The town of Breckenridge adopted this "Development Code" ("code") in 1978. The code is a combination of traditional zoning and performance zoning. Unlike traditional zoning, it reviews a proposed project against its potential impacts, rather than against a strict set of standards and criteria, considering not only the proposed project's physical impacts, but also its social, aesthetic and historic impacts as well.

The code is further distinguished from traditional zoning in its ability to be flexible without relying on the variance procedure. For example, a structure's proper placement or height is determined only after an analysis of its potential impact on neighboring properties and the community as a whole.

Like traditional zoning, however, the code does set minimum standards that must be met before a development permit is granted.

The Development Code is the core of a three (3) document system used by the town to review projects and analyze growth. The first document in the series, the comprehensive plan, guides growth in a general way. The second, the land use guidance system, establishes forty two (42) districts within the community and sets out general parameters for land uses, desired architectural character, and other Town needs.

The third "document", the Development Code, consists of a set of Town policies covering a range of subjects, from air and water quality to the restoration of historic artifacts to the much debated issue of employee housing. The policies are divided into two (2) types - "absolute policies" (of major importance) and "relative policies" (of lesser importance) - and the Development Code analyzes projects according to how well they meet the criteria set forth in both. A project must be approved by the town when it implements or has no effect on all of the absolute policies and when it receives a positive score (0 or above) in the point analysis for the relative policies. The point analysis (from -2 to +2) is the quantitative backbone of the Development Code system. In addition, a multiplier of 1 to 5 is associated with each relative policy, depending on its importance to the town.

In processing development proposals, Breckenridge separates land use actions into five (5) categories: Class D minor includes minor projects like sign permits; Class D major includes some single-family and duplex structures; Class C items are more substantial projects such as complex single- family and duplex structures; Class B refers to some major projects; and Class A refers to most major projects, which may range from small commercial structures in the Historic District to a four hundred (400) room hotel and convention center near the mountain. (Ord. 1, Series 2014)

The deadlines for the submittal of development permit applications and related materials, and other matters related to the processing of development permit applications, are set forth in administrative rules and regulations promulgated by the Director of the Department of Community Development. (Ord. 17, Series 2003)