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_Business Owners

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1. How do I register a business with the City of Glenwood Springs?

You may register your business through MUNIRevs, the city's online portal for tracking business licenses and tax revenues. Click here to register your business. 

2. Am I required to register for a business license?

All business owners operating in the limits of the City of Glenwood Springs are required to register for a business license.

3. How long does the business license last?

Business licenses automatically expire every two years at the end of odd-numbered years (Dec. 2019, Dec. 2021, etc.). This is to ensure that the City's business database is up to date with all active businesses.

4. I own multiple businesses. Do I need licenses for all of them?

Yes, all businesses in Glenwood Springs are required to possess their own license for operation. You can add multiple businesses to the same account in MUNIRevs.

5. What zone is my business in?

You can view the City of Glenwood Springs zoning boundaries here. You can also use the City of Glenwood Springs Public Interactive Map to search for your address and view its zone. Simply click on "Zone Boundaries" on the left and select the parcel you are searching for. 

6. I forgot my MuniRevs password

From the MuniRevs Log In page, click the “Forgot your password” link and follow the instructions that will be e-mailed to the User’s registered e-mail address.

7. I completed my application but have not received my license yet.

Depending on the size and needs of your business, there may be other steps necessary to establish your business before you receive your license. Please visit the Business Resources page for more information. If you have questions, please contact the Community Development Department at (970) 384-6411. 

8. I registered my business. Now what?

All businesses are required to register with the Colorado Secretary of State. Please visit the Community Development page to review any other requirements in order to establish your business.

For other business resources, please see the following links:

• Colorado Mountain College Business Training
• Financing Options
• Northwest Colorado Small Business Development Council
• US Small Business Administration

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Building Department

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1. Do I need a permit to construct a shed?

No, as long as the shed is 120 square feet or less in size. However, regardless of size, your shed must observe a 10 foot setback from the rear lot line or 7.5 feet where there is no alley; and a 5 foot setback from the side lot line.

2. Do I need a permit for electrical or plumbing work?

Generally, yes. The Building Department issues permits for plumbing work. Electrical permits are issued by the State of Colorado on-line at the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) website.

To pull a plumbing permit, you must be a licensed plumbing contractor with the state (DORA) and must be registered with the City of Glenwood Springs (COGS). For more information about requirements, please review this document. 

3. Do I need a permit to replace windows?

Yes. You need to apply for a building permit to replace your windows. You also need to provide the Building Department with U-value of your new windows to ensure that they meet the current energy standards.

4. Do I need a permit to replace siding?

No, as long as you are only replacing the siding. However, if you are adding insulation at the same time, you will need to apply for a building permit for the insulation.

5. I need to replace my water heater or furnace. Do I need a permit?

Yes, you need to apply for a building permit to replace your water heater, furnace or boiler. Additionally, any work involving gas piping must be handled by a licensed plumber. If your water heater or furnace needs to be replaced in an emergency (on a weekend, for example), go ahead and install the new unit but make sure that you apply for your building permit on the next business day.

6. My friend and I want to put a new roof on my house. Do we need a contractor's license?

No. You, as homeowner, may have one unpaid assistant to help replace your roof. However, you do need to apply for a roofing permit.

7. What happens if I start a building project without a permit?

You will be required to obtain a permit and may be asked to remove flooring or drywall so that the Building Department can complete its inspection of your work. Additionally, the City's Building Official has the option of attaching a monetary penalty to your permit. Please also keep in mind that insurance companies, building appraisers, and realtors often contact us to verify that we've issued permits.

8. How do I schedule an inspection?

Call the City's Inspection Hot Line at 970-384-6432. You need to request an inspection 24 hours in advance. When calling, be prepared to provide-
*Project address
*Permit number
*Date for inspection
*Preference as to morning or afternoon inspection
*Contractor's name and contact person
*Phone number for contact person
The Building Inspector will contact you the morning of the inspection to set up a time.

9. What codes apply to construction work in Glenwood Springs?

On June 5, 2022, the City moved to the 2021 editions of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Property Maintenance Code, International Existing Building Code, International Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and of the 2020 editions of the National Electrical Code and National Electrical Safety Code. (The City of Glenwood Springs uses the State of Colorado for
our Electrical inspections, and defers to the current
edition as adopted and enforced by the State of Colorado.)

10. Do I need a contractor's license to work in Glenwood Springs?

Yes. If you are doing work within the city of Glenwood Springs you must be licensed. If you are working as a subcontractor but are not employed by that contractor, you also must be licensed to work in Glenwood Springs.

11. How do I find out if my contractor is licensed to work in Glenwood Springs?

You can call the Building Department at 970-384-6411. We will check both the license and insurance status for you.

12. What are the requirements to obtain a contractor's license?

Each city or town has its own contractor licensing requirements. In Glenwood Springs you must complete a license application which is available on the Building Department page or by visiting the Community Development Department, 2nd Floor, City Hall. Be aware that some license categories require that you have a BEST card; and, all licenses require that you show evidence of liability insurance at the time you submit your license application. Additionally, if you have employees, you are required to carry worker's compensation insurance.

