Show All Answers

1. How do I register a business with the City of Glenwood Springs?

You may register your business through MUNIRevs, the city's online portal for tracking business licenses and tax revenues. Click here to register your business. 

2. Am I required to register for a business license?

All business owners operating in the limits of the City of Glenwood Springs are required to register for a business license.

3. How long does the business license last?

Business licenses automatically expire every two years at the end of odd-numbered years (Dec. 2019, Dec. 2021, etc.). This is to ensure that the City's business database is up to date with all active businesses.

4. I own multiple businesses. Do I need licenses for all of them?

Yes, all businesses in Glenwood Springs are required to possess their own license for operation. You can add multiple businesses to the same account in MUNIRevs.

5. What zone is my business in?

You can view the City of Glenwood Springs zoning boundaries here. You can also use the City of Glenwood Springs Public Interactive Map to search for your address and view its zone. Simply click on "Zone Boundaries" on the left and select the parcel you are searching for. 

6. I forgot my MuniRevs password

From the MuniRevs Log In page, click the “Forgot your password” link and follow the instructions that will be e-mailed to the User’s registered e-mail address.

7. I completed my application but have not received my license yet.

Depending on the size and needs of your business, there may be other steps necessary to establish your business before you receive your license. Please visit the Business Resources page for more information. If you have questions, please contact the Community Development Department at (970) 384-6411. 

8. I registered my business. Now what?

All businesses are required to register with the Colorado Secretary of State. Please visit the Community Development page to review any other requirements in order to establish your business.

For other business resources, please see the following links:

• Colorado Mountain College Business Training
• Financing Options
• Northwest Colorado Small Business Development Council
• US Small Business Administration

Show All Answers

1. Do I need a permit to construct a shed?

No, as long as the shed is 120 square feet or less in size. However, regardless of size, your shed must observe a 10 foot setback from the rear lot line or 7.5 feet where there is no alley; and a 5 foot setback from the side lot line.

2. Do I need a permit for electrical or plumbing work?

Generally, yes. The Building Department issues permits for plumbing work. Electrical permits are issued by the State of Colorado on-line at the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) website.

To pull a plumbing permit, you must be a licensed plumbing contractor with the state (DORA) and must be registered with the City of Glenwood Springs (COGS). For more information about requirements, please review this document. 

3. Do I need a permit to replace windows?

Yes. You need to apply for a building permit to replace your windows. You also need to provide the Building Department with U-value of your new windows to ensure that they meet the current energy standards.

4. Do I need a permit to replace siding?

No, as long as you are only replacing the siding. However, if you are adding insulation at the same time, you will need to apply for a building permit for the insulation.

5. I need to replace my water heater or furnace. Do I need a permit?

Yes, you need to apply for a building permit to replace your water heater, furnace or boiler. Additionally, any work involving gas piping must be handled by a licensed plumber. If your water heater or furnace needs to be replaced in an emergency (on a weekend, for example), go ahead and install the new unit but make sure that you apply for your building permit on the next business day.

6. My friend and I want to put a new roof on my house. Do we need a contractor's license?

No. You, as homeowner, may have one unpaid assistant to help replace your roof. However, you do need to apply for a roofing permit.

7. What happens if I start a building project without a permit?

You will be required to obtain a permit and may be asked to remove flooring or drywall so that the Building Department can complete its inspection of your work. Additionally, the City's Building Official has the option of attaching a monetary penalty to your permit. Please also keep in mind that insurance companies, building appraisers, and realtors often contact us to verify that we've issued permits.

8. How do I schedule an inspection?

Call the City's Inspection Hot Line at 970-384-6432. You need to request an inspection 24 hours in advance. When calling, be prepared to provide-
*Project address
*Permit number
*Date for inspection
*Preference as to morning or afternoon inspection
*Contractor's name and contact person
*Phone number for contact person
The Building Inspector will contact you the morning of the inspection to set up a time.

9. What codes apply to construction work in Glenwood Springs?

On June 5, 2022, the City moved to the 2021 editions of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Property Maintenance Code, International Existing Building Code, International Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and of the 2020 editions of the National Electrical Code and National Electrical Safety Code. (The City of Glenwood Springs uses the State of Colorado for
our Electrical inspections, and defers to the current
edition as adopted and enforced by the State of Colorado.)

