Bolthole Index

Cheyenne County, Colorado

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Cheyenne County, Colorado

38Index Score / 100
#59 of 64 in Colorado

Unincorporated Cheyenne County, Colorado requires a building permit for construction or a change of use that changes a property's assessed value, although remodeling entirely inside an existing building is exempt12. County zoning applies throughout unincorporated Cheyenne County, while the towns of Cheyenne Wells and Kit Carson may run their own rules3. Septic construction and repair need a separate permit from Kit Carson County Public Health and Environment45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered construction and changes of use that change assessed value1
Zoning
County zoning applies throughout unincorporated areas6
Septic permits
Required for new systems and repairs; regional public health staff administer them47
RV living
Private-land occupancy rules are unconfirmed; ask the Land Use Administrator8
Tiny homes
State approval and compliance with county zoning are required for long-term living98
Owner-builder
No county owner-builder exemption was confirmed10
Wells
New groundwater wells need a Colorado permit, subject to exceptions11

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Cheyenne County Zoning & Planning/Land Use

Building permits, conditional-use permits, subdivision exemptions, zoning amendments and variances

(719)-767-5872

landuse@co.cheyenne.co.us

P.O. Box 567, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810

Septic permits

Kit Carson County Public Health and Environment

OWTS permits, site evaluations and final septic inspections for Cheyenne County

719-346-7158 Ext 420, 719-349-2126

kelly.alvarez@kitcarsoncounty.org

252 S. 14th St., Burlington, Co 80807

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 16, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Cheyenne County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Cheyenne County, Colorado?

Yes, for covered work in unincorporated Cheyenne County. A property owner or authorized representative must obtain a building permit before erecting, constructing, reconstructing or altering a structure, or changing its use, when the work changes the property's assessed value1. Remodeling entirely within an existing building does not require that county permit2. Building-permit fees are set by the Planning and Zoning Board and approved each year by the Board of County Commissioners, but the current amount was not confirmed in the opened county materials1213. The ordinance authorizes inspections when there is reasonable cause to suspect a zoning violation, but Cheyenne County has not confirmed a routine construction-inspection schedule14. Ask Zoning & Planning/Land Use which building-code edition, plan review and closeout requirements apply to the project because a general code edition and certificate-of-occupancy requirement could not be confirmed15.

Who handles building permits in Cheyenne County?

Cheyenne County Zoning & Planning/Land Use is the permit office for construction on unincorporated land; its official page lists building permits, conditional-use permits, subdivision exemptions, zoning amendments and variances15. The county publishes those application forms and directs applicants to the Land Use Administrator16. The building-permit form asks for the site, intended use, building size, approximate value, setbacks, special conditions and sewage-disposal permit information17. Reach the office at (719)-767-5872 or landuse@co.cheyenne.co.us, or write to P.O. Box 567, Cheyenne Wells, CO 8081015. Incorporated Cheyenne Wells and Kit Carson are outside the county zoning resolution's stated unincorporated jurisdiction, so projects inside those town limits need the applicable town's answer instead3. The Town of Cheyenne Wells posts a 2026 building permit form on its Resources page; ask the town what it requires before you build inside town limits18. Septic review is separate and does not move to the towns or to the county planning office: Kit Carson County Public Health and Environment administers the multi-county OWTS process serving Cheyenne County519.

Does Cheyenne County have zoning?

Yes. Zoning applies to all land and buildings in unincorporated Cheyenne County, while the towns of Cheyenne Wells and Kit Carson are not affected inside their corporate limits203. The ordinance divides the county into Agricultural, Other Agricultural Lands, Residential, Commercial and Industrial districts, and the county publishes the zoning maps, so look up the parcel's district before planning anything216. Like the counties around it in Colorado, Cheyenne County has county zoning8.

In the Residential district, a lot without public water and sewer needs at least 1 acre, 200 feet of width and 140 feet of depth; with public water only the minimum is 16,800 square feet, and with both services it is 7,000 square feet22. Residential setbacks are 35 feet or 75 feet from the road centerline for the front yard, whichever is greater, 10 feet at the side and 20 feet at the rear, plus 25 feet from existing power lines unless the power company approves less23. The agricultural-district provision instead sets 20-foot side and rear yards, and its minimum lot is 1 acre, so confirm the parcel's district before siting a structure2425. A variance may change the result, and Cheyenne County has not confirmed a general minimum dwelling size, numeric height limit or lot-coverage limit15.

How do septic permits work in Cheyenne County?