13. What is a BEST card?

BEST is Board of Examiners Standardized Testing. A BEST card is evidence that you have passed a written test on the code that applies to your licensing category. The BEST card is recognized by cities and towns in the Roaring Fork Valley and west to the town of Silt.

14. When and where can I take a BEST test?

The City of Glenwood Springs gives the BEST test by appointment only. Call the Building Department at 970-384-6411 to schedule your appointment. Other cities and towns that give the BEST test are Aspen/Pitkin County, Snowmass Village, Basalt, Carbondale, and Silt.

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Downtown Overlay

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1. What is a design overlay district?

An overlay district, sometimes known as an overlay zone, is a geographic zoning district layered on top of another existing zoning district, or districts, that implements additional regulations. This would be part of the City's development code. Like other zoning regulations, overlay districts can control building codes and urban design, permitted land use, density, and other factors. 

2. Why is this being considered and what are the goals?

The idea of adding a downtown design overlay district is to put policy in place to promote downtown vibrancy. This includes enhancing the pedestrian-oriented business and service character in the central core to support an active, vibrant street life. 

3. Who might it apply to?

Generally, this would be applied upon development applications submitted to the City after the final ordinance is adopted by City Council. Part of the community conversation is to discuss what kinds of development applications would trigger overlay requirements. For example, this could include any of the following: redevelopment, remodels, change of use, or others. 

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Engineering Permit FAQ Flowcharts

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1. Do I Need an Engineering Permit For...

Deck Construction Flowchart

Demolition Flowchart

Driveway Modification Flowchart

Events Flowchart

Home Additions Flowchart

Landscaping Flowchart

Shed Flowchart

Utility Work Flowchart

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Fire Dept. General Questions

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1. Incident Report

To obtain an incident report please call (970) 384-6480

2. Schedule an event

To schedule an event with the fire department, please call (970) 384-6480.

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Fire Permits

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1. Can I build a fireplace in my backyard?

If you live in the City, call the City Building Department at 970-384-6411. In the County, call the Garfield County Building Department at 970-945-8212. 

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Fire Prevention & Public Education

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1. Burn Permit

No Open Burn Permit will be issued between May 1st through November 1st.

Please see Open Burn Requirements & Permit for details.

2. Tent Permit

Please see the Temporary Membrane Structure, Ten and Canopy Requirements for details

3. Turning Radius

Please see Turning Performance Analysis for details.

4. Fire Code

Please contact Fire Protection Analyst, Greg Bak, at (970) 384-6433.

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Pay as You Throw FAQs

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1. The latch on my new wildlife-resistant cart isn't working.

Check to see if you need to remove the latch pin from the latch on the lid. This has to be removed for the latch to work. (See video below.)

You do have to press firmly on the lid for it to close.

If that isn't the problem, call us at 970-384-6429.

2. What can be recycled in the curbside carts?

The PAYT recycling carts are single-stream, so you don't need to separate your recycling. You'll also leave your recycling items unbagged. Like your trash cart, you'll always want to be able to close the lid (no cardboard stacked next to your cart).

What items you CAN recycle curbside:

• Newspapers (including inserts)
• Mixed paper
• Phone books
• Steel or tin cans (rinsed)
• Plastic milk jug
• Corrugated cardboard (flattened)
• Chipboard (cereal and tissue boxes)
• Plastic #1-6 (if not labeled, do not recycle)
• Pie tins
• Magazines
• Office paper
• Brown paper bags
• Aluminum cans (do not crush)
• Glass bottles and jars (rinsed)
• Detergent bottles
• Bulk or junk mail
• Plastic Clam shells #1-6 (No PLA)

Learn more at Mountain Waste & Recycling's Disposal/Recycle Guide webpage.

3. What happens if I put trash in my recycling cart?

If you put trash in your recycling cart your recycling will not be collected.

4. What if I have more trash than fits in my cart?

Be sure to select the trash cart size that is best for your household. Overflow trash in your cart will incur a $12.72 fee per occurrence.

Extra trash can also be disposed of at the recycle center or the landfill for $4 per bag.

5. How will billing for the new system work?

Services are expected to begin in November 2023 and will be billed through the City's Finance Department on water bills. Customers should enroll now through August 4 to select your carts.

6. What is the pricing for carts?

There will be four basic options for trash service levels – large, medium, small, and super-saver. Every resident will have recycling service provided every-other-week as part of the bundled service. The super-saver trash service option will be collected every other week and will be priced comparably to taking two to three bags of trash to the Recycle Center every month, but with the convenience of curbside pick-up.

The three other trash service level options will be picked up weekly: small (about 32-gallon cart), medium (about 64-gallon cart), and large (about 96-gallon cart). The small cart holds approximately two tall kitchen bags, the medium holds about five bags and the large holds up to seven. 

2023 Service Options and Details

Recycling carts are bundled with trash service. Recycling carts will be available in the three three cart sizes for collection every other week (recycling cart size will not change the bundled price).

