Building permits, zoning and land rules in Dolores County, Colorado
62Index Score / 100 #17 of 64 in Colorado
Unincorporated Dolores County, Colorado appears not to require a general building permit and has no county building department, but the county's published guidance does not expressly settle every residential project.1 Land-use review and subdivision approval, septic permits from the county Board of Health, floodplain permits and driveway permits can still apply, and the Assessor requires an Improvement Notice before construction.23456 The Town of Dove Creek issues its own building permits and sets its own zoning.78
At a glance
Building permit
Appears not required in unincorporated areas; confirm the project with the county1
Zoning and land use
Land-use review applies; a distinct zoning map or district schedule was not confirmed9
Septic
County permit: $400 new system, $300 repair; design approval and final inspection before backfill1011
RV living
Residential or long-term occupancy could not be confirmed; ask the county9
Tiny home
State plan approval and local land-use compliance apply12
Private well
A Colorado Division of Water Resources permit is generally required13
Floodplain development
Permit required in mapped special flood-hazard areas4
Town of Dove Creek
Issues its own building permits and sets its own zoning78
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Do you need a building permit in Dolores County, Colorado?
Unincorporated Dolores County appears not to require a general building permit, and the county has no building department.1 Unlike most counties around it in Colorado, Dolores County does not require a county building permit1. We could not confirm the rule for every ordinary residential project, a county residential-code edition, general stick-built-home inspections or a certificate of occupancy; the Board of County Commissioners should confirm the answer for the parcel and project.14 State oversight is narrower: the Colorado Division of Housing handles applicable foundation, plan-review, inspection and approval functions for factory-built homes, HUD homes, modular homes and tiny homes in jurisdictions without active building departments.15 That state role does not establish a general Dolores County residential building code.15 The certificate-of-occupancy information we found concerns stick-built hotels, motels and on-site multifamily structures, not ordinary single-family homes.16
Who handles building and land permits in Dolores County?
Dolores County does not list a county building department, so start with the Board of County Commissioners for land-use and subdivision questions; the office is at 409 N. Main St. in Dove Creek and answers at 970-677-2383.14 Residential subdivisions in unincorporated Dolores County require a site-specific development plan, and applications are reviewed and approved under the county Subdivision Regulations or Mobile Home Park Standards, with a land development agreement or alternative site-specific plan possibly required.2 The Assessor's Office requires an Improvement Notice before any construction and asks that it be returned with the applicable fees; that notice is not a building permit or an inspection.6 Inside the Town of Dove Creek, Dove Creek requires building permits for residential construction under its own code, and it removed the model code's exemption for one-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet.7 Septic permits stay with the county Board of Health even inside town limits.17
Does Dolores County have zoning and land-use rules?
Dolores County applies development and land-use review in unincorporated areas, but we could not confirm a distinct zoning ordinance, zoning map or district schedule.9 Inside the Town of Dove Creek, the town's zoning (Article V of its land development code) applies, and conditional uses go to the Town Board.8 The Town of Dolores land use code guides and regulates growth and development in that town, and the Town of Rico divides its land into zoning districts under its own land use code.1819 Municipal ordinances can also reach past municipal boundaries, so confirm which jurisdiction governs the parcel.20 Numeric setbacks, minimum dwelling size, general minimum lot size, height and lot coverage could not be confirmed; ask the Commissioners and any nearby town about the parcel and proposed use. The county's agricultural exemption is narrow: it covers qualifying small confined animal-rearing operations, not agricultural buildings or development generally.21
How do septic permits work in Dolores County?
The Dolores County Board of Health approves onsite wastewater designs, performs inspections and issues final permits.17 The steps are application, site plan, soils evaluation, system design by an engineer, designer or owner, Board of Health design approval, final inspection and final permit.22 The county's septic page also says an engineered system is required, and adverse soils, groundwater, bedrock, slope or setback conditions may call for a professional-engineer design, so ask the Septic Inspector early who may design your system.2322 A new-system permit costs $400, including the $23 state surcharge, and a repair or alteration permit costs $300; these are septic fees, not a general building-permit schedule.10 Leave the system uncovered, and request the final inspection at least 2 full days ahead; the final permit follows only if the documentation and photographs comply.11 USDA rates only 7.8% of mapped county soils "not limited" for a conventional drain field, so expect a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system.24 Colorado prohibits new cesspools.25
Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Dolores County?
