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The following is a list of questions frequently asked by citizens. You may search for specific words or phases, or shorten the list by selecting a specific category.
Building
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The Town of Avon is currently using the 2003 International Building Code, the 2003 International Mechanical Code, the 2003 International Plumbing Code, the 2003 International Fuel Gas Code, some of the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code, the 2003 International Residential Code and the 2002 National Electrical Code. |
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Most requests for a permit are reviewed on an independent basis. To determine if your project needs a permit please contact the Building Department (970)748-4011. |
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•Single family / duplex or townhouse projects
•Multi-family projects
•Demolition permits
•Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, pool, and other misc. permits
•Residential remodel or basement finish
•Tenant finish projects
•Commercial projects
•Remodel in a commercial structure |
Code Enforcement
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Warning notices are issued to the property owner or occupant. Compliance times vary based on severity of violation. Failure to comply within time frame will result in a court summons leading to fines and penalties. |
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It is the property owners or occupant’s responsibility to control the infestation of noxious weeds and undesirable plants. If the Town identifies listed plants and weeds on a specific property a warning notice is issued. Failure to comply within specified time period will result in the Town’s Public Works Department implementing weed control at the expense of the property owner. |
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Vehicles, trailers and other equipment must be parked in designated parking areas only. Failure to do so will result in a warning notice of compliance. Failure to comply with notice will result in a court summons leading to fines and penalties. |
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A short-term rental is any dwelling unit other than a lodge leased to an occupant for a time period of thirty-one (31) days or less. Upon discovery, a short-term rental operator will receive a one-time warning notice to cease and desist immediately. Failure to comply will result in a court summons leading to fines and penalties. |
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Yes, all signage whether temporary or permanent must be applied for. A temporary sign permit allows the owner or operator of a business to display temporary signage for a period of no more than thirty (30) days after the approval of the application. If signage is displayed prior to approval, the allowed display time may be pro-rated accordingly. Permanent signage must meet various design criteria prior to approval and installation. |
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Yes, all minor projects must be applied for. A minor project is any project which modifies the exterior of a property or premises. Construction of a minor project without prior approval will result in an application fee three (3) times the amount of the original fee. A property owner is building at their own risk prior to application approval. |
Community Development
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All applications and forms are located in the Community Development Document Center. |
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The set planning fees are located in the Fee Schedule.
The building fees are determined by the Chief Building Official and are based upon a percentage of the total valuation of all improvements. |
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The Town uses your legal lot and block of your subdivision to uniquely identify your property. The Eagle County Assessor’s Office has a searchable online database to obtain your legal description. |
Connect Avon Now
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Connect Avon Now is a project that was developed in response to the expressed wishes of our citizens as evidenced in surveys, open houses, phone calls, and meetings. It involves creation of a dedicated revenue source to improve transportation and neighborhood connectivity consistent with town-adopted land use and transportation plans. Specific improvements include: extensions of transit service, construction of pedestrian sidewalks, construction of bicycle lanes and trails, and the addition of public parking in the town core. |
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1. INCREASED LIVABILITY: Multi-modal transportation options increase community livability. Future visitors and seasonal residents can arrive by mass transit and get around Avon and Beaver Creek easily and quickly without driving. This will maximize use of our existing road systems.
2. BETTER TRANSIT CONNECTIVITY: Several key destinations in and around Avon are currently disconnected from the town core or are inconsistently served by transit. For example, Avon Transit does not serve Buffalo Ridge, the Village at Avon (e.g., Wal-Mart, etc.), Beaver Creek, and Nottingham Rd. Bus service will be extended to these areas.
3. MORE TRAILS: About 15 miles of new bicycle lanes, sidewalks, paved trails, and unpaved hiking trails have been included in this project. These will offer additional commuting and recreational options for residents and guests.