An OWTS permit is required to construct or repair a septic system in Cheyenne County, and Kit Carson County Public Health and Environment administers the regional process47. The listed fees are $223 for a new system, $175 for a repair and $100 for a privy; a percolation test and initial site analysis performed by the agency costs $1754. A registered engineer may instead complete the test and initial analysis for agency review, and a system where seasonal groundwater sits less than four feet below the surface, or one serving commercial, institutional, industrial or multifamily use, needs a Colorado professional engineer's design4. A representative of Kit Carson County Public Health and Environment must inspect the system before it is backfilled26. Contact the agency at 719-346-7158 Ext 420 or 719-349-212619. About 58.9% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so parcel-level evaluation still matters27.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Cheyenne County?

Cheyenne County has not confirmed a general rule allowing residential or long-term RV occupancy on private land, and the zoning ordinance's campground provision, which covers camping and RV parking for no more than 30 days, does not answer that question for an individual homesite28. Ask Zoning & Planning/Land Use whether an RV may be occupied on the parcel and whether temporary use during construction needs approval15. Colorado-regulated tiny homes may be approved for long-term living, but plans must go to the Colorado Division of Housing before construction, the unit must meet applicable state standards and local zoning, and certification is tied to the installation site9. Cheyenne County has not confirmed a separate tiny-home occupancy rule or a minimum dwelling size8. A HUD-code manufactured home can be installed only where local zoning allows it and remains subject to state installation requirements29. Any occupied off-grid structure must have adequate sanitary sewage disposal facilities30.

Building a home in Cheyenne County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Cheyenne County Zoning & Planning/Land Use to confirm the zoning district, allowed residential use, lot dimensions, setbacks and required county applications1563132.
  2. Submit the county building-permit application before covered construction that changes assessed value33.
  3. Confirm the current building-permit fee with Land Use because the amount is approved yearly1215.
  4. Confirm water early; every new groundwater well in Colorado requires a state well permit, subject to statutory and basin-specific exceptions11.
  5. Apply to Kit Carson County Public Health and Environment for the OWTS permit and arrange the site evaluation before septic construction419.
  6. Confirm legal access; direct residential access to a Colorado state highway requires a separate state access permit34.
  7. Keep the septic system uncovered until the required final inspection is complete, then ask Land Use what final county documentation is required3515.

What should you check before buying land in Cheyenne County?

Cheyenne County is sparsely settled, at about one person per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 116 miles from the county center3637. Average annual precipitation is about 15.9 inches, and severe drought occurs in about 26.9% of years, so verify a lawful and dependable water source before closing3839. Nearly 99% of the land has a slope of 15% or less, but a specific homesite still needs septic and drainage review404. Confirm the zoning district, setbacks, legal access, flood exposure, well feasibility and septic suitability for the parcel. Selling an unincorporated parcel smaller than 35 acres generally triggers county subdivision procedures, although the county commissioners may grant an exemption41. USDA census farmland value averages about $1,281 per acre, while the median property-tax bill is about $863 per year at an effective rate near 0.5%424344.

Watch-outs

  • Remodeling entirely inside an existing building is exempt from the county building permit, but covered construction or a change of use that changes assessed value requires one21.
  • Selling an unincorporated parcel smaller than 35 acres generally requires county subdivision review, although the county commissioners may grant an exemption41.
  • Direct residential access to a Colorado state highway needs a separate CDOT access permit; the listed single-family residential or agricultural permit fee is $5034.
  • Cheyenne County has not confirmed private-land RV occupancy, a general minimum home size, a countywide building-code edition or a certificate-of-occupancy requirement; get parcel-specific answers from Zoning & Planning/Land Use15.

Sources

  1. Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  2. Cheyenne County, Colorado Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  3. Cheyenne County, Colorado Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  4. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  5. Public Health Agency, quoted and re-checked
  6. Cheyenne County, Colorado Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  7. Public Health Agency, quoted and re-checked
  8. Cheyenne County, Colorado Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance (2026 county census)
  9. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Colorado Revised Statutes 2026, Title 30, § 30-11-125 (2026 county census)
  11. Water Administration (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Zoning & Planning/Land Use, quoted and re-checked
  13. Zoning & Planning/Land Use, quoted and re-checked
  14. Cheyenne County, Colorado Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  15. Cheyenne County Zoning & Planning/Land Use (co.cheyenne.co.us)
  16. Zoning & Planning/Land Use, quoted and re-checked
  17. Zoning & Planning/Land Use, quoted and re-checked
  18. Town of Cheyenne Wells: Resources - Town of Cheyenne Wells (Cheyenne County), quoted and re-checked
  19. Kit Carson County Public Health and Environment (co.cheyenne.co.us)
  20. Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  21. Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  22. Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  23. co.cheyenne.co.us, quoted and re-checked
  24. Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  25. Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  26. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Permit Procedure, quoted and re-checked
  27. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  29. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. content.leg.colorado.gov (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. Cheyenne County, Colorado Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  32. Cheyenne County, Colorado Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  33. Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  34. Access Permits | Frequently Asked Questions (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  35. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  36. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  37. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  39. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  40. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  41. Cheyenne County, Colorado Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  42. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  43. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  44. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 16, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Cheyenne County has countywide zoning.

