Bolthole Index

Las Animas County, Colorado

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Las Animas County, Colorado

55Index Score / 100
#29 of 64 in Colorado

Unincorporated Las Animas County, Colorado requires building permits, and construction must follow the building codes the county has adopted.12 County zoning applies throughout the unincorporated county but not inside municipal boundaries.3 Septic permits are separate: they come from the bi-county Las Animas-Huerfano Counties District Health Department.4

At a glance

Building permit
Required for construction in unincorporated Las Animas County1
Zoning
County zoning applies outside incorporated municipalities5
Septic permit
Required before installing an onsite wastewater treatment system6
Tiny home
Homes in the listed residential districts must be at least 600 square feet, except permitted mobile homes7
RV living
More than 7 days in any 30-day period requires a temporary-use permit8
Private well
A new groundwater-diverting well generally needs a Colorado well permit9
Floodplain development
A county permit is required before development begins in a Special Flood Hazard Area10

Who to call

Building permits

Las Animas County Building Department

County building permits, permit-fee determination and building inspections

719-845-2577

200 East 1st Street, Room 104, Trinidad, Colorado 81082

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

Las Animas County Land Use Office

Land divisions, subdivisions, rezoning and other land-use applications

719-845-2577

200 East 1st Street, Room 104, Trinidad, Colorado 81082

Septic permits

Las Animas-Huerfano Counties District Health Department — OWTS Program

OWTS (septic) permits, installer licensing, transfer-of-title requirements and OWTS permit records for Las Animas County

719-846-2213

412 Benedicta Avenue, Trinidad, CO 81082

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

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Do you need a building permit in Las Animas County, Colorado?

Yes. Unincorporated Las Animas County requires a building permit for construction, and buildings, structures and land improvements must follow the building codes adopted by the county12. The available county material does not identify the complete current code family or edition, so ask the Building Department which code applies to the proposed work. Building-permit fees vary with the project value supplied to the department11. The county directs plumbing and electrical permits and inspections to the State of Colorado12. For a site without sewer service, the septic permit must be completed before a building permit is issued.1 Ask the Building Department at 719-845-2577 which plans and county inspections apply to the exact project13.

Who is the Las Animas County building department, and how do you reach it?

The Las Animas County Building Department is at 200 East 1st Street, Room 104, Trinidad, Colorado 81082, and its permit and inspections number is 719-845-257713. The county provides a building-permit form, fee information, an owner-doing-the-work form, a contractor-license application and land-use regulations12. Provide the project value so staff can determine the variable building-permit fee before payment11. We could not confirm the legal conditions for acting as an owner-builder or the general inspection sequence, so ask the Building Department before choosing that route. The confirmed county inspection rule applies only to completed improvements in mobile-home parks and campgrounds before a site is occupied14. For land divisions, subdivisions, rezoning or other land-use cases, use the Land Use Office15.

Does Las Animas County have zoning?

Yes. Las Animas County's zoning and land-use regulations apply to public and private land and structures in unincorporated Las Animas County, but exclude land inside municipal boundaries, where the municipality's own rules govern.3 Septic permits for those municipal addresses still come from the district health department, not the city.6 The standard districts are Agricultural, Rural Residential, Urban Residential and Ranchette, with an Airport Protection Overlay also available16. Rules vary sharply by district: minimum lots range from 7,500 square feet in Urban Residential to 35 acres in Agricultural, while maximum lot coverage ranges from 15% to 50%1718. The listed residential districts generally require at least 600 square feet of dwelling area, except for mobile homes where permitted7. Front, side and rear setbacks and maximum building heights also differ by district1920. Ask the Land Use Office to identify the parcel's district and overlay before designing the site21.

How do septic permits work in Las Animas County?