Dolores County's rule for residential or long-term RV occupancy on private land could not be confirmed, so ask the Board of County Commissioners before using an RV as a dwelling or while building.14 The state rule for camping in state parks does not answer what is allowed on private property.26 A Colorado-regulated tiny home intended for long-term residential occupancy requires state plan approval before construction, compliance with applicable state codes and standards, and compliance with local zoning requirements.12 The Colorado Division of Housing performs applicable review and inspection work for tiny homes installed in jurisdictions without active building departments, including Dolores County.15 The county's tiny-home occupancy rule and minimum dwelling size could not be confirmed; take the unit plans, foundation type, wastewater plan and parcel information to the Commissioners before purchase or placement.
Building a home in Dolores County: what are the steps?
Ask the Board of County Commissioners which land-development or subdivision review applies; residential subdivisions require a site-specific development plan and Board approval.2
Confirm whether the specific home needs construction approval, since unincorporated Dolores County appears not to require a general building permit.1 Inside the Town of Dove Creek, apply to the town for a building permit instead.7
File the Improvement Notice with the Assessor's Office before construction.6
Demonstrate an adequate, dependable potable water supply and plan either a municipal wastewater connection or an approved onsite system for an unincorporated development or land-use change.27
Apply for the septic permit, submit the site plan and soils evaluation, and obtain design approval before installation.223
Obtain a Dolores County driveway permit for county-road access or a Colorado Department of Transportation access permit for a state-highway connection.5
Leave the septic system uncovered, request inspection at least 2 full days ahead and obtain the final permit after compliant documentation and photographs.11
What should you check before buying land in Dolores County?
Check wastewater feasibility first: USDA rates only 7.8% of mapped soils "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field.24 For unincorporated development or a land-use change, Dolores County requires evidence of a potable water supply adequate in quantity, quality and dependability; unless a cistern supplies the property, the documentation must also show ownership or a right to acquire or use the water rights.27 Confirm access: county-road access requires a county driveway permit, state-highway access requires a Colorado Department of Transportation permit, and private-road applicants should contact the Addressing Office.528 Development in a mapped special flood-hazard area of unincorporated Dolores County requires a permit before work begins, and the county's regulations say development in floodplains is discouraged.4 A new groundwater well generally needs a Colorado Division of Water Resources permit, subject to exemptions and basin-specific rules.13 The effective property-tax rate is about 0.2%, and the median annual bill is $558; verify the parcel with the Assessor.2930
Watch-outs
No county building department does not mean no paperwork: the Assessor requires an Improvement Notice before construction.16
Do not backfill a new or altered septic system before the final inspection, and request that inspection at least 2 full days ahead.11
Development in a mapped special flood-hazard area of unincorporated Dolores County requires a floodplain permit.4
Inside the Town of Dove Creek, the town, not the county, issues building permits and sets zoning.78
RV occupancy, minimum dwelling size and numeric setbacks could not be confirmed; ask the Board of County Commissioners before relying on a seller's description.14
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.
Dolores County highlighted among the Colorado counties · colored by Index score
How Dolores County scores
Seclusion93100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency35100% ev.
Admin Boringness6590% ev.
Durability32100% ev.
Property Autonomy75100% ev.
Carry Cost85100% ev.
Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$317kTypical home
0.2%Property tax
$3,270Land / acre
21.4"Annual rain
28.4% of yrsSevere drought
0.7 / yr (+0.6)Mid-century 100°F days
25.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.14" (+6.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.2×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,327Home insurance / yr
2% / yrInsurance growth
1.81%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
1,216People within 30 min
81,802People within 2 hr
2,226Radius comparison (15 mi)
2.4People / sq mi
61.4%Federal land
42.1%Land at 15% slope or less
7.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Dolores 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.
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Dolores County rules
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate local land-use controls across unincorporated Dolores County and municipalities within the county; the county does not administer each municipal ordinance.
The county's Development and Land Use Regulations apply to unincorporated areas.
Municipalities within the county have their own ordinances, resolutions, rules, and regulations that may affect land use.
