Bolthole Index

Garfield County, Colorado

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

62Index Score / 100
#16 of 64 in Colorado

Unincorporated Garfield County, Colorado requires building permits for most new construction and alterations and applies county zoning12. Glenwood Springs issues its own building permits; Glenwood Springs and Rifle set their own zoning345. Garfield County Public Health handles septic permits throughout the county except in municipalities with their own public health agency6.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for most new construction and alterations; listed exemptions apply1
Building codes
2015 IRC, IBC and IFC; 2018 IECC; fire-district amendments may apply7
Zoning
County zoning applies throughout unincorporated areas; dimensional rules vary by district891011
Septic permit
Required for a new, repaired or altered onsite wastewater system12
New septic permit fee
$60012
RV living
May be approved temporarily for the owner-builder during active home construction13
Tiny home
Must meet current building code; units on wheels are restricted to RV parks14
Owner-builder
Limited state licensing exemption for owner repairs and maintenance; no confirmed county exemption for a new home15

Who to call

Building permits

Garfield County Building Division

Building permits and inspections for unincorporated Garfield County

(970) 945-8212

108 8th Street, Suite 401, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Online permits →

Zoning

Garfield County Planning Division

Zoning, Land Use Code administration and land-use applications for unincorporated Garfield County

(970) 945-8212

108 8th Street, Suite 401, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Online permits →

Septic permits

Garfield County Public Health, Environmental Health Division

Onsite wastewater treatment system permits and inspections

970-625-5200

2014 Blake Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Garfield 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 Garfield County, Colorado?

Most new construction or alteration of a building or structure in unincorporated Garfield County requires a building permit1. Listed exemptions include recreational cabins, certain small detached structures, fences not over 7 feet and retaining walls not over 4 feet1. An exempt recreational cabin cannot exceed 1,200 square feet, is limited to personal, noncommercial occupancy for 6 months per calendar year and must be the only dwelling on its legally created lot; septic and electrical permits still apply16. Garfield County’s agricultural building-permit exemption covers structures designed and constructed solely to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural products; public use, workplaces for processing, treating or packaging agricultural products, and indoor riding arenas with an occupancy load of 10 or more do not qualify17. Garfield County adopted the 2015 IRC, IBC and IFC and uses the 2018 IECC; local fire-district amendments may also apply7. Garfield County building-permit fees depend on total valuation and occupancy type; the county’s worksheet uses different square-foot factors for living space, garages, decks and crawl spaces1819.

Who handles Garfield County building permits, and how do you reach them?

The Garfield County Building Division handles building permits and inspections in unincorporated Garfield County; call (970) 945-8212 or visit 108 8th Street, Suite 401, Glenwood Springs, Colorado 8160120. Inside Glenwood Springs, the city handles building permits; onsite wastewater permits remain with Garfield County Public Health321. Start with the county Planning Division when an unincorporated proposal depends on a zone district, overlay or PUD, then submit the building application with two sets of construction documents and any associated zoning approvals922. County-permitted projects require applicable inspections and a final inspection for a certificate of occupancy, and Garfield County does not issue temporary certificates of occupancy2324. Colorado exempts an owner’s repair or maintenance work from a county contractor-license requirement where such a licensing program exists; that does not establish an exemption for building a new residence15. Ask the Building Division what an owner may perform or permit directly in Garfield County20.

Does Garfield County have zoning?

Garfield County zoning applies throughout unincorporated Garfield County2. Glenwood Springs and Rifle administer their own zoning; Garfield County Public Health retains septic jurisdiction except where a municipality has its own public health agency456. County maps identify floodplain, airport and drinking-water overlays, and PUD or PD properties may have specialized rules925. Minimum lot area and maximum coverage vary by district1011. An accessory building’s rear setback may be reduced to 7.5 feet, or 10 feet abutting an alley, only when Clear Vision Area standards are met; these are accessory-building reductions, not general house setbacks26. An accessory dwelling unit cannot exceed 1,200 square feet and must meet applicable approval requirements27. Short-term rentals are allowed by right in standard county districts, but a PUD must specifically allow the use28.