The bi-county Las Animas-Huerfano Counties District Health Department permits septic installation, repair and use in Las Animas County4. Submit the OWTS application and appropriate fee before installing any onsite wastewater treatment system, and use an installer licensed by the department.622 The Las Animas County office is at 412 Benedicta Avenue in Trinidad and can be reached at 719-846-221322. The county may not issue a building permit until it determines that adequate water, sewer and electrical supplies are available at the site; that rule establishes adequacy, not a universal requirement to connect to public utilities23. Only 10% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so make soil and system feasibility an early purchase contingency24. Colorado's septic transfer-of-title requirements begin October 12, 2026 for certain property transfers involving an OWTS, so ask the health department how they affect a purchase.22

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

In unincorporated Las Animas County, occupying a tent, camper or RV for more than 7 days, consecutive or not, within any 30-day period is presumed to be a temporary residence and requires a temporary-use permit8. The permit lasts 30 days in Agricultural and Rural Residential districts and 15 days in Urban Residential districts, subject to renewal requirements8. A campground is different: it requires special-use approval in an allowable district, and a camping unit may not occupy a campground space for more than 6 months25. For a tiny home, the listed residential districts set a 600-square-foot minimum dwelling size, except for mobile homes where permitted7. Colorado-regulated tiny homes may qualify for long-term housing, but state plan approval does not displace county zoning263.

What are the steps to build a home in Las Animas County?

  1. Ask the Land Use Office to identify the zoning district, overlays, allowed residential use, lot minimum, setbacks, coverage and height limit1617191820.
  2. If the project divides land, take it to the Land Use Office; if the parcel is in a subdivision or proposed subdivision, confirm that the final plat has been approved and recorded before seeking a building permit1527.
  3. Verify water and establish septic feasibility; the county must find adequate water, sewer and electrical supplies before issuing the building permit23.
  4. Submit the OWTS application and fee to the district health department before septic installation46.
  5. Prepare the building application and project value, then have the Building Department determine the variable fee before payment1113.
  6. Route plumbing and electrical permits and inspections through the State of Colorado, and ask the county which general building inspections apply1213.

What should you check before buying land in Las Animas County, Colorado?

Start with the zoning map, legal lot status and septic feasibility. County zoning applies throughout unincorporated Las Animas County, and only 10% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field324. A subdivision or proposed subdivision needs an approved, recorded final plat before a building permit may issue27. Check flood status before siting improvements because development in a Special Flood Hazard Area requires a permit; where FEMA has not defined the hazard area, the county requires development permits so it can determine flood exposure28. Verify legal water, sewage, electrical service and recorded access before closing23. The county access rule found for mobile-home and campground spaces requires direct public-road access and qualifying access roads, but it does not establish a general driveway permit for every parcel29.

Watch-outs

  • Las Animas County must find adequate water, sewer and electrical supplies on the site before issuing a building permit23.
  • Only 10% of Las Animas County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so do not assume a conventional system will fit the parcel24.
  • Using a tent, camper or RV as a temporary residence beyond 7 days in any 30-day period requires a temporary-use permit8.
  • Beginning October 12, 2026, certain property transfers involving a septic system are subject to transfer-of-title requirements administered by the district health department.22

Sources

  1. Las Animas County Building Department (2026 county census)
  2. Las Animas County Land Use Regulations, §1.12 Building Codes, quoted and re-checked
  3. Las Animas County Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  4. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) Program, quoted and re-checked
  5. Las Animas County Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  6. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) Program, quoted and re-checked
  7. Las Animas County Land Use Regulations, §3.02.02, quoted and re-checked
  8. Las Animas County Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  9. Water Administration (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Las Animas County Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  12. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  13. Las Animas County Building Department (lasanimascounty.colorado.gov)
  14. Las Animas County Land Use Regulations, Chapter VIII, quoted and re-checked
  15. Land Use - Special Events Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  16. Las Animas County Land Use Regulations, §§3.02.01–3.02.02, quoted and re-checked
  17. Las Animas County Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  18. Las Animas County Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  19. Las Animas County Land Use Regulations, §3.02.02, quoted and re-checked
  20. Las Animas County Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  21. Las Animas County Land Use Office (lasanimascounty.colorado.gov)
  22. Las Animas-Huerfano Counties District Health Department — OWTS Program (la-h-health.colorado.gov)
  23. Las Animas County Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  24. 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
  25. Las Animas County Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  26. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Las Animas County Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  28. Las Animas County Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  29. Las Animas County Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 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 5 of its 6 neighbors, Las Animas County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleLas Animas CountyOtero CountyPueblo CountyHuerfano CountyCrowley CountyBent CountyBaca County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredNot required
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesNo
Septic permitsLas Animas-Huerfano Counties District Health Dept.County Env. Health ServicesPueblo Dept. of Public Health & Env.Las Animas-Huerfano Counties District Health Dept.Otero County Health Dept.County Public HealthBaca County

