Bolthole Index

Crowley County, Colorado

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

42Index Score / 100
#53 of 64 in Colorado

Unincorporated Crowley County, Colorado requires building permits for new stick-built construction, manufactured homes and remodeling1. County Planning & Zoning / Building Inspection handles county building permits and zoning; inside Ordway, the town handles its own building permits and zoning2345. Otero County Health Department handles septic permits for Crowley County sites, with septic approval required before a county building permit when the site needs a system67.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new stick-built construction, manufactured homes and remodeling in unincorporated Crowley County1
Building codes
Crowley County enforces the 2018 IBC, IRC and IECC8
Zoning
County zoning applies to unincorporated land; Ordway has its own zoning35
Septic permit
Otero County Health Department approval comes before the building permit when septic is needed67
RV living
Not confirmed; ask county Planning & Zoning before occupying an RV on private land32
Tiny home
State-approved tiny homes can serve as long-term housing, subject to county zoning and applicable codes910
Well permit
A Colorado Division of Water Resources permit is required for a new groundwater well11
Owner-builder exemption
No general new-home exemption confirmed; state law has narrower owner-performed repair, electrical and plumbing provisions121314

Who to call

Building permits

Crowley County Planning & Zoning / Building Inspection

Planning and zoning, building permits and building inspections in Crowley County

719-267-5218

matt.carter@crowleycounty.net

Crowley County Courthouse Annex, 603 Main Street, Ordway, CO 81063

Septic permits

Otero County Health Department

Septic permits and final sewage-disposal-system inspections for Crowley County projects

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

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

Unincorporated Crowley County requires a building permit for new stick-built construction, manufactured homes and remodeling of existing structures1. Inside Ordway, obtain a town building permit before constructing a structure or making a substantial improvement; Otero County Health Department remains the septic authority for Crowley County sites46. Crowley County enforces the 2018 International Building Code, International Residential Code and International Energy Conservation Code15. County design requirements include a 20-pound-per-square-foot live snow load, a 30-pound-per-square-foot combined live and dead load, a 26-inch frost depth and a 100-mile-per-hour basic wind speed16.

Who issues building permits in Crowley County, and how do you reach them?

Crowley County Planning & Zoning / Building Inspection handles county building permits and inspections from the Crowley County Courthouse Annex at 603 Main Street in Ordway2. The office is available by appointment at 719-267-5218 or matt.carter@crowleycounty.net2. County applicants must provide floor plans and project cost sheets, obtain addressing requirements from the County Administration Office for a new building site, and complete the listed prerequisites before the Building Inspector issues the building permit17. Crowley County requires a 2% use tax on construction materials, payable at the County Clerk's Office; contact the administration office to confirm planning, zoning or building-inspection charges before paying by card18.

Does Crowley County have zoning?

Crowley County administers zoning through Planning & Zoning / Building Inspection for unincorporated land3192. Inside Ordway, town zoning applies, and uses by right in the single-family residential district require a zoning permit from the town zoning administrator5. Otero County Health Department handles septic permits for Crowley County sites, separately from town zoning approval6. Incoming manufactured homes must satisfy Crowley County Planning and Zoning regulations20. We could not confirm the county district standards for minimum home size, lot size, setbacks or lot coverage; ask county Planning & Zoning to identify the parcel’s district and applicable standards before choosing a house plan32.

How do septic permits work in Crowley County?

Otero County Health Department administers septic permits for Crowley County sites and must issue its permit before the Crowley County building permit when a site needs septic67. Colorado law requires an onsite wastewater treatment system permit before construction, alteration, installation, repair or use when a structure is not served by a sewage treatment works21. Otero County Health Department also performs the sewage-disposal-system final inspection required for the county project22. About 50.9% of Crowley County soils are rated as not severely limited for a conventional septic drain field, so soil and site evaluation should happen before committing to a house location23. The final septic inspection must occur before the system is used24.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Crowley County?