RuleCheyenne CountyKit Carson CountyKiowa CountyLincoln CountyBent CountyProwers CountyCrowley County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Public HealthCounty Public Health & Env.County Public HealthLincoln CountyCounty Public HealthCounty Public Health & Env.Otero County Health Dept.

County locator

Cheyenne County in Colorado

38
County map
Cheyenne County highlighted among the Colorado counties · colored by Index score

How Cheyenne County scores

Seclusion87100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1392% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability35100% ev.
Property Autonomy75100% ev.
Carry Cost8896% ev.

Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$202kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$1,281Land / acre
15.9"Annual rain
26.9% of yrsSevere drought
21.6 / yr (+17.4)Mid-century 100°F days
29.6 daysMid-century dry spell
1.05" (+3.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.28×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,616Home insurance / yr
3.3% / yrInsurance growth
1.44%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
552Radius comparison (15 mi)
1People / sq mi
0%Federal land
99%Land at 15% slope or less
58.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
573,405 acWorkable land screen
0%Wooded land
51.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Cheyenne County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Town of Cheyenne Wells · Town of Kit Carson

Answers from the rulebook for Cheyenne County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Cheyenne County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Erecting, constructing, reconstructing, altering, or changing the use of a building or other structure when the change alters assessed valuation in unincorporated territory covered by the zoning resolution.

    • The property owner or authorized representative must obtain the permit before the covered work.
    • Remodeling entirely within an existing building does not require a building permit.
    • The permit fee is set by the Planning and Zoning Board and approved yearly by the Board of County Commissioners.
    “It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, or change the use of any building or other structure which changes the assessed valuation of the property, within the unincorporated territory covered by this Zoning Resolution, without the property owner or his authorized representative first obtaining a building permit from the Administrator or his deputy.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, or change of use of a building or other structure that changes assessed valuation in the unincorporated territory covered by the zoning resolution.
      “It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, or change the use of any building or other structure which changes the assessed valuation of the property, within the unincorporated territory covered by this Zoning Resolution, without the property owner or his authorized representative first obtaining a building permit from the Administrator or his deputy. Remodeling which takes place entirely within an existing building does not require a building permit.”
    • Required — Erecting, constructing, reconstructing, altering, or changing the use of a building or other structure in unincorporated territory when the work changes assessed valuation.
      “It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, or change the use of any building or other structure which changes the assessed valuation of the property, within the unincorporated territory covered by this Zoning Resolution, without the property owner or his authorized representative first obtaining a building permit from the Administrator or his deputy.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Inspection and examination for enforcement of the county zoning resolution.

    • The Administrator or deputy is empowered to inspect when there is reasonable cause to believe a use or construction or alteration work violates the resolution.
    • The provision does not establish a universal inspection schedule for every building permit.
    “The Administrator or his deputy are hereby empowered to inspect and examine any building, structure, or tract of land concerning which they have reasonable cause to believe that a use exists or construction or alteration work is being performed, or has been performed, in violation of the applicable provisions of this Resolution”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning regulations for land and buildings in the unincorporated portions of Cheyenne County.

    • The ordinance states that its regulations apply to all land and buildings within the unincorporated portions of Cheyenne County.
    • Incorporated municipalities may administer separate local rules.
    “The Town of Cheyenne Wells will not be affected inside the corporate limits. [...] The Town of Kit Carson will not be affected inside the corporate limits. [...] All other areas of Cheyenne County not specifically referred to in the above descriptions shall be zoned Agriculture.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Land and buildings in the unincorporated portions of Cheyenne County.
      “These zoning regulations shall apply to all land and buildings within the unincorporated portions of Cheyenne County.”
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning regulation in the unincorporated territory covered by the Cheyenne County Zoning Resolution.
      “establishing zoning districts comprising all the unincorporated area within Cheyenne County”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-administered zoning in unincorporated Cheyenne County; incorporated municipalities may administer their own local rules.

    • The ordinance applies to unincorporated territory covered by the resolution.
    • The county website separately identifies the Town of Cheyenne Wells and Town of Kit Carson as municipalities.
    “These zoning regulations shall apply to all land and buildings”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning for unincorporated land and buildings.
      “These zoning regulations shall apply to all land and buildings within the unincorporated portions of Cheyenne County.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts and maps for unincorporated Cheyenne County.