How do septic permits work in Garfield County?

Garfield County Public Health's Environmental Health Division administers onsite wastewater systems and can be reached at 970-625-5200 or at 2014 Blake Avenue in Glenwood Springs2930. A new installation, repair or alteration requires an application, site and soil evaluation, system design and site plan12. Listed fees are $600 for a new installation or major repair, $200 for a minor repair or alteration, and $75 for a vault-and-haul system12. An onsite-wastewater permit generally cannot be issued where a municipality or special district provides public sewer unless connection is infeasible or otherwise authorized31. Repair and alteration permits require a full-system inspection, and the designer and Public Health must be contacted at least 48 hours before final inspection and backfill32. Only about 3.5% of Garfield County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so settle septic feasibility before fixing the house layout33.

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

Garfield County's building official may allow the approved owner-builder to occupy a mobile home, camper or recreational vehicle temporarily at the construction site while a permanent home is being built under a current permit13. Water supply and sanitation must be approved, and the temporary occupancy ends at final inspection or when the building permit becomes invalid13. A general rule for long-term RV living outside that construction allowance could not be confirmed; ask the Planning Division before depending on an RV as a residence34. Unincorporated Garfield County has no general minimum size for ordinary single-family dwellings, but homes must meet building code and any PUD or private development restrictions; tiny homes on wheels are restricted to RV parks35. Required mitigation units have a separate minimum of 500 finished square feet, excluding garages, carports and unfinished basements36. The county's verified manufactured-home occupancy rule covers permanent homes in the Residential-Manufactured Home Park district but does not settle placement in every other district37.

What are the steps to building a home in Garfield County?

  1. Ask the Planning Division to identify the parcel's zone district, overlays, minimum lot area, lot coverage and any PUD controls before commissioning plans38101134.
  1. Confirm legal access: each lot in a county land division generally needs at least 25 linear feet of road frontage, although certain minor subdivisions and exemptions may use an access easement; direct access to a state highway needs a state driveway permit3940. County residential parking-access driveways must be 10 feet wide for one-way access or 20 feet for two-way access, with Clear Vision Area standards; ask Planning how those standards apply to the proposed access4134.
  1. Determine whether public sewer connection applies; otherwise arrange the site and soil evaluation, design and site plan required with the septic permit application3112.
  1. Apply to the Colorado Division of Water Resources for a well permit before drilling a new groundwater well; Garfield County does not issue well permits42.
  1. Submit the building-permit documents and applicable zoning approvals, then complete required building and septic inspections before occupancy224324.

What should you check before buying land in Garfield County?

Confirm the zone district, overlays, lot-area requirement and lot-coverage limit because those controls are parcel-specific in unincorporated Garfield County91011. Test septic feasibility early because only about 3.5% of county soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field33. Terrain can narrow the usable building envelope: about 26.5% of Garfield County land has a slope of 15% or less44. Garfield County does not review or approve division of a tract of at least 35 acres when every resulting parcel remains at least 35 acres; other divisions remain subject to county subdivision rules45. The subdivision exemption does not settle buildability: lots must still meet applicable zoning and code provisions46. Federal land covers about 62.6% of the county, so verify recorded access instead of assuming an apparent road across public land serves the parcel47. Before drilling, obtain the state well permit and ask whether basin rules or an augmentation plan affect the parcel42.

Watch-outs

  • Garfield County does not issue temporary certificates of occupancy; final-inspection items must be complete before occupancy approval24.
  • Garfield County’s reduced rear setbacks of 7.5 feet, or 10 feet along an alley, apply to accessory buildings and require Clear Vision Area compliance; confirm house setbacks with Planning2634.
  • Minimum lot area and maximum lot coverage vary by zone district, and overlays or PUD controls may add further limits101138.
  • A tiny home on wheels is restricted to a recreational vehicle park, while temporary RV occupancy during home construction needs the building official's approval and ends with final inspection or permit invalidation1413.