We could not confirm a Crowley County rule that allows long-term residential RV occupancy or private-land camping, so ask county Planning & Zoning about the specific parcel and proposed duration before relying on an RV as housing32. A Colorado Division of Housing-regulated tiny home can be approved for long-term living on a permanent or temporary foundation, but its plans need state approval and the unit must satisfy applicable codes and local zoning9. Manufactured homes likewise may be installed where local zoning allows, and Crowley County expressly subjects incoming manufactured homes to county Planning and Zoning regulations2520.

How do you build a home in Crowley County, step by step?

1. For unincorporated land, ask Crowley County Planning & Zoning to confirm the parcel's zoning district, proposed residential use and applicable site standards32. 2. If the property needs septic, obtain the Otero County Health Department permit before applying for the county building permit7. 3. Submit floor plans and project cost sheets, obtain county addressing requirements for a new building site, and pay the 2% construction-materials use tax at the County Clerk's Office26. 4. Obtain the Crowley County building permit after the listed prerequisites are complete1. 5. If the home needs a new groundwater well, apply to the Colorado Division of Water Resources for a well permit11. 6. If the driveway connects directly to a state highway, obtain a Colorado Department of Transportation access permit27. 7. Schedule the applicable county building inspections, state electrical and plumbing inspections, and the health department's final septic inspection before occupancy282229. Schedule slab or under-floor inspection before pouring concrete or installing floor sheathing, and lath or gypsum-board inspection before plastering or taping and finishing; Crowley County may charge for re-inspection when work is incomplete, plans are unavailable or access is missing2830.

What should you check before buying land in Crowley County?

Crowley County receives about 12 inches of precipitation a year, and severe drought has occurred in about 41.7% of years, so verify the parcel's lawful, dependable water source before purchase3132. A new groundwater well requires a state permit, and the permit's availability or conditions can depend on statutory and basin-specific rules11. The land is broadly gentle, with 100% at a slope of 15% or less, but floodplain status still matters because local floodplain regulations must meet state and federal minimums3334. Farmland averages about $1,003 per acre, while the effective property-tax rate is about 0.5% and the median annual property-tax bill is about $525353637. Confirm legal access too, especially where a proposed driveway meets a state highway27.

Watch-outs

  • Crowley County requires the Otero County Health Department septic permit before the building permit when a site needs septic, so do not leave wastewater approval until after house plans are complete7.
  • Crowley County's available materials do not confirm long-term RV occupancy, a general owner-builder exemption for a new home, minimum home size or universal setbacks; ask Planning & Zoning / Building Inspection about the parcel and project3122.
  • A manufactured home must satisfy Crowley County Planning and Zoning regulations as well as the county building-permit process201.

Sources

  1. Requirements for a Crowley County Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  2. Crowley County Planning & Zoning / Building Inspection (crowleycounty.colorado.gov)
  3. Requirements for a Crowley County Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  4. Town of Ordway: Ordway Code Chapter 15.12—Building Permits (Crowley County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Town of Ordway: Ordway Town Code § 17.12.020—Single-family residential district (R-1) (Crowley County), quoted and re-checked
  6. Requirements for a Crowley County Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  7. Requirements for a Crowley County Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  8. Planning & Zoning | Building Inspection, quoted and re-checked
  9. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Requirements for a Crowley County Building Permit (2026 county census)
  11. Water Administration (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Colorado Revised Statutes 2026, Title 30, § 30-11-125 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Colorado Revised Statutes 2026, Title 12, § 12-115-116 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Colorado Revised Statutes 2026, Title 12, § 12-155-118 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Planning & Zoning | Building Inspection, quoted and re-checked
  16. Planning & Zoning | Building Inspection, quoted and re-checked
  17. Requirements for a Crowley County Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  18. Requirements for a Crowley County Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  19. Colorado Revised Statutes 2025 Title 30 Government - County (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Requirements for a Crowley County Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  21. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Requirements for Final Inspection, quoted and re-checked
  23. 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
  24. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. Requirements for a Crowley County Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  27. Access Permits | Frequently Asked Questions (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Requirements for a Crowley County Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  29. Requirements for a Crowley County Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  30. Building Permit Inspection Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  31. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  34. SB24-179 Floodplain Management Program (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  35. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  36. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  37. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 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, Crowley County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleCrowley CountyOtero CountyBent CountyPueblo CountyKiowa CountyEl Paso CountyLincoln County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsOtero County Health Dept.County Env. Health ServicesCounty Public HealthPueblo Dept. of Public Health & Env.County Public HealthCounty Public HealthLincoln County