County locator

Las Animas County in Colorado

55
County map
Las Animas County highlighted among the Colorado counties · colored by Index score

How Las Animas County scores

Seclusion89100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency26100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability47100% ev.
Property Autonomy75100% ev.
Carry Cost86100% 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 →

$248kTypical home
0.2%Property tax
$1,005Land / acre
15.8"Annual rain
37.4% of yrsSevere drought
8.3 / yr (+7.3)Mid-century 100°F days
25 daysMid-century dry spell
1.02" (+4.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.29×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,411Home insurance / yr
3.7% / yrInsurance growth
1.21%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
218Radius comparison (15 mi)
3People / sq mi
11.1%Federal land
74.4%Land at 15% slope or less
10%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
305,330 acWorkable land screen
21.6%Wooded land
13.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
51.6°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Las Animas County

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

Town of Aguilar · Town of Branson · Town of Cokedale · Town of Kim · Town of Starkville · Trinidad

Answers from the rulebook for Las Animas County

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

Las Animas County rules

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Buildings, structures, and land improvements in unincorporated Las Animas County.

    • Construction must be allowed by building codes adopted by Las Animas County.
    “It is unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter or remodel any building, structure or improvements of land within the unincorporated territory of Las Animas County except as allowed for by the building codes adopted by Las Animas County.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Mobile home parks and campgrounds in unincorporated Las Animas County.

    • Occupancy requires completed improvements and complete and proper inspection by the County Building Inspector.
    “No mobile home or mobile home unit or campsite or camping unit shall be occupied on any site until or unless all improvements have been completed as shown on approved submittal materials and as required by this regulation and until complete and proper inspection of such improvements have been undertaken by the County Building Inspector.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Unincorporated territory of Las Animas County.

    • The regulations exclude land within municipal boundaries.
    • Uses and structures must conform to the applicable zoning district regulations.
    “The provisions of these Regulations shall apply to all private and public land and structures located within Las Animas County except land within the boundaries of municipal corporations and except as otherwise prohibited by state or federal law.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County land-use and zoning regulation in unincorporated Las Animas County.
      “The provisions of these Regulations shall apply to all private and public land and structures located within Las Animas County except land within the boundaries of municipal corporations and except as otherwise prohibited by state or federal law.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning conclusion: county zoning applies in unincorporated areas, while incorporated municipalities are excluded from the county regulations.

    • This county aggregate does not claim that the county administers municipal ordinances.
    “The Board of Commissioners provides services outlined in the Constitution of the State of Colorado, including the development and administration of the annual county budget, the development of county ordinances and resolutions, zoning and business regulation in unincorporated area of the county, establishing policy for the operation of county government and oversight of county government services such as road and bridge maintenance and human services.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts in unincorporated Las Animas County.

    • The published districts are A Agricultural, RR Rural Residential, UR Urban Residential, and RA Ranchette; municipal areas are excluded from the county regulations.
    “County is hereby divided, or by amendment shall become divided, into the following zoning districts: A Agricultural District RR Rural Residential District UR Urban Residential District RA Ranchette Zone”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential zoning districts in unincorporated Las Animas County.

    • The cited A, RR, UR, and RA district provisions each state a 600-square-foot minimum dwelling size, with an exception for mobile homes where permitted.
    • Other district-specific or overlay provisions may apply.

    minimum dwelling size: >= 600 square feet (except for mobile homes, where permitted)

    “Minimum dwelling size: 600 square feet, except for mobile homes, where permitted”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    A, RR, UR, and RA zoning districts in unincorporated Las Animas County.

    • Requirements vary by zoning district.