Trash Cart Options (Collected weekly*) *Super saver options are collected every-other-week	Single-stream Recycling Cart Options (Collected every-other-week)	Monthly Price
Super Saver (32 gallons*)	Small, Medium, or Large	$10.80 per month
Small (32 gallons)	Small, Medium, or Large	$12.72 per month
Medium (64 gallons)	Medium or Large	$25.44 per month
Large (96 gallons)	Large	$38.16 per month
Wildlife Resistant Super Saver (32 gallons*)	Small, Medium, or Large	$22.80 per month
Wildlife Resistant Small (32 gallons)	Small, Medium, or Large	$24.72 per month
Wildlife Resistant Medium (64 gallons)	Medium or Large	$49.44 per month
Wildlife Resistant Large (96 gallons)	Large	$74.16 per month

Additional Fee Schedule:

• Overflow Trash: $12.72 per occurrence
• Container Delivery/Exchange (after the initial 60-day grace period): $25.00
• Container Replacement (excludes delivery): 
  • Small: 45.00
  • Medium: $50.00
  • Large: $55.00
  • Wildlife Resistant Small: $200.00
  • Wildlife Resistant Medium: 215.00
  • Wildlife Resistant Large: $230.00
• Additional Weekly Large Trash and Every Other Week Recycle: $76.32 per month
• Additional Weekly Large Trash and Every Other Week Recycle – Wildlife: $148.32 per month

7. What if I have a problem with my cart?

• You may call the city and request a size change for free during the 60-days after implementation.
• To report a problem with service, if your cart is damaged, or if you want to change a cart size you will contact the city.

8. Who does the PAYT program include?

• All households within city limits should enroll. Services will be provided to residents that use individual, wheeled carts. Customers who do not select a service level will default to the medium trash with medium recycling option.
• Mobile home parks and homeowner associations (HOAs) whose residents use individual accounts are included. 
  • Home Owners Associations (HOAs) and Property Managers, please contact us at 970-930-1411 for assistance on how best to enroll.
    
  • Associations with group contracts will have up to one year after program implementation (depending on existing contracts) to switch to the PAYT system.
  • HOA residents without a group contract for trash/recycling services should enroll now as individual households.
  • Associations with group water accounts may also enroll as a group PAYT account.
• If your attached dwelling unit (ADU) currently has separate utility bills, it will also have separate trash and recycling service.
• All short-term rentals in city limits are required to use the largest size option for trash and recycling.

Excluded:

• Residents outside the city limits of Glenwood Springs 
• Multi-family residences of eight units or more
• Residential complexes that use a large shared dumpster to collect trash from multiple households
• Businesses and commercial addresses

9. Why is PAYT being implemented now?

To incentivize waste reduction, reduce truck traffic in neighborhoods, and increase proper recycling. This will help us protect roads and extend the lifespan of the South Canyon Landfill.

10. How will residents get new services?

• Information on how and when residents can sign up for the new service will be posted on the City’s website and distributed in monthly utility bills next year – information will be provided in both English and Spanish
• Residents will be able to sign up in person, by phone or online – English- and Spanish-speaking staff will be available for those who need extra assistance
• Residents will be able to change their service levels once the program is rolled out
• City staff will be dedicated to operations going forward and will be available to address service complaints, change cart sizes and answer questions
• Billing will be a monthly utility bill from the city, similar to water and electric bills

11. What if I don’t sign up for service?

The enrollment period for the PAYT trash and recycling program ended August 18, 2023. Any applicable residences that did not complete enrollment will be automatically enrolled at the default level which is the medium trash with medium recycling option ($25.44 per month).

Only households that enrolled are eligible to take advantage of the 60-day grace period to change service levels at no cost. Households that did not enroll  but want to change service levels later will have to pay the $25 container exchange fee per container.

12. What is the plan for carts?

• What are the cart size options and what will the new prices be?
  • The size options for trash will be 32 gallons every other week, 32 gallons, 64 gallons, and 96 gallons.
  • The size options for recycling carts will be 32, 64 and 96 gallons.You can select any size for recycling as long as you recycle cart is the same size or larger than your trash cart.
  • Pricing will include both trash and recycling.
• Will I get brand new carts?
  • Maybe – the hauler is allowed to reuse existing carts if they are usable.
• What happens to my old carts?
  • The hauler may choose to refurbish and use them if they own them, or they may not, it is up to the hauler.  If your old carts are owned by a hauler who does not win the bidding process they will take back their carts.
• What if I sign up for a large trash cart but really only need a small one?
  • You may call the city and request a size change, during the sixty month of the program this will be free.
• What if I have more trash than fits in my cart?
  • You may bring your extra trash to the recycle center or the landfill and throw it away for $4 per bag.  If you leave it at the curb you will be charged an overflow fee which will be more than $4/bag.
• What if my neighbor and I want to share a cart?
  • We don’t have a way to do this, but the cheapest and smallest option should be very affordable for people who are conscious of their waste.

Cart Swap Details 

In October or the early weeks of November, customers will receive mailed information about your trash and recycling day of the week, pick up calendars, and recycling information. Existing carts will be picked up either by the trash hauler who owns the cart or by the city. Mountain Waste and Recycling will drop-off new carts to each household. 