County locator

Crowley County in Colorado

42
County map
Crowley County highlighted among the Colorado counties · colored by Index score

How Crowley County scores

Seclusion68100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1592% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability50100% ev.
Property Autonomy75100% ev.
Carry Cost87100% ev.

Evidence strength: 97%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$160kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$1,003Land / acre
12"Annual rain
41.7% of yrsSevere drought
30 / yr (+21.7)Mid-century 100°F days
35.4 daysMid-century dry spell
1" (+1.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.24×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,610Home insurance / yr
3.7% / yrInsurance growth
1.22%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
203,069People within 2 hr
3,451Radius comparison (15 mi)
7.2People / sq mi
0.6%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
50.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
251,850 acWorkable land screen
0.2%Wooded land
52.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Crowley 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.

Not yet researched: Town of Crowley · Town of Olney Springs · Town of Sugar City

Answers from the rulebook for Crowley County

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

Crowley County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New stick-built construction, manufactured homes, and remodeling of existing structures in Crowley County.

    • If the site requires a septic system, a permit is required from the Otero County Health Department first.
    • Payment of use tax of 2% on all construction materials is required, payable at the Crowley County Clerk's Office.
    • Applicant must provide floor plans and project cost sheets.
    • For a new building site, addressing requirements must be obtained from the Crowley County Administration Office.
    • The Building Inspector issues the building permit after all listed requirements are met.
    • All manufactured homes moving into Crowley County must meet all County Planning and Zoning regulations.

    construction-material use tax: 2 percent (all construction materials)

    “REQUIREMENTS FOR A CROWLEY COUNTY BUILDING PERMIT For new stick built, manufactured homes, and remodeling of existing structures.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New stick-built construction, manufactured homes, and remodeling of existing structures in Crowley County.
      “REQUIREMENTS FOR A CROWLEY COUNTY BUILDING PERMIT For new stick built, manufactured homes, and remodeling of existing structures. [...] Building Permit will be issued by the Building Inspector after all above requirements are met.”
    • Required — New stick-built construction, manufactured homes, and remodeling of existing structures in Crowley County.
      “REQUIREMENTS FOR A CROWLEY COUNTY BUILDING PERMIT For new stick built, manufactured homes, and remodeling of existing structures.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Residential and commercial construction within Crowley County.

    • The county states that the listed codes are enforced for safety, durability, and efficiency of residential and commercial construction.
    • Minimum structural design values are snow load 20 pounds per square foot live load, combined live and dead load 30 pounds per square foot, frost depth 26 inches, and wind load 100 miles per hour basic wind speed.
    • The standards must be followed for all new construction and major renovations.

    International Building Code: 2018 Edition · International Residential Code: 2018 Edition · International Energy Conservation Code: 2018 Edition · snow load: 20 pounds per square foot live load · combined live and dead load: 30 pounds per square foot · frost depth: 26 inches · wind load: 100 miles per hour basic wind speed

    “Crowley County has officially adopted the following building codes: International Building Code (IBC), 2018 Edition; International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 Edition; International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 Edition.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Residential and commercial construction within Crowley County.
      “Crowley County has officially adopted the following building codes: International Building Code (IBC), 2018 Edition International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 Edition International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 Edition”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Residential and commercial construction within Crowley County.
      “Crowley County has officially adopted the following building codes:”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction and remodeling covered by Crowley County building requirements.