Municipal restrictions may also apply outside municipal boundaries, so the applicable parcel and nearby municipality must be checked.
“Applicants are reminded that municipalities within the County limits have their own restrictions in the form of ordinances, resolutions, and rules and regulations, which may affect the requested land use. Said restrictions may also apply outside the boundaries of the municipalities.”
Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)
Onsite wastewater treatment systems in Dolores County.
The county Board of Health approves designs, performs inspections, and issues final permits.
A state surcharge is included in the county fee.
“The Dolores County Board of Health Inspector will review all documentation and photos on the system. If everything complies, a final permit will be issued.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
County — Onsite wastewater treatment system permitting and inspection in Dolores County.
“This can be done at either the Dolores County Commissioners office or online at the Dolores County website. Note that an engineered system is required as well as a final inspection from the engineer and the Dolores County Septic Inspector.”
Septic permitRequired
OWTS installation and repair or alteration in Dolores County.
An OWTS permit application is required.
New system fee is $400, including the required $23 state surcharge.
Repair/alteration permit fee is $300.
An assessor parcel number, site address, and site plan are required.
An Authorization to Construct is issued after design approval.
new system permit fee: 400 USD (includes $23 state surcharge) · repair/alteration permit fee: 300 USD
“An application for an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) permit must be completed clearly and accurately since this will be a legal document and part of a permanent record.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — New and repaired or altered onsite wastewater treatment systems in Dolores County.
“An application for an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) permit must be completed clearly and accurately since this will be a legal document and part of a permanent record.”
Septic inspectionRequired
OWTS construction in Dolores County.
The applicant or contractor must request inspection before backfill at least two full days in advance.
A final inspection is performed after the system passes the initial inspection.
A final permit is issued if documentation and photos comply.
inspection notice: >= 2 full days (before the expected or desired inspection date)
“When construction of the OWTS is complete, but not yet backfilled, the applicant or contractor must contact the Dolores County Board of Health Inspector to request a final inspection. This request must be made at least 2 full days in advance of the expected/desired inspection date.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — OWTS installation before backfill and final certification in Dolores County.
“When construction of the OWTS is complete, but not yet backfilled, the applicant or contractor must contact the Dolores County Board of Health Inspector to request a final inspection. This request must be made at least 2 full days in advance of the expected/desired inspection date.”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
New developments and changes in land use in the unincorporated areas of Dolores County.
A potable water supply adequate in quantity, quality, and dependability must be demonstrated.
Water evidence must include compliance with applicable Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Water Quality Control Division regulations.
Except where cisterns are the source of supply, documentation must show ownership or right of acquisition or use of existing and/or proposed water rights.
For sewer, the development must either connect to a municipal wastewater treatment facility or, where an onsite sewage disposal system is planned, prepare, submit, and obtain approval of a Sewage Disposal Report or an applicable Individual Sewage Disposal System Permit.
The sewage disposal system must meet Colorado State Board of Health guidelines and minimum standards for Individual Sewage Disposal Systems.
Where applicable, Dolores County Resolution Number 08-04-#18 applies to sewage disposal systems installed at an elevation of sixteen (16) feet or less above the 100 year flood plain.
The regulations apply only to unincorporated areas of Dolores County.
“These Regulations shall apply to the unincorporated areas of Dolores County. [...] Water. Evidence shall be provided that a potable water supply that is adequate in quantity, quality and dependability is available for the proposed new development or change in land use. [...] Sewer. Connection to a municipal wastewater treatment facility or where an on-site sewage disposal systems is planned, preparation, submittal and approval of a Sewage Disposal Report (Appendix B) or approval of an Individual Sewage Disposal System Permit, as applicable, by the Dolores County Board of Health”
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Small confined animal-rearing operations deemed agricultural under the county land-use regulations.
The exemption applies to small confined animal-rearing operations deemed agricultural.
If a written complaint is received or the Board of County Commissioners initiates review, the operation may be reviewed for nuisance mitigation.
The BOCC determines whether the operation is protected under CRS 35-3.5-102; if not protected, mitigation procedures apply.
The regulation's definition excludes marijuana and derivatives.