Collection will occur at the curb or alley line depending on the customer’s property and current service location. An exhibit of where the cart should be place during your pickup day will be included in the information packet sent to you. 

13. What if I already have a wildlife resistant container?

The contractor will service some existing wildlife carts (to be determined on a case-by-case basis). Wildlife Resistant Trash service is on an annual basis (12-month minimum).

Mountain Waste and Recycling will be able to service existing wildlife carts in the "Rear Load Truck" section of town. The rear load trucks are manually operated thus owner carts can be utilized. The rest of town will be serviced by Automatic Side Load trucks and will require these addresses to utilize compatible carts leased from Mountain Waste as part of this program. The cost of the wildlife-resistant service reflects the higher capital cost of the carts and the average damage rate at approximately 1.5 to 2.5 years for cart replacement.

Households that already have wildlife-resistant carts that are not compatible with the service trucks have the option to participate in the wildlife cart buy-back program which will cover up to 75% of the original purchase price of the cart with a max of $225 per household. 

14. What if I take my trash to the Recycle Center/landfill/other and don’t need service?

If you currently use the punch pass system at the Recycle Center or bring your bags to the Landfill, the smallest bin option under PAYT (Super Saver) is priced comparably to taking two to three bags of trash for disposal every month, but with the convenience of curbside pick-up. The punch pass system will continue for people who live outside city limits and for extra trash or recycling.

The Super Saver is $10.80 per month and accommodates approximately two (2) tall kitchen garbage bags every two weeks. The contractor will provide a 32-gallon trash container that will be picked up every other week. With the Super Saver option, you can request a small, medium or large single-stream recycling cart at no additional cost.

15. Can I still get food waste and yard waste collected?

Yes, if you are currently using an organics pickup service you may continue using that service. Using an organics pickup service can help keep your waste amount low so that you can use the most affordable trash option.

Residents may also take advantage of free food scraps drop off at the recycle center and the yard waste drop off at the old rodeo grounds every other weekend.

16. Does PAYT include curbside organics (compostables) collection?

No. 

For curbside pickup, PAYT is just for trash and recycling collection at this time. However, residents may already begin taking advantage of free food scraps drop off at the recycle center and the yard waste drop off at the old rodeo grounds every other weekend.

 While curbside organics collection is not part of this initial round of implementation, conversations with city council have been supportive of the potential to implement this in the future.

17. Non-eligible Service Addresses for PAYT

Thank you for your interest in the City of Glenwood Springs Pay as You Throw (PAYT) Trash and Recycling Program.

 At this time, the following types of services addresses are not eligible to enroll:

• Multi-family units with eight or more units
• Addresses that utilize a shared dumpster.
• Service addresses outside the city limits of Glenwood Springs
• Commercial addresses

If you believe that you received this message in error, please return to the enrollment form.

For questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Bryana Starbuck via email at bryana.starbuck@cogs.us or by phone/text at 970-930-1411.

THANK YOU!

18. What do I do with yard waste?

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the summer yard waste drop-off operating every other Saturday from May through September.

This summer event flows into the ongoing autumnal leaf drop and holiday tree recycling programs. Throughout the year, South Canyon Landfill will accept yard waste from anyone for a fee. At the landfill there are two piles, one for brush & wood and the other for grass, leaves & small plants; both get composted.

19. What if I don’t want to recycle?

Recycling will be included in the service for all applicable residents and will be part of your service bill even if you chose not to use it. One of the core goals of this problem is to encourage materials that can be recycled to be recycled instead of taking up space in the landfill.

20. Can I opt out?

There is no opt-out option for applicable residents; however, the smallest bin option under PAYT (Super Saver) is priced comparably to taking two to three bags of trash for disposal every month, but with the convenience of curbside pick-up. The Super Saver is $10.80 per month and accommodates approximately two (2) tall kitchen garbage bags every two weeks. The contractor will provide a 32-gallon trash container that will be picked up every other week. With the Super Saver option, you have the option of a small, medium, or large single-stream recycling cart with every-other-week pick-up at no additional cost.

Further, accounts will be able to request temporary holds in service for a minimum of three and a maximum of four months once each calendar year. 

Zooming out, let’s look at why we’re implementing the program this way – 

With PAYT, we are treating waste and recycling services like any other utility to create a financially sustainable system. On your other utility bills, you will notice that there is a base fee you will pay even in a month where you may have used no water or electricity. This base fee exists to pay for the maintenance and operation of that utilities’ infrastructure which we must continue to maintain regardless of the individual level of use. Infrastructure that must be maintained to meet our waste and recycling needs includes everything from trash trucks, to landfill employees, to recycle centers, to processing equipment, to the permits required to manage waste – all of these things have a cost. Everyone in our community uses this infrastructure at some point in the waste management process and by having a tiered pricing system, we balance sharing the cost and requiring folks who produce the most waste to pay the most back to the system. 

