What Is BOZAR in Crested Butte, and How Does Design Review Work?

BOZAR is the Town of Crested Butte's Board of Zoning and Architectural Review. If you plan a new home, addition, historic rehabilitation, or even a minor exterior change such as replacing windows or doors, the Town says you use its Development Permit Application, and BOZAR approval is required before you can apply for building permits. The Town says formally reviewed projects take at least two months.

This post is about projects inside the Town of Crested Butte. Mt. Crested Butte and unincorporated Gunnison County have their own departments. It summarizes the Town's BOZAR page as I reviewed it on November 4, 2026. Dates, forms and rules can change, so confirm with the Town. This is general information, not legal advice.

What does BOZAR do?

Per the Town, BOZAR is a seven-member board of local residents appointed by Town Council to terms of at least three years. It reviews building, zoning and land use requests, usually at one public hearing per month, and advises Town Council on zoning, land use, design review and historic preservation.

What is the Design Review Committee?

Before a project reaches BOZAR, it goes to the Design Review Committee (DRC), which has two rotating BOZAR members and one permanent staff member. The DRC checks proposals against the Town's Design Guidelines and the neighborhood context, and recommends approval, denial or no recommendation to BOZAR. Historic properties can get more detailed review.

What projects need BOZAR review?

The Town lists these as submitted on the Development Permit Application:

• Minor exterior changes, such as window or door replacements
• Historic rehabilitation
• Additions
• New construction

Demolishing or relocating any primary or accessory structure larger than 200 square feet requires a separate Demolition and Relocation Permit Application. If you are not the property owner you may need a Limited Power of Attorney, and if the property is owned by an LLC or similar entity the Town asks for a Statement of Authority.

What is the monthly timeline?

The Town's page describes this cycle:

1. Plan submittal: the first or last Friday of each month.
2. Staff review: the following week, including technical review, floor area ratio (FAR) calculations and guideline checks.
3. First DRC meeting: second Monday of the month at 4 p.m., focused on revisions to plans submitted the previous month. Revised plans are due the Monday before the BOZAR meeting.
4. Public notice: published in the Crested Butte News the Tuesday after the first DRC meeting, for two consecutive weeks.
5. Second DRC meeting: third Monday of the month at 4 p.m., for initial review of new projects.
6. BOZAR hearing: last Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

The Town says formally reviewed projects take at least two months, and that publication can be delayed if significant issues arise. The 2026 calendar on the page lists an August 25 meeting and shows the July 28 meeting cancelled, so always check the posted schedule.

How do I apply?

Per the Town's steps:

1. Find your property's zone on the Zoning Map and read the relevant chapters of the Design Guidelines. Historic properties also need Chapter 3, and new construction needs Chapters 2 and 4.
2. Complete the Development Permit Application and any materials lists or other forms that apply (the Town has separate materials lists for primary and accessory structures).
3. Check the Application Checklist for required submittal items.
4. Email the completed forms to building@crestedbutte-co.gov.
5. After BOZAR approval, move to building permitting, which the Town runs through the Cloudpermit online system (registration is required).

Who do I contact?

The Town's Community Development Department is at 507 Maroon Ave., Crested Butte, CO 81224. The phone is 970-349-5338 ext. 121, the planning email is planning@crestedbutte-co.gov, and the page lists hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Why does this matter to buyers and sellers?

Design review is part of owning in town. If you are buying a home you want to change, ask what could be approved before you rely on a remodel plan, and build review time into your project schedule. If you are selling, gather the approvals and permits for past work, because buyers and lenders ask for them.

The Town also says it is largely built out. In a July 2025 Crested Butte News story, town planner Jessie Earley said there are few vacant lots and called it the first noticeable slowdown in development review since she started with the Town in 2011. Fewer open lots means many projects in town are additions and renovations that go through BOZAR.

Can I get a quick answer before I buy?

Yes. Call Community Development with the address and ask what zone it is in, whether it is in a historic area and what review a project like yours would need. A local agent can help you frame the questions.

What is the bottom line?

BOZAR is a normal, predictable step in Crested Butte: submit early, expect at least two months, and get approval before you apply for building permits. Understanding it before you buy helps you plan realistic timelines and budgets.

Frequently asked questions

What does BOZAR stand for?

Board of Zoning and Architectural Review.

Do I need BOZAR approval to replace windows in Crested Butte?

The Town lists minor exterior changes such as window or door replacements among projects submitted on the Development Permit Application. Confirm with Community Development for your property.

How long does BOZAR review take?

The Town says formally reviewed projects take at least two months.

When does BOZAR meet?

Per the Town's page, hearings are on the last Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Check the posted calendar for changes.

Connect with a great real estate agent in Crested Butte, Kelsey Loftis with Crystal Peak Properties.

Phone: (970) 784-6768 · Email: kelseyloftis@gmail.com · Website: crystalpeakproperties.com

Sources: Town of Crested Butte, BOZAR page and Licensing & Permitting page (townofcrestedbutte.colorado.gov), reviewed November 4, 2026; Crested Butte News, "Building down in Crested Butte, up in county, flat in Mt. CB" (July 16, 2025). Not legal advice.