Land Use Applications
This page provides an overview of the Town of Gypsum’s land use application types. Whether you’re adding an ADU, requesting a Conditional or Special Use, or applying for permits related to signs, grading, noise, or access, you’ll find quick descriptions here to help you understand which application fits your project.
Before submitting your planning application through CloudPermit (link to the right), please review the important information below and contact the town staff listed on this page with any questions.
Land Use Application Types
Approval Process
The Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit is reviewed administratively by staff. Please follow the steps and review the information on our Accessory Dwelling Units page.
Fees & Deposit
All fees and deposits can be paid in person at the Community Development Office or by mail to PO BOX 130, Gypsum, CO 81637.
- New ADU Construction Fee: $250
- Existing Non-Approved ADU Fee: $500
- Existing & Previously Approved ADU Transfer Fee: $50 re-inspection fee
- ADU Deed Restriction Recording Fee: $43
- Trash Service Fees ($110 for container & monthly service fee)
Required Materials for Application
- Summary Letter (New and Existing Unapproved)
- Site Plan (New and Existing Unapproved)
- Accessory Dwelling Unit Deed Restriction Transfer Form (Transfer Only)
- Accessory Dwelling Unit Deed Restriction Form (New & Existing Unapproved)
- Building Permit (New and Existing Unapproved)
- Building permits and ADU permits can be processed simultaneously. A document with the permit number, or proof that it has been submitted, will meet this requirement.
- Accessory Dwelling Unit Water, Sewer, & Trash Form (Both)
Approval Process
A Conditional Use Permit is reviewed administratively by staff.
Fees & Deposit
All fees and deposits can be paid in person at the Community Development Office (50 Lundgren Boulevard Gypsum, CO 81637) or by mail to PO BOX 130 Gypsum, CO 18637.
- Fee: $150.00
Application cannot be deemed complete and review started until payment has been received. Permit fees cover town planning, staff review time, and all Planning Commission and Town Council hearings. Deposit covers items, including but not limited to, town engineering review times, outside engineering review times, general counsel and water attorney fees, publication notices, postal/mail notices, plat check fees, updates to GIS system, and updates to the town zoning map. Any outstanding fees due to the Town must be paid before any additional land use applications will be accepted. Combined submissions, such as annexation and sketch plans, or preliminary and final, shall be accompanied by a combined fee. (17.16.010)
Required Materials for Application
- Summary Letter
- Letter states the proposed/intended use of the property
- Ensures that grading and drainage for the proposed use will not negatively impact adjacent properties. If screening is required, states the type of screening and how that will be utilized.
- Site Plan
- Site Plan showing grading, erosion control, utilities, location of structures, roads, landscaping, parking, activities, interior layouts (including handicap accessibility, egress) fencing, entryways, and any specific encumbrances on the property such as easements, detention ponds, drainage structures, etc… if applicable.
- Any information relevant to the request such as screening for an outdoor storage request, if applicable
- School Site Dedication Plan (if applicable)
- School Site Dedication per 17.38 with an accompanying plan provided by the applicant and letter provided by the school district.
- Will Serve Letter – Fire Department
Approval Process
Design Review Board Applications for signs are reviewed administratively by staff.
Design Review Board Applications for new buildings and building modifications are reviewed by the Design Review Board which meets on the first Wednesday every month.
Fees & Deposit
All fees and deposits can be paid in person at the Community Development Office (50 Lundgren Boulevard Gypsum, CO 81637) or by mail to PO BOX 130 Gypsum, CO 18637.
*Applicants for the Market District and Airport Gateway Design area do not need to apply for a Sign Permit application in addition to their Design Review Board application.
Master Plan Design Review Board Fees
All work completed on the exterior of existing structures, including but not limited to, walls, roofs, parking areas, landscaping, and windows require approval from the DRB, except during maintenance and repair of exterior items that are being repaired with same materials, same color, and existed in the same location prior to repair.
- New construction application fees: For vacant lots being planned for development, an application to the Town of Gypsum is due prior to review by the DRB. This review includes up to two review meetings with the DRB and two site visits or inspections to determine compliance with DRB approvals. Professional review services are paid for by Gypsum in cooperation with achieving the specified design visions. Costs for additional meetings or inspections shall be the responsibility of the applicant.