Sources

  1. garfieldcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  2. Garfield County Land Use and Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  3. Glenwood Springs: Building Permits (Garfield County), quoted and re-checked
  4. Glenwood Springs: Zoning (Garfield County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Rifle: Sec. 16-3-330. Schedule of requirements for residential districts (Garfield County), quoted and re-checked
  6. Onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), quoted and re-checked
  7. garfieldcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  8. Complete Land Use and Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  9. Garfield County Land Use and Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  10. garfieldcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  11. garfieldcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  12. Onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), quoted and re-checked
  13. Garfield County building code amendments, quoted and re-checked
  14. Text amendment opens way for ‘tiny homes’, quoted and re-checked
  15. Colorado Revised Statutes 2026, Title 30, § 30-11-125 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. garfieldcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  17. FAQs – Community Development, quoted and re-checked
  18. garfieldcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  19. garfieldcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  20. Garfield County Building Division (garfieldcountyco.gov)
  21. Glenwood Springs: Onsite wastewater treatment systems (Garfield County), quoted and re-checked
  22. Building permits & applications, quoted and re-checked
  23. garfieldcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  24. garfieldcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  25. Planning and zoning – Community Development, quoted and re-checked
  26. garfieldcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  27. Building permits & applications, quoted and re-checked
  28. Short-term home rentals, quoted and re-checked
  29. Onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), quoted and re-checked
  30. Garfield County Public Health, Environmental Health Division (garfieldcountyco.gov)
  31. garfieldcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  32. Garfield County OWTS regulation, quoted and re-checked
  33. 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
  34. Garfield County Planning Division (garfieldcountyco.gov)
  35. Text amendment opens way for 'tiny homes', quoted and re-checked
  36. Garfield County Land Use and Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  37. Article 3: Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  38. Planning and zoning – Community Development, quoted and re-checked
  39. garfieldcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  40. Access Permits | Frequently Asked Questions (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  41. garfieldcountyco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  42. Water Administration, quoted and re-checked
  43. Community Development, quoted and re-checked
  44. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  45. FAQs – Community Development, quoted and re-checked
  46. Garfield County Land Use and Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  47. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 12, 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, Garfield County has countywide zoning.

RuleGarfield CountyRio Blanco CountyEagle CountyPitkin CountyRoutt CountyDelta CountyMoffat County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Public HealthCounty OWTSCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Dept. of Env. HealthCounty Env. HealthCraig/Moffat Regional Building Dept.

County locator

Garfield County in Colorado

62
County map
Garfield County highlighted among the Colorado counties · colored by Index score

How Garfield County scores

Seclusion80100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency38100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability50100% ev.
Property Autonomy75100% ev.
Carry Cost74100% 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 →

$720kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$3,654Land / acre
22.4"Annual rain
26.8% of yrsSevere drought
1.1 / yr (+1.1)Mid-century 100°F days
21.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.05" (+5.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.22×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,612Home insurance / yr
3.5% / yrInsurance growth
0.77%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
26,115People within 2 hr
15,006Radius comparison (15 mi)
21.3People / sq mi
62.6%Federal land
26.5%Land at 15% slope or less
3.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
59,125 acWorkable land screen
62.6%Wooded land
22.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
44°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Garfield 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 Carbonate · Town of New Castle · Town of Parachute

Answers from the rulebook for Garfield County

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

Garfield County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New construction and alterations of buildings or structures in Garfield County.

    • Agricultural-use buildings, recreational cabins, qualifying small detached buildings, fences not over 7 feet, oil derricks, retaining walls not over 4 feet, certain water tanks, low platforms/walks/driveways, finish work, qualifying window awnings, and qualifying above-ground pools are exempt as listed by the county.
    “Basically, any new construction or alteration of an existing building or structure in the county requires a permit. Exempt from permit requirements are buildings used for the sole purpose of agricultural uses. recreational cabins are exempted from the permitting requirements.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New construction and alterations of existing buildings or structures in the county.
      “new construction or alteration [...] requires a permit”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    County building-code administration.

