The Development Permitting System
Planning and building a great community requires significant resources and the coordination of many people. The City of Loveland is a committed partner in this process. The City's development permitting system supports development and construction, ensuring that new growth and construction aligns with adopted community goals and policies. The development permitting system is structured to address new development, redevelopment, and construction, beginning with the idea stage through the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. This system includes three primary components:
Development Review
: This stage, coordinated by the Current Planning Staff, includes the establishment of entitlements (annexation and zoning) along with overall site and infrastructure design. It all starts with a Concept Review meeting, which offers the opportunity to meet with review staff to get project feedback at no charge. Once a formal application is submitted, staff reviews it to assure compliance with zoning, subdivision, and engineering standards. Some applications require public hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council, but the vast majority are reviewed and approved at the staff level.
Infrastructure Installation and Inspection
: Expanded infrastructure is often needed to serve new development. Based on approved engineering plans, developers are responsible for installing all necessary street and stormwater improvements along with any required water, sewer, and electrical lines. Staff from the Water and Power, Public Works, and Development Services departments conduct inspections at various stages to ensure compliance with City standards. Well-built, long-lasting infrastructure is crucial to fiscal responsibility.
Building Permit
: The Building Division processes over 2,600 permits annually. Permits issued range in size and scope from large commercial buildings to backyard decks. The Division implements codes that have been adopted by communities throughout the country, and safety is the bottom line. Some projects have passed through the development review and infrastructure phases prior to building permit review, while other projects go directly to the building permit phase. The process culminates with the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Completion.
Expert staff from many City departments are needed to facilitate the three permitting phases identified above. Staff strives to provide clear and helpful guidance at each phase, working in partnership with applicants and their teams to make sure that Loveland remains the Sweetheart City.
