Bachelor Gulch Review Process

New Construction (New Residence):
The Bachelor Gulch design review process for a new residence consists of a series of three (3) required meetings between the Property Owner, the Architect and the Bachelor Gulch Design Review Board (DRB). The process starts with an informal introductory meeting and ends with the successful completion of home construction.  The DRB meets on the second Thursday of every month at the Design Review Administration office.  Applications are due three weeks prior to that meeting in order for DRB staff to administratively review the materials before being presented to the DRB.

1. Pre-design meeting (required)
2. Conceptual plan review (highly recommended)
3. The Applicant submits an application, application fee and Sketch Plan drawings to the DRB office at least three (3) weeks prior to a regularly scheduled DRB meeting.
4. Sketch Plan Review meeting held at the Design Review Administration offices.
5. The Applicant receives a letter detailing the results of the DRB’s review of Sketch Plans.
6. The Applicant submits an application, application fee and Final Plans to the DRB office at least three (3) weeks prior to a regularly scheduled DRB meeting.
7. Final Plan review meeting held at the Design Review Administration offices.
8. The Applicant receives a letter detailing the results of the DRB’s review of Final Plans.
9. After receiving Final Plan approval from the DRB, the Applicant must comply with the pre-construction requirements prior to starting construction, including the submission and approval of Final Working Drawings.

New Construction - Steps of the Review Process
1. Pre-Design Meeting:
Prior to the preparation of any materials for formal DRB review, the Owner and consultant(s) are required to meet with the Bachelor Gulch DRB staff for a pre-design meeting. The purpose of this step is to provide the Owner with introductory information, which will establish the overall intent of regulations, restrictions and/or special considerations for the particular lot or area involved. This step is required and is for the benefit of the Owner and their Architect.  Pre-Design Meetings are scheduled independent of the regularly scheduled DRB meeting dates; please contact the DRB office at (970)754-3147 to schedule this meeting.

2. Conceptual Plan Review:
A conceptual plan review is highly recommended.  The purpose of this meeting is to provide the Owner and their Architect early feedback from the DRB on the proposed design of the residence and has the secondary benefit of identifying any potential conflicts or opportunities apparent between the proposed design and the Design Guidelines.  This meeting takes place at a regularly scheduled meeting date, but does not require a formal application or fee.  The Applicant shall present a conceptual site plan, floor plans and conceptual elevations at this meeting.  Areas of particular concern should be highlighted for the DRB to review and comment on. The Applicant must contact the DRB office to request a conceptual plan review at least seven (7) days before the scheduled meeting of the DRB. No formal action will be taken by the DRB at this step.

3. Sketch Plan Review:
The Applicant is required to submit to the DRB for review a formal Sketch Plan package. This package is expected to adequately convey existing site conditions, constraints, building orientation and design, vehicular and pedestrian access, the proposed use of exterior materials and colors and a conceptual landscape plan. Sketch Plan submittals must be submitted at least three (3) weeks before the scheduled meeting of the DRB. In addition, the Applicant is required to stake the location of proposed building corners on site for review by the DRB at the scheduled meeting.  After the Applicant submits all required application materials and fees, the DRB staff will review the Sketch Plan package for completeness and conformance with the Design Guidelines. If additional information is required or the DRB staff recognizes issues or concerns with the proposed plans, staff will contact the Applicant prior to the scheduled meeting.  The DRB staff will e-mail the meeting agenda to the Applicant approximately one (1) week prior to the scheduled meeting.  The Applicant is expected to attend the meeting to present the Sketch Plans to the Board. The DRB will take formal action on the Sketch Plans at this meeting.  The Applicant will receive a letter detailing the results of the DRB meeting within ten (10) working days following the meeting.

4. Final Plan Review:
Within one year of Sketch Plan approval, the Applicant may submit a Final Plan package for review by the DRB. The Applicant is expected to provide all information necessary to reflect the design of the proposed building(s), landscape or other features requiring the approval of the DRB. All architectural plans are to be prepared by a licensed Colorado Architect.  Final Plan submittals must be submitted at least three (3) weeks before the scheduled meeting of the DRB.  After the Applicant submits all required application materials and fees, the DRB staff will review the Final Plan package for completeness and conformance with the Design Guidelines. If additional information is required or the DRB staff recognizes issues or concerns with the proposed plans, staff will contact the Applicant prior to the scheduled meeting date.  The DRB staff will e-mail the meeting agenda to the Applicant approximately one (1) week prior to the scheduled meeting.  The Applicant is expected to attend the DRB meeting to present the Final Plans to the Board. The DRB will take formal action on the Final Plans at this meeting.  The Applicant will receive a letter detailing the results of the DRB meeting within ten (10) working days following the meeting.

