Bolthole Index

Fremont County, Colorado

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

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Unincorporated Fremont County, Colorado requires a separate county building permit before a residential, commercial or industrial building is erected, altered, converted, enlarged or moved1. County zoning requires compliance for every allowed or primary use, with additional review and permits for some uses2. The Fremont County Building Department handles county septic (OWTS) applications; inside Florence, city building permits, zoning and a City Clerk septic permit apply instead3456.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for each building or structure in unincorporated Fremont County1
Zoning
Yes in unincorporated Fremont County; every allowed or primary use requires zoning compliance72
Septic (OWTS)
A county permit is required before installing, altering or repairing an OWTS89
Well
A state well permit is required statewide; proof of an existing well or public water is also a building-permit submittal requirement1011
Owner-builder
State law exempts an owner's own repair or maintenance work from county contractor licensing; it does not exempt a new home from permits1213
Building code
2018 IBC, IRC and IECC editions, as amended by county resolution14
Tiny home
May be permitted as an ADU on a permanent foundation if built to IRC Appendix Q15
Minimum home size
400 sq. ft. for a single-family dwelling; other dwelling types have different limits1617

Who to call

Building permits

Fremont County Building Department

Building permits, plan review and inspections for unincorporated Fremont County, including septic system permitting

719-276-7460

615 Macon Ave., Room 212, Cañon City, CO 81212

Building permits

Fremont County Building Department: Adopted Codes

Which construction codes and edition years the county has adopted

Building permits

Fremont County Building Department: Bulk Water/Cistern Policy

What counts as proof of a potable water supply for a building permit, and when a bulk-water cistern may be accepted

Septic permits

Fremont County Building Department: On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS/septic)

Septic (OWTS) permits, licensed installer lists, inspections and homeowner maintenance guidance

719-276-7460

615 Macon Ave., Room 212, Cañon City, CO 81212

Septic permits

Fremont County Building Department: OWTS Application Checklist

What a septic (OWTS) permit application must include before the county will accept it

719-276-7460

Zoning

Fremont County Planning and Zoning

Zoning resolution, subdivision regulations, zoning verification and code enforcement for unincorporated Fremont County

719-276-7360

planning@fremontco.com

615 Macon Ave., Room 210, Cañon City, CO 81212

Zoning

Fremont County Planning and Zoning: General Information

How to get a property's zoning classification confirmed before relying on it

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Fremont 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 Fremont County, Colorado?

Yes. A separate Fremont County building permit is required before each residential, commercial or industrial building or structure in unincorporated Fremont County is erected, constructed, altered, converted, enlarged or moved1. Inside Florence, city building-permit requirements apply; a septic installation also requires a City Clerk permit and a statement from Fremont Sanitation District that a sewer connection is impracticable46. Fremont County enforces the 2018 International Building, Residential and Energy Conservation Codes, as amended by Resolution No. 60 of 202018.

The Building Department assists with applications and the permit process; ask it for the complete sequence for a specific project19. The county publishes a valuation-based building-permit fee schedule; confirm the current amount with the Building Department before budgeting20. Every building permit application needs evidence of potable water, usually a public-water contract or bill, or records for an existing well11. A bulk-water cistern may be accepted in limited circumstances, but Fremont County does not promise that bulk water will remain an acceptable long-term supply11. State law excuses an owner from county contractor licensing for repair or maintenance on the owner's property, but it does not create a permit exemption for building a new home13.

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

The Building Department is at 615 Macon Ave., Room 212, in Cañon City; call 719-276-7460, weekdays 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.21. The same office handles septic (OWTS) permits, so one call or visit can often cover both3. Fremont County Building Inspectors conduct every inspection under a county building permit, and the permit and field set of plans must remain visible and accessible at the construction site22.

Planning and Zoning, for zoning verification, subdivision and rezoning questions, is in Room 210 in the same building, 719-276-7360, or email planning@fremontco.com23. Before relying on zoning information, file a property-specific zoning verification form; there is no charge, and older information should be re-verified because classifications and regulations can change24.

Does Fremont County have zoning?