    • The county adopted the 2015 IRC, IBC, and IFC effective July 1, 2016.
    • The county operates off the 2018 IECC.
    • Local fire-district amendments may apply.
    “The county has adopted the 2015 IRC and IBC codes effective July 1, 2016, including the IFC. The county operates off the 2018 IECC code. Check with your local fire district for any approved amendments.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — County building-code administration.
      “The county has adopted the 2015 IRC and IBC codes effective July 1, 2016, including the IFC. The county operates off the 2018 IECC code. Check with your local fire district for any approved amendments.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Building inspections administered by Garfield County Community Development for county building work.

    • Inspection requests received before 4:30 p.m. on a business day are performed the following business day between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
    • Requests received on weekends or holidays are performed on the second business day following.
    • The county states that new construction and alterations generally require permits, with listed exemptions including sole-purpose agricultural buildings, recreational cabins, certain small detached buildings, fences not over 7 feet, retaining walls not over 4 feet, certain tanks, platforms, finish work, certain awnings, and certain above-ground pools.
    • The county states that final inspection precedes a subsequent certificate of occupancy.
    “Inspection requests received before 4:30 p.m. on any business day will be performed on the following business day between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. If your request is received on a non-business day (weekends/ holidays) the inspection will be performed on the second business day following.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — County building-permit projects requiring county inspections, including final inspection for issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
      “To request a building inspection, please call 970-945-1377, ext. 1621.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupancy of county-regulated buildings after final inspection.

    • The county does not issue temporary certificates of occupancy.
    • Final inspection items must be completed before the subsequent certificate of occupancy.
    “The county does not issue temporary COs. The following items are required for the final inspection and subsequent certificate of occupancy.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

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

    • The County Land Use and Development Code applies to property in unincorporated Garfield County; incorporated municipalities may administer their own land-use rules.
    “all unincorporated areas within the County be located within a zone district.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Local zoningPresent

    County-administered zoning and land-use controls in Garfield County.

    • Municipalities and special PUD/PD areas may have additional or different local controls.
    “A property may also be subject to a specific overlay zone district, depending on is location and proximity to a floodplain, the Rifle Garfield County Airport or a drinking water Constraints area.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning districts and overlay districts in Garfield County.

    • The County provides an official zone district map and live zoning map.
    • Properties may also be subject to overlay districts related to floodplain, airport, or drinking-water constraints.
    • Some properties may have PUD or PD zoning with specialized guidelines.
    “A property may also be subject to a specific overlay zone district”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Article 8 mitigation units required for applicable residential developments in unincorporated Garfield County.

    • The 500-square-foot minimum applies to mitigation units, not ordinary dwelling units generally.
    • The minimum excludes garages, carports, and unfinished basement space.
    • The listed studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and detached single-family sizes are stated as guides for finished square footage.

    minimum finished square footage: >= 500 square feet (Excludes garages, carports, and unfinished Basement space) · studio guide: 500 square feet · 1-bedroom guide: 700 square feet · 2-bedroom guide: 950 square feet · 3-bedroom guide: 1200 square feet · single-family detached guide: 1400 square feet

    “A Mitigation Unit shall be no less than 500 square feet of finished square footage, excluding garages, carports, and unfinished Basement space.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • None — Single-family dwelling units in unincorporated Garfield County, outside special mitigation-unit requirements.
      “Garfield County has approved a text amendment [...] The move strikes an existing square-footage requirement [...] that set the minimum size of a single family home [...]”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Minimum lot area by Garfield County zone district.

    • The table includes exceptions allowing the county to allow up to 10,000 square feet in the Urban Growth Area and deed-restricted workforce housing for RS, and up to 5,000 square feet for RU in those circumstances.
    • The table footnote states the standards are subject to Section 7-105 concerning adequate central water distribution and wastewater systems.