    • The ordinance identifies Agriculture, Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and other special districts or uses in the document.
    • The official zoning maps are incorporated into the regulations; the PDF text notes that the PDF version contains the maps section.
    “The location and boundaries of all districts designated in the Cheyenne County Zoning Resolution are shown on maps entitled "Cheyenne County Zoning Maps" and are hereby made a part of these regulations.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Zoning districts established for unincorporated Cheyenne County.
      “In order to carry out provisions of this Resolution, the County is hereby divided into the following zoning districts:”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential District lots in unincorporated Cheyenne County.

    • Without public water and public sewer: minimum width 200 feet, depth 140 feet, and area 1 acre.
    • With public water only: minimum width 120 feet, depth 140 feet, and area 16,800 square feet.
    • With both public water and public sewer: minimum width 50 feet, depth 140 feet, and area 7,000 square feet.
    • Other zoning districts have separate lot-size provisions.

    minimum lot area without public water or sewer: 1 acre · minimum lot area with public water only: 16800 square feet · minimum lot area with public water and sewer: 7000 square feet

    “On land not served by public water and public sewerage facilities: a. Minimum lot width: two hundred (200) feet. b. Minimum lot depth: one hundred forty (140) feet. c. Minimum lot area: one (1) acre.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Residential, commercial, and other zoning districts in unincorporated Cheyenne County.
      “On land not served by public water and public sewerage facilities: [...] Minimum lot area: one (1) acre. [...] On land served by public water facilities only: [...] Minimum lot area: sixteen thousand eight hundred (16,800) square feet. [...] On land served by both public water and public sewage facilities: [...] Minimum lot area: seven thousand (7,000) square feet.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Lot dimensions and area in county zoning districts.
      “1. Lots shall not be less than one (1) acre in size. 2. Minimum lot width: one hundred (100) feet. 3. Minimum lot depth: one hundred (100) feet.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Residential District lots in unincorporated Cheyenne County.

    • Minimum front yard is 35 feet or 75 feet from the road centerline, whichever is greater.
    • Minimum side yard is 10 feet.
    • Minimum rear yard is 20 feet.
    • Minimum setback from existing power lines or transmission lines is 25 feet unless a lesser amount is approved by the servicing power company.
    • Other districts have separate setback provisions.

    minimum front yard: 35 or 75 from road centerline feet (whichever is greater) · minimum side yard: 10 feet · minimum rear yard: 20 feet · power-line setback: 25 feet (unless a lesser amount is approved by the servicing power company)

    “Minimum front yard: thirty-five (35) feet or seventy- five (75) feet from the road centerline, whichever is greater.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Residential and commercial zoning districts in unincorporated Cheyenne County.
      “Minimum front yard: thirty-five (35) feet or seventy- five (75) feet from the road centerline, whichever is greater. 2. Minimum side yard: ten (10) feet. 3. Minimum rear yard: twenty (20) feet. 4. Minimum setback from existing power lines or transmission lines shall be twenty-five (25) feet unless a lesser amount is approved by the servicing power company.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Setbacks under the county zoning districts.
      “1. Minimum front yard: thirty-five (35) feet or seventy- five (75) feet from the road centerline, whichever is greater. 2. Minimum side yard: twenty (20) feet. 3. Minimum rear yard: twenty (20) feet.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Campgrounds in the unincorporated county zoning districts.

    • A campground is defined as improved property used for camping and parking recreational vehicles for no more than 30 days.
    • Campgrounds are listed as conditional uses in the Commercial District; the cited ordinance does not establish a general right to camp elsewhere.

    maximum campground period: <= 30 days

    “Any plot of improved property utilized for camping and parking of recreational vehicles, as herein defined, for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater permitting and inspection procedure used for Cheyenne County.

    • The county Public Health Agency identifies Individual Sewage Disposal Systems as a county public-health service.
    • The linked procedure identifies Kit Carson County Public Health and Environment as the permitting agency for Kit Carson, Lincoln, and Cheyenne Counties.
    “Permitting – Kit Carson, Lincoln, and Cheyenne Counties”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — Onsite wastewater permitting and inspection for Cheyenne County through the public-health agency administering the multi-county OWTS process.
      “Permitting – Kit Carson, Lincoln, and Cheyenne Counties”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction or repair of a septic system in Cheyenne County under the multi-county OWTS procedure.