Under our new waste and recycling system, by starting smallest option at $10.80 per month, it allows us to provide basic trash and recycling pickup plus maintain all the waste and recycling services that our community desires. These services include our annual hazardous waste collection day, seasonal and weekend yard waste drop-offs in South Glenwood, free compost drop-off at the recycle center, and household battery recycling at the recycle center. Without a sustainable and holistic utility, we will not be able to continue these great free services. 

Lastly, moving to this single-hauler system will have major benefits to Glenwood residents. It will mean:

• less truck traffic in town (safer streets, less exhaust fumes, protects neighborhood character)
• less damage to our streets (a single trip from a trash truck causes the same damage as 9,000 passenger vehicle tips on our roads)
• less greenhouse gas emissions (from trash trucks and individual trips for household disposal at the recycle center and landfill)
• more convenient access to recycling (curbside is part of every person’s service)
• better control and oversight of what happens to recycling (quarterly reports, contamination prevention)
• incentives to reduce overall waste (the less you waste, the less you spend)
• extending the life of our landfill (75% of the material we're throwing away could be recycled in existing recycling and composting programs)

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Police

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1. Where do I obtain a handicap placard?

Please call the Clerk and Recorder’s Office at 970-384-3700.

2. Where is the Garfield County Sheriff's Office and Jail located?

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is located next door to the Police Department. Their address is:
107 8th Street
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

3. Where can I pay a parking ticket or traffic ticket?

All traffic and parking tickets, as well as court fines can be conveniently paid online using major credit card, debit card, money order or eCheck.

Pay Online

To pay a fine online visit the CitePay USA website.

Pay In-Person or by Mail

Fines can also be paid during business hours by calling the Glenwood Springs Municipal Court at 970-384-6530 or mailing a check made payable to ‘City of Glenwood Springs’ to:
Glenwood Springs Municipal Court
101 W 8th Street
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

4. How can I find out if an incident happened in your jurisdiction?

The Glenwood Springs Police Department is responsible for all incidents occurring within their jurisdiction. To find out the jurisdictional boundaries, please view the Glenwood Springs Area Street Map (PDF). All incidents occurring within the black border are handled by the Police Department. Enclaves (indicated by the blue borders) have not been annexed and fall outside the jurisdiction of the Police Department.

If you need to report an incident that occurred outside the jurisdiction of the Police Department, please call the Sheriff’s Department at 970-625-8095.

5. I had my property seized for evidence. How do I get it back?

If you had property belonging to you that was seized as evidence, typically the property cannot be released until the case has made its way through the court system.

1. Contact the District Attorney’s Office (DA) at 970-945-8635 and request to have the property released. Once the property can be released, the DA can provide you with an evidence/property release letter.
2. Either the DA or you will have to provide the Police Department with this letter from the DA clearly stating which exhibits can be released. Please be sure to make an appointment before coming to the Police Department because only the Investigations Division has access to evidence. If you show up unexpectedly, there may or may not be someone available to pull the property from the evidence room. If an Investigator is unavailable you will have to return at a later time - no exceptions!

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Preguntas frecuentes sobre el sistema de pago por vertido

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1. ¿Quién estará incluido en el programa PAYT ("pago por arrojar basura" / ingles: "Pay as you throw")?

• PAYT sólo se aplicará a las residencias unifamiliares y a las multifamiliares de menos de 7 unidades. 
• Las asociaciones de propietarios tendrán hasta un año después de la implementación del programa (dependiendo de los contratos existentes) para cambiar al sistema PAYT. 
• Si su unidad de vivienda adjunta (ADU) actualmente tiene facturas de servicios públicos por separado, también tendrá servicio de basura por separado.
• Todos los alquileres a corto plazo en los límites de la ciudad están obligados a utilizar la opción de tamaño más grande para la basura y el reciclaje.
• Esto no se aplicará a las empresas o residencias multifamiliares de más de 7 unidades en este momento.

2. ¿Por qué se implementa ahora el PAYT?

Para incentivar la reducción de residuos, reducir el tráfico de camiones en los barrios y aumentar el reciclaje adecuado. Esto nos ayudará a proteger las carreteras y a extender la vida útil del vertedero de South Canyon.

3. ¿Cuál es el plazo previsto para este proceso?

• Septiembre de 2022 - Aportes del público para informar el proceso de solicitud de propuestas (RFP)
• Noviembre de 2022 - Proceso de RFP
• Principios de 2023 - Periodo de inscripción y selección de basureros
• Finales de 2023 - Implementación y puesta en marcha (inicio del servicio)

4. ¿Cuál es el plan para los basureros?

• ¿Cuáles son las opciones de tamaño de los basureros y cuáles serán los nuevos precios?\
  • Las opciones de tamaño para la basura serán 32 galones cada dos semanas, 32 galones, 64 galones y 96 galones.
  • Las opciones de tamaño para los basureros de reciclaje serán de 64 y 96 galones.
  • Los precios incluirán tanto la basura como el reciclaje y serán determinados por el transportista como parte del proceso de licitación.