Yes. County zoning applies to unincorporated Fremont County, while Florence administers its own city zoning75. Florence also requires a City Clerk septic permit; county OWTS applications go through the Fremont County Building Department63. Fremont County zoning regulates the location, height, bulk and size of structures, lot coverage, lot size and open space by district25. Every allowed or primary use requires zoning compliance, and some uses also require an application, review and permit2. Setbacks, lot coverage and building height vary by zone district, so request a parcel-specific zoning verification from Planning and Zoning26272824. Creating or reconfiguring lots can also trigger Fremont County's subdivision regulations29.

Lot size depends on the district and utilities. In the Low-Density Residential district, the minimum is 8,500 square feet with public water and sewer, 1 acre with public water and an OWTS, or 4.5 acres with a well and OWTS30. In the High-Density Residential district, a single-family lot requires 8,500 square feet; a two-family lot requires that area plus 1,000 square feet for each additional unit31. Fremont County sets separate dwelling-size rules: a single-family dwelling, efficiency unit or manufactured home has a 400-square-foot minimum; an ADU has a 250-square-foot minimum and a 1,250-square-foot maximum; and a park model spans 200 to 399 square feet unless it meets manufactured-home standards161732.

How do septic and well permits work in Fremont County?

Fremont County's Public Health Agency and Board of Health regulate county OWTS, and a county permit is required before installing, altering or repairing a system89. The permit expires after one year if construction has not begun, and a noncompliant system needs a repair permit9. An application needs a county-licensed installer, evidence of water, payment of permit fees, use tax and the Colorado surcharge, plus a site and soil evaluation from a registered professional engineer or competent technician33.

The owner, agent or contractor must notify the county when the system is ready, and final inspection occurs before backfilling; engineer-designed systems carry added certification and inspection-document requirements34. A county OWTS permit generally will not be issued where public sewer is available; within a municipality or sanitation district, a sewer line within 400 feet bars the permit, while an applicant outside such a district must document a denied connection request and lack of service35. Off-grid sanitation still requires adequate sewage disposal through a permitted system, and new cesspools are prohibited3637. Only 9% of Fremont County soils rate free of severe conventional-drain-field limits, so investigate the site before assuming a standard system will work38. New wells require a Colorado Division of Water Resources permit10.

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

We could not confirm a Fremont County rule for living in an RV on private residential land; ask Planning and Zoning about the parcel's district and proposed duration before relying on an RV for housing24. Colorado's camping rules for land controlled by Colorado Parks and Wildlife do not answer the private-land question39.

In unincorporated Fremont County, a tiny home proposed as an accessory dwelling unit has a conditional path to approval: it may be permitted only on a permanent foundation and must be built under IRC Appendix Q15. An ADU requires approval and a permit before development or use and must follow county building, sanitation and zone-district requirements40. An ADU must contain at least 250 square feet and no more than 1,250 square feet1732. A manufactured home in the High-Density Residential district must contain at least 400 square feet and remains subject to zoning compliance and permit requirements41. Colorado approval for a regulated tiny home does not replace Fremont County zoning approval4215.

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

  1. Submit a zoning verification form to Planning and Zoning to confirm the parcel's district, permitted use, lot-size standard, setbacks, lot coverage and height limits before design begins24433031262728.
  2. Line up proof of potable water through a public-water record or existing-well documentation; treat a bulk-water cistern as a limited fallback11.
  3. If you need a new well, apply to the Colorado Division of Water Resources; review of a complete application can take up to 49 days10.
  4. Determine whether public sewer is available; if not, obtain the required OWTS permit and site and soil evaluation before work35933.
  5. Obtain a separate building permit for each building or structure and confirm the current fee with the Building Department120.
  6. Keep the building permit and plans accessible for building inspections, and leave the OWTS uncovered for its final inspection2234.
  7. For ADU access near a CDOT-controlled state highway, obtain an approved access permit and meet CDOT requirements44.

What should you check before you buy land in Fremont County?