    • Permit fees are $223 for new systems, $175 for repairs, and $100 for privies.
    • A $175 perk-test and initial-site-analysis fee applies if KCCPHE performs that portion.
    • An engineer may perform the perk test and initial site analysis, but results must be submitted for KCCPHE review before final permit issuance.
    • Systems with seasonal high groundwater less than four feet below the soil surface, systems discharging to state waters or the ground, and systems serving commercial, institutional, industrial, or multifamily uses require Colorado professional-engineer design.

    new system permit fee: 223 USD · repair permit fee: 175 USD · privy permit fee: 100 USD · perk test and initial site analysis fee: 175 USD (when KCCPHE performs this portion) · seasonal high groundwater threshold: < 4 feet below soil surface

    “permit (OWTS) is required to construct or repair a septic system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Final inspection of septic systems serving Cheyenne County.

    • The final inspection must occur before backfilling.
    • If the system is backfilled before inspection, it must be uncovered before a permit is granted.
    “A final septic system inspection must be conducted by a representative of Kit Carson County Public Health and Environment before the system can be back filled.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Final inspection of septic systems in Cheyenne County before backfilling.
      “A final septic system inspection must be conducted by a representative of Kit Carson County Public Health and Environment before the system can be back filled.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Sale or division of parcels smaller than 35 acres in the unincorporated area of Cheyenne County.

    • Subdivision approval procedures generally must be followed for a parcel of land less than 35 acres located in the unincorporated area when it is to be sold.
    • The Board of County Commissioners may grant an exemption if the proposed division does not fall within the purposes of the county subdivision regulations.
    • The application requires the county fee for that year and generally takes approximately four weeks to process.

    parcel threshold: < 35 acres (Board of County Commissioners may grant an exemption)

    “In general, subdivision approval procedures must be followed whenever a parcel of land of less than 35 acres, located within the unincorporated area of Cheyenne County, is to be sold. However, an exemption from County subdivision approval procedures may be granted by the Board of County Commissioners”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision or sale of parcels under 35 acres in unincorporated Cheyenne County.
      “In general, subdivision approval procedures must be followed whenever a parcel of land of less than 35 acres, located within the unincorporated area of Cheyenne County, is to be sold.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit fees in unincorporated territory covered by the zoning resolution.

    • The fee amount is set by the Planning and Zoning Board and approved yearly by the Board of County Commissioners.
    • The opened materials did not expose the current fee amount.
    “Additional Resources Fee Schedule Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance Adopted 1041 Regulations”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — County land-use permit fees.
      “Fee Schedule Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance Adopted 1041 Regulations”
  • Permit processPartial

    County land-use and building-permit process in unincorporated Cheyenne County.

    • The official planning page provides building-permit and conditional-use applications and identifies the Land Use Administrator as the contact.
    • The building-permit form requires location, intended use, building size, approximate value, setbacks, special conditions, and sewage-disposal permit information.
    “Required Setbacks: Front ____________ Side____________ Rear _____________ Side ____________”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning, subdivision-exemption, variance, conditional-use, and building-permit processes.
      “Conditional Use Permit Application Subdivision Exemption Application Building Permit Application Zoning Amendment Application Application for Variance”

Colorado rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An individual owner performing repair or maintenance work on the owner's property in a Colorado county that has adopted a building-contractor licensing program under C.R.S. § 30-11-125.

    • The statute addresses county building-contractor licensing programs and applies to work in unincorporated county areas when a county has adopted such a program.
    • The exemption is limited to repair or maintenance work on the individual's own property; it does not establish a statewide exemption for constructing a new residence or for all contractor-regulated work.
    • A county may require a building-contractor license for persons engaging in the business of being a building contractor in its unincorporated areas.
    • The statute defines a building contractor as a person who, for compensation, directs, supervises, or undertakes work for which a county building permit is required.
    • The statute source states that § 30-11-125 was effective August 3, 2007, and was amended effective October 1, 2019.
    “Nothing [...] shall be construed to require any individual to hold a license to perform repair or maintenance work on his or her own property”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — An individual performing electrical work on the individual's own Colorado property or residence, including a primary residence, under the statewide electrical licensing statute.
      “Nothing in this article 115 [...] require any individual to hold a license”
    • Conditional — An individual performing plumbing work on the individual's own Colorado property or residence, including a primary residence, under the statewide plumbing licensing statute.
      “Nothing in this article 155 requires an individual to hold a license”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Construction at Colorado state agencies and institutions of higher education owned facilities.

    • The approved state building codes are minimum requirements for the specified state-owned facilities.
    • The source states that additional codes, standards, and appendices may be adopted by state agencies and institutions in addition to the listed minimum codes and standards.
    • The statewide source describes Colorado as a local-control state in which most building-code adoption decisions are driven by local governments, not the state.
    • The listed code editions and effective dates are those stated in the retrieved Approved State Building Codes document, which is marked Rev. 9/2023.