    Rural minimum lot area: 2 acres · Residential-Suburban minimum lot area: 20000 sq. ft. (county may allow up to 10,000 sq. ft. in the Urban Growth Area and for deed-restricted workforce housing) · Residential-Urban minimum lot area: 7500 sq. ft. (county may allow up to 5,000 sq. ft. in the Urban Growth Area and for deed-restricted workforce housing) · Industrial minimum lot area: 21780 sq. ft. · Resource Lands minimum lot area: 35 acres (Gentle Slopes and Lower Valley Floor allows 2 acres for noncommercial use)

    “Table 3-201 identifies the dimensional standards for each zone district.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Accessory buildings and structures under the county Land Use and Development Code.

    • An accessory-building rear setback may be reduced only if Clear Vision Area standards in Section 7-303.I are met.
    • The table states 7.5 feet for all districts and 10 feet for all districts abutting an alley.
    • Accessory-structure heights in required setbacks are subject to Table 7-1201 B and Clear Vision Area standards.

    accessory building rear setback: 7.5 feet (All districts abutting an alley: 10 feet)

    “The rear yard setback of an Accessory Building may be reduced to the following distance provided Clear Vision Area standards in section 7-303.I. are met.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Maximum lot coverage by Garfield County zone district.

    • Residential-Suburban, Residential-Urban, and Manufactured Home Park show 50 percent maximum lot coverage in Table 3-201.
    • Commercial Limited and Commercial General have different commercial and noncommercial coverage values as shown in the table.
    • Public Lands has no dimensional value shown in the table.

    Residential-Suburban maximum lot coverage: 50 percent · Residential-Urban maximum lot coverage: 50 percent · Manufactured Home Park maximum lot coverage: 50 percent · Commercial Limited commercial maximum lot coverage: 85 percent · Commercial Limited noncommercial maximum lot coverage: 75 percent

    “Table 3-201 identifies the dimensional standards for each zone district.”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Temporary occupancy of a mobile home, camper, or recreational vehicle during active construction of a permanent home.

    • The building official may allow it.
    • It must be at a construction site with a currently unexpired building permit.
    • It must be inhabited by the approved owner/builder.
    • Water supply and sanitation must be approved by the building official.
    • Occupancy ends upon final inspection or permit invalidation.
    “The building official may allow a home owner/builder to place temporary housing in the form of a self contained mobile home, camper or recreational vehicle; or properly placed mobile home connected to an approved individual sewage disposal system, during active construction of a permanent home.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny homes in Garfield County, including tiny homes on fixed foundations and tiny homes on wheels.

    • The county removed the former 20-foot-by-20-foot minimum-size restriction through a 2017 text amendment.
    • Tiny homes on wheels are restricted to recreational vehicle parks.
    • The county states that homes must adhere to the current building code.
    • The amendment was stated to take effect in April 2017.
    “Tiny homes can be placed on a fixed foundation, or be built on wheels. But the text amendment restricts tiny homes on wheels to recreational vehicle (RV) parks.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes in the county's Residential-Manufactured Home Park zone district.

    • The cited zoning provision addresses permanent single-family dwelling units in a manufactured-home-park zone district; it does not resolve manufactured-home placement in every other zone.
    “used as permanent Single-Family Dwelling Units.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Garfield County.

    • An ADU requires the applicable permit applications and is limited to a maximum floor area of 1,200 square feet.
    • ADUs must comply with applicable standards, regulations, and requirements; units in the same structure invoke additional building-code provisions.

    maximum ADU floor area: <= 1200 sq ft

    “ADU’s are limited to a maximum floor area of 1,200 square feet.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater treatment systems in Garfield County.