    A minimum lot area: >= 35 acres · RR minimum lot area: >= 12500 square feet · UR minimum lot area: >= 7500 square feet · RA minimum lot area: >= 5 acres

    “Minimum lot area: 35 acres [...] Minimum lot area: 12,500 square feet [...] Minimum lot area: 7,500 square feet [...] Minimum lot area: 5 acres”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Unincorporated Las Animas County zoning districts.

    • A district: front 60 feet, side 25 feet, rear 30 feet; RR: front 30, side 15, rear 25; UR: front 25, side 5, rear 25; RA: front 25, side 25, rear 20.

    A setbacks: front 60; side 25; rear 30 feet · RR setbacks: front 30; side 15; rear 25 feet · UR setbacks: front 25; side 5; rear 25 feet · RA setbacks: front 25; side 25; rear 20 feet

    “Minimum front yard setback: 60 feet Minimum side yard setback: 25 feet Minimum rear yard setback: 30 feet”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    A, RR, UR, and RA zoning districts in unincorporated Las Animas County.

    • Requirements vary by zoning district.

    A lot coverage: <= 15 percent · RR lot coverage: <= 50 percent · UR lot coverage: <= 50 percent · RA lot coverage: <= 15 percent

    “Maximum lot coverage: 15 percent [...] Maximum lot coverage: 50 percent [...] Maximum lot coverage: 50 percent [...] Maximum lot coverage: 15 percent”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    A, RR, UR, and RA zoning districts in unincorporated Las Animas County.

    • Requirements vary by zoning district.
    • Airport Protection Overlay District and other special controls may add restrictions.

    A maximum building height: <= 60 feet · RR maximum building height: <= 45 feet · UR maximum building height: <= 42 feet · RA maximum building height: <= 60 feet

    “Maximum building height: 60 feet [...] Maximum building height: 45 feet [...] Maximum building height: 42 feet [...] Maximum building height: 60 feet”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Tents, campers, and recreational vehicles used as temporary residences in unincorporated Las Animas County.

    • Occupation for more than seven days, consecutive or not, within any 30-day period is presumed a temporary residence.
    • A temporary-use permit is required.
    • Permits are valid for 30 days in A and RR districts and 15 days in UR districts, subject to renewal requirements.

    presumed temporary residence threshold: > 7 days within any 30-day period (Days need not be consecutive) · temporary-use permit period: 30 days (A and RR districts) · temporary-use permit period: 15 days (UR districts)

    “Tents, campers and recreational vehicles that are occupied more than seven (7) days (whether or not such days are consecutive) within any thirty-day period shall be presumed temporary residences, and such uses must receive a temporary use permit as required under this Section 3.06.01. Permits allowing for the use of tents, campers or recreational vehicles as temporary residences shall only be valid for thirty (30) days in A and RR districts and fifteen (15) days in UR districts.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary camping or camping-unit occupancy in county campgrounds and temporary-use contexts.

    • Campgrounds require special-use approval in an allowable zoning district.
    • No camping unit may occupy campground space for more than six months.
    • Temporary-use permits for RVs, campers, and tents are separately limited by zoning district.

    maximum campground residency: 6 months (Camping units)

    “The site selection, development or alteration of a mobile home park or campground is only allowed as a special use in an allowable zoning district upon review and recommendation by the Planning Commission and favorable action by the Board of County Commissioners. [...] No camping unit shall be allowed to occupy space within a campground for a period exceeding six (6) months.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured/mobile homes in county mobile-home parks and campgrounds and temporary-residence contexts.

    • Mobile-home parks and campgrounds require a special-use permit.
    • Occupancy requires completed improvements and inspection by the County Building Inspector.
    • Temporary mobile-home residence use requires a building permit for a permanent residence.

    maximum temporary-residence period: 6 months

    “The site selection, development or alteration of a mobile home park or campground is only allowed as a special use in an allowable zoning district upon review and recommendation by the Planning Commission and favorable action by the Board of County Commissioners.”
  • Who permits septicLocal

    OWTS installation, repair, and use in Las Animas County.

    • The district serves Las Animas and Huerfano Counties.
    “Las Animas-Huerfano County District Health Department permits the installation, repair, and use of these systems in the County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of any onsite wastewater treatment system in Las Animas County.

