Land Use Regulations

Land Use Code

The Delta County Land Use Code was adopted January 5, 2021, which in part implements the vision and goals of the 2018 Master Plan.  These regulations replaced existing regulations for Subdivisions, Specific Developments, and Mobile Home Parks.  As part of the resolution adopting the Land Use Code, all planning districts or protection plans previously adopted by Delta County, including but not limited to, Surface Creek Land Value Protection Plan, Special Planning District 1, the Rogers Mesa Special Planning District, and the East Redlands Mesa Planning District were repealed.  

The Land Use Code is a set of regulations that guide how property is used and developed in Delta County. The purpose of the Land Use Code is to protect landowner rights while also looking out for overall community interests. 

New Land Use Code Links

Resolution 2021-R-001 Adopting Land Use Code
Land Use Code
Interactive Zoning Map

Pre-Application Required Before Applying

Before beginning any development review process in unincorporated Delta County, talk with Planning Staff to complete a Pre-Application Form that will help assess if a pre-application conference is required before applying (Pre-Application Form available online on the Permit Information web page.

Application Process

STEP 1: PRE-APPLICATION.  Submit the pre-application for with a $100 review fee for all development.  A pre-application conference is required unless waived by the Director.  Planning will schedule a pre-application conference where applicable (typically Mondays).  If a conference is not required or once the conference is completed, then the process moves to Step 2.

STEP 2: APPLICATION PACKAGE GIVEN OUT.  Planning staff will provide the required forms with checklists of information to provide with the application.  A cover letter will provide an overview of the process, and include a summary of the pre-application conference where applicable.  Regulations afford staff up to three (3) weeks to complete this step.  

STEP 3: SUBMIT APPLICATION.  Submit completed forms with information as required in the checklists and fees.  Staff will review to assess if the package is complete.  If the application is incomplete, a letter identifying materials required will be sent, and the application placed on hold until that information is provided.  A complete application proceeds to Step 4.

STEP 4: PROCESS APPLICATION. Applications may be referred to agencies and adjacent neighbors prior to proceeding.  Once all comments are received, the application is processed by/to the appropriate hearing body A Land Use Guidelines matrix provides and summary of the process for each type of permit.  In addition, the Agendas and Minutes page of this website identifies the types of hearing bodies and what they review. 

Master Plans

Master Plans provide policies guiding growth and development for the unincorporated areas of Delta County.  They provide a policy direction for decisions about the economy, land use, housing, transportation, and community facilities establishing a foundation for land use regulations.

The Master Plan provides facts on existing conditions and trends, enabling decision makers to better understand the impact of their decisions.  It describes where and what type of development the community desires, allowing for the zoning, purchase and use of land consistent with community goals.

2018 Delta County Master Plan

In May of 2018, the Delta County adopted an updated Master Plan for the County that was the outcome of a year-long process that engaged diverse residents from around the county with a wide spectrum of viewpoints in a dialogue about what we wanted for the future. The primary question the Master Plan process answered was: How do we create opportunities for everyone to thrive while protecting the things that make Delta County unique? 

2018 Delta County Recreation and Trails Master Plan

In May of 2018, Delta County completed a Recreation and Trails Master Plan, which is incorporated into the Master Plan. This plan helps the County identify opportunities for recreation and trail development across the County, and will be used as a tool in looking for grant funds, as well as coordinating with the various entities and organizations involved in trail development, management, and maintenance.

Links

Delta County Master Plan
Recreation and Trails Master Plan
Recreation and Trails Master Plan Maps