Planning Department

plans

Important Message:

The Planning Department will be working remotely from May 1 - June 30 while their offices receive a remodel. Front counter operations will continue and all desk phones will be forwarded to cell phones. If possible, please try to communicate with the Planning Department over the phone or via email.

Thank you for your understanding!

Welcome!

The Manitou Springs Planning Department responsibilities include:

Over the past two years Manitou Springs City Staff, City boards and commissions, work groups of community members, and many more stakeholders have been working together to craft an updated Land Use and Development Code for Manitou Springs.

On Tuesday, January 3, 2022, Manitou Springs City Council passed Ordinance NO. 2322 with a unanimous vote, therefore implementing the Land Use and Development Code, effective March 1, 2023.

Hannah Van Nimwegen-McGuire, Planning Director for the City of Manitou Springs commented on the code update, stating “this code integrates green-building incentives and other sustainable practices, supports the installation of public art, supports affordable housing, and continues the preservation of Manitou Springs’ unique natural features.” She continued “all of this results in a built environment that reflects the character and values of Manitou Springs.”

Land Use and Development Code (Effective March 1, 2023)

Our Vision

The Planning & Community Development team will provide leadership in City's execution of Plan Manitou, enhance development and improvement opportunities while working closely with residents to protect and maintain the character of the community through implementation of Municipal Zoning Code provisions for historic preservation, zoning, subdivision, and sign code.

Functions

The Planning Department for the City of Manitou Springs has a wide range of functions for the benefit of residents, contractors/developers, and the local government. Some of those functions include, but are not limited to:

  • Building Plan Review: Building plans are reviewed by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. 
  • Code Enforcement: The role of code enforcement is to promote the health, safety and welfare of the community through education, community involvement, and enforcement of ordinances. Our goal is to ensure safe, attractive neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown and business district, and a peaceful, enjoyable community for everyone.
  • Development Application Review: Staff works with applicants to process development applications and to assist them through public processes. 
  • Master Plans, Studies, Maps, and Guidelines: The community master plan, Hazard Mitigation Plan, and other plans that guide our community's growth, preservation, and development.
  • Plan Manitou: Access the community master plan containing the Hazard Mitigation Plan, maps, community profiles, educational material and more.
  • Short-Term Rental Monitoring: The Planning Department monitors and tracks legal short-term rentals in the City of Manitou Springs for compliance with the operation's Minor Conditional Use Permit.
  1. What improvements require a permit? Do I need a permit?
  2. How much does a property improvement permit cost?
  3. Which improvements require that plans be submitted prior to permitting? Am I required to submit plans?
  4. What is Use Tax and what is it used for?
  5. What is the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD)?
  6. Can I operate a short-term rental (AKA Vacation Rental) in the City?
  7. What do I need to know about performing work in the City’s Local Historic Districts?
  8. What do I need to know about performing roofing work in the City’s Local Historic Districts?
  9. Are there any penalties for pulling a Property Improvement Permit after the work has been completed?
  10. How do I locate an easement?
  11. How do I locate/obtain a surveyor?
View All FAQs

City of Manitou Springs Fees and Fines

  1. City Fee Schedule (PDF)