Colorado § 29-20-303 - Adequate water supply for development.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 29-20-303 — Adequate water supply for development., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 29-20-303. Adequate water supply for development.
(1) A local government shall not approve an application for a development permit unless it determines in its sole discretion, after considering the application and all of the information provided, that the applicant has satisfactorily demonstrated that the proposed water supply will be adequate. A local government shall make such determination only once during the development permit approval process unless the water demands or supply of the specific project for which the development permit is sought are materially changed. A local government shall have the discretion to determine the stage in the development permit approval process at which such determination is made.
(2) Nothing in this part 3 shall be construed to require that the applicant own or have acquired the proposed water supply or constructed the related infrastructure at the time of the application.
Source: L. 2008: Entire part added, p. 1560, § 2, effective May 29.
ANNOTATION
"Development permit" as referenced in subsection (1) of this section includes the situation where an amount of water exceeding the threshold set forth in § 29-20-103 (1)(b) is to be used for a different purpose. Hajek v. Bd. of County Comm'rs for Boulder, 2020 COA 28, 461 P.3d 665.
Because landowner's operation included "new water use", this section requires the board of county commissioners to consider whether the amount of water used exceeded the statutory threshold and thus whether the board had to review the application as a development permit under subsection (1). Because the board did not do so, it abused its discretion by approving landowner's application. Hajek v. Bd. of County Comm'rs for Boulder, 2020 COA 28, 461 P.3d 665.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 29-20-303
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 29-20-303 cover?
Section 29-20-303 ("Adequate water supply for development.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 29-20-303?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 29-20-303" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 29-20-303 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.