Land Use Reviews

Criteria for Reviews

When an individual or company submits a proposal to the county to consider a change in zoning, an addition or change of a subdivision, a special use review, or a completely new development, the county must refer the requests to the district by law. The district then reviews each proposal and gives recommendations on soil suitability, floodwater problems, and watershed protection which would include erosion and sediment control, noxious weed control, proper grazing management, etc.

The Douglas County Conservation District is mandated by the State of Colorado in the Colorado Statutes Title 30; Government, Article 28; Planning and Building Codes, 136; to review and make comments on Douglas County Community and Development Department on referrals throughout the district. Referral and review requirements are as follows.

CRS 30-28-136. Referral and review requirements. f) “To the local conservation district board within the county for explicit review and recommendations regarding soil suitability, floodwater problems, and watershed protection. Such referral shall be made even though all or part of a proposal subdivision is not located within the boundaries of a conservation district.”

The Douglas County Conservation District also makes recommendations on the following conservation issues:

  • Noxious Weed Control
  • Riparian and Stream Protection
  • Proper Livestock Grazing
  • Soil Suitability and Geologic Hazards
  • Flood Protection
  • Erosion and Sediment Control
  • Drainage Concerns
  • Endangered Species Protection
  • Watershed Water Quality Protection