4. INCREASED PARKING: Limited public parking in the town core combined with recently announced plans to charge for parking at the Elk and Bear lots will increase parking pressures. Connect Avon Now includes construction of a 500 stall public parking garage in the town core. This will bring better access to the gondola, shopping, river parks, restaurants and special events. This will bring synergy to the town core.
5. PLANNING FOR OUR FUTURE: A transit-oriented and vibrant walkable village plan has been developed to address increased population growth and density in the core area and to avoid mounting traffic congestion. Connect Avon Now is a way to make that plan become a reality. Each project component in Connect Avon Now adds a new transportation link that will make Avon a more vibrant community.
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1. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Many Avon residents and workers do not own a car and depend on public transportation to get to work, do their grocery shopping, access medical care, and obtain public services. Expanding transit is a socially responsible way to leverage public tax dollars and preserve household income.
2. ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Connect Avon Now proposes delivering transit service to hundreds of affordable housing residents at Buffalo Ridge who currently do not have transit service.
3. TOWN COHESIVENESS: Citizens often comment that several key destinations in and around Avon are disconnected from the town core. This is a huge inconvenience to local businesses and routine shoppers. Connect Avon Now can improve town cohesiveness by linking the Village at Avon, Beaver Creek Village, the Nottingham Commercial area, and residential areas on West Beaver Creek Blvd and Eagle Bend Drive to the town core via transit, trail, and parking improvements.
4. IMPROVES SAFETY: In 2009, Avon incurred 250 road accidents, the majority of which involved drivers who were unfamiliar with local weather and/or road conditions. In 2008, Eagle County had the highest DUI rate in the state, with over 150 DUIs in Avon alone. Connect Avon Now will allow more people to utilize mass transit, avoid driving in difficult winter road conditions, and have fun without risking a DUI or the life and safety of others.
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There are both capital construction and annual operating costs associated with Connect Avon Now. Expanding transit service requires purchase of additional buses. Capital costs include construction of a new parking garage, bus shelters, trails and other facilities. Annual operating costs include fuel, labor, maintenance, repairs, and vehicle replacement. The total estimated cost of this project through 2020 in present day dollars is about $66 million. Assuming some economic growth occurs in Avon during the next 10-15 years, the proposed funding plan will generate about enough revenue to pay for the expected expenses of this project. If more or less growth occurs, the project timeline will be adjusted. |
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Town Council is evaluating proposed solutions to our transportation challenges and more importantly how to pay for them. None of the recommended improvements currently has a secured funding source. Voter approval of new revenue will be needed to implement any of the recommended components. To date, a small sales tax increase in combination with a replacement mill levy is the favored approach. Use of sales tax is attractive because 2/3rds of Avon’s sales tax is imported from outside Eagle County. Once community input has been completed, the council will finalize the plan, costs, and preferred funding approach. Click on the link to view suggested projected funding sources. |
Finance
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You can download a sales tax application. Then mail the completed application to the Town of Avon Box 975 Avon, CO 81620 or fax it to (970) 949-9139. |
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Mail your sales tax return and remittance to Town of Avon Box 151590 Lakewood, CO 80215-8501 |
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If a sale is made within the Town of Avon you must collect 4% sales tax. |
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The total effective sales tax rate/fee is 8.736% |
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No, Beaver Creek is not. For information on taxes in Beaver Creek, call Beaver Creek Resort Company at (970) 949-5750. |
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No, it is not. For information on taxes in Bachelor Gulch, call Beaver Creek Resort Company at (970) 949-5750. |
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No, Eagle-Vail is not. For information on Eagle-Vail taxes, call Eagle County at (970) 328-8600. |
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Yes, you need to have a sales tax license and separate returns must be filed for our special events. |
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No, the Town of Avon does not have a Use Tax, but if you deliver merchandise into the Town of Avon on an occasional basis, you must collect sales tax on the sale of goods that you are delivering. |
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If you lease a car outside of the Town of Avon and your home street address is in the Town of Avon, you must pay Town of Avon Sales Tax. |
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Because your business is physically located in the Town of Avon, all jobs that are done within the Town of Avon, require that you collect Town of Avon sales tax. This applies to install jobs regardless of where the materials are purchased and to retail over-the-counter jobs. The only jobs where the Town of Avon sales taxes would not be collected would be those install jobs performed outside the city limits. |
