Community Development Department
Community Development includes the Building Inspection, Engineering, Planning, Open Space and Trails, and Weed Control departments along with Colorado State University (CSU) Extension. Each of these departments plays a specialized role in the development of the land along with the preservation of the unique natural assets within the county.

Building Inspection
The Building Inspection Department administers and reviews building, electrical, and mechanical permits in accordance with the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC). Projects requiring permits include all new structures, alterations, and remodels. Decks, hot tubs, and window replacements also require permits.

Engineering
The Summit County Engineering Department is responsible for the administration of the county’s floodplain regulations, road and bridge standards, grading and excavation regulations, and water quality standards as set forth in the Summit County Land Use and Development Code.

Environmental Health

The Environmental Health Department works closely with all Community Development departments.  Environmental Health is responsible for administering Onsite Wastewater System (OWS) permits, as well as performing all inspections required during the construction of an OWS. Environmental Health reviews building permit plans for properties with wells and septic systems and for food service establishments, in addition to demolition permits for asbestos issues.  Environmental Health is also involved with planning referrals. 

Planning
The Planning Department administers land use reviews such as on site plans, subdivisions, rezonings, conditional use permits, and building permits to ensure conformance with standards set forth in the Summit County Land Use and Development Code. This includes, but is not limited to: zoning, permitted uses, setbacks, height, lighting, landscaping, signs, and other development standards. The Planning Department is also charged with updating the master plans on a periodic basis and works with the respective planning commission to adopt the updates to these plans.

Open Space & Trails
The Summit County Open Space and Trails Department’s responsibility is to identify, protect, and manage open spaces, trails, and trailheads to preserve and maintain Summit County’s rural mountain character and unique natural areas and to ensure a high quality of life for its residents and guests. This is accomplished through the purchase and acquisition of land and easements in consultation with the Open Space Advisory Council.

Weed Control
The Summit County Weed Control Program is tasked with identifying any and all noxious weeds and their location within Summit County. Management of these invasive plant species is required by law on all County right-of-ways and properties. The Weed Control Program also works closely with the municipalities, Denver Water, US Forest Service, and Colorado Department of Transportation to assist them with questions, weed management plans, and controlling weeds within their bounderies. Because public education is key to successfully managing weeds, the Weed Control Program has outreach programs to assist homeowners associations, schools, volunteer groups, and individual property owners to better understand and manage noxious weeds.

CSU Extension
Colorado State University (CSU) Extension provides research-based information and education on a variety of local issues.  Extension in Summit County has five main program areas:

• 4-H Youth Development
• Colorado Master Gardener
• Native Plant Master
• Seedling Tree Program
• Forest Health / Wildfire Mitigation