    • The permit application must be submitted to the district with the appropriate fee before installation.
    • The district also licenses septic contractors/installers.
    “A OWTS/septic permit application must be completed and submitted to this department with the appropriate fee prior to installing any onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installing any OWTS in Las Animas County.
      “A OWTS/septic permit application must be completed and submitted to this department with the appropriate fee prior to installing any onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS).”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    OWTS sites during installation in the district's service area.

    • The official duty description says inspections occur throughout installation 'as assigned'; it does not establish a universal inspection requirement for every system.
    “Reviews design plans for the construction of on-site wastewater treatment systems and inspects sites throughout installation process as assigned; reviews soil and site soil classifications and approves/disapproves results submitted.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    OWTS on properties in Las Animas County that cannot be served by a wastewater utility.

    • The OWTS must be permitted by the Las Animas-Huerfano County District Health Department and the permit application must be submitted with the appropriate fee before installation.
    “Septic systems are installed on properties that cannot be served by a wastewater utility. Las Animas-Huerfano County District Health Department permits the installation, repair, and use of these systems in the County.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Water and wastewater service or connection requirements for proposed subdivisions governed by Las Animas County subdivision regulations.

    • No final plat may be approved unless a practical and reliable water supply system is available for the subdivision lots.
    • Where centralized or community water service cannot practically serve a lot, an individual on-lot water supply system must be provided and installed by the purchaser at construction of the principal building and before occupancy, or required by deed restriction or another method satisfactory to the Board of County Commissioners.
    • Public sewage collection, treatment, and disposal facilities are normally required in subdivisions with net density greater than one dwelling unit per acre of residential land.
    • The Board of County Commissioners may require public sewage facilities in other subdivisions when percolation or other tests show soils or conditions unsuitable for individual sewage disposal systems.
    • If county, municipal, or special-district plans indicate sewer lines may serve a proposed subdivision within a reasonable period, the Board may require capped sanitary sewer mains and house connections together with temporary individual sewage systems.
    • The health department states that septic systems are installed on properties that cannot be served by a wastewater utility; this does not itself require connection to public water or sewer.

    subdivision residential density threshold for normal public sewage requirement: > 1 dwelling unit per acre (Public sewage facilities may also be required in other subdivisions when soil or other conditions are unsuitable for individual sewage disposal systems.)

    “Public sewage collection, treatment and disposal facilities will normally be required in subdivisions with a net density greater than one (1) dwelling unit per acre of residential land and may be required by the Board of County Commissioners in other subdivisions where percolation or other tests reveal soil or other conditions unsuitable for individual sewage disposal systems.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — County building permits in unincorporated Las Animas County.
      “No building permit may be issued unless the County has determined that adequate water, sewer and electrical supplies are available on the site.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land divisions and subdivisions in unincorporated Las Animas County.

    • The Land Use Office processes subdivision and land-division applications.
    • The regulations include exemptions and separate subdivision procedures.
    “The Land Use Office is responsible for the administration and processing of applications for division of lands, subdivisions, rezoning and other land use cases.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in unincorporated Las Animas County.
      “The following design standards and specifications shall apply to all subdivisions to be proposed, reviewed, accepted or platted in Las Animas County following the adoption of these regulations, except as otherwise provided for within the provisions of these Regulations.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Mobile-home and campground spaces in unincorporated Las Animas County.

    • Each space must have direct access to a public street or roadway.
    • Access roads must be provided and must conform at minimum to the frontage-road requirements in §4.13.03.
    “All mobile home and campground spaces shall have direct access to a public street or roadway, which shall conform, at a minimum, to the frontage road requirements contained in Section 4.13.03. Access roads shall be provided to mobile home or camping unit spaces.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction or development in a Special Flood Hazard Area in Las Animas County.

    • A floodplain development permit is required before construction or development in an SFHA.
    • If FEMA has not defined the SFHA, permits are required for all proposed construction or development so the community can determine whether it is in a flood-prone area.
    • Residential structures with provided base-flood data must have the lowest floor one foot above base-flood elevation and require professional certification.

    residential lowest-floor elevation: >= 1 foot above base flood elevation

    “Floodplain development permit: A permit required before construction or development begins within any Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). If FEMA has not defined the SFHA within a community, the community shall require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community, including the placement of manufactured homes, so that it may determine whether such construction or other development is proposed within flood-prone areas.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Development within a designated Special Flood Hazard Area or designated floodplain in Las Animas County.
      “Floodplain development permit: A permit required before construction or development begins within any Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    County building permits in unincorporated Las Animas County.