    • Foundation inspection occurs after trenches are excavated, forms erected, and foundation materials delivered, subject to the stated transit-mixed-concrete exception.
    • Concrete slab or under-floor inspection occurs after in-slab or under-floor service equipment is in place and before concrete is poured or floor sheathing is installed.
    • Frame inspection occurs after roof, framing, fire blocking, bracing, pipes, chimneys, and vents are complete and rough electrical, plumbing, and heating work is approved.
    • Lath and/or gypsum board inspection occurs after lathing and gypsum board are in place and before plastering or taping and finishing.
    • Final inspection occurs after finish grading and completion when the building is ready for occupancy.
    • Other inspections may apply; the building official may require additional inspections.
    • Re-inspection fees may be assessed for incomplete work, uncorrected deficiencies, improperly posted permit cards, unavailable approved plans, lack of access, or deviations from approved plans.
    • No additional inspection is performed until required re-inspection fees are paid.
    “1. FOUNDATION INSPECTION: To be made after trenches are excavated and forms erected and when all materials for the foundation are delivered on the job. [...] 5. FINAL INSPECTION: To be made after finish grading and the building is completed and ready for occupancy.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Permitted construction subject to Crowley County building inspection requirements.
      “5. FINAL INSPECTION: To be made after finish grading and the building is completed and ready for occupancy. [...] 5. Final inspection by Crowley County Building Inspector.”
    • Required — Permitted construction subject to Crowley County building inspection requirements.
      “Inspection Requirements 1. FOUNDATION INSPECTION: To be made after trenches are excavated and forms erected”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County Planning and Zoning regulations applicable within Crowley County.

    • The cited source does not specify whether incorporated municipalities administer separate zoning ordinances.
    “NOTE: All manufactured homes moving into Crowley County must meet all County Planning and Zoning regulations.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes moving into Crowley County.

    • All manufactured homes moving into Crowley County must meet County Planning and Zoning regulations.
    • The permit packet separately treats manufactured homes as covered by the building-permit requirements.
    “NOTE: All manufactured homes moving into Crowley County must meet all County Planning and Zoning regulations.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Septic permits for sites in Crowley County administered by Otero County Health Department.

    • The Otero County Health Department permit must be obtained first when the Crowley County site requires a septic system.
    • The Crowley County document identifies the rule as applying under the septic requirement for a Crowley County building permit.
    “OTERO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Serving Crowley and Otero Counties ON-SITE WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM PERMIT APPLICATION”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — On-site sewage disposal permitting and final inspection for sites in Crowley County administered by the Otero County Health Department.
      “If site requires a septic system, a permit is required from the Otero County Health Department first. [...] Final inspection on sewage disposal system from Otero County Health Department.”
    • Local (with conditions) — On-site sewage disposal permitting and final sewage-disposal inspection for sites in Crowley County.
      “If site requires a septic system, a permit is required from the Otero County Health Department first.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Sites in Crowley County that require a septic system.

    • The permit is required from the Otero County Health Department before the Crowley County building permit.
    • The source does not state that every site requires septic; it applies when the site requires a septic system.
    “If site requires a septic system, a permit is required from the Otero County Health Department first.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Construction projects in Crowley County using a sewage-disposal system.

    • A final inspection of the sewage-disposal system is required from the Otero County Health Department before the Crowley County project is complete.
    • The source distinguishes this sewage-disposal inspection from final electrical, plumbing, building-code, and Crowley County Building Inspector inspections.
    “REQUIREMENTS FOR FINAL INSPECTION [...] Final inspection on sewage disposal system from Otero County Health Department.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Sewage disposal systems associated with construction in Crowley County.
      “3. Final inspection on sewage disposal system from Otero County Health Department.”
    • Required — A Crowley County project using a sewage disposal system and proceeding to final inspection.
      “Final inspection on sewage disposal system from Otero County Health Department.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Crowley County building-permit-related charges and use tax.

    • A 2% use tax on all construction materials is required and paid at the County Clerk’s Office.
    • Credit-card transaction fees apply to Planning and Zoning and Building Inspection fees.
    • The county page directs applicants to contact the administration office to confirm the amount due and receive instructions.
    • A re-inspection fee may be assessed in the circumstances stated in the permit packet.

    construction materials use tax: 2 percent

    “Payment of use tax of 2% on all construction materials is required. Payment to be made at the Crowley County Clerk’s Office.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Crowley County building-permit application process.