    • New, repaired, and altered OWTS must follow current Garfield County OWTS regulations.
    • An OWTS application, completed site and soil evaluation, system design, and site plan are required for alteration, repair, or installation.
    • The county regulation page states it was updated May 28, 2026.
    • CDPHE oversees adoption and enforcement of the OWTS rules and regulations under the state OWTS Act.

    new installation permit fee: 600 USD · major repair permit fee: 600 USD (new system or STA) · minor repair permit fee: 200 USD (new tank only) · system alteration permit fee: 200 USD · vault and haul permit fee: 75 USD

    “When altering, repairing or installing an OWTS, you will need to submit an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System application, along with a completed site and soil evaluation, system design, and site plan.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New installations, repairs, and alterations of onsite wastewater treatment systems in Garfield County areas under Garfield County Public Health jurisdiction.

    • An Onsite Wastewater Treatment System application is required when altering, repairing, or installing an OWTS.
    • The application must include a completed site and soil evaluation, system design, and site plan.
    • The listed fees are $600 for a new installation permit, $600 for a major repair permit, $200 for a minor repair permit, $200 for a system alteration permit, and $75 for a vault-and-haul system permit.
    • Garfield County Public Health jurisdiction covers all unincorporated areas and municipal corporations within the county or district territory, except municipalities that maintain their own public health agency.
    • The county OWTS regulation states an effective date of May 28, 2026, pending CDPHE approval.

    new installation permit fee: 600 USD · major repair permit fee: 600 USD (new system or STA) · minor repair permit fee: 200 USD (new tank only) · system alteration permit fee: 200 USD · vault-and-haul system permit fee: 75 USD

    “When altering, repairing or installing an OWTS, you will need to submit an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System application, along with a completed site and soil evaluation, system design, and site plan.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New, repaired, or altered OWTS in Garfield County.
      “When altering, repairing or installing an OWTS, you will need to submit an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System application”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    OWTS repair and alteration permits, and final inspection of installed systems.

    • Full system inspections are required as part of all repair and alteration permits.
    • For an installed system, the system designer and Public Health must be contacted at least 48 hours before requesting final inspection and before backfill.
    “full system inspections are required as part of all repair and alteration permits.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Water and wastewater service for development in Garfield County.

    • Zone-district dimensional standards are subject to Section 7-105, Adequate Central Water Distribution and Wastewater System.
    • An OWTS permit cannot be issued where a municipality or special district provides public sewer service unless sewer service is infeasible or otherwise authorized.
    “Unless otherwise required by section 7-105, Adequate Central Water Distribution and Wastewater System.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Buildings used solely for agricultural purposes in Garfield County.

    • The agricultural building must solely house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, or other horticultural products.
    • It may not be a place of employment where agricultural products are processed, treated, or packaged, or a place used by the public.
    • Indoor riding arenas with an occupancy load of 10 or more are excluded.
    “The sole purpose of the building must be agricultural. Excluded from the definition of agricultural building are structures enclosing an indoor riding arena with an occupancy load of 10 or more.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Buildings used solely for agricultural purposes.
      “Exempt from permit requirements are buildings used for the sole purpose of agricultural uses.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Divisions of land and subdivisions governed by the Garfield County Land Use and Development Code.

    • Subdivision standards apply to all divisions of land unless a division is explicitly exempt from one or more standards.
    • Lots must conform to applicable zone-district requirements and other code provisions.
    • For lots less than 1 acre, undisturbed slope over 30% is not credited toward minimum lot area.
    • Floodplain, drainage, utility, survey-monument, and school-land-dedication requirements may apply.
    • The Land Use Code page states an effective date of July 15, 2013 and last amendment date of September 9, 2024.

    BFE data threshold: > 50 lots (or 5 acres, whichever is less) · undisturbed slope exclusion threshold: > 30 percent (for lots less than 1 acre) · cul-de-sac or wedge-shaped front property-line width: >= 25 feet

    “The following standards apply to all divisions of land unless elsewhere in this Code a division of land is explicitly exempt from 1 or more standards.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Division of land in unincorporated Garfield County.
      “There is no review or approval by the county if the division of a 35-acre or larger tract does not result in a tract or parcel of land less than 35-acres in size. A deed for the property division can be filed in the Clerk and Recorder’s Office for the new tract.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Residential and commercial access driveways serving required off-street parking areas.