- Major modifications of existing buildings and/or sites: Changes being made to existing sites, such as building additions, major landscaping modifications, etc… require an application to the Town of Gypsum prior to review by the DRB. This review includes up to one DRB meeting and two site visits. Professional review services are paid for by Gypsum in cooperation with achieving the specified design visions. Costs for additional meetings or inspections shall be the responsibility of the applicant.
- Minor modifications of existing buildings and/or sites: Changes being made to revise portions of a building facade, minor landscaping, color changes, etc… require an application to the Town of Gypsum prior to review by the DRB. This review includes one DRB meeting and two site visits. Professional review services are paid for by Gypsum in cooperation with achieving the specified design visions. Costs for additional meetings or inspections shall be the responsibility of the applicant.
- Standard additional rates for all Design Review Board applications.
- Price for an additional review and compliance report: $250/hour
- Price for an additional site inspection: $150
- Price for an additional meeting with the DRB or applicant: $250
- Sign fee: $150 if major changes prior to instillation
Airport Gateway Design Review Board Fees
The following fee schedule applies specifically to applications within the Airport Gateway Design Review Board area.
- Price of a new building including signage, renovation/remodel, landscape, and fence review. Includes review plans (approximately 1 hour), preparation of a compliance report, attend 1 (one) meeting with DRB and applicant, written and verbal communications with the applicant regarding the submittal, and two on-site inspections for compliance with design requirements. If the review time takes more than 1 (one) hour, the applicant will be billed for the additional review time.
- Base fee for New Structures: $1,100
- Base fee for the remodel of existing structures, including landscaping and site modifications: $500
- Price for a sign permit. Review plans, preparation for a compliance report, attend a meeting with DRB (if necessary) and the applicant, written and verbal communications with the applicant regarding the submittal, 1 (one) re-review of any requested changes, and 1 (one) on-site inspection for compliance with design requirements: $250
- Standard additional rates for all Design Review Board applications.
- Price for an additional review and compliance report: $250/hour
- Price for an additional site inspection: $150
- Price for an additional meeting with the DRB or applicant: $250
- Sign fee: $150 if major changes prior to instillation
Application cannot be deemed complete and review started until payment has been received. Permit fees cover town planning, staff review time, and all Planning Commission and Town Council hearings. Deposit covers items, including but not limited to, town engineering review times, outside engineering review times, general counsel and water attorney fees, publication notices, postal/mail notices, plat check fees, updates to GIS system, and updates to the town zoning map. Any outstanding fees due to the Town must be paid before any additional land use applications will be accepted. Combined submissions, such as annexation and sketch plans, or preliminary and final, shall be accompanied by a combined fee. (17.16.010)
Required Materials for Application
Pre-Application (Optional)
Prospective applicants shall have the option of a pre-application meeting with staff only and/or the Design Review Board. Pre-application meetings provide no approval or guarantee of approval. They are meant to clarify design criteria and requirements, brainstorm/problem-solve, and allow prospective applicants to assess the priorities of the Design Review Board. The prospective applicant will be required to provide hourly compensation for the architectural reviewer’s time.
Submissions for pre-application must contain at a minimum:
- Schematic Design Level Drawings
- Any additional documentation the applicant has prepared is welcome.
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- Summary Letter
Provide a brief description of the project: its goals, what will be accomplished, and how it will be accomplished.
- Design Review Plans (Building)Drawings must contain, but are not limited to, the following: Approval, approval with conditions, or denial, including reasons for denial, will be provided in writing within seven days of the DRB decision.----
- Site plans and related information, including parcel number, site area, building floor area, gross site area to gross floor area ratio (FAR), parking data, setback dimensions, an aerial map including subject property and surrounding uses, retaining walls, grading and drainage plans.
- Architectural drawings that include architectural design elements, including but not limited to: floor plan(s), exterior elevations based on proposed and existing grade along with elevations of significant features indicated, section(s) with shading & shadowing, materials indicated and hatching for different materials, eaves, window trim(s), base trim(s) and any other relevant architectural feature.
- Final floor plans
- Sample board of materials, colors, and finishes to be delivered to the Town of Gypsum.
- Landscaping design, including location, sizes, types of plant materials, and types of ground cover. A landscaping plan with grading and drainage plans combined on the same sheet.
- Exterior lighting design, including location, pole heights, fixture type and color.