    International Building Code edition: 2021 edition (Chapter 1 as amended; Chapters 2-35 and Appendices C and I) · International Residential Code edition: 2021 edition (As applicable) · International Energy Conservation Code edition: 2021 edition (As adopted by the Colorado State Buildings Program and Colorado Energy Office) · National Electrical Code edition: 2023 edition (Effective July 30, 2023) · Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code effective date: 2023-07-01 date · International Plumbing Code edition: 2021 edition (First printing (March 2020); effective May 15, 2023 as adopted by the Colorado Examining Board of Plumbers) · International Fuel Gas Code edition: 2021 edition (First printing; effective May 15, 2023 as adopted by the Colorado Examining Board of Plumbers)

    “These minimum requirements are to be applied to all construction at state agencies and institutions of higher education owned facilities.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Construction at Colorado state agencies and institutions of higher education owned facilities under the Colorado State Buildings Program and other state authorities.
      “Approved building codes and standards are adopted by the Office of the State Architect (herein referred to as State Buildings Program (SBP)) and other state authorities, and are identified below. These minimum requirements are to be applied to all construction at state agencies and institutions of higher education owned facilities.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Municipal zoning districts in Colorado where the municipality adopts building-height or story regulations.

    • The applicable height or story limit is determined by the municipality's zoning regulations and district classification.
    • The statute provides authority but no statewide numeric height limit.
    • Height restrictions do not apply to existing buildings under the cited municipal zoning authority, except as stated for new growth of vegetation.

    building height or number of stories: local regulation (No statewide numeric limit specified)

    “the governing body of each municipality is empowered to regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and size of buildings and other structures”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Colorado Division of Housing-regulated tiny homes intended for residential occupancy and long-term living.

    • Plans must be submitted to the Colorado Division of Housing for approval before construction of the units.
    • The unit must satisfy applicable Colorado-adopted codes and standards and local zoning requirements.
    • Tiny home units are certified for the specific site where installed; relocation to another Colorado site requires the applicable design criteria, and design differences require revisions.

    foundation types: permanent or temporary

    “Tiny homes are approved for long term living”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Installation and resulting residential use of HUD-code manufactured homes and mobile homes in Colorado, subject to Colorado Division of Housing requirements and local zoning or building requirements.

    • HUD homes must be certified by the applicable State Administrative Agent for installation in Colorado; imported units are monitored by the State Administrative Agent of the state from which they are imported, rather than necessarily by Colorado's SAA.
    • A HUD home may be installed anywhere in Colorado only where local zoning allows it.
    • Local jurisdictions may require site mitigation to meet local wind and snow loads, but the mitigation cannot directly affect or change the construction of the home itself.
    • The Division of Housing regulates installation and installation inspections for HUD homes; mobile-home foundation and structural construction requirements are regulated by local jurisdictions with active building departments.
    • The state minimum HUD design criteria listed by the source are Wind Zone 1, Thermal Zone 3, and Middle Roof Load Zone (30 psf).

    wind zone: 1 zone · thermal zone: 3 zone · roof load zone: 30 psf (Middle Zone)

    “HUD homes [...] can be installed anywhere in Colorado as long as the local zoning allows for it.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    One accessory dwelling unit as an accessory use to a single-unit detached dwelling in a Colorado subject jurisdiction where single-unit detached dwellings are allowed.

    • The rule applies to a subject jurisdiction: either a municipality with a population of at least 1,000 within a metropolitan planning organization, or the portion of a county within a census-designated place of at least 40,000 people that is also within a metropolitan planning organization.
    • The subject jurisdiction must allow the ADU through an administrative approval process.
    • The rule applies on or after June 30, 2025.
    • The state requirement does not establish that every Colorado municipality or county area is a subject jurisdiction.

    maximum required ADUs per single-unit detached dwelling: 1 unit · effective date: >= 2025-06-30 · qualifying municipality population: >= 1000 persons (municipality must also be within a metropolitan planning organization) · qualifying census-designated-place population: >= 40000 persons (county portion must also be within a metropolitan planning organization)

    “Section 1 requires a subject jurisdiction, on or after June 30, 2025, to allow, subject to an administrative approval process, one accessory dwelling unit”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Sanitation for dwellings and occupied structures statewide that is provided without connection to a sewage treatment works.

    • The structure must have adequate facilities for sanitary disposal of sewage.
    • An OWTS may be used subject to applicable permit, inspection, construction, installation, alteration, and use requirements.
    • Construction of new cesspools is prohibited.
    • Septage removed during maintenance or cleaning must be disposed of at an approved site and in an approved manner.
    “No person shall construct or maintain any dwelling or other occupied structure that is not equipped with adequate facilities for the sanitary disposal of sewage.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Every new groundwater-diverting well in Colorado, including residential wells, subject to statutory exemptions and basin-specific rules.

