 / [email protected] if you have questions.  

19. Are there prohibited construction hours?

There are no prohibited construction hours.  For nuisances, please visit the Police Department FAQs or the Town's Municipal Code. 

20. How do I find information about an oil and gas development?

Please visit the oil and gas FAQ page.  For complaints, please select tab: Who to Contact.