“Small confined animal rearing operations that are deemed to be agricultural operations, as defined in subparagraph 4 below, are exempt.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Residential subdivisions in unincorporated Dolores County.
Residential subdivisions require prior review and approval of a site-specific development plan.
A land development agreement or alternative site-specific development plan must be approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
Separate subdivision regulations apply.
“The following activities are subject to prior review and approval of a site specific development plan in accordance with these Regulations: A. New Developments Any one or more than one of the following: 1. Residential Subdivisions (See Relationship to Other Regulations, Section 5 of this Article II);”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Residential subdivisions and mobile-home parks or subdivisions in unincorporated Dolores County.
“These developments are subject to the Dolores County Subdivision Regulations or the Dolores County Mobile Home Park Standards and Regulations. Consequently, applications to undertake such developments shall be prepared, submitted, reviewed and approved in accordance with those regulations.”
Driveway accessRequired
Properties in Dolores County accessed via a county road.
If accessed via a private road, the county instructs the applicant to contact the Addressing Office for further details.
The requirement is tied to obtaining an address and county-road access.
“If your property is accessed via county road, a Driveway Permit must be issued.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Development and land-use changes in unincorporated Dolores County when access is via a county road or state highway.
“Access. When applicable, a driveway permit from Dolores County to access county roads and an access permit from the Colorado Department of Transportation to access state highways are required for new developments and changes in land use.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development in an area of special flood hazard in unincorporated Dolores County.
The development must comply with Dolores County Floodplain Ordinance No. 1989-1.
A permit must be obtained before development.
The applicable areas are shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps adopted under the ordinance.
The regulations state that development within floodplains is discouraged.
“Development that does occur shall comply with Dolores County Floodplain Ordinance No. 1989-1. That Ordinance requires that a permit be obtained prior to development in any area of special flood hazard in the unincorporated portions of Dolores County, as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps adopted pursuant to the Ordinance.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Development in mapped areas of special flood hazard in unincorporated Dolores County.
“That Ordinance requires that a permit be obtained prior to development in any area of special flood hazard in the unincorporated portions of Dolores County, as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps adopted pursuant to the Ordinance.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Dolores County OWTS permits.
The published fees are for OWTS permits, not necessarily every county permit.
New system permits include a $23 state surcharge.
Repair or alteration permits are separately priced.
new system permit fee: 400 USD (includes $23 state surcharge) · repair/alteration permit fee: 300 USD
“The OWTS Permit Application fees are: New system permit: $400 The state requires a $23.00 surcharge for each application, which is included in this fee Repair/Alteration permit: $300”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — Dolores County OWTS permits.
“The OWTS Permit Application fees are: New system permit: $400 The state requires a $23.00 surcharge for each application, which is included in this fee Repair/Alteration permit: $300”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Dolores County OWTS permit process.
The process includes application, site plan, soils evaluation, design, design approval, final inspection, and final permit issuance.
Adverse soils, groundwater, bedrock, slope, or setback conditions may require professional-engineer design.
The final inspection request requires at least two full days' advance notice.
“This is a brief list of the steps necessary to complete the permit process. More information on each step is below. 1. Application 2. Site Plan 3. Soils Evaluation 4. System Design by Engineer, Designer, or Owner 5. Design Approval by DCBOH 6. Final Inspection 7. Final Permit Issued by DCBOH”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — County OWTS permits and unincorporated land-development review.
“This is a brief list of the steps necessary to complete the permit process. More information on each step is below. 1. Application 2. Site Plan 3. Soils Evaluation 4. System Design by Engineer, Designer, or Owner 5. Design Approval by DCBOH 6. Final Inspection 7. Final Permit Issued by DCBOH”
County-wide zoningPresent
The county has adopted Development and Land-Use Regulations and a Planning Commission that reviews land-use changes, exercising county land-use control.
Construction, including adding previously unlicensed space to a Health Facility license, or operational permits for a Colorado-licensed Health Facility located in a jurisdiction with no local Building Department.
The Division is responsible for issuing the building permit when no local Building Department exists.
Limited Scope Project permits may be used instead of an individual Building, Fire, or Life Safety Code permit for projects identified by the Division.
Permit issuance is contingent upon review and approval by the Fire Code Official.