• ¿Recibiré basureros nuevos?
  • Puede ser, el transportista puede reutilizar los basureros existentes si son utilizables.
• ¿Qué pasa con mis basureros viejos?
  • El transportista puede optar por reacondicionarlos y utilizarlos si son de su propiedad, o no, depende del transportista. Si sus basureros viejos son propiedad de un transportista que no gane el proceso de licitación, éste recuperará sus basureros.
• ¿Qué pasa si me apunto para un basurero grande pero realmente sólo necesito uno pequeño?
  • Puede llamar a la ciudad y solicitar un cambio de tamaño, durante el primer mes del programa esto será gratuito.
• ¿Qué pasa si tengo más basura de la que cabe en mi basurero?
  • Puede llevar su basura extra al centro de reciclaje o al vertedero y tirarla por 4 dólares por bolsa. Si la deja en la acera se le cobrará una tarifa por desbordamiento que será de más de 4$/bolsa.
• ¿Qué pasa si mi vecino y yo queremos compartir un basurero?
  • No tenemos una forma de hacerlo, pero la opción más barata y pequeña debería ser muy asequible para las personas que son conscientes de sus residuos.

5. ¿Podré elegir mi transportista?

No, el transportista de toda la ciudad se seleccionará mediante un proceso de licitación pública. Comparta sus comentarios para informar sobre el proceso de solicitud de propuestas en el formulario de comentarios de PAYT desde ahora hasta octubre de 2022.

Puede contratar a otro transportista adicional para su basura, pero seguirá inscrito en el programa de toda la ciudad y pagará por él.

6. ¿Qué pasa si no quiero reciclar?

El reciclaje estará incluido en el servicio para todos los residentes aplicables y formará parte de su factura de servicio incluso si decide no utilizarlo. Uno de los objetivos principales de este problema es fomentar que los materiales que se pueden reciclar se reciclen en lugar de ocupar espacio en el vertedero.

7. ¿Qué pasa si no me inscribo en el servicio?

El período de inscripción para el programa de basura y reciclaje PAYT será a principios de 2023. Cualquier residencia aplicable que no complete la inscripción será automáticamente inscrita en la opción de tamaño medio.

8. ¿Qué pasa si llevo mi basura al Centro de reciclaje, vertedero, otro y no necesito el servicio?

Si actualmente utiliza el sistema de pases perforados en el Centro de Reciclaje o lleva sus bolsas al vertedero, la opción del cubo más pequeño bajo PAYT será comparable. El sistema de pases de perforación continuará para las personas que viven fuera de los límites de la ciudad y para la basura o el reciclaje extra.

9. ¿Cómo funcionará la facturación del nuevo sistema?

Recibirá una factura de la ciudad, como las demás facturas que recibe por el agua y la electricidad. La inscripción y la selección de los basureros se realizará a principios de 2023.

10. ¿Qué pasa si tengo un problema con mi basurero?

• Puede llamar a la ciudad y solicitar un cambio de tamaño, durante el primer mes del programa esto será gratuito.
• Para reportar un problema con el servicio, si su basurero está dañado o si quiere cambiar un tamaño de basurero, deberá contactar con la ciudad.

11. ¿Se pueden seguir recolectando los residuos de comida y de jardín?

Sí, si actualmente está utilizando un servicio de recolección de productos orgánicos puede seguir utilizando ese servicio. El uso de un servicio de recolección de productos orgánicos puede ayudar a mantener la cantidad de residuos baja para que pueda utilizar la opción de basura más asequible.

12. ¿Qué pasa si pongo basura en mi basurero de reciclaje?

Si pone basura en su basurero de reciclaje se le cobrará una tasa de contaminación en su factura mensual. El importe de esta tasa será decidido por el transportista, y se producirá cada vez que tenga contaminación.

13. ¿Qué pasa si tengo más basura de la que cabe en mi basurero?

Puede llevar su basura extra al centro de reciclaje o al vertedero y tirarla por 4 dólares por bolsa. Si la deja en la acera se le cobrará una tarifa por desbordamiento que será de más de $4 por bolsa.

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Sewer System Use

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1. How should I dispose of paper towels, flushable wipes, hair, feminine hygiene products and other miscellanous trash?

Never ever flush trash into the sewer system! These materials are likely to cause a sewer backup because the sewer systems are not designed to handle them. Everything besides toilet paper and normal human waste should be disposed of in a trash can!

2. What are some of the odd items the City has found in the sewer system?

Our operators have found many strange items in the sewer system over the years. Some of them include rusty firearms, a full six pack of beer, live snakes, wire bras, full sized towels, plastic containers, tree branches, sediment, baseballs, trashbags and lids.

These should never have found a way inside the sewer system! They cause maintenance nightmares and sewer backups.

3. How should I dispose of cooking oil and grease?

Never put it down the drain! Fats, oils and greases plug sewer lines and cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars for removal! Grease should be poured into a can and thrown away.

4. How do I report a wastewater spill?

If you think the sewer system may be backing up, or there is a water leak, call the emergency line at 919-342-1164.

5. Is it OK to discharge contaminated water into the the stormwater system?

NO! The stormwater system goes directly into the river. The stormwater system is designed only for normal surface water runoff. Common contamination sources include car washes, oils from parking lots and waste from agricultural uses.