- Exterior signage design, including location, dimensions, materials, colors, topography, and illumination.
- 3D Drawings/ Renderings for new buildings, building modifications, or whenever required for adequate description of proposed designs. This is required for new buildings or building modifications.
- Site Photos.
- Any other pertinent information
- Design Review Plans (Sign)
- Elevation of the proposed sign, drawn to scale, showing the sign that is proposed to be erected and the message that it will carry;
- Drawing of the plans, specifications and method of construction of the sign and its supports, showing proposed dimensions, materials, and colors, and the type, intensity and design of the sign’s illumination;
- A plot plan showing the location of the sign on the property. If the sign is to be attached to the face of the building, the plot plan shall also show the outline of the building, height and length of the face where the sign is to be installed, as well as the physical address and/or legal description of the property where the sign will be located;
- If existing sign(s) is to be replaced, photos showing the existing signs and the location of proposed new signs;
- Type and specifications of proposed lighting;
- Dates of display, if temporary sign is being proposed;
- Photos of all existing signage on the property shall also be included.
- Sample Material Board - should consist of materials, colors, and finish. Please provide a photo for your online submission and then deliver a physical copy to the Community Development Office.
- Will Serve Letter – Fire Department (if applicable)
Approval Process
The Flood Plane Permit is reviewed administratively by staff.
Fees & Deposit
All fees and deposits can be paid in person at the Community Development Office (50 Lundgren Boulevard, Gypsum, CO 81637) or by mail to PO BOX 130, Gypsum, CO 18637.
- Fee: $75
Application cannot be deemed complete and review started until payment has been received. Permit fees cover town planning, staff review time, and all Planning Commission and Town Council hearings. Deposit covers items, including but not limited to, town engineering review times, outside engineering review times, general counsel and water attorney fees, publication notices, postal/mail notices, plat check fees, updates to GIS system, and updates to the town zoning map. Any outstanding fees due to the Town must be paid before any additional land use applications will be accepted. Combined submissions, such as annexation and sketch plans, or preliminary and final, shall be accompanied by a combined fee. (17.16.010)
Required Materials for Application
- Summary Letter
- Means sea level (MSL) elevation of the lowest floor (including basement) of all proposed structures
- MSL elevation to which any proposed structure will be flood-proofed
- Certification by a registered professional engineer or architect that the flood proofing method meets the community flood proofing criteria
- A description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or relocated
- Base (100-year) Flood elevation data for a development or subdivision greater than 50 lots or 5 acres
- Site Plan (if applicable)
Approval Process
The Grading Permit is reviewed administratively by staff.
Fees & Deposit
All fees and deposits can be paid in person at the Community Development Office (50 Lundgren Boulevard Gypsum, CO 81637) or by mail to PO BOX 130 Gypsum, CO 18637.
- 2 hour minimum fee: $75.00/hour
- 100 cubic yards or less fee: $75.00
- 101 to 1,000 cubic yards fee: $75.00 for the first 100 cubic plus $10.50 for each additional 100 cubic yards or fraction thereof
- 1,001 to 10,000 cubic yards fee: $141.00 for the first 1,000 cubic yards, plus $9.00 for each additional 1,000 cubic yards or fraction thereof
- 10,001 cubic yards or more fee: $611.00 for the first 10,000 cubic yards, plus $22.50 for each additional 10,000 cubic yards or fraction thereof.
Application cannot be deemed complete and review started until payment has been received. Permit fees cover town planning, staff review time, and all Planning Commission and Town Council hearings. Deposit covers items, including but not limited to, town engineering review times, outside engineering review times, general counsel and water attorney fees, publication notices, postal/mail notices, plat check fees, updates to GIS system, and updates to the town zoning map. Any outstanding fees due to the Town must be paid before any additional land use applications will be accepted. Combined submissions, such as annexation and sketch plans, or preliminary and final, shall be accompanied by a combined fee. (17.16.010)
Required Materials for Application
- Traffic Control Plan (if applicable)
- Required if any work or travel in TOG right-of-way occurs
- May be included in the Summary Letter or Engineering Plans
- Details the safety procedures for traffic control at and around the work location
- Summary Letter
- Reason for application
- Method and type of truck/equipment used for import/export off-site
- Total imported and exported cubic yards
- Site Plan
- Detailed site arrangement and location of utilities
- May be included in the Engineering Plans
- Grading Plans with elevation contours (1’ contour intervals)
- Drainage Plans
- Erosion Control Plan
- Revegetation Plan including location, materials, and water source
- Buildings and Structures if applicable
- Dust Control Plan
- Dust Control Plans may be included in the Engineering Plans or as a separate document
- Water source, watering equipment, frequence of use, acknowledgment of voluntary or town shut down, total area we down at night and weekends, etc.