Confirm the parcel's zoning classification with Planning and Zoning because allowable uses, setbacks, lot coverage, height and minimum lot size depend on the district and, in the Low-Density Residential district, the water and wastewater setup432627283024. Ask whether public sewer lies within 400 feet before planning an OWTS, and investigate water through a public tap or permitted well before treating a cistern as a fallback3511. Because only 9% of Fremont County soils are free of severe septic limitations, obtain a site and soil evaluation before assuming a conventional drain field will work38.

Verify legal access and private boundaries where acreage borders public land because federal agencies own 47.9% of Fremont County45. ADU access near a CDOT-controlled state highway requires an approved access permit; ask Planning and Zoning about other driveway requirements4423. Fremont County averages 13.9 inches of precipitation a year and experiences severe drought in 21.9% of years, so confirm a dependable water source early4647. Farmland averages $2,756 an acre, while the median property-tax bill is $1,081 a year at a 0.4% effective rate484950.

Watch-outs

  • A building permit application in Fremont County requires proof of a potable water supply; if there is no well or public water tap, a bulk-water cistern may be accepted only in rare cases and the county promises nothing about bulk water staying available long-term11.
  • Only 9% of Fremont County's soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so budget for a real site and soil evaluation by a registered engineer or competent technician before assuming a standard system will work3833.
  • Fremont County enforces the 2018 International Building, Residential and Energy Conservation Codes, as amended by county resolution14.
  • For county-permitted construction, keep the building permit and field plans visible and accessible at the site for every Fremont County Building Inspector visit22.
  • RV living on private land remains unconfirmed, but a tiny home may be permitted as an ADU only on a permanent foundation under IRC Appendix Q and must satisfy the parcel's zoning requirements241540.
  • A public sewer line within 400 feet can prevent approval of a new OWTS, subject to the county rule's district and service-availability conditions35.
  • County building and zoning rules apply to unincorporated Fremont County; Florence has its own building-permit and zoning rules and requires a City Clerk septic permit with documentation that a district sewer connection is impracticable7456.

Sources

  1. Fremont County, Colorado Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  2. Fremont County, Colorado Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  3. Fremont County Building Department: On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS/septic) (fremontcountyco.gov)
  4. Florence: Florence Code § 15.04.040, building permit requirement (Fremont County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Florence: Florence Code § 17.20.040, R-1 yard and bulk requirements (Fremont County), quoted and re-checked
  6. Florence: Florence Code § 13.20.020, septic tank permit (Fremont County), quoted and re-checked
  7. fremontcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  8. Fremont County On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  9. Fremont County On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  10. Water Administration (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Fremont County Building Department: Bulk Water/Cistern Policy (fremontcountyco.gov)
  12. Colorado Revised Statutes 2026, Title 30, § 30-11-125 (2026 county census)
  13. Colorado Revised Statutes 2026, Title 30, § 30-11-125 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Adopted Codes | Fremont County, Colorado, quoted and re-checked
  15. Fremont County, Colorado Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  16. Fremont County, Colorado Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  17. Fremont County, Colorado Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  18. Adopted Codes, quoted and re-checked
  19. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  20. Permit Fees, quoted and re-checked
  21. Fremont County Building Department (fremontcountyco.gov)
  22. Fremont County Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  23. Fremont County Planning and Zoning (fremontcountyco.gov)
  24. Fremont County Planning and Zoning: General Information (fremontcountyco.gov)
  25. fremontcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  26. fremontcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  27. fremontcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  28. fremontcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  29. Subdivision Regulations, Fremont County, quoted and re-checked
  30. Fremont County, Colorado Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  31. Fremont County, Colorado Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  32. Fremont County, Colorado Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  33. Fremont County Building Department: OWTS Application Checklist (fremontcountyco.gov)
  34. Fremont County On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  35. Fremont County On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  36. Fremont County OWTS Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  37. content.leg.colorado.gov (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  38. 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
  39. Title 33 - Parks and Wildlife - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  40. Fremont County, Colorado Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  41. Fremont County, Colorado Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  42. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  43. fremontcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  44. fremontcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  45. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  46. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  47. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  48. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  49. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  50. Effective property tax rate: 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, Fremont County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleFremont CountyCuster CountyTeller CountyChaffee CountyPark CountyEl Paso CountySaguache County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Building Dept.County Planning & ZoningCounty Public Health & Env.County Building Dept.County Env. Health Dept.County Public HealthCounty Land Use Office