10. Do I need a contractor's license to work in Glenwood Springs?

Yes. If you are doing work within the city of Glenwood Springs you must be licensed. If you are working as a subcontractor but are not employed by that contractor, you also must be licensed to work in Glenwood Springs.

11. How do I find out if my contractor is licensed to work in Glenwood Springs?

You can call the Building Department at 970-384-6411. We will check both the license and insurance status for you.

12. What are the requirements to obtain a contractor's license?

Each city or town has its own contractor licensing requirements. In Glenwood Springs you must complete a license application which is available on the Building Department page or by visiting the Community Development Department, 2nd Floor, City Hall. Be aware that some license categories require that you have a BEST card; and, all licenses require that you show evidence of liability insurance at the time you submit your license application. Additionally, if you have employees, you are required to carry worker's compensation insurance.

13. What is a BEST card?

BEST is Board of Examiners Standardized Testing. A BEST card is evidence that you have passed a written test on the code that applies to your licensing category. The BEST card is recognized by cities and towns in the Roaring Fork Valley and west to the town of Silt.

14. When and where can I take a BEST test?

The City of Glenwood Springs gives the BEST test by appointment only. Call the Building Department at 970-384-6411 to schedule your appointment. Other cities and towns that give the BEST test are Aspen/Pitkin County, Snowmass Village, Basalt, Carbondale, and Silt.

Show All Answers

1. What is a design overlay district?

An overlay district, sometimes known as an overlay zone, is a geographic zoning district layered on top of another existing zoning district, or districts, that implements additional regulations. This would be part of the City's development code. Like other zoning regulations, overlay districts can control building codes and urban design, permitted land use, density, and other factors. 

2. Why is this being considered and what are the goals?

The idea of adding a downtown design overlay district is to put policy in place to promote downtown vibrancy. This includes enhancing the pedestrian-oriented business and service character in the central core to support an active, vibrant street life. 

3. Who might it apply to?

Generally, this would be applied upon development applications submitted to the City after the final ordinance is adopted by City Council. Part of the community conversation is to discuss what kinds of development applications would trigger overlay requirements. For example, this could include any of the following: redevelopment, remodels, change of use, or others. 

Show All Answers

1. Do I Need an Engineering Permit For...

Deck Construction Flowchart

Demolition Flowchart

Driveway Modification Flowchart

Events Flowchart

Home Additions Flowchart

Landscaping Flowchart

Shed Flowchart

Utility Work Flowchart

Show All Answers

1. Incident Report

To obtain an incident report please call (970) 384-6480

2. Schedule an event

To schedule an event with the fire department, please call (970) 384-6480.

Show All Answers

1. Can I build a fireplace in my backyard?

If you live in the City, call the City Building Department at 970-384-6411. In the County, call the Garfield County Building Department at 970-945-8212. 

Show All Answers

1. Burn Permit

No Open Burn Permit will be issued between May 1st through November 1st.

Please see Open Burn Requirements & Permit for details.

2. Tent Permit

Please see the Temporary Membrane Structure, Ten and Canopy Requirements for details

3. Turning Radius

Please see Turning Performance Analysis for details.

4. Fire Code

Please contact Fire Protection Analyst, Greg Bak, at (970) 384-6433.

Show All Answers

1. Who will be covered by the PAYT program contract?

• Services will be provided to residents that use individual, wheeled carts. PAYT will only apply to single-family residences and multi-family residences less than seven units.
• Any residential complex that uses larger dumpsters to collect trash from multiple households will not be included.
• Mobile home parks and HOAs whose residents use individual accounts will also be included, but will have up to one year after program implementation (depending on existing contracts) to switch to the PAYT system. 
• If your attached dwelling unit (ADU) currently has separate utility bills, it will also have separate trash service.
• All short-term rentals in city limits are required to use the largest size option for trash and recycling.
• This will not apply to businesses or multifamily residences greater than seven units at this time.