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It is an exemption from real estate transfer tax on the first $160,000 of the purchase price of the property. Requirements: 1) The buyer has never received a real estate transfer tax exemption before, 2) The property being purchased is the buyer's primary residence, and 3) Complete and submit to the Town of Avon a Real Estate Transfer Tax Exemption Form |
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Utility Tax is a 1% tax on the gross receipts derived from the sale of electric, gas, other heat, telecom, or telephone services. It is in lieu of the 4% sales tax. |
Fleet Maintenance
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If you are a tax-free organization (e.g., governmental agency, metro district, special district, etc.), we are able to perform maintenance on your vehicle. |
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Please bring your vehicle or deliver parts between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm; please call first if you would like to schedule a time outside of these hours. |
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Avon Fleet is located at the Public Works complex north of I70 at exit 167. Our address is 500 Swift Gulch Road, Avon, CO 81620. |
Human Resources
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Yes. An application is required for each position for which you apply. Police jobs require a police application. Please specify the position you are applying for on the employment application. Resumes may be submitted in addition to an application. |
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Yes. A separate application is required for each position for which you are applying. |
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1) Fax: (970)748-4078 2) Mail: Town of Avon
Human Resources Department
P. O. Box 975
Avon, CO 81620 3) Drop off: (Between 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m, Monday thru Friday)
Town of Avon, Human Resources Department
One Lake Street
Avon, Colorado |
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Job announcements are posted and updated as soon as the Human Resources Department has been notified by the department that a position is available or has been filled. |
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Applicants are generally notified by phone within two weeks if they have been selected for an interview. Applicants who are not selected are typically notified by mail by the hiring department after the position has been filled. Since each department schedules its own interviews and notifies applications of eliminations, time frames may vary depending upon departmental needs and priorities. |
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Applicants are contacted by the hiring department if they have been selected for an interview. |
Mapping
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Yes. The latest color aerial photos were taken in October 2004. Please visit the Eagle County Web Map Browser to navigate around the Town of Avon and the rest of Eagle County. If you would like to purchase photos please refer to the Eagle County GIS Department for availability and pricing. |
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Please print and fill out a GIS Public Request Form then bring it into the Community Development department for evaluation. |
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GIS, Geographic Information System, is a collection of computer hardware, software, and geographic data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information. ESRI Geography Matters. |
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The data was originally created at the County level and then distributed to the other government entities. |
Parks and Facilities Maintenance
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In most cases, the abutting property owner is responsible for this maintenance. In some instances – where the town is the abutting property owner or where a local improvement district (LID) has been created – the town is responsible for this maintenance. If you are unsure whether or not you are paying to participate in a LID, please contact Public Works at (970) 748-4100. |
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The town encourages beautification efforts but only allows a limited list of plants and other materials to be placed in the right-of-way so that there is no negative impact to the traveling public, traffic flow, plowing, storm water flow, or other operations. The Town is not responsible for the care or maintenance of any plants or other materials placed in the right-of-way. For more information, please contact Public Works at (970) 748-4100 or email mlach@avon.org |
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No. Trails are for non-motorized vehicles and emergency vehicles only. |
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Absolutely! Please call Public Works at (970) 748-4100 to find out when the next trail work party will be held. |
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Please call Public Works at (970) 748-4100 or e-mail us (rjanusz@avon.org) |
Planning
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Each application has a different fee based on the type of development being applied for. Please review our most current Fee Schedule. |
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The length of review depends on the current work load for staff. If the review requires a hearing then the application will be sent to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Please review the Planning and Zoning Submittal Schedule for more information. |