    • The Division of Water Resources administers groundwater permitting and issues permits.
    • Applicants must complete the appropriate application and pay the associated fee.
    • Statutory exemptions and additional Denver Basin or Designated Basin rules may affect the requirement or permit conditions.
    • In many areas, a well may also require an augmentation plan if its priority is not sufficient to divert in priority.

    complete-application review time: <= 49 days (DWR states review of complete new and replacement applications may take up to 49 days)

    “Every new well in the state that diverts groundwater must have a well permit.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Residential or other occupied structures statewide that are not serviced by a sewage treatment works.

    • Colorado law conditions building and occupancy permitting on either service by a sewage treatment works or an approved OWTS process.
    • If the structure is not serviced by a sewage treatment works, the local public health agency must issue the OWTS permit before building construction or remodeling approval, and must complete a final inspection and approve the installation before occupancy approval.
    • This claim does not establish a universal statewide mandate to connect to a particular municipal water or sewer provider.
    “A permit to construct or remodel a building or structure that is not serviced by a sewage treatment works until the local public health agency has issued a permit for an on-site wastewater treatment system;”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Direct residential access from a property to a Colorado state highway, and construction, relocation, closure, modification, or change in use of access points to state highways.

    • Direct access from a house to a state highway requires an access permit.
    • Some state-highway access categories require access from a lesser street or by easement from a parent parcel whenever possible.
    • Level 1 permits cover single-family residential/agricultural permits; Level 2 covers commercial property and developments exceeding 20 vehicular trips per day without roadway improvements; Level 3 covers commercial property requiring roadway improvements.
    • Level 1 fees are $50, Level 2 fees are $100, and Level 3 fees are $300.
    • No fees are charged to local government applications or political subdivisions.
    • There is no upfront charge to review an Access Permit Application.
    • The permittee is responsible for roadway-improvement costs required with issuance of an access permit.
    • Performance-bond requirements apply only to private projects; local agencies are not required to comply, although CDOT regions may require a bond at their discretion.

    Level 1 access permit fee: 50 USD (Single-family residential/agricultural permits) · Level 2 access permit fee: 100 USD (Commercial property permits and developments exceeding 20 vehicular trips per day without roadway improvements) · Level 3 access permit fee: 300 USD (Commercial property permits requiring roadway improvements)

    “If you want the house to have direct access off of the state highway, then you will need an access permit.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in floodplain areas subject to Colorado floodplain-management requirements, and state-owned land in counties or municipalities that do not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.

    • Local floodplain regulations must equal or exceed FEMA National Flood Insurance Program minimum design and construction criteria.
    • Local floodplain regulations must comply with Colorado Water Conservation Board rules and regulations for regulatory floodplains.
    • The state program applies to development on state-owned land in counties and municipalities that do not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.
    “Local government floodplain management regulations for development in floodplain areas must equal or exceed the federal emergency management agency's national flood insurance program's (national flood insurance program) minimum design and construction criteria and must comply with the Colorado water conservation board's (CWCB) rules and regulations for regulatory floodplains in Colorado.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals statewide, defined in the cited official source as lodging-unit rentals for fewer than 30 days.

    • There is no statewide STR regulatory scheme.
    • Boards of county commissioners may license and regulate STR owners or agencies and set license fees, terms, issuance, and revocation procedures.
    • Home-rule municipalities and private contracts or homeowners' association covenants may impose additional restrictions.

    maximum rental duration for STR definition: < 30 days

    “There are no statewide regulations regarding STRs. As established through House Bill 20-1093, state law allows for boards of county commissioners (BOCCs) to license and regulate an owner or owner’s agency and to fix the fees, terms, and manner for issuing and revoking licenses.”
  • Campground & park staysAllowed (with conditions)

    Temporary overnight camping, including parking a motor home or traveler, on land and water under the control of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, including state parks and state recreation areas.

    • The source addresses lands and waters under the control of the Division of Parks and Wildlife, not all public or private land statewide.
    • Camping includes parking a motor vehicle, motor home, or traveler for the apparent purpose of overnight occupancy.
    • A commission-issued permit may be required; the statute defines permits to include campground permits and electrical hookup permits.
    • The state may charge fees for required passes or permits for use of any state park or state recreation area where supervision, maintenance, or specified facilities warrant a fee.

    overnight occupancy: true (Camping definition includes the parking of a motor vehicle, motor home, or traveler for the apparent purpose of overnight occupancy.) · permit types: campground permits; electrical hookup permits

    “Develop state parks and state recreation areas suitable for such recreational activities as camping, [...] "Camping" means [...] the parking of a motor vehicle, motor home, or traveler”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Colorado counties adopting zoning plans for all or any part of unincorporated territory.