County locator

Fremont County in Colorado

64
County map
Fremont County highlighted among the Colorado counties · colored by Index score

How Fremont County scores

Seclusion72100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency42100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability52100% ev.
Property Autonomy75100% ev.
Carry Cost83100% 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 →

$343kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$2,756Land / acre
13.9"Annual rain
21.9% of yrsSevere drought
1.3 / yr (+1.3)Mid-century 100°F days
23.6 daysMid-century dry spell
1.06" (+4.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.32×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,861Home insurance / yr
4.9% / yrInsurance growth
1.39%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
123,813People within 2 hr
16,502Radius comparison (15 mi)
32.8People / sq mi
47.9%Federal land
29.9%Land at 15% slope or less
9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
83,103 acWorkable land screen
63.8%Wooded land
17.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
46°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Fremont 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 Brookside · Cañon City · Town of Coal Creek · Town of Rockvale · Town of Williamsburg

Answers from the rulebook for Fremont County

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

Fremont County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Residential, commercial, and industrial buildings or structures in unincorporated Fremont County.

    • A separate building permit is required for each building or structure before it is erected, constructed, altered, converted, enlarged, or moved.
    • The requirements for permit issuance follow any building code in effect for Fremont County.
    • The county Building Department serves unincorporated Fremont County; incorporated Cañon City, Florence, Williamsburg, Rockvale, Coal Creek, and Brookside have their own building departments.
    “No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, alter, convert, enlarge, or move a residential, commercial or industrial building or structure in the County, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a separate building permit for each building or structure from the Fremont County Building Department. The requirements for building permit issuance shall be in accordance with any building code in effect for Fremont County.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building-code enforcement by Fremont County in unincorporated areas.

    • The adopted codes are the 2018 IBC, IRC, and IECC, as amended by Resolution No. 60, Series of 2020.
    • Incorporated municipalities adopt their own building codes.

    code edition: 2018 (as amended by Resolution No. 60, Series of 2020)

    “The Fremont County Building Department enforces the International Building Code, the International Residential Code and the International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 Editions, as amended by Resolution of the Fremont Board of County Commissioners in Resolution No. 60, Series of 2020.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building work enforced by the Fremont County Building Department in unincorporated Fremont County.
      “The Fremont County Building Department enforces the International Building Code, the International Residential Code and the International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 Editions, as amended by Resolution of the Fremont Board of County Commissioners in Resolution No. 60, Series of 2020.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction performed under a Fremont County building permit.

    • All inspections are conducted by a Fremont County Building Inspector; plans and permit must be visible and accessible at the construction site; re-inspection fees may apply.
    “When issued a building permit by Fremont County, ALL inspections will be conducted by a Fremont County Building Inspector. This building permit as well as the field set of plans must be at construction site & be visible & accessible at the time of inspection.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning and land-use regulation in unincorporated Fremont County.

    • Incorporated Cañon City, Florence, Williamsburg, Rockvale, Coal Creek, and Brookside have separate municipal building jurisdictions.
    • Uses may require zoning compliance, application, review, and permits.
    “All allowed or primary uses require zoning compliance. Certain uses within districts are allowed only through application, review, and permits.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Fremont County zoning regulation in unincorporated areas.
      “A resolution and maps in Fremont County, Colorado, regulating by districts or zones the location, height, bulk, and size of buildings and other structures, percentage of lot which may be occupied, the size of lots, courts, and other open spaces”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Primary and allowed uses in the County-administered unincorporated area.

    • Uses may require application, review, and permits; incorporated municipalities are outside this county-administered scope.
    “All allowed or primary uses require zoning compliance. Certain uses within districts are allowed only through application, review, and permits.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County-administered zoning in unincorporated Fremont County.
      “The Department provides information regarding the Fremont County Zoning Resolution, which includes: 1. The zoning classification of properties”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning classifications, allowable uses, and development requirements for Fremont County zoning districts.