The determination of when a building permit is required is based on International Building Code Section 105 requirements, except Sections 105.1.1 and 105.1.2.
Substantial changes to the project scope, including adding square footage, require a new permit application.
Once all corrections identified through code review are satisfactorily addressed, the Division will issue the permit.
building permit determination: International Building Code Section 105, except Sections 105.1.1 and 105.1.2 (Substantial changes to project scope require a new permit application.)
“Under these circumstances, the Division will issue the applicable Building Permits and associated Certificates of Occupancy”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Construction, renovation, emergency, cash-funded, or in-house-funded projects involving Colorado state buildings and administered through the Department of Personnel and Administration/Office of the State Architect.
“State Buildings Program (SBP) is responsible for establishing minimum building codes for all construction by state agencies [...] Colorado has no statewide building code”
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.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Partial — Factory-built homes, HUD homes, modular homes, and tiny homes installed in Colorado jurisdictions without active building departments, including Dolores County.
“Modular homes are constructed to the adopted codes and standards amended in the Administrative Rules. These homes require plans to be submitted to DOH for approval prior to the construction of the units.”
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.”
InspectionsRequired
All reviewed Colorado State Buildings Program construction projects subject to state building-code compliance review.
The policy states that all reviewed construction projects are inspected for building-code compliance.
Required inspections are identified on the Building Inspection Record and may include building, special, fire, plumbing, electrical, boiler, elevator, and health-department inspections as applicable.
Local fire districts and other state authorities may have separate inspection responsibilities.
The policy applies to state buildings and state projects, not uniformly to every private project in Colorado.
“All reviewed construction projects shall be inspected for building code compliance.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Inspections for factory-built structures and certain structures in Colorado jurisdictions without building departments, including Dolores County.
“Plans are to be submitted to the Division of Housing for review and approval, and construction is to be inspected and approved by the Division of Housing.”
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Stick-built hotels, motels, and on-site multifamily structures in Colorado, including jurisdictions without building departments.
The source does not state that a certificate of occupancy is required for ordinary single-family residential construction in Dolores County.
“The DOH oversees the approval of plans, inspection processes, and issuing Certificates of Occupancy (CO) for all stick-built hotels, motels, and on-site multi-family structures.”
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”
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.”
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”
Inside cities and towns in Dolores County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land-use and zoning within the municipal boundaries of the Town of Rico, Colorado, in Dolores County.
The Rico Land Use Code applies unless expressly exempted or otherwise provided in the code.
No development may be undertaken without prior and proper approval or authorization under the Rico Land Use Code.
Rico is divided into residential, commercial, historic commercial, mixed-use, open-space, public-facilities, residential planned-unit-development, commercial planned-unit-development, and conservation planned-unit-development districts; parcel-specific requirements require consulting the official zoning map and applicable code provisions.
The cited code states that where a provision conflicts with another Town, state, or federal law, the provision imposing the greater restriction governs; it also does not supersede more restrictive private deed or covenant restrictions.
annexed-area zoning deadline: 90 days (For newly annexed areas, the town code states the area must be brought under the zoning section and map within ninety days after the effective date of the annexation ordinance.)
“In order to carry out the provisions of this RLUC, the Town of Rico is divided into the following zoning districts:”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Present (with conditions) — Land-use and zoning matters within the Town of Dolores, Colorado, in Dolores County.
“The Dolores Land Use code guides and regulates growth and development in the Town.”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Zoning districts — Published zoning districts or zoning map for unincorporated Dolores County.
Setbacks — Building setbacks in unincorporated Dolores County.
Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Dolores County.
Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Dolores County.
1 more unanswered
Camping on your land
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 Dolores County, Colorado
Is Dolores County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Dolores County scores 62/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 1,216 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: elevated current hazard exposure and thin water margin (21.4″/yr rainfall).
Do you need a building permit in Dolores County, Colorado?
Dolores County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Dolores County (Septic Inspector; OWTS under CDPHE Regulation 43). 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 Dolores County, Colorado?
Land in Dolores County runs about $3,270 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Dolores County?
Dolores County gets about 21.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 28.4% of years.
How remote is Dolores County?
A representative private-land location has about 1,216 people within a 30-minute drive and 81,802 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.