2. Why is PAYT being implemented now?

To incentivize waste reduction, reduce truck traffic in neighborhoods, and increase proper recycling. This will help us protect roads and extend the lifespan of the South Canyon Landfill.

3. What is the anticipated timeline on this process?

The City conducted a competitive bidding process to select a single hauler starting in late 2022. Staff had previous been keeping current haulers apprised of the new system.

• September 2022 - Public Input to inform the Request for proposal (RFP) process
• November 2022 - RFP Process
• March-April 2023 - Contract Negotiations
• July 2023 - Enrollment period and cart selection begins
• November 2023 - Implementation and rollout (service starts)

4. How will residents get new services?

• Information on how and when residents can sign up for the new service will be posted on the City’s website and distributed in monthly utility bills next year – information will be provided in both English and Spanish
• Residents will be able to sign up in person, by phone or online – English- and Spanish-speaking staff will be available for those who need extra assistance
• Residents will be able to change their service levels once the program is rolled out
• City staff will be dedicated to operations going forward and will be available to address service complaints, change cart sizes and answer questions
• Billing will be a monthly utility bill from the city, similar to water and electric bills

5. What is the plan for carts?

• What are the cart size options and what will the new prices be?
  • The size options for trash will be 32 gallons every other week, 32 gallons, 64 gallons, and 96 gallons.
  • The size options for recycling carts will be 64 and 96 gallons.
  • Pricing will include both trash and recycling and will be determined by the hauler as part of the bidding process.
• Will I get brand new carts?
  • Maybe – the hauler is allowed to reuse existing carts if they are usable.
• What happens to my old carts?
  • The hauler may choose to refurbish and use them if they own them, or they may not, it is up to the hauler.  If your old carts are owned by a hauler who does not win the bidding process they will take back their carts.
• What if I sign up for a large trash cart but really only need a small one?
  • You may call the city and request a size change, during the first month of the program this will be free.
• What if I have more trash than fits in my cart?
  • You may bring your extra trash to the recycle center or the landfill and throw it away for $4 per bag.  If you leave it at the curb you will be charged an overflow fee which will be more than $4/bag.
• What if my neighbor and I want to share a cart?
  • We don’t have a way to do this, but the cheapest and smallest option should be very affordable for people who are conscious of their waste.

6. What is the estimated pricing for carts?

There will be four basic options for trash service levels – large, medium, small, and super-saver. Every resident will have recycling service provided every-other-week as part of the bundled service. The super-saver trash service option will be collected every other week and will be priced comparably to taking two to three bags of trash to the Recycle Center every month, but with the convenience of curbside pick-up.

The three other trash service level options will be picked up weekly: small (about 32-gallon cart), medium (about 64-gallon cart), and large (about 96-gallon cart). The small cart holds approximately two tall kitchen bags, the medium holds about five bags and the large holds up to seven. 

Estimated Trash Cart Sizing and Pricing

Recycling carts are bundled with trash service. Recycling carts will be available in the three three cart sizes for collection every other week (recycling cart size will not change the bundled price).

Trash Service Level	Size	Estimated Monthly Price (this is not yet final)
Super-Saver	32-gallon cart picked up every other week	$10.80
Small	32-gallon cart (holds up to two tall kitchen bags)	$12.72
Medium	64-gallon cart (holds up to five tall kitchen bags)	$25.44
Large	96-gallon cart (holds up to seven tall kitchen bags)	$38.16

7. Will I be able to choose my hauler?

No, the city-wide hauler will be selected through a public bidding process. Share your comments to inform the request for proposals process in the PAYT comment form now through October 2022.

o    You may hire another additional hauler for your trash, but you will still be enrolled in and pay for the city-wide program.

8. What if I don’t want to recycle?

Recycling will be included in the service for all applicable residents and will be part of your service bill even if you chose not to use it. One of the core goals of this problem is to encourage materials that can be recycled to be recycled instead of taking up space in the landfill.

9. What if I don’t sign up for service?

The enrollment period for the PAYT trash and recycling program will be in early 2023. Any applicable residences that do not complete enrollment will be automatically enrolled at the middle-size option.

