Pre-application conceptual conversations#
When an owner or developer has an idea to build something new or use a piece of land in a new way, they will have a conversation with City staff prior to submitting a formal application.
Two types of pre-submittal meetings#
There are two types of pre-submittal meetings available for development review applicants:
1) Conceptual Design Review meetings are for anyone with a land development idea to get feedback on that idea.
-
![Hand-drawn sketch of an idea for how a new home could be built]()
WHO - Anyone with a land development idea.
WHAT - A sketch plan or site plan must be submitted along with this completed application .
WHEN - First, establish that your proposed use for the property is permittable in your zone district. You can use the Table of Primary Uses to see what uses are allowed in your zone district. This table starts on the fourth page of Article 4 of the Land Use Code.
HOW - Application materials (the application and site plan) must be emailed to preappmeeting@fcgov.com. If you do not have access to email, other accommodations can be made by visiting 281 N. College Ave., or by calling Planning at 970-416-4311.
PRICE - Conceptual Design Review meetings are free; they are offered at no charge to the applicant.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, meeting time slots are generally available 6-8 weeks our from the time an application is submitted. Meetings are scheduled on a first-come-first-served basis. Please submit a completed application to reserve a meeting time. Please note that any application materials you submit are considered public records and may be made available to anyone who requests them, including the media.
Conceptual Design Review meetings are held on Thursday mornings. The meetings last for 45 minutes.
You will meet with staff from various departments, including Planning, Engineering, Light & Power, Stormwater, Water/Waste Water, Transportation Planning and Poudre Fire Authority. Staff will provide you with comments to assist you in preparing your detailed formal project application. There is not approval or denial of development proposals associated with this meeting.
2) Preliminary Design Review meetings are offered for more complex or larger proposals requiring a greater level of collaboration and problem solving.
-
![Image of a site plan. It was created by a professional, but does not show much detail and is a high-quality sketch]()
WHO - A potential applicant who is exploring a more complex or larger proposal requiring a greater level of collaboration and problem solving.
WHAT - A detailed submittal package is required, including a completed application, preliminary civil plans, site plans, renderings, photos of existing conditions on the site, and detailed project ideas.
WHEN - First, establish that your proposed use for the property is permittable in your zone district. You can use the Table of Primary Uses to see what uses are allowed in your zone district. This table starts on the fourth page of Article 4 of the Land Use Code.
HOW - Application materials must be emailed to preappmeeting@fcgov.com.
PRICE - There is a $1,000 application fee for Preliminary Design Review meetings.
Preliminary Design Review meetings are scheduled on a first-come-first-served basis. Meetings are held on Wednesday mornings. The meetings last for 90 minutes. One PDR meeting is held each Wednesday morning. Please note that any application materials you submit are considered public records and may be made available to anyone who requests them, including the media.
Once you have submitted your application, staff will spend 3 weeks reviewing your materials prior to the meeting.
You will meet with staff from various departments, including Planning, Engineering, Light & Power, Stormwater, Water/Waste Water, Transportation Planning and Poudre Fire Authority. Staff will provide you with comments to assist you in preparing your detailed formal project application. There is not approval or denial of development proposals associated with this meeting.
What happens next?#
-
![Arrows pointing right indicating a process moving from an idea phase to a phase where plans are being legally recorded]()
After someone presents their idea to the City and receives feedback (Phase 0: Gray), they will create and submit a formal application (Phase 1: Red). After several rounds of back and forth with the City, the project may be approved. Then they will work with the City to nail down construction details (Phase 2: Orange) and "vest" or "file" their plans to make them legally tied to the land (Phase 3: Yellow).
See our Development Review Applications page.
We're Here to Help#
Want to learn more about pre-application meetings?
Email preappmeeting@fcgov.com
Need answers to other questions?