6. What should I do if I think that somone may be illgally discharging into the City's sewer system?

Please call the emergency number 919-342-1164 and the wastewater line at 970-309-4567. Even discharging an RVs blackwater or greywater tank is illegal. Septage haulers are required to take their loads to plants such as Rifle or up to South Canyon; if they hook into the City's sewer system and discharge, they are breaking the law. Other chemicals can hurt the wastewater plant's treatment process and ultimately contaminate the river.

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Transportation Tax Savings

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1. What modes of transportation qualify for tax savings?

Transit and vanpools qualify under the tax-exempt program.

2. How do I get start a tax-exempt transportation program?

It's easy! If you provide transit passes or vanpools to your employees, just keep your receipts of purchase and a list of pass recipients and vanpool users. There is no additional paperwork involved. You don't have to file a plan and the IRS does not have to approve your program. You can start your program at any time of the year and can make it as formal or informal as you like. For details or to make sure you are in compliance, consult your corporate accountant or tax attorney.

3. How do I take advantage of the commuter tax benefit?

Offer free bus passes or vanpool services to employees as an additional benefit.

Offer pre-tax payroll deductions and let the employees purchase bus passes or pay vanpool fares themselves.

Share the benefit and split the cost. You pay half the cost of the bus passes or vanpool fares and your employees pay the other half using pre-tax income.

For additional information, please visit the Commuter Choice website.

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Utility Customer Online Portal

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1. What do I need to do?

You'll use the new account and customer numbers on your paper bill to create an online profile.  Start the process at www.cogs.us/epay.

2. Which bills does this include?

All utility bills issued by the City are issued through the new billing system, this includes water/sewer, electric, and trash accounts.

3. How can I make payments?

Payments may be made online, by mail, via automated phone service, in person, and at the drop boxes at City Hill.  Customers may also pay via direct debit (automatic) payments at no additional charge.

• To access our online features, you'll need to create a profile and link utility accounts.  Visit www.cogs.us/epay to get started.
  • You will need the customer and account numbers from your paper bill to link accounts to your profile.
• To pay via automated phone system, please call 877-857-4910.

Note that, as with our prior billing system, there are additional fees for all card, e-check and automated phone system payments.

4. Is the electric service charge on my bill a new fee?

Electric service charges were always included in the total amount billed for electricity in our old billing system.  Fortunately, our new billing system allows us to be more transparent with the cost of service, which is why you see the charge split out.

You can confirm this for yourself by looking at your May 2023 electric bill.  This is the bill from the last month bills were generated in the old billing system.  Take your total bill amount, subtract the service charge as shown below, then divide that number by the appropriate price per kilowatt hour.  The result will match the amount of electricity used (billed) for the month.  

RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC

• Service charge = $20.00
• Rate per kilowatt hour = $ 0.1088 

SMALL COMMERCIAL BUSINESS ELECTRIC

• Service charge = $25.00
• Rate per kilowatt hour = $ 0.1155

LARGE COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS ELECTRIC

• Service charge = $60.00
• Rate per kilowatt hour = $ 0.1127

5. What new features will be available and why is this change happening?

In this new system, customers will be able to make online payments, view payment and usage history, and opt-in to electronic bills (paperless billing). This change will help us modernize and streamline the utility billing process, including billing, collections, and transparency. Most notably, the updated bill format, online portal and payment process gives customers an improved and more convenient user experience.

6. What if I am already enrolled in auto-pay (direct debit or ACH/EFT)?

Existing auto-pay (direct debit or ACH/EFT) customers will continue to enjoy automatic bill payment in the new system.  

Those wishing to enroll in auto-pay or modify bank information may do so in their online customer portal.  Login or create an online profile at www.cogs.us/epay. 

7. What are the changes to fees?

There are three fee changes associated with this update.

1. Paper bill fee:  There will be a monthly $2.00 fee per bill on paper bills.  To avoid this fee, customers will need to set up an online profile AND enroll in paperless statements by changing their delivery preferences in the online portal.  This fee is temporarily waived for the June and July utility bills to allow customers time to set up paperless billing.
2. Convenience fee on credit card charges: The percentage charged for these transactions has changed.  Our new payment processor assesses 3.5% of the transaction amount for a credit card charge (minimum of $2.50).   
3. Convenience fee on e-checks: The flat fee for e-checks has changed.  Our new payment processor assesses flat $1.95 fee per e-check.

Passing through transaction fees charged by third party payment processors on credit/debit card and e-check payments, like those mentioned above, is a typical practice of government entities that offer ways to pay without incurring additional fees, such as cash, check, or automatic withdrawals from customer bank accounts.  This is so that all customers are not paying to subsidize the payment preferences of those who pay with a card or e-check.

Transaction fees can be avoided by adjusting billing and payment preferences.  If you need assistance with this, please reach out - we're happy to help!

• Phone: 970-384-6455
• Email: utilities@cogs.us
• Physical Address: 101 W. 8^th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
• Mailing Address: PO Box 458, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
• Regular business hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. City Hall is closed Fridays.