10. What if I take my trash to the Recycle Center/landfill/other and don’t need service?

If you currently use the punch pass system at the Recycle Center or bring your bags to the Landfill, the smallest bin option under PAYT will be comparable. The punch pass system will continue for people who live outside city limits and for extra trash or recycling.

11. How will billing for the new system work?

You will receive a utility bill from the city, like the other bills you receive for water and electricity. Enrollment and cart selection will occur in early 2023.

12. What if I have a problem with my cart?

• You may call the city and request a size change, during the first month of the program this will be free.
• To report a problem with service, if your cart is damaged or if you want to change a cart size you will contact the city.

13. Can I still get food waste and yard waste collected?

Yes, if you are currently using an organics pickup service you may continue using that service.  Using an organics pickup service can help keep your waste amount low so that you can use the most affordable trash option.

14. What happens if I put trash in my recycling cart?

If you put trash in your recycling cart you will be charged a contamination fee on your monthly bill. The amount of this fee will be decided by the hauler, and it will occur each time you have contamination.

15. What if I have more trash than fits in my cart?

You may bring your extra trash to the recycle center or the landfill and throw it away for $4 per bag. If you leave it at the curb you will be charged an overflow fee which will be more than $4/bag.

Show All Answers

1. Where do I obtain a handicap placard?

Please call the Clerk and Recorder’s Office at 970-384-3700.

2. Where is the Garfield County Sheriff's Office and Jail located?

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is located next door to the Police Department. Their address is:
107 8th Street
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

3. Where can I pay a parking ticket or traffic ticket?

All traffic and parking tickets, as well as court fines can be conveniently paid online using major credit card, debit card, money order or eCheck.

Pay Online

To pay a fine online visit the CitePay USA website.

Pay In-Person or by Mail

Fines can also be paid during business hours by calling the Glenwood Springs Municipal Court at 970-384-6530 or mailing a check made payable to ‘City of Glenwood Springs’ to:
Glenwood Springs Municipal Court
101 W 8th Street
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

4. How can I find out if an incident happened in your jurisdiction?

The Glenwood Springs Police Department is responsible for all incidents occurring within their jurisdiction. To find out the jurisdictional boundaries, please view the Glenwood Springs Area Street Map (PDF). All incidents occurring within the black border are handled by the Police Department. Enclaves (indicated by the blue borders) have not been annexed and fall outside the jurisdiction of the Police Department.

If you need to report an incident that occurred outside the jurisdiction of the Police Department, please call the Sheriff’s Department at 970-625-8095.

5. I had my property seized for evidence. How do I get it back?

If you had property belonging to you that was seized as evidence, typically the property cannot be released until the case has made its way through the court system.

1. Contact the District Attorney’s Office (DA) at 970-945-8635 and request to have the property released. Once the property can be released, the DA can provide you with an evidence/property release letter.
2. Either the DA or you will have to provide the Police Department with this letter from the DA clearly stating which exhibits can be released. Please be sure to make an appointment before coming to the Police Department because only the Investigations Division has access to evidence. If you show up unexpectedly, there may or may not be someone available to pull the property from the evidence room. If an Investigator is unavailable you will have to return at a later time - no exceptions!

Show All Answers

1. ¿Quién estará incluido en el programa PAYT ("pago por arrojar basura" / ingles: "Pay as you throw")?

• PAYT sólo se aplicará a las residencias unifamiliares y a las multifamiliares de menos de 7 unidades. 
• Las asociaciones de propietarios tendrán hasta un año después de la implementación del programa (dependiendo de los contratos existentes) para cambiar al sistema PAYT. 
• Si su unidad de vivienda adjunta (ADU) actualmente tiene facturas de servicios públicos por separado, también tendrá servicio de basura por separado.
• Todos los alquileres a corto plazo en los límites de la ciudad están obligados a utilizar la opción de tamaño más grande para la basura y el reciclaje.
• Esto no se aplicará a las empresas o residencias multifamiliares de más de 7 unidades en este momento.

2. ¿Por qué se implementa ahora el PAYT?