    • The official building page states that the project value must be provided so a fee can be determined and entered in the payment portal.
    • The exact current fee schedule was linked but not retrievable in the research budget.
    “for Building Permit fee, prior to entering into the Portal, please have the value of the project included in your building permit application or email it to Sean.Rogan@lasanimascounty.org or call 719-845-2577 so a fee can be determined that you will enter into the "Price" field within the portal”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — County building permits and land-use permits.
      “for Building Permit fee, prior to entering into the Portal, please have the value of the project included in your building permit application or email it to Sean.Rogan@lasanimascounty.org or call 719-845-2577 so a fee can be determined that you will enter into the "Price" field within the portal”
  • Permit processPartial

    County land-use permit applications and reviews.

    • Submittals are accepted 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
    • An appointment is recommended so staff are available to review and accept applications.
    • Incomplete submittals may be refused until all required items are received together.

    submittal hours: 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

    “8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Appointment recommended in order for staff to be available to review and accept permit applications for review. NOTE: incomplete submittals may be refused until all required items can be received together.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — County building and land-use permitting in unincorporated Las Animas County.
      “Building Permit [...] Building Permit Fees [...] Owner Doing the Work Form [...] Contractor's License Application [...] Land Use Regulations includes building permit info, set backs, fence height, etc. [...] Plumbing and Electrical Permit issued and inspected by the State of Colorado”

Colorado rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, including adding previously unlicensed space to a Health Facility license, or operational permits for a Colorado-licensed Health Facility located in a jurisdiction with no local Building Department.

    • The Division is responsible for issuing the building permit when no local Building Department exists.
    • Limited Scope Project permits may be used instead of an individual Building, Fire, or Life Safety Code permit for projects identified by the Division.
    • Permit issuance is contingent upon review and approval by the Fire Code Official.
    • The determination of when a building permit is required is based on International Building Code Section 105 requirements, except Sections 105.1.1 and 105.1.2.
    • Substantial changes to the project scope, including adding square footage, require a new permit application.
    • Once all corrections identified through code review are satisfactorily addressed, the Division will issue the permit.

    building permit determination: International Building Code Section 105, except Sections 105.1.1 and 105.1.2 (Substantial changes to project scope require a new permit application.)

    “Under these circumstances, the Division will issue the applicable Building Permits and associated Certificates of Occupancy”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Construction, renovation, emergency, cash-funded, or in-house-funded projects involving Colorado state buildings and administered through the Department of Personnel and Administration/Office of the State Architect.
      “State Buildings Program (SBP) is responsible for establishing minimum building codes for all construction by state agencies [...] Colorado has no statewide building code”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

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

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

    foundation types: permanent or temporary

    “Tiny homes are approved for long term living”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “Every new well in the state that diverts groundwater must have a well permit.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

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

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

    maximum rental duration for STR definition: < 30 days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 in unincorporated Las Animas County.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural construction and land uses in unincorporated Las Animas 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 Las Animas County, Colorado

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

Las Animas County scores 55/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 218 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (15.8″/yr rainfall) and more administrative friction around building and land use.

Do you need a building permit in Las Animas County, Colorado?

Las Animas County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Las Animas-Huerfano Counties District Health Department, Environmental Health (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.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Las Animas County is limited to specific cases: Tents, campers, and recreational vehicles used as temporary residences in unincorporated Las Animas County. Occupation for more than seven days, consecutive or not, within any 30-day period is presumed a temporary residence. A temporary-use permit is required. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Las Animas County, Colorado?

Land in Las Animas County runs about $1,005 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Las Animas County?

Las Animas County gets about 15.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 37.4% of years.

How remote is Las Animas County?

A typical private-land location has about 218 people within 15 miles and 365,652 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Las Animas compares in Colorado

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