    • The official page identifies the subjects covered by the Zoning Resolution but does not reproduce the complete district schedule.
    “The Department provides information regarding the Fremont County Zoning Resolution, which includes: 1. The zoning classification of properties * Land uses allowable in each zone district * Development requirement in each zone district (such as setbacks, lot coverages, building heights, etc.)”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Dwelling-unit sizes regulated by Fremont County zoning in unincorporated areas.

    • The resolution lists separate minimums for ADUs, efficiency units, manufactured homes, park models, and single-family dwellings.
    • Units of 400 square feet or larger must comply with manufactured-home construction and placement standards where stated.

    accessory dwelling unit minimum: >= 250 square feet · efficiency unit minimum: >= 400 square feet · manufactured home minimum: >= 400 square feet · park model minimum: >= 200 square feet (maximum 399 square feet) · single-family dwelling minimum: >= 400 square feet

    “Shall have a minimum gross floor area of two hundred (200) square feet and a maximum of three hundred and ninety-nine (399) square feet. (Units four hundred (400) square feet and larger must comply with manufactured home construction and placement standards.)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Specified dwelling-unit types under County zoning.
      “Accessory Dwelling Unit: Shall have a minimum gross floor area of two hundred fifty (250) square feet. [...] Single-family; Shall have a minimum gross floor area of four hundred (400) square feet.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots in Fremont County's Low-Density Residential (LDR) zone district.

    • With public water and sewer, the minimum is 8,500 square feet.
    • With public water and an onsite wastewater treatment system, the minimum is 1 acre.
    • With a well and onsite wastewater treatment system, the minimum is 4.5 acres.
    • All setbacks adjacent to a State or Federal Highway shall be twenty-five feet.
    • For certain special-review facilities, lot size may deviate from the district minimum under Section 5.02(d) of the resolution.

    minimum lot size with public water and sewer: 8500 square feet · minimum lot size with public water and OWTS: 1 acre · minimum lot size with well and OWTS: 4.5 acres

    “8,500 sq. ft. [...] 1 acre [...] 4.5 acres”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Setbacks governed by Fremont County zoning districts.

    • The applicable setback depends on the zone district and development type; numeric district limits were not extracted in this run.
    “Development requirement in each zone district (such as setbacks, lot coverages, building heights, etc.)”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Lot-coverage limits governed by Fremont County zoning districts.

    • The applicable limit depends on the zone district; numeric district limits were not extracted in this run.
    “Development requirement in each zone district (such as setbacks, lot coverages, building heights, etc.)”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Building-height limits governed by Fremont County zoning districts.

    • The applicable limit depends on the zone district; numeric district limits were not extracted in this run.
    “Development requirement in each zone district (such as setbacks, lot coverages, building heights, etc.)”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny homes proposed as accessory dwelling units.

    • Tiny home may be permitted as an ADU only on a permanent foundation and constructed under IRC Appendix Q.
    • ADU requires zoning compliance, approval, permit, and applicable development requirements.
    “A tiny home may be permitted as an ADU if placed on a permanent foundation and constructed in accordance with Appendix Q of the IRC.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Tiny-home occupancy as an accessory dwelling unit in unincorporated Fremont County.
      “A tiny home may be permitted as an ADU if placed on a permanent foundation and constructed in accordance with Appendix Q of the IRC.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes in the High Density Residential Zone District.

    • Allowed uses are subject to zoning compliance, limitations, and permit requirements.
    • County zoning resolution imposes a minimum 400-square-foot gross floor area for manufactured homes.

    minimum gross floor area: >= 400 square feet (manufactured home)

    “Manufactured Home: Shall have a minimum gross floor area of four hundred (400) square feet.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Fremont County.

    • Approval and permit are required before development or use.
    • ADU must comply with building and sanitation codes and zone-district requirements.
    • Maximum 1,250 square feet; one ADU per lot or parcel; owner occupancy/covenant, parking, access, utility, and sanitation requirements apply.

    maximum ADU area: <= 1250 square feet · ADUs per lot or parcel: <= 1

    “The following uses require approval and a permit prior to development and/or use. (a) Accessory Dwelling Unit:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Fremont County.
      “The construction or placement of the ADU must comply with Fremont County building and sanitation codes, as well as all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    OWTS regulated by Fremont County Public Health Agency and Board of Health.