Police
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The Town of Avon Police Department at (970) 479-2200, extension 0. |
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Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. |
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Title or registration, current proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license. There is a $10.00 fee if you live within the jurisdictional boundaries of Avon; $15.00 fee if you live outside. |
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Fingerprints can be taken any time during our administrative hours. You will need picture identification and there is a $10.00 fee. |
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A portable Breath Test can be done any time of day. However, we do have a $5.00 fee that needs to be paid during administrative hours. If you have pre-purchased breath tests, you may use the phone outside of the Police Department to request an officer to provide the test. If you have not pre-purchased your test you will need to come in during regular business hours. |
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No, dogs must be on a leash while on public property, this includes all parks and school grounds. Dogs are also not allowed to swim in Nottingham Park. |
Roads and Bridges
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In most cases, the abutting property owner is responsible for this maintenance. In some instances – where the town is the abutting property owner or where a local improvement district (LID) has been created – the town is responsible for this maintenance. If you are unsure whether or not you are paying to participate in a LID, please contact Public Works at (970) 748-4100 (e-mail link: mlach@avon.org). |
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Yes - if you will be conducting work in the public right-of-way - you will need to obtain a permit before beginning work. Please contact Public Works at (970) 748-4100. (e-mail link: mlach@avon.org) |
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The Town encourages roadside beautification efforts but only within functional limitations. Depending on neighborhood and the specific parcel, the public right-of-way may extend another 10 to 15 feet behind the edge of asphalt, with an additional easement of up to 10 feet for snow storage. Conflicts with traffic visibility, storm water control, and street maintenance activities (e.g., snow plowing, ditch grading) restrict options in these areas. Low height turf or native grasses and wildflowers are strongly recommended. No hard structures, including trees, bushes, rocks, berms, irrigation piping, or the like are permitted within the right-of-way. The Town is not responsible for maintenance or damage to any plants or other materials placed by the property owner in these public areas. Please contact Public Works at (970) 748-4100 for a suggested plantings list or for more information on this subject. (e-mail link: mlach@avon.org) |
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No. This impedes operations and is also considered littering, punishable under AMC 8.1.120. Please contact Public Works at 748-4100 to report violators (e-mail link: mlach@avon.org) |
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We are able to produce street signs for outside agencies. |
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We only erect signs, banners, lights, etc. on public property within the Town of Avon limits. It is not our business (nor are we insured to) erect signs, banners, flags, etc. on private property. |
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The back-up alarms are required by federal law to remain in service. We regret that the noise can be bothersome but unfortunately we are unable to disable them. |
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Avon Municipal Code 8.24.085 allows construction noise during the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm on most days and between 9am and 6pm on Sundays and national holidays, unless otherwise allowed for by the Town Manager. |
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You can pick one up at 500 SG Rd. at the PW dept. or call 748-4100 and we can fax or e-mail a form to you. |
Short Term Rentals
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Yes, you must collect Avon sales and accommodations tax. More information on collecting and remitting taxes can be found on our accommodations tax web page. More... |
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Please see the link below for an application to amend a PUD. You may also contact the Community Development Department at 970-748-4030 for more information. More... |
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The second reading of Ordinance No. 09-12 will be on October 13, 2009. If it passes, the ordinance will go into effect on October 20, 2009. |
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Currently, they are only allowed if a property's zoning permits it. If you do not know your zoning, you can contactCommunity Development at 748-4030. |
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All property owners within a 300 foot radius must be notified of the public hearing. The public hearing will take place during a Planning and Zoning meeting. These meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Contact the Community Development Department for more information at 748-4030. |
Town Clerk
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If the business is permanently located in the Town of Avon limits. |