Approval Process
The Mobile Vending Permit is reviewed administratively by staff.
Fees & Deposit
No Fees and/or deposits are required for the Mobile Vending Permit.
Required Materials for Application
- Summary Letter
- A written plan for the site and its operations including waste disposal. Signed approvals should be provided if another party's waste disposal dumpster or trash can is involved.
- Attach a signed lease or letter of permission from the property owner for your mobile vending to occur on the property.
- Site Plan
- A scaled drawing of the dimensions of the proposed mobile vendor vehicle, and any displays, signage, furniture, parking, vehicle and pedestrian circulation, and any other information relevant to the approval for the permit;
- A site plan of the property or properties in which the mobile vendor intends to operate, including an indication of whether the applicant is applying for a specific site designated for such use by the Town.
- Mobile Vending Lease/ Approval Letter
A copy of a signed lease with the property owner. This acknowledges approval by the property owner for the mobile vendor to use the property. - Colorado Sales Tax License
- Retail Food Establishment License
- Gypsum Business License
- You must have a Town of Gypsum Business License to operate as a mobile vendor in the Town of Gypsum. To reduce delays, you may simultaneously apply for a Town of Gypsum Business License and Mobile Vendor License. If you do not have a Town of Gypsum Business License, you can apply for one here. If you have already been issued a license, please attach it to your application in the attachments section. A new business license will not be approved until all other requirements are met.
Approval Process
The Noise Permit is reviewed administratively by staff.
Fees & Deposit
No fees and/or deposits required for a noise permit.
Required Materials for Application
- Summary Letter
- Outlines the purpose of the application, including dates and times for the noise, and the event that requires the permit.
Approval Process
The Road Access Permit is reviewed administratively by staff.
Fees & Deposit
None
Required Materials for Application
- Engineering Plans
- Details of intersection improvement
- Traffic Control Plan may be included in the Engineering Plans or as a separate document
- Dust Control Plans may be included in the Engineering Plans or as a separate document
- Traffic Report (if applicable)
- May be included in the summary letter or a separate document
- Must detail the impacts of vehicle trips generated from the property/project on the Town’s Road network
- Traffic Control Plan (if applicable)
- Required if any work in TOG right-of-way occurs
- May be included in the Summary Letter or Engineering Plans
- Details the safety procedures for traffic control at and around the work location
- Dust Control Plan
- Dust Control Plans may be included in the Engineering Plans or as a separate document
- Water source, watering equipment, frequence of use, acknowledgment of voluntary or town shut down, total area wet down at night and weekends, etc.
- Summary Letter
- Reason for application
- Uses on property or properties seeking access
- Traffic Control Plan may be included in the summary letter
- Traffic Report may be included in the summary letter
Note: All signs located in the Airport Gateway the Master Plan Design areas require a Design Review Board Sign Permit to be submitted instead of a Sign Permit. Please see the Design Review Board tab above and page for more information, to check your property's location, and for the design guidelines.
Approval Process
The Sign Permit is reviewed administratively by staff.
Applicants located within the Market District or Airport Gateway Design area do not need to apply for a sign permit, they need to apply for a design review board application.
Fees & Deposit
All fees and deposits can be paid in person at the Community Development Office (50 Lundgren Boulevard Gypsum, CO 81637) or by mail to PO BOX 130 Gypsum, CO 18637.
- Fee for Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 9: $30
- Fee for Class 7 & 8: $10
Application cannot be deemed complete and review started until payment has been received. Permit fees cover town planning, staff review time, and all Planning Commission and Town Council hearings. Deposit covers items, including but not limited to, town engineering review times, outside engineering review times, general counsel and water attorney fees, publication notices, postal/mail notices, plat check fees, updates to GIS system, and updates to the town zoning map. Any outstanding fees due to the Town must be paid before any additional land use applications will be accepted. Combined submissions, such as annexation and sketch plans, or preliminary and final, shall be accompanied by a combined fee. (17.16.010)
Required Materials for Application
- Sign Plan
- An elevation of the proposed sign, drawn to scale and dimensioned, showing the sign that is proposed to be erected and the message that it will carry.