    • For applicable new construction, manufactured homes, and remodeling, obtain any required Otero County Health Department septic permit first.
    • Pay 2% use tax on all construction materials at the County Clerk's Office.
    • Submit floor plans and project cost sheets.
    • Obtain addressing requirements for a new building site from the County Administration Office.
    • The Building Inspector issues the permit after the requirements are met.
    • Final completion requires state electrical and plumbing inspections, Otero County sewage-disposal inspection, completion under Crowley County Building Codes, and final Crowley County Building Inspector inspection.
    • If the project is not completed in six months, contact the County Clerk's Office regarding use tax and submit final itemized sheets with attached tickets.

    construction-material use tax: 2 percent (all construction materials)

    “Applicant must provide floor plans and project cost sheets. [...] Building Permit will be issued by the Building Inspector after all above requirements are met. [...] REQUIREMENTS FOR FINAL INSPECTION”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Crowley County building-permit application process.
      “Applicant must provide floor plans and project cost sheets. [...] Building Permit will be issued by the Building Inspector after all above requirements are met.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Crowley County building-permit application and issuance process.
      “Building Permit will be issued by the Building Inspector after all above requirements are met.”

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”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    County zoning regulations for unincorporated Colorado; the state statute authorizes local district-specific lot-size rules but does not prescribe one statewide minimum.

    • Applies to portions of counties outside incorporated cities and towns.
    • Actual minimum lot sizes must be obtained from the applicable county zoning resolution and district map.
    • Colorado's official planning guidance states that most zoning decisions are driven by local governments, not the state.
    “Colorado is a “local control” state when it comes to land use planning authority (Local Government, 2012). This means that most land use decisions such as adoption of zoning and building codes are driven by local governments, not by the state.”
  • 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”
  • 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;”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land and creation of interests subject to Colorado county subdivision law.

    • Divisions creating parcels of at least 35 acres each are excluded when none is intended for use by multiple owners.
    • Additional statutory exclusions include certain 35-acre-per-interest divisions, court or eminent-domain divisions, security instruments, investment entities, cemetery lots, severed mineral or water interests, certain joint-tenancy or tenancy-in-common interests, parcel combinations, contingent sale contracts, and cluster developments.
    • A board of county commissioners may exempt a division from the subdivision definition by rule, regulation, or resolution if it determines the division is not within the purposes of the subdivision statute.
    • Local county subdivision regulations and review procedures still determine administration.

    parcel-size exclusion: >= 35 acres (Each parcel must be at least 35 acres and none may be intended for use by multiple owners.) · minimum area per interest for listed exclusion: >= 35 acres per interest (Subject to the statutory exceptions and anti-evasion language.)

    “"Subdivision" or "subdivided land" means any parcel of land in the state which is to be used for condominiums, apartments, or any other multiple-dwelling units, unless such land when previously subdivided was accompanied by a filing which complied with the provisions of this part 1 with substantially the same density, or which is divided into two or more parcels, separate interests, or interests in common, unless exempted under paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of this subsection (10).”
  • 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 Crowley County.
  • Local zoning — Local zoning within incorporated municipalities and other subordinate local jurisdictions in Crowley County.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning-district map or district schedule for Crowley County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in Crowley County.
  • Setbacks — Building setbacks in Crowley County.
4 more unanswered
  • Lot coverage
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Agricultural exemption

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.

Living off-grid in Crowley County, Colorado

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

Crowley County scores 42/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 12″ of rain a year, in severe drought 41.7% of years.

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

Crowley County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Otero County Health Department (serving Crowley County). 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 Crowley County, Colorado?

Land in Crowley County runs about $1,003 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Crowley County?

Crowley County gets about 12" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 41.7% of years.

How remote is Crowley County?

A typical private-land location has about 3,451 people within 15 miles and 3,226,087 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Crowley compares in Colorado

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