Para incentivar la reducción de residuos, reducir el tráfico de camiones en los barrios y aumentar el reciclaje adecuado. Esto nos ayudará a proteger las carreteras y a extender la vida útil del vertedero de South Canyon.

3. ¿Cuál es el plazo previsto para este proceso?

• Septiembre de 2022 - Aportes del público para informar el proceso de solicitud de propuestas (RFP)
• Noviembre de 2022 - Proceso de RFP
• Principios de 2023 - Periodo de inscripción y selección de basureros
• Finales de 2023 - Implementación y puesta en marcha (inicio del servicio)

4. ¿Cuál es el plan para los basureros?

• ¿Cuáles son las opciones de tamaño de los basureros y cuáles serán los nuevos precios?\
  • Las opciones de tamaño para la basura serán 32 galones cada dos semanas, 32 galones, 64 galones y 96 galones.
  • Las opciones de tamaño para los basureros de reciclaje serán de 64 y 96 galones.
  • Los precios incluirán tanto la basura como el reciclaje y serán determinados por el transportista como parte del proceso de licitación.

• ¿Recibiré basureros nuevos?
  • Puede ser, el transportista puede reutilizar los basureros existentes si son utilizables.
• ¿Qué pasa con mis basureros viejos?
  • El transportista puede optar por reacondicionarlos y utilizarlos si son de su propiedad, o no, depende del transportista. Si sus basureros viejos son propiedad de un transportista que no gane el proceso de licitación, éste recuperará sus basureros.
• ¿Qué pasa si me apunto para un basurero grande pero realmente sólo necesito uno pequeño?
  • Puede llamar a la ciudad y solicitar un cambio de tamaño, durante el primer mes del programa esto será gratuito.
• ¿Qué pasa si tengo más basura de la que cabe en mi basurero?
  • Puede llevar su basura extra al centro de reciclaje o al vertedero y tirarla por 4 dólares por bolsa. Si la deja en la acera se le cobrará una tarifa por desbordamiento que será de más de 4$/bolsa.
• ¿Qué pasa si mi vecino y yo queremos compartir un basurero?
  • No tenemos una forma de hacerlo, pero la opción más barata y pequeña debería ser muy asequible para las personas que son conscientes de sus residuos.

5. ¿Podré elegir mi transportista?

No, el transportista de toda la ciudad se seleccionará mediante un proceso de licitación pública. Comparta sus comentarios para informar sobre el proceso de solicitud de propuestas en el formulario de comentarios de PAYT desde ahora hasta octubre de 2022.

Puede contratar a otro transportista adicional para su basura, pero seguirá inscrito en el programa de toda la ciudad y pagará por él.

6. ¿Qué pasa si no quiero reciclar?

El reciclaje estará incluido en el servicio para todos los residentes aplicables y formará parte de su factura de servicio incluso si decide no utilizarlo. Uno de los objetivos principales de este problema es fomentar que los materiales que se pueden reciclar se reciclen en lugar de ocupar espacio en el vertedero.

7. ¿Qué pasa si no me inscribo en el servicio?

El período de inscripción para el programa de basura y reciclaje PAYT será a principios de 2023. Cualquier residencia aplicable que no complete la inscripción será automáticamente inscrita en la opción de tamaño medio.

8. ¿Qué pasa si llevo mi basura al Centro de reciclaje, vertedero, otro y no necesito el servicio?

Si actualmente utiliza el sistema de pases perforados en el Centro de Reciclaje o lleva sus bolsas al vertedero, la opción del cubo más pequeño bajo PAYT será comparable. El sistema de pases de perforación continuará para las personas que viven fuera de los límites de la ciudad y para la basura o el reciclaje extra.

9. ¿Cómo funcionará la facturación del nuevo sistema?

Recibirá una factura de la ciudad, como las demás facturas que recibe por el agua y la electricidad. La inscripción y la selección de los basureros se realizará a principios de 2023.

10. ¿Qué pasa si tengo un problema con mi basurero?

• Puede llamar a la ciudad y solicitar un cambio de tamaño, durante el primer mes del programa esto será gratuito.
• Para reportar un problema con el servicio, si su basurero está dañado o si quiere cambiar un tamaño de basurero, deberá contactar con la ciudad.

