Show All Answers

1. How long will the Public Works review take?

The typical PW review time for most developments is ten to fifteen working days. This time frame may be extended depending upon the following conditions:
1. Technical scope and complexity of the development. A highly complex project will involve many different technical documents and ultimately require more review time than a less complex one.
2. The quality of the submittal. Full and complete submittals will minimize staff review time. Please keep in mind partial submittals will not be considered as being under review.
3. Existing staff workload at the time of the application. In an effort to treat every applicant the same, all submittals to Public Works are reviewed on a first-come first-serve basis.

The total length of the Public Works review process involves items 1 through 3 above, and ultimately the number of re-submittals required to address all comments in a satisfactory manner.

2. What can I do to reduce the number of reviews?

In addition to the Development Review web page, also visit our Engineering and Land Surveying pages. As our information is continually being updated, visiting these pages prior to the commencement of your project will ensure you have obtained the most current information, saving you both time and money. In addition, the Public Works Department is going as "green" as possible by reducing the number of submittal documents previously required to a single hardcopy. Instead of having applicants submit multiple hardcopies for review, applicants are encouraged to include electronic files which will be reviewed and subsequently returned via e-mail. This method reduces the PW review turn-around time by a week or more. To take advantage of this huge time and money saving method, please be sure to adhere to the electronic file requirements relayed by Public Works during a development Pre-Application Meeting or as indicated on the Building Permit Application checklist.

3. Does my property lie within a floodplain?

Paper copies of the official FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) depicting the floodplain boundaries are available for inspection at the Wheat Ridge City Hall, Department of Public Works, Engineering Division. If you wish to determine if your property lies within the floodplain by viewing the FIRMs online, you can examine them on the

FEMA website.

4. What will be my site drainage requirements?

In general, site drainage requirements are based upon two general categories of developments: 1) Single-family or Duplex residences, and 2) Multi-family/Commercial or Subdivision developments. Single-family or duplex residence developments have minimal requirements, but multi-family and commercial or subdivision projects can have substantial civil engineering requirements. It is highly recommended that the Site Drainage Requirements be fully read prior to finalizing any construction documents.

5. When are stormwater quality treatments required?

In an effort to enforce the federally mandated Clean Water Act, permanent stormwater quality facilities are required of all commercial and subdivision developments, and large single-family residences (disturbing more than 1 acre). The extent of the facilities depends on the magnitude of the development, as defined in the Site Drainage Requirements.

6. When do I need a Stormwater Maintenance Agreement?

If your site utilizes a stormwater detention or water quality facility, a Stormwater Maintenance Agreement accompanied by a Stormwater Operations and Maintenance Schedule will be required. These documents must be received, reviewed, and approved prior to issuance of a Certificate of Completion or any Certificate of Occupancy. For further information as well as editable versions of all documents, please contact Bill LaRow, Stormwater Program Manager at (303) 235-2871.

7. What are the Public Works Review Fees?

Public Works review fees are approved by City Council and based upon the size and complexity of the development. For example, Single Family/Duplex Residence review fees are $150.00, while Commercial and Multi-family developments which have more technical documentation will cost more to review. All development fees correspond to the PW Development Review Fee Schedule as approved by the Wheat Ridge City Council.
Please note that these fees pay only for the Public Works review of technical, civil engineering, and land surveying documents, and that additional review fees from other City departments or outside agencies will apply.