Planning & Zoning

The Planning & Zoning Division of the Community Vitality Department is responsible for the day-to-day administration and enforcement of the City's Unified Development Code (UDC) and Zoning Regulations (Title 17 of the Cañon City Municipal Code). The division is dedicated to providing the highest level of quality service to the residents, businesses, and visitors to Cañon City.

City Planner Responsibilities

The City Planner administers applications for land-use changes and modifications, reviews site plans for compliance with applicable regulations, conducts development reviews and inspections, reviews special events requests, annexations, and issues any necessary development permits. We understand that sometimes a request may not comply with the standards and regulations adopted by the City Council. When that happens, we work with you to determine whether suitable alternatives are available.

City Plans

There are several regulating documents adopted by City Council that shape the growth and development of Canon City.

The following plans are considered to be the guiding documents of the City:

Commissions and Boards


Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment is the appeals board for administrative determinations for both Zoning and Building code decisions.  The Board of Adjustment is also a decision-making authority with respect to variances (requests for relief of zoning requirements due to unusual conditions existing on a property. The Board is scheduled to meet on the first Tuesday every month if there is business to conduct.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is the advisory body to City Council on all types of land use applications. This includes Zoning & Rezoning, Major Subdivisions, Special Review Uses, and Amendments to the City’s Unified Development Code or Comprehensive Plan.  The Planning Commission’s function is to forward a recommendation on a land-use application to City Council following a Public Hearing on the request.  The Planning Commission meets regularly on the fourth Wednesday of the month if there is new business to discuss.