5. Final Working Drawing Submission:
Upon approval of Final Plans, the Applicant is required to prepare and submit three (3) sets of Final Working Drawings (permit set) to the DRB staff prior to submitting the same to Eagle County Building Division for building permit check. The contents of the Final Working Drawings are expected to be substantially consistent with the approved Final Plans, while responding to any conditions or revisions imposed by the DRB at the Final Plan review.  The DRB staff will review the Final Working Drawings and contact the Applicant within one (1) week from the date that the plans are received.  If the Final Working Drawings are consistent with the approved Final Plans and all conditions of Final Plan approval are addressed, the DRB will stamp two sets of plans for the Applicant to submit the Eagle County for a building permit.  The DRB will keep one set of the Final Working Drawings for our records.  Upon receiving a building permit, the Applicant must comply with all of the pre-construction requirements and is required to commence construction of the residence within one (1) year following Final Plan approval.

Remodel of an Existing Residence or Landscaping:
The DRB staff is delighted to assist you in making application for any improvements to your residence and property in the timeliest fashion possible. Contacting the DRB staff well in advance of your desired start date to discuss your project as well as requesting a pre-design consultation with DRB staff is strongly encouraged. 

Quick Reference to the Steps of the Review Process for a Remodel of an Existing Residence or Landscaping:

1. The Applicant receives Home Owner’s Association (HOA ) approval, if applicable.
2. The Applicant contacts the DRB office to determine if a pre-design meeting with DRB staff is necessary for the proposed project.
3. The Applicant submits an application, application fee, HOA approval (if applicable) and plans to the DRB office on or before the submittal date.
4. The Applicant will receive the meeting agenda about one week prior to the scheduled meeting.
5. The Applicant attends the DRB meeting and presents the proposed plans.
6. The DRB takes formal action at the meeting on the plans.
7. The Applicant will receive a letter detailing the results of the DRB meeting.
8. After receiving approval from the DRB, the Applicant must comply with the pre-construction requirements prior to starting construction.

Remodel of an Existing Residence or Landscaping- Steps of the Review Process:
The Bachelor Gulch Design Review Board meets on the second Thursday of every month and applications and plans are due three (3) weeks prior to that meeting in order for it to be administratively reviewed before it can be presented to the DRB.  If the subject property is governed by a Home Owner’s Association (HOA), evidence of written approval for the proposed project from the HOA is required to be submitted to the DRB before any formal action will be taken. After the Applicant has completed the application submittal process, the DRB staff will review the application and plans for completeness and conformance with the Design Guidelines. If additional information is required or the DRB staff recognizes issues or concerns with the proposed plans, staff will contact the Applicant prior to the scheduled meeting date. 

Projects that have minimal exterior impacts or are considered routine may be “staff approved” independent of the regularly scheduled monthly DRB meeting in order to expedite the project. DRB staff will determine if a project requires formal Board review and approval. Each application and the resulting review process will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the complexity, scope and exterior impact of the proposed plan.  Please note that staff approvals must be ratified by the DRB at a regular meeting and any work performed by the Owner prior to ratification is at the owner’s own risk.

The DRB staff will fax the meeting agenda to the Applicant approximately one (1) week prior to the scheduled meeting date.  The Applicant is expected to attend the DRB meeting and to present the proposed plans.  The DRB will take formal action on the plans at this meeting.  The Applicant will receive a letter detailing the results of the DRB meeting within ten (10) working days following the meeting. In general, once a complete application and associated plans are submitted to the DRB by the required submittal day, it will take no longer than one (1) month for the DRB to take action. Larger more complex applications (see “new construction”) may take several months to review over the course of multiple meetings.

After receiving Final approval from the DRB, the Applicant must comply with the pre-construction requirements prior to starting construction.  Please reference the Construction Rules and Regulations.