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Planning Department
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The Planning Department looks forward to helping you with a variety of questions you may have about the building or development process or about code enforcement issues. You may contact us in a variety of ways; in person at City Hall ( 606 Manitou Avenue ), by phone at 685-4398, by fax at 685-5233, or by email .

The Planning Department also supports several advisory commissions, including the Planning Commission, the Open Space Advisory Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission. If you have any questions about these boards, their meeting dates/agendas or how to volunteer to serve on them, either as a regular or as an alternate member, please give us a call or leave us a message.

Have a good day!

Planning Department

August 2007 Monthly Report

2006 Year End Report

Manitou Springs Planning Department
606 Manitou Avenue
Manitou Springs , CO 80829
(719) 685-4398

The Planning Department enforces the Zoning, Subdivision, and Historic Preservation regulations for the City. Most improvements to property in Manitou Springs require prior approval by the Planning Office before contacting the Regional Building Department (RBD) for a permit. A Building Permit is not the first step in a construction project. Some frequently encountered issues are unplatted property or ownership configurations that incorporate more than a single lot. Also, zoning concerns such as setbacks, property use, etc. may need to be addressed. Some requests may require approval through the Planning Commission and City Council prior to approval of construction. Exterior alterations to existing structures, or construction of new buildings, within the boundaries of the Historic Preservation District may require prior approval by the Historic Preservation Commission. Tax incentives are available to assist property owners. More information on the Historic District can be found in the Manitou Springs Preservation Handbook available in the Planning Office. Please contact the Planning Department for further information and to obtain copies of the Ordinances which effect building and development in Manitou Springs.

PIKES PEAK REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER (PPRDC)
2880 International Circle
Colorado Springs , CO 80910
(719) 327-2880
Website: www.pprbd.org

Manitou Springs contracts with the PPRDC for regulation of the Uniform Building Code. Activities such as drywalling, roofing, structural alterations or construction, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing require a Building Permit. Please call PPRDC to determine if you need a Building Permit for your project and what submittal materials are required. Manitou Springs must review the plans and issue a Building Permit Application prior to RBD issuing a Building Permit. A licensed contractor must obtain the Building Permit for most improvements to Commercial property. Homeowners can obtain permits for, and perform the work, for most residential improvements.

FEES

Manitou Springs collects a Use Tax for modifications to existing structures based on 3.8% of the cost of materials or $.75 a square foot of living area for new structures. Colorado Springs Sales Tax should not be charged on materials delivered to Manitou Springs. Review fees are collected by the Fire Department for Subdivision Plats and Commercial or Multi-family Residential construction. Contact the Fire Department for specific fees. Water and Sewer Tap fees are collected when service lines are added. An Expansion of Demand fee is assessed when the number of fixtures increases on existing services. Contact the Water/Sewer Department for specific fees. Gas and Electric services are provided by the City of Colorado Springs .


PROCEDURES AND SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

The following is required for approval of Commercial or Residential construction plans:

  • Submit three sets of plans to the Planning Office. Plans review may take up to ten working days.
  • Plans must meet Regional Building Department requirements and include a site plan, drawn to scale, which contains:
    • address
    • legal description
    • north arrow and scale illustrating property boundaries and lot lines
    • adjacent streets or rights-of-way
    • existing or proposed driveways, setback dimensions and all existing or proposed improvements
    • all lots or portions of lots
    • existing and proposed structures and improvements
    • information regarding landscaping, lighting, parking and drive aisles
    • grading, signage, building elevations and a building materials description
  • For new construction and additions, elevations or dimensions indicating the difference between the highest and lowest points of natural grade around the perimeter of the structure and the highest point of the structure must be provided for purposes of verifying compliance with the 25 foot height limitation in residential zones.

Please feel free to contact:
Planning Director: Daniel Folke
Planner: Michelle Anthony
Administrative Assistant: Kari Kilroy
at the Planning Office for additional information.