    • The state Division may assume functions where necessary to protect public health and environment.
    “The primary responsibility for enforcement of the provisions of the OWTS Act and the regulations adopted under said article will lie with the Fremont County Board of Health.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installing, altering, or repairing an on-site wastewater treatment system.

    • Applicant must submit a complete application before work.
    • An OWTS permit expires one year after issuance if construction has not commenced.
    • A repair permit is required for a noncompliant OWTS.
    • No OWTS permit is issued where public sewer is available unless the stated feasibility/authorization exception applies.

    permit term: 1 year (if construction has not commenced)

    “Prior to installing, altering, or repairing a system, the applicant must obtain a permit from the Fremont County Public Health Agency.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Permitted OWTS before backfilling and final permit approval.

    • Owner, agent, or contractor must notify the County when work is ready for inspection.
    • Engineer-designed systems have additional certification and inspection documentation requirements.
    “Final inspection prior to backfilling the OWTS by the Fremont County Public Health Agency confirming that it was installed according to the permit requirements and regulations or variances to the regulations.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    OWTS-based sanitation in Fremont County.

    • OWTS installation, alteration, and repair require a county permit.
    • Public sewer availability can bar issuance of an OWTS permit unless sewer service is infeasible or the municipality or special district authorizes the permit.
    “Prior to installing, altering, or repairing a system, the applicant must obtain a permit from the Fremont County Public Health Agency.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Properties seeking an OWTS permit.

    • OWTS permit is denied in a municipal or sanitation district when sewer lines exist within 400 feet.
    • Outside such district with sewer within 400 feet, applicant must show a connection/join application was denied and the district cannot provide service.

    sewer-line distance: <= 400 feet (OWTS construction, repair, extension, or replacement)

    “Permits to construct, repair, extend or replace an OWTS will be denied within a municipal or sanitation district and when sewer lines exist within 400 feet of the applicant’s property.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision applications and plats governed by Fremont County Subdivision Regulations.

    • The regulations contain sketch-plan, preliminary-plan, final-plat, exemption, PUD, fee, and dedication provisions.
    “SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS FREMONT COUNTY ADOPTED MARCH 14, 2000 WITH AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF MARCH 14, 2000 BY RESOLUTION #15, SERIES OF 2000”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    ADU access near a CDOT-controlled state highway.

    • Applies only where ADU access is in proximity to a CDOT-controlled state highway; all CDOT requirements must be met.
    “If access is in proximity of a CDOT controlled State Highway an approved access permit is required. All CDOT requirements shall be met.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit fees in unincorporated Fremont County.

    • The fee schedule is marked Revised August 2018; fees are valuation-based and the schedule includes separate permit categories.

    schedule revision: August 2018

    “Building Department Fee Schedule Building Valuation Chart”
  • Permit processPartial

    County building-permit application and permit-process assistance.

    • The official page describes assistance with the application and permit process but does not provide the full procedural steps in the reviewed excerpt.
    “Our mission is to help protect the citizens of Fremont County by establishing and enforcing minimum building requirements in order to reduce the potential hazards of unsafe construction, to assist the general public with the application and permit process and to conduct the department's business in a timely, efficient and professional manner.”

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”
  • 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.”
  • 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 — Certificates of occupancy for buildings in unincorporated Fremont County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural-building or agricultural-land exemptions in unincorporated Fremont County.

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 Fremont County, Colorado

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

Fremont County scores 64/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: more administrative friction around building and land use and weak self-sufficiency basics: only 13.9″ of rain a year, in severe drought 21.9% of years.

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

Fremont County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Fremont County Building Department / Public Health & Environment (OWTS program). 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 Fremont County, Colorado?

Land in Fremont County runs about $2,756 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Fremont County?

Fremont County gets about 13.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 21.9% of years.

How remote is Fremont County?

A typical private-land location has about 16,502 people within 15 miles and 1,435,625 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Fremont compares in Colorado

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