11. ¿Se pueden seguir recolectando los residuos de comida y de jardín?

Sí, si actualmente está utilizando un servicio de recolección de productos orgánicos puede seguir utilizando ese servicio. El uso de un servicio de recolección de productos orgánicos puede ayudar a mantener la cantidad de residuos baja para que pueda utilizar la opción de basura más asequible.

12. ¿Qué pasa si pongo basura en mi basurero de reciclaje?

Si pone basura en su basurero de reciclaje se le cobrará una tasa de contaminación en su factura mensual. El importe de esta tasa será decidido por el transportista, y se producirá cada vez que tenga contaminación.

13. ¿Qué pasa si tengo más basura de la que cabe en mi basurero?

Puede llevar su basura extra al centro de reciclaje o al vertedero y tirarla por 4 dólares por bolsa. Si la deja en la acera se le cobrará una tarifa por desbordamiento que será de más de $4 por bolsa.

Show All Answers

1. How should I dispose of paper towels, flushable wipes, hair, feminine hygiene products and other miscellanous trash?

Never ever flush trash into the sewer system! These materials are likely to cause a sewer backup because the sewer systems are not designed to handle them. Everything besides toilet paper and normal human waste should be disposed of in a trash can!

2. What are some of the odd items the City has found in the sewer system?

Our operators have found many strange items in the sewer system over the years. Some of them include rusty firearms, a full six pack of beer, live snakes, wire bras, full sized towels, plastic containers, tree branches, sediment, baseballs, trashbags and lids.

These should never have found a way inside the sewer system! They cause maintenance nightmares and sewer backups.

3. How should I dispose of cooking oil and grease?

Never put it down the drain! Fats, oils and greases plug sewer lines and cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars for removal! Grease should be poured into a can and thrown away.

4. How do I report a wastewater spill?

If you think the sewer system may be backing up, or there is a water leak, call dispatch at 970-625-8095

5. Is it OK to discharge contaminated water into the the stormwater system?

NO! The stormwater system goes directly into the river. The stormwater system is designed only for normal surface water runoff. Common contamination sources include car washes, oils from parking lots and waste from agricultural uses.

6. What should I do if I think that somone may be illgally discharging into the City's sewer system?

Please call dispatch at 970-625-8095 and the wastewater line at 970-309-4567. Even discharging an RVs blackwater or greywater tank is illegal. Septage haulers are required to take their loads to plants such as Rifle or up to South Canyon; if they hook into the City's sewer system and discharge, they are breaking the law. Other chemicals can hurt the wastewater plant's treatment process and ultimately contaminate the river.

Show All Answers

1. What modes of transportation qualify for tax savings?

Transit and vanpools qualify under the tax-exempt program.

2. How do I get start a tax-exempt transportation program?

It's easy! If you provide transit passes or vanpools to your employees, just keep your receipts of purchase and a list of pass recipients and vanpool users. There is no additional paperwork involved. You don't have to file a plan and the IRS does not have to approve your program. You can start your program at any time of the year and can make it as formal or informal as you like. For details or to make sure you are in compliance, consult your corporate accountant or tax attorney.

3. How do I take advantage of the commuter tax benefit?

Offer free bus passes or vanpool services to employees as an additional benefit.

Offer pre-tax payroll deductions and let the employees purchase bus passes or pay vanpool fares themselves.

Share the benefit and split the cost. You pay half the cost of the bus passes or vanpool fares and your employees pay the other half using pre-tax income.

For additional information, please visit the Commuter Choice website.

Show All Answers

1. What do I need to do?

In mid-June, once we have launched the new system, the look of your utility bill will change, and you’ll need to set up an online profile. You’ll receive instructions next month, but you’ll use your account number and customer number from your paper bill to login to the new system and complete your profile and link your profile to your account information. 

2. Which bills does this include?

All utility bills issued by the City are getting upgraded to the new billing system, this includes Water & Sewer and Electric. Once the Pay as You Throw trash and recycling system is in place, those will also be issued through this system. All existing due dates remain the same.

