Bolthole Index

Moffat County, Colorado

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

53Index Score / 100
#31 of 64 in Colorado

Unincorporated Moffat County, Colorado requires a building permit for structures larger than 200 square feet, issued through the Craig/Moffat Regional Building Department1. County zoning applies, and each parcel's district sets its uses, setbacks and lot size2. Septic permits come from the same building department for $100, and the system must be engineered3. Inside Craig, the city sets its own zoning4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for structures larger than 200 square feet, with limited exemptions5
Zoning
Yes; uses, setbacks and lot standards vary by district67
Septic
County permit required; published fee is $10089
RV living
Private-land occupancy rule not confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning10
Tiny home
State-approved units still must satisfy local zoning11
Owner-builder
Available when the owner occupies the dwelling and personally buys materials and performs labor12
Private well
A state Division of Water Resources permit is required for every new groundwater well13

Who to call

Building permits

Craig/Moffat Regional Building Department

Building and septic permits, plan review, inspections and certificates of occupancy

970-826-2013

meckhoff@ci.craig.co.us

Zoning

Moffat County Planning & Zoning Department

Zoning districts, permitted uses, setbacks, parcel-size rules and land-use applications

(970) 824-9148

cmiller@moffatcounty.net

1198 W. Victory Way, Ste. 107 Craig, CO 81625

Roads & driveways

Moffat County Road and Bridge Department

Driveway permits for access from or affecting Moffat County roads

822 E. 1st Street

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 16, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Moffat County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

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

Yes. Moffat County requires a building permit for a structure larger than 200 square feet, a fence higher than 6 feet or a retaining wall greater than 4 feet5. An owner may build a one- or two-family home without a contractor if the owner will occupy it, personally buys all materials and personally does all the labor; any contractor the owner hires must hold the applicable city or county license12. The county has adopted the 2018 International Codes, and the building department keeps a list of required inspections that applicants follow1415. A building used exclusively to shelter agricultural implements, farm and ranch products, livestock or poultry may qualify for an agricultural exemption, but storage for passenger or recreational vehicles, unrelated construction equipment and workshops does not qualify16. Before occupying a completed home or business, the owner must obtain a certificate of occupancy; the basic conditions include approved electrical and sewage systems, working plumbing and heat, a posted address and no hazardous condition in the occupied area17.

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

The Craig/Moffat Regional Building Department handles Moffat County building-permit information and also issues county septic permits1819. Call 970-826-2013 or email meckhoff@ci.craig.co.us; published office hours are 8:00 AM-5:00 PM19. The Planning & Zoning Department is the separate first stop for a parcel's district, allowed uses, setbacks and land-use applications10. Its office is at 1198 W. Victory Way, Ste. 107 Craig, CO 81625, and its phone number is (970) 824-914810. For a driveway that connects to or affects a county road, the Road and Bridge Department issues the required permit from 822 E. 1st Street2021. The county's building and zoning offices serve unincorporated Moffat County; inside Craig, the city sets its own zoning, see Craig4. We could not confirm who issues building permits inside Craig, so ask the Craig/Moffat Regional Building Department.

Does Moffat County have zoning?

Yes. The Moffat County Zoning Resolution covers county zoning requirements for unincorporated land, while uses, setbacks, lot size, conditional uses, variances and zone changes depend on the applicable district222. The county lists districts from Agricultural (A) and Rural Residential (R-R) through Rural Community, residential, mobile home park, business, commercial, industrial and open districts23. The Agriculture District has a 5-acre minimum lot size, while the Rural Residential District requires 3 acres with individual water and septic, 2 acres with either community water or sewage, and 1 acre with both24. Dwelling-size rules also vary by district; the cited provision sets a 200-square-foot minimum floor area in the Agriculture District rather than one countywide minimum25. In the Agriculture District, residential structures need a side-yard setback of at least 10 feet from the property line26. Buildings in the Agriculture District and the Rural Residential District may not exceed 35 feet in height, with exceptions for items such as chimneys and flagpoles2728. A mobile home is permitted in the Agriculture District outside an urban development boundary, and separate mobile home districts exist29. Setbacks in other districts differ, so have Planning & Zoning confirm the parcel's district before choosing a building site3010. Inside Craig, the city's own zoning applies instead4.