8. What if I don't want to setup an online profile?

Customers who pay via cash, physical check, direct debit (automatic) payments or phone payment do not need to create an online profile.  

Please note that e-mail bill delivery is now available.  A $2 paper billing fee per each utility account will be assessed.  This fee is temporarily waived for the June and July utility bills to allow customers time to set up paperless billing.  You may request e-mail delivery without creating an online profile by sending an e-mail to utilities@cogs.us or by calling 970-384-6455.

9. How do I setup an online profile?

To set up your online profile, you’ll need an email address and your account and customer numbers from your utility bill for each account you want to link.  Customers may link multiple electric and/or water accounts under the same profile.

1. Go to cogs.us/ePay and Select Customer Self Service.
2. At the bottom of the next screen, where it says, “Don’t have an account?”, select “Sign up”.
3. Enter email address, set a password, and enter your name, then select “Sign up”.
4. You will receive a verification email from Community Access Identity <noreply@identity.tylerportico.com>.
5. Select “Activate account” in the verification email.
6. Login using the email and password set on the previous setup page.

Next, you’ll link your utility accounts.  Please note that account numbers have changed for all existing customers - use the numbers found on your bill this month.  Bills for each account will have a new combination of account and customer numbers.  Customers with multiple accounts will complete the following steps to link each account to their profile.

1. Select “Utility Billing”.
2. Enter your account number and customer ID as found on your latest utility bill.  Select “Search”.
3. Verify the service address, then select the account number.
4. At the top left of the page, select “Link to Account”.
5. To add more accounts, select “New Search” in the left menu.
6. To enroll in paperless statements, select “Account Summary” under “Utility Billing”.  Then, select “Bill Delivery Preferences”.  Use the drop-down menu to select Email then select update.

Once your accounts are linked, you can also set up automatic payments, view usage and billing history, make service requests, and more.

10. What do I do if I need help?

Please reach out with any questions or for assistance.

• Phone: 970-384-6455
• Email: utilities@cogs.us
• Physical Address: 101 W. 8th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
• Mailing Address: PO Box 458, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
• Regular business hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. City Hall is closed Fridays.

The computer next to the Utility Billing/Finance Department desk in City Hall will be available during business hours for customers to set up an online profile.

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Zoning

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1. What is a setback?

It is the minimum distance that a building or structure must be located from all property lines. Do not assume that your property line is along a street or sidewalk edge. The only way to determine the exact location of your property line is to have it surveyed.

2. What is a nonconforming use?

A building, structure or use is nonconforming if it was lawful at the time the zoning code and subsequent amendments were adopted but now no longer meets the requirements of the zone district in which it is located. Any nonconforming use, structure or building may continue in existence under the following circumstances -
• The use may be extended throughout the same building, provided that no structural alteration of such building is proposed or made for the purpose of such extension.
• The use shall not be changed to any other use except a conforming use.
• A nonconforming building which does not meeting the setback, height or other site requirements may be repaired, maintained or extended, provided that any extension is in full compliance with current provisions of the zoning code.
• A nonconforming building which has been damaged or destroyed by fire or other causes may be restored to its original condition, provided that the repair work is commenced within 1 year of such event and completed within 18 months of such event.
• Where a single lot recorded in separate ownership prior to March 1, 1965, does not meet the minimum building lot area requirement for the district in which it is located, such single lot shall be considered a nonconforming building lot, and a building situated on such lot shall be considered a nonconforming building, subject to the provisions of this Subsection. Such nonconforming lot may be used for construction of a building allowed in the zone district, provided that all other zone district regulations, including, but not limited to, setbacks are met.
Whenever a nonconforming use of land or a building has been discontinued for a period of 1 year, the future use of the land or building shall be in conformance with provisions of the zoning code.

3. What is a special review use?

Each zone district includes a list of “special review uses”. These are uses that are allowed but that require the imposition of certain conditions to mitigate any negative impacts that they may have on adjacent properties. All special review uses require consideration by the Planning & Zoning Commission. Refer to Municipal Code Section 070.040.040 for more information about conditions and criteria by which these uses are granted.

4. Is my property inside the city limits?

Although you can consult the city’s street map, the only guaranteed way to determine whether or not your property is inside the city limits is to contact the Community Development Department at 970-384-6411.

5. What is my zoning?

Consult the zoning map, an unofficial copy is on the city's website; or, contact the Community Development Department at 970-384-6411.

6. What is the difference between an accessory use and an accessory building?

An accessory use is one that is incidental to, but associated with, a specific principal use that is located on the same lot.

An accessory building is a detached subordinate building that is located on the same lot as the principal building, the use of which is incidental to the principal building or use of the lot. Accessory buildings cannot be used for living or sleeping quarters in a residential zone district.

7. Where can I get a copy of the city's zoning map?

A 24' x 36" copy of the city's zoning map is available for purchase in the Community Development Department, 2nd floor, City Hall. Contact the Community Development Department at 970-384-6411 for current price.

8. How tall can I construct my fence?

The requirements for designing and locating fences differs depending on whether your property is located in a residential or a non-residential zone district. Refer to the Fence Regulations under this Zoning page.