- A drawing of the plans, specifications and method of construction of the sign and its supports, showing proposed dimensions, materials, and colors and the type, intensity and design of the sign’s illumination
- A site plan showing the location of the sign on the property. If the sign is to be attached to the face of the building, the elevation shall also show the outline of the building. Site Plan shall also include the physical address and/or legal description of the property where the sign will be located.
- Photos of all sides of building
Approval Process
The Special Use Permit is reviewed by the Planning Commission which meets on the first Wednesday of every month and on the second Wednesday as needed.
Fees & Deposit
All fees and deposits can be paid in person at the Community Development Office (50 Lundgren Boulevard Gypsum, CO 81637) or by mail to PO BOX 130 Gypsum, CO 18637.
- Fee: $250
- Deposit: $500
Application cannot be deemed complete and review started until payment has been received. Permit fees cover town planning, staff review time, and all Planning Commission and Town Council hearings. Deposit covers items, including but not limited to, town engineering review times, outside engineering review times, general counsel and water attorney fees, publication notices, postal/mail notices, plat check fees, updates to GIS system, and updates to the town zoning map. Any outstanding fees due to the Town must be paid before any additional land use applications will be accepted. Combined submissions, such as annexation and sketch plans, or preliminary and final, shall be accompanied by a combined fee. (17.16.010)
Required Materials for Application
- Summary Letter
- Letter states the proposed/intended use of the property
- Existing zoning (include any pre-existing or non-conforming uses)
- Presentation (Later)
- To be submitted 2 weeks before the scheduled Planning Commission and Town Council meetings.
- Site Plan
- Site Plan showing grading, erosion control, utilities, location of structures, roads, landscaping, parking, activities, interior layouts (including handicap accessibility, egress) fencing, entryways, and any specific encumbrances on the property such as easements, detention ponds, drainage structures, etc… if applicable.
- Mailing Labels for Posted Notice
- A list of the names and addresses of all adjacent property owners within 300 ft. of all boundary lines, a map showing all properties included, and 3 sets of printed mailing labels (each address must have 3 labels for the certified mail). Include mineral interest owners of record, mineral and oil and gas lessees for the property and appropriate ditch companies, and any condominium owners.Labels: 5/8” x 1”, 30 ct. per sheet (Avery 5160) / Font Size: 10-12 Points.The list, map, and a certification of accuracy of the list are to be submitted on Cloudpermit with the initial application materials. The mailing labels are to be mailed to the Town (PO BOX 130 Gypsum, CO 81637) or dropped off at the Community Development Office (50 Lundgren Boulevard, Gypsum, CO 81637). The mailing labels must arrive 5 days before the required deadline to send, which can be found in the Notice Requirements of 18.16.060.The applicant shall certify that the list is complete and accurate. Use of any online mapping tools provided by the Town or other governmental agency to generate a list is at the applicant’s own risk. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that accurate and complete information is provided.
- Affidavit for Public Notice (Later)
- The Affidavit for Posted Notice can be found at the in the Community Development page Application Submission Portal & Additional Documents
- This document requires a notary.
- It does not need to be turned in until physical posting has occurred on the property. Check The Town of Gypsum’s Municipal code in Municode Chapter 17.70 for the minimum posting deadline before the first Public Hearing
Forms to be used in select above applications
Affidavit for Posted NoticeWater Right Dedication Packet 10-03-23 - FillableOrange Fillable- Petition for Annexation - AA2ADU Water, Sewer & Trash FormADU Deed Restriction TRANSFER FormADU-Deed RestrictionOther Important Links and Documents
Official Zoning MapGypsum Subdivisions Part 1Gypsum Subdivisions Part 2Airport Gateway DRB GuidelinesAirport Gateway DRB Sign GuidelinesMarket District DRB GuidelinesIf necessary and upon request, the Town will make reasonable accommodations for alternative access to the Project Documents within these pages. Please submit your accommodation request using our Website Accessibility Feedback and Request Form. Or you may email our Communications and Marketing Coordinator. Or call 970-524-7514 during business hours and request to speak with our Communications and Marketing Coordinator.