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Eagle-Vail & Edwards, Colorado are not in the boundaries of Avon. |
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You can download a business registration application from Avon’s website, complete it in full, submit it with $75 to the Town of Avon, Town Clerks Office, PO Box 975, Avon, CO 81620. |
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If you sell, deliver or offer for sale goods, wares or merchandise traveling from place to place, house to house or street to street while traveling on foot or by vehicle or any other type of conveyance. |
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You can download a peddler's license application from Avon’s website, complete it in full, submit it to the Town of Avon, Town Clerks Offce, PO Box 975, Avon, CO 81620 |
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http://www.colocode.com/avon.html |
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http://www.colocode.com/avon.html |
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Contact the Town Clerk’s Office or telephone (970) 748-4035 to submit your request to address the Avon Town Council. |
Urban Renewal
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The Urban Renewal Authority implements urban renewal projects in accordance with urban renewal plans adopted by Town Council. |
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The purpose of creating a URA in Avon is to give the town the ability to revitalize its town center core, improve vehicular and pedestrian access and strengthen Avon’s identity as both a year-round residential community and as a commercial, tourism, and economic center. |
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Once an Urban Renewal Authority is created it needs a “plan of action.” An Urban Renewal Plan guides the Urban Renewal Authority on how redevelopment should be implemented. |
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Avon has long lacked a cohesive town center core. This project will build a new Main Street for Avon. This street is envisioned as a mostly pedestrian area that will combine retail, commercial and residential uses in one area. Public plazas, art, and a civic center that will include Avon’s Recreation Center, Nottingham Park, library, and municipal building are all part of the vision. |
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Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a mechanism used by communities to fund eligible improvements within a designated area. TIF dollars can only be used within an urban renewal (redevelopment) area. An area may be designated as an urban renewal (or redevelopment) area after the following: 1. Independent blight study or conditions survey has been prepared and presented first, to the municipalities urban redevelopment authority or board, and second, to their Council;
2. Market analysis has been completed in order to determine the potential for future uses within the urban renewal area, and their potential timing;
3. Urban renewal plan document and supporting financing plan (impact analysis) have been prepared;
4. Stakeholder have been contacted and invited to comment on future uses and required improvements within the area;
5. Council accepts the findings of the conditions survey and adopts (by resolution) the urban renewal plan.
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Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a unique mechanism that enables an urban renewal authority or board to use the net new tax revenues generated by projects within a designated urban renewal area to help finance future improvements. TIF is a new source of tax revenue, not an additional tax, that would not be available but for new investment. When a redevelopment project is being planned, the urban renewal authority or board analyzes how much additional property and/or sales taxes may be generated once it is completed. That “tax increment” then can be used by the urban renewal entity either to finance the issuance of bonds or to reimburse developers for a portion of their project costs. In either case, the new tax revenue that is created must be used for improvements that have a public benefit and that support the redevelopment effort, such as site clearance, streets, utilities, parks, the removal of hazardous materials or conditions, or site acquisition. Source: Denver Urban Renewal Authority
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No, TIF is used only when a “blighted” area or property cannot be redeveloped without public investment and when it meets a public objective, and then only to fill the “gap” between the total project cost and the level of private financing the project can support. In the case of developer reimbursement, the amount of money reimbursed depends on the success of the project, with the developer being reimbursed only if the project creates additional tax revenue for the community. |
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The legal term “blight” describes a wide array of urban problems, which can range from physical deterioration of buildings and the environment, to health, social and economic problems in a particular area. According to Colorado State Statutes (CRS 31-25-103) (2), a “blighted area” is defined as follows: “Blighted area” means an area that, in its present condition and use and, by reason of the presence of at least four of the following factors, substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of the municipality, retards the provision of housing accommodations, or constitutes an economic or social liability, and is a menace to the public health, safety, morals, or welfare; …
Property owners within a “blighted” area are not required to be notified of blight or fix blight.
