Planning
Castle Rock is a world-class community that embraces its history and heritage, and works to preserve and enhance the character of the Town through land planning efforts.
Most projects in Castle Rock require a planning process before building permits can be issued. This process can include all or part of the following steps: annexation, planned development plans/zoning, site development plans and/or amendment plans for review. Some projects require "use by special review" approval.
Whether you are planning new commercial construction or a new residential development, the Planning Division is here to help you understand and navigate the process.
This page will help you find information about the processes and documents that shape development in the Town. Feel free to email the Planning Division if you have additional questions.
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Most development projects must go through the Town's planning process. This includes required pre-application meetings and a series of neighborhood meetings and public hearings. Visit the tabs below to learn more about the process:
A pre-application meeting is the first step in the development review process and is required before submitting a development application. This service, provided by Development Services at no charge, gives the applicant an opportunity to present conceptual information to Town staff and to receive feedback on the required development process as well as the project's feasibility.
To schedule a pre-application meeting, download the pre-application and instructions (PDF) and submit your request via email. Once your application is reviewed by the Technical Review Committee (TRC), a meeting will be scheduled to discuss required processes and development plan submittal requirements. These meetings are held on Tuesdays. The Technical Review Committee is made up of representatives from Public Works, Castle Rock Water, Castle Rock Fire Department and Parks and Recreation, as well as planners and project coordinators within Development Services.
Required materials:
- Fully-completed application
- Project narrative
- Conceptual site plan
- Your list of questions/concerns
- When are neighborhood meetings required?
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If a project requires public hearings for land use approvals, it will most likely require up to three neighborhood meetings. These types of applications include planned development plans/zoning, and site development plans for residential, large commercial or Downtown projects. Historic Preservation applications also require neighborhood meetings.
- How many neighborhood meetings will there be?
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Neighborhood meetings are typically required during three stages in the development review process.
- An initial neighborhood meeting is scheduled where applicants present designs and gather feedback from the neighborhood.
- The second neighborhood meeting will be scheduled after the applicant submits to the Town. The applicant will present changes that might have been made since the first meeting took place, as well as gather additional feedback from the neighborhood. The original submittal may change after several rounds of Town staff review.
- A third meeting is scheduled to allow an applicant to present the final version of the project prior to public hearings. Smaller projects, with few changes, may require fewer meetings.
- How do I schedule a neighborhood meeting?
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You will coordinate with your Town planner to schedule a date and time for your meeting. You'll provide suggested dates, a meeting location, and a short description about your proposal. Once your meeting dates are confirmed, you'll send out the public notices. Most projects require in-person neighborhood meetings with an option to attend virtually. Sometimes smaller projects can be approved for a virtual-only meeting. Please confirm with your planner which format will be required for your project.
- What kind of Public Notice is required?
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All neighborhood meetings require a public notice, including a mailed version sent by the applicant to nearby residents. Mailed notices must be postmarked within 15 days before the scheduled meeting. The applicant will pick up Public Notice signage from the Town and must post on the subjected property 15 days prior to the meeting. The Town will post the meeting on their website and may post to Town social media platforms.
- What is required of an applicant during and after a neighborhood meeting?
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Applicants should plan to make a clear and detailed presentation of the project. Plan to engage in dialogue with residents and ask for feedback on your proposal.
On the night of the meeting, you should plan to:
- Provide an overview of the project and general information about the development process
- Encourage active participation during the question / answer period
- Record attendance with a sign-in sheet
- Record your meeting
- What is needed to provide to the Town?
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The day after your meeting, you should provide the following to the Town:
- A copy of your meeting presentation (Powerpoint, maps, etc.)
- List of attendees
- Recording of meeting
Residents interested in attending a neighborhood meeting can find more information on our Neighborhood meeting page and the public notice page of our website.
Review current and recently completed development projects in Castle Rock. The Development Activity Map provides detailed information on each project, including supporting documents submitted by the applicants for Town review.
The Development Services Fee Schedule provides information include land use application fees, as well as building valuation data, development impact, system development fees and use tax.
The Development Procedures Manual outlines the steps and processes to be followed at each stage of the development process including planning, plan review and permitting.
The 2030 Vision and Comprehensive Master Plan are excellent resources to help you prepare and plan for your future project. The Comprehensive Master Plan (PDF) defines the Town's broad and long-term direction - guiding its growth, development and planning efforts.
The Vision outlines the building blocks of the community through our Four Cornerstones:
- Distinct Town Identity
- Responsible Growth
- Community Services
- Thriving Economy
Visit Code Central to learn more about our guiding documents including the Town Charter, Municipal Code, Infrastructure Design Code and more.
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Planning Division
Physical Address
100 N. Wilcox St
Castle Rock, CO 80104
Phone 303-660-1393