Summit County Planning Department

The Planning Department is responsible for guiding the physical growth of Summit County in a manner that promotes the public interest. This is achieved through land use regulation, development review, long-range master planning and various special projects that aim to help sustain a viable community in Summit County.

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Comprehensive Plan Update

A Comprehensive Plan is a long-term strategic document that will help shape future decision related to new development, redevelopment, and County programs and services. The Blueprint Summit process is a way for the Summit County community to share thoughts and ideas for the future. It is an opportunity to contribute to a community vision that will guide the upcoming Comprehensive Plan's goals and policies. Visit blueprintsummitcounty.com today to learn more and get involved. 

Community Outreach Events

Join the Planning Department and County staff to learn about the Blueprint Summit process at community outreach events. Share your thoughts on what should be preserved in Summit County and what could be improved!

  • Abbey’s Coffee, 11/3 from 8 to 10am
  • Enza's Delicatessen & Market, 11/3 from 8 to 10am
  • Silverthorne First Friday, 11/3 from 5:30 to 7:30pm
  • Broken Compass (Airport Road location), 11/7 from 5:30 to 7:30pm
  • Outer Range, 11/7 from 5:30 to 7:30pm

Summit County Seeks Planning Commissioners

The Summit County Planning Department is inviting community minded citizens to apply for seats on the Lower Blue and Tenmile Planning Commissions.The planning commissions and board of adjustment play an integral role in the land-use planning and development review process in the unincorporated areas of Summit County.

Applicants must be residents of Summit County for at least one year and reside in the basin in which they apply. Minimum commitments include one meeting per month and periodic site visits; monthly meetings are occasionally canceled when there is no business before the board or commission.

To apply for a seat on any of the Summit County planning commissions applicants may fill out an online application. Alternatively, you may email a letter of interest, including your background and qualifications, to Margaret Citak

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Development Regulations

The Summit County Planning Department administers land use reviews in accordance with the regulations in the Summit County Land Use and Development Code and other associated documents. The Land Use and Development Code includes regulations related to zoning, permitted uses, accessory units, setbacks, height, lighting, landscaping, signs and other development standards. The Code includes provisions related to subdivisions, rezonings, conditional use permits, site plans, and other processes to facilitate changes to property and the development of property. Find more information on Summit County development regulations.

Formulario de Solicitud de Comisión de Planificación

El Departamento de Planificación del Condado de Summit está invitando a los residentes con mentalidad comunitaria a solicitar puestos en las Comisiones de Planificación de Lower Blue Tenmile y de todo el condado. Las comisiones de planificación y la junta de ajuste juegan un papel integral en el proceso de revisión del desarrollo y planeamiento del uso de los terrenos en las áreas no incorporadas del Condado de Summit.

Los solicitantes deben ser residentes del condado de Summit durante al menos un año y residir en el área en la que solicitan. Los compromisos mínimos incluyen una reunión por mes y visitas periódicas al lugar; Las reuniones mensuales se cancelan ocasionalmente cuando no hay asuntos ante la junta o la comisión.

Para solicitar un puesto en cualquiera de las comisiones de planificación del Condado de Summit o en la Junta de Ajuste, los solicitantes pueden completar una solicitud en línea. Alternativamente, puede enviar por correo electrónico una carta de motivación, incluidos sus antecedentes y certificaciones, a Margaret Citak. 

Planning Commission Meeting Information

Planning Commission meetings will continue as scheduled, remotely via an online meeting portal. Details for accessing meetings can be found on the specific meeting agenda which will be posted in the agenda center prior to the meeting. Meeting materials will be posted on the projects under review page

For a list of all upcoming meetings please view the Calendar of Events.

Short Term Vacation Rentals

Summit County has adopted regulations for short-term rentals located within unincorporated areas of Summit County. Please visit the Short Term Rental page for more information.

To report non-emergency issues at a short-term rental, please visit our STR Complaint page to see the options on how to file a complaint.

Interactive Mapping Tool – Find Your Zoning

To understand land-use regulations that pertain to a property, it is important to know the zoning.  View an interactive map (with a step-by-step guide) to determine the zoning for a property

Planning Department Review of Building Permits

The Planning Department reviews building permits for compliance with planning-related regulations.

Property Information Search & Maps

Interactive Map

Development Process, Applications and Fees

The Planning Department processes six different classes of development review applications, ranging in review authority from Class 1 through Class 6. Find out about the development review process and associated fees for your project.

Master Plans

Summit County’s master plans set forth the goals, policies, and visions for the future of Summit County. These policies have a significant role in the review of subdivisions, rezonings, and other types of land use applications. The Planning Department is charged with updating the master plans on a periodic basis and works with the respective planning commission to adopt the updates to these plans.

Population Information

The Planning Department provides basic demographic information on Summit County’s permanent resident population, population growth rates, permanent resident characteristics, population history and population projections. Find Summit County population information.

Planning Commissions

Summit County has five planning commissions charged with review, approval and recommendation authority for various types of development. Learn more about Summit County’s planning commissions.