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“Blighted area” means an area that, in its present condition and use and, by reason of the presence of at least four of the following factors, substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of the municipality, retards the provision of housing accommodations, or constitutes an economic or social liability, and is a menace to the public health, safety, morals, or welfare: (a) Slum, deteriorated, or deteriorating structures;
(b) Predominance of defective or inadequate street layout;
(c) Faulty lot layout in relation to size, adequacy, accessibility, or usefulness;
(d) Unsanitary or unsafe conditions;
(e) Deterioration of site or other improvements;
(f) Unusual topography or inadequate public improvements or utilities;
(g) Defective or unusual conditions of title rendering the title non-marketable;
(h) The existence of conditions that endanger life or property by fire or other causes;
(i) Buildings that are unsafe or unhealthy for persons to live or work in because of building code violations, dilapidation, deterioration, defective design, physical construction, or faulty or inadequate facilities;
(j) Environmental contamination of buildings or property;
(k.5) The existence of health, safety, or welfare factors requiring high levels of municipal services or substantial physical underutilization or vacancy of sites, buildings, or other improvements;
(l) If there is no objection of such property owner or owners and the tenant or tenants of such owner or owners, if and, to the inclusion of such property in an urban renewal area, “blighted area” also means an area that, in its present condition and use and, by reason of the presence of any one of the factors specified in paragraphs (a) to (k.5) of this subsection (2), substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of the municipality, retards the provision of housing accommodations, or constitutes an economic or social liability, and is a menace to the public health, safety, morals or welfare. For purposes of this paragraph (1), the fact that an owner of an interest in such property does not object to the inclusion of such property in the urban renewal area does not mean that the owner has waived any rights of such owner in connection with laws governing condemnation. Source: Colorado Revised Statute 31-25-103(2).
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By initiating the process of designating an area for urban renewal, a community is sending the message that they are interested in assisting with its revitalization. Through the planning process, market opportunities are identified and the private sector is engaged in understanding these opportunities, as well as the tools which are available to assist with project implementation. Property owners and businesses benefit from both the public and private commitments and investment through association and proximity. (Also see “impacts to property values.”) |
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It can affect your property values, and more often than not, in a positive way. Frequently, when an urban renewal area is designated, property values increase. This happens because many times private individuals begin to purchase land (speculation) in anticipation of both, future development and increased property values. It also happens because properties located within an urban renewal area are often perceived by the development community as valuable because of the availability of financial incentives which are not available outside the district. |
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No. The Town of Avon has excluded the right to use eminent domain entirely from its Urban Renewal Plan. Property for an urban renewal project is most often acquired by private interests in arms-length transactions at fair market value. Most municipalities are extremely reluctant to use their condemnation powers for many reasons, not the least of which is the lengthy acquisition and negotiation process. |
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Input from “stakeholders” who participate in the public process to define a vision for the area is incorporated into the urban renewal plan. The plan is then presented to the urban renewal entity for review, discuss and approve, and ultimately the plan document is presented to Council for adoption. |
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The same municipal regulations which applied prior to the urban renewal designation, apply after, e.g. zoning, special districts (if any), etc. The presence of urban renewal does not impose additional restrictions on property use. Rather, it makes available additional tools (incentives) to assist with implementation projects which are consistent with the urban renewal plan. |
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Generally 1 Determine Project Planning Area Boundaries; 2 Verify Presence and Location of Blighting Conditions; 3 Prepare Conditions Survey *; 4 Present Conditions Survey Findings to Urban Renewal Entity and Council for Acceptance; 5 Identify Market Opportunities Within Area and Quantify Timing; 6 Together with Stakeholders – Define Future Role of Area in Community; 7 Prepare Urban Renewal Plan; 8 Complete Financial Analysis (Tax Increment Finance – TIF); 9 Complete Impact Analysis (as per legislation) and Share With All Impacted Taxing Bodies; 10 Present Urban Renewal Plan to Urban Renewal Entity and Council for Adoption; 11 Issue Request for Projects; 12 Implement Plan * Based on conditions survey findings, modify boundaries for urban renewal area, if necessary. Source: Leland Consulting Group, 303.458.5800, www.lelandconsulting.com
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