    • Residential access driveways are required where off-street parking requirements exceed 10 spaces.
    • Commercial or industrial driveways must be 12 feet for one-way or 24 feet for two-way access.
    • Residential driveways must be 10 feet for one-way or 20 feet for two-way access.
    • Clear Vision Area standards apply.

    residential one-way driveway minimum width: 10 feet · residential two-way driveway minimum width: 20 feet · commercial or industrial one-way driveway minimum width: 12 feet · commercial or industrial two-way driveway minimum width: 24 feet · residential off-street parking threshold: > 10 spaces

    “Residential access driveways shall be required where off-street requirements exceed 10 parking spaces.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Lot access and frontage for county land-use divisions and subdivisions.
      “Unless otherwise provided by this Code, each lot shall have a minimum of 25 lineal feet of frontage on a dedicated street or road right-of-way providing access. For Minor Subdivisions and Subdivision Exemptions this requirement can be met by provision of an access easement.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term or vacation rentals in unincorporated Garfield County outside Planned Unit Developments.

    • Allowed by right in standard county zone districts.
    • Not allowed in PUDs unless the individual PUD zoning permits the use.
    • Owners must obtain a state sales-tax license and pay applicable sales taxes.
    • Building permits are required for modifications when necessary.
    “On December 7, 2015, the Board of County Commissioners amended the County Land Use and Development Code (LUDC) to allow short-term rentals in all standard zone districts such as Rural or Residential Zone districts, as a by-right use. However, this allowance does not include Planned Unit Developments (PUD) zone districts unless the individual PUD zoning permits such use.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Garfield County building permit fees.

    • Fees are assessed according to total building valuation and occupancy type.
    • Valuation uses square footage and different dollar-per-square-foot factors.
    “Permit cost is based on the total valuation of the building with fees assessed in accordance with the code.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — County building permit fees.
      “Permit cost is based on the total valuation of the building with fees assessed in accordance with the code. The valuation is calculated by multiplying the square footage of unfinished and finished living space, a garage, decks/ porches, crawl spaces, etc. by different factors ($/ sq.ft.) established by the county and the building standards magazine.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Garfield County building-permit application and review process.

    • Submit a completed application with two sets of construction documents.
    • Documents should include a foundation plan and site grading plan; engineered design may be required.
    • Associated resolutions or land-use permits must also be submitted when applicable.
    • Most commercial and some residential projects require sealing by a Colorado Licensed Design Professional.
    • A plan-check fee is collected at submittal; final fees are calculated after review.
    • The permit becomes null and void if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance or is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement.
    • Electrical permits are issued through the state.
    • Manufactured-home and tiny-home packets include building, driveway, grading, and septic permits.
    • ADUs are limited to 1,200 square feet.
    • General building permits cover small residential or commercial projects, additions, and alterations.

    permit commencement deadline: 180 days after issuance · permit suspension or abandonment deadline: 180 days after commencement · ADU maximum floor area: <= 1200 square feet

    “To obtain a building permit, complete a building permit application and submit it with two sets of construction documents.”

Colorado rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping or RV occupancy on private parcels in Garfield 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 Garfield County, Colorado

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

Garfield County scores 62/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 15,006 people within 15 miles and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: thin water margin (22.4″/yr rainfall) and more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

Garfield County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Garfield County Public Health - Environmental Health Division. 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.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Garfield County is allowed on a temporary basis only: Temporary occupancy of a mobile home, camper, or recreational vehicle during active construction of a permanent home. The building official may allow it. It must be at a construction site with a currently unexpired building permit. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Garfield County, Colorado?

Land in Garfield County runs about $3,654 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Garfield County?

Garfield County gets about 22.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 26.8% of years.

How remote is Garfield County?

A typical private-land location has about 15,006 people within 15 miles and 503,290 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Garfield compares in Colorado

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