3. How can I make payments?

All existing payment methods are still available; however, the online portal will change. New to this system is the ability to create an account and pay online. You will be able to sign up with direct debit or ACH/EFT from your online portal. Payments can be made online, by mail, in person, and at the dropbox locations at City Hall.

4. What new features will be available and why is this change happening?

In this new system, customers will be able to make online payments, view payment and usage history, and opt-in to electronic bills (paperless billing). This change will help us modernize and streamline the utility billing process, including billing, collections, and transparency. Most notably, the updated bill format, online portal and payment process gives customers an improved and more convenient user experience.

5. How do I set up an online profile?

Check back here soon - We're excited that you're ready to set up your online profile! 

We're still turning some gears on the backend of the system, but we anticipate that the public portal will be ready for you the week of June 12.

6. What do I do if I need help?

Please reach out with any questions or for assistance.

• Phone: 970-384-6455
• Email: utilities@cogs.us
• Physical Address: 101 W. 8th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
• Mailing Address: PO Box 458, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
• Regular business hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. City Hall is closed Fridays.

The computer next to the Utility Billing/Finance Department desk in City Hall will be available during business hours for customers to set up an online profile.

Show All Answers

1. What is a setback?

It is the minimum distance that a building or structure must be located from all property lines. Do not assume that your property line is along a street or sidewalk edge. The only way to determine the exact location of your property line is to have it surveyed.

2. What is a nonconforming use?

A building, structure or use is nonconforming if it was lawful at the time the zoning code and subsequent amendments were adopted but now no longer meets the requirements of the zone district in which it is located. Any nonconforming use, structure or building may continue in existence under the following circumstances -
• The use may be extended throughout the same building, provided that no structural alteration of such building is proposed or made for the purpose of such extension.
• The use shall not be changed to any other use except a conforming use.
• A nonconforming building which does not meeting the setback, height or other site requirements may be repaired, maintained or extended, provided that any extension is in full compliance with current provisions of the zoning code.
• A nonconforming building which has been damaged or destroyed by fire or other causes may be restored to its original condition, provided that the repair work is commenced within 1 year of such event and completed within 18 months of such event.
• Where a single lot recorded in separate ownership prior to March 1, 1965, does not meet the minimum building lot area requirement for the district in which it is located, such single lot shall be considered a nonconforming building lot, and a building situated on such lot shall be considered a nonconforming building, subject to the provisions of this Subsection. Such nonconforming lot may be used for construction of a building allowed in the zone district, provided that all other zone district regulations, including, but not limited to, setbacks are met.
Whenever a nonconforming use of land or a building has been discontinued for a period of 1 year, the future use of the land or building shall be in conformance with provisions of the zoning code.

3. What is a special review use?

Each zone district includes a list of “special review uses”. These are uses that are allowed but that require the imposition of certain conditions to mitigate any negative impacts that they may have on adjacent properties. All special review uses require consideration by the Planning & Zoning Commission. Refer to Municipal Code Section 070.040.040 for more information about conditions and criteria by which these uses are granted.

4. Is my property inside the city limits?

Although you can consult the city’s street map, the only guaranteed way to determine whether or not your property is inside the city limits is to contact the Community Development Department at 970-384-6411.

5. What is my zoning?

Consult the zoning map, an unofficial copy is on the city's website; or, contact the Community Development Department at 970-384-6411.

6. What is the difference between an accessory use and an accessory building?

An accessory use is one that is incidental to, but associated with, a specific principal use that is located on the same lot.

An accessory building is a detached subordinate building that is located on the same lot as the principal building, the use of which is incidental to the principal building or use of the lot. Accessory buildings cannot be used for living or sleeping quarters in a residential zone district.

7. Where can I get a copy of the city's zoning map?

A 24' x 36" copy of the city's zoning map is available for purchase in the Community Development Department, 2nd floor, City Hall. Contact the Community Development Department at 970-384-6411 for current price.

8. How tall can I construct my fence?

The requirements for designing and locating fences differs depending on whether your property is located in a residential or a non-residential zone district. Refer to the Fence Regulations under this Zoning page.