    • The county planning commission may make the zoning plan; in a county having a county planning commission, it must do so upon order by the board of county commissioners.
    • The zoning plan may regulate districts or zones, including building location, height, bulk, size, lot coverage, lot size, open spaces, population density, building and land uses, and access to sunlight for solar energy devices.
    • The plan may include regulations for uses on or along storm or floodwater runoff channels or basins only when the channel or basin has been designated and approved by the Colorado water conservation board, to lessen or avoid hazards from storm or floodwaters.
    • The statute applies to unincorporated territory and does not describe incorporated cities or towns as within this county zoning grant.
    “zoning all or any part of the unincorporated territory within such county”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Colorado counties adopting and enforcing building codes and requiring building permits in designated unincorporated areas.

    • A board of county commissioners may adopt a building code in all or part of the county, but the area must not be within the limits of an incorporated city or town.
    • Buildings or structures used solely to shelter agricultural implements, farm products, livestock, or poultry may be excepted from the building code and permit requirement.
    • Before adoption, the county planning commission may designate part or all of the county for the building code upon request from the board of county commissioners; the board must hold a public hearing and publish notice once weekly for four consecutive weeks.
    • After adoption of the building code, construction, reconstruction, alteration, or remodeling in the designated area requires a building permit, except for the agricultural-shelter exception.
    • The board must fix a reasonable schedule of building-permit fees; no permit fee may be charged unless a qualified inspector actually performs an inspection.
    • Plans must conform to the building code, and plans and specifications generally must bear the seal of a Colorado-licensed architect or engineer unless exempted by section 12-120-403.
    • Every county adopting or updating a building code must adopt and enforce an energy code meeting or exceeding one of the three most recent International Energy Conservation Code versions under section 30-28-211.
    • The 2025 amendment to section 30-28-204 is effective January 1, 2026 and adds accessibility requirements for substantially amended or updated county building codes, with an exception for compliant one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes.
    “A board of county commissioners is authorized to adopt ordinances and a building code”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate of occupancy requirements for buildings in unincorporated Cheyenne County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Cheyenne County.
  • Lot coverage — General lot-coverage limits for residential development in unincorporated Cheyenne County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential recreational-vehicle occupancy on private land.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from county zoning or building-permit requirements.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in Cheyenne County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Colorado’s water agency.

Over-appropriated / declining

The aquifer here is over-appropriated and declining. A domestic well is usually still permit-exempt, but long-term supply is a genuine risk.

Household wellExempt up to a limit

A household obtains water via a permit-exempt small-capacity well (15 gpm) under CRS 37-92-602 outside designated basins or CRS 37-90-105 inside them; on a 35-acre-plus lot limited outside/stock/1-acre irrigation is allowed.

Limit: Household-use-only well: 15 gpm, ≤0.33 acre-ft/yr, indoor only. Domestic well on a 35+ acre tract: 15 gpm, ≤1 acre-ft/yr.

Colorado DWR — Guideline 2023-1, Exempt & Small-Capacity Wells ↗
  • Northern High Plains Designated Ground Water Basinmajority of county

    New large-capacity wells need a Colorado Ground Water Commission permit and are allocated on an allowable 100-year water-level decline; in over-allocated management districts new large-capacity permits are effectively unavailable. Household/exempt small-capacity wells still allowed.

    Colorado DWR / Ground Water Commission — Designated Basins ↗

Prior-appropriation state (first in time, first in right). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Colorado state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Cheyenne County, Colorado

Is Cheyenne County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Cheyenne County scores 38/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 552 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: thin water margin (15.9″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Cheyenne County, Colorado?

Cheyenne County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Cheyenne County Public Health. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Cheyenne County, Colorado?

Land in Cheyenne County runs about $1,281 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Cheyenne County?

Cheyenne County gets about 15.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 26.9% of years. On water rights, Cheyenne County lies in the Northern High Plains Designated Ground Water Basin — New large-capacity wells need a Colorado Ground Water Commission permit and are allocated on an allowable 100-year water-level decline; in over-allocated management districts new large-capacity permits are effectively unavailable. Household/exempt small-capacity wells still allowed..

How remote is Cheyenne County?

A typical private-land location has about 552 people within 15 miles and 964,627 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Cheyenne compares in Colorado

Compare side-by-side →See all 64 Colorado counties ranked →