How do septic permits work in Moffat County?

Moffat County requires a septic permit, the published fee is $100, and the Craig/Moffat Regional Building Department issues the permit31. Septic systems in Moffat County are required to be engineered, so budget for a design before you set a house site3. The building application plot plan must show the well, septic system, proposed construction and property-line distances, with at least 100 feet between a well and the septic system or leach field32. Colorado also requires a final on-site wastewater inspection after permitted work is complete and before the system is used, and approval is required before an OWTS-served building receives occupancy approval33. Only 23.2% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so site suitability can materially shape the project34.

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

We could not confirm a countywide Moffat County rule for long-term RV occupancy or private-land camping, so ask Planning & Zoning about the specific parcel and proposed duration before moving an RV onto the site10. The agricultural building exemption does not turn RV storage or use into an exempt agricultural purpose16. In the Agriculture District, seasonal or recreational dwelling units may not be used more than 6 months of the year, the unit must have a footprint of at least 200 square feet, and a porta-john, composting toilet or approved outhouse35. Colorado approves qualifying tiny homes for long-term living on permanent or temporary foundations, but plans must receive state approval before construction and the unit must still satisfy local zoning11. Moffat County's minimum dwelling area is district-specific, with a cited 200-square-foot standard in specified districts rather than one rule for every parcel36. Confirm the zoning district, allowed dwelling type and occupancy path with Planning & Zoning before ordering a unit10.

What are the steps to build a home in Moffat County, Colorado?

  1. Ask Planning & Zoning to identify the parcel's district, allowed residential use, minimum lot size and setbacks610.
  2. Confirm legal access; a driveway affecting a county road requires a Road and Bridge permit, while direct access to a state highway requires a CDOT access permit2037.
  3. Apply to the state Division of Water Resources before drilling a new groundwater well13.
  4. Obtain the county septic permit, which costs $100 and requires an engineered system3.
  5. Submit a signed building application, two sets of building plans and a plot plan showing buildings, well, septic, proposed work and property-line distances32.
  6. Complete required inspections and obtain the certificate of occupancy before moving into the home17.

What should you check before buying land in Moffat County?

Start with water, septic feasibility, legal access, zoning and flood exposure. Every new groundwater well needs a state permit, while county septic systems require a county permit138. If a seller plans to divide unincorporated land, ask Planning & Zoning about subdivision review: the county process applies to divisions creating parcels smaller than 35 acres, and minor subdivisions may contain no more than four parcels or lots, and a minor subdivision application fee is $500383910. The county averages 14.9 inches of precipitation annually and has experienced severe drought in 26.5% of years, so verify the realistic water source and yield before relying on a homesite4041. About 51.9% of the land has a slope of 15% or less, and only 23.2% of soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field4234. About 57.2% of Moffat County is federal land, so verify recorded access rather than assuming an adjoining public route serves the parcel43. Floodplain development standards apply where mapped hazards affect the site; ask the building office to confirm the local review path4419.

Watch-outs

  • A building used to store recreational vehicles or to serve as a workshop does not qualify for Moffat County's agricultural building-permit exemption16.
  • Only 23.2% of Moffat County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so confirm site suitability before relying on a homesite34.
  • Moffat County requires a certificate of occupancy before anyone moves into a home or business17.
  • We could not confirm the county's private-land RV occupancy rule; ask Planning & Zoning before using an RV as a residence10.

Sources

  1. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  3. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  4. Craig: Craig Municipal Code 16.03.010 General provisions (Moffat County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  6. Moffat County Board of County Commissioners records, quoted and re-checked
  7. Moffat County Zoning Resolution Section 400—District Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  8. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  9. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  10. Moffat County Planning & Zoning Department (moffatcounty.colorado.gov)
  11. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  13. Water Administration (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  15. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  16. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  17. moffatcounty.colorado.gov, quoted and re-checked
  18. Building Permit Information (2026 county census)
  19. Craig/Moffat Regional Building Department (moffatcounty.colorado.gov)
  20. Moffat County temporary-use application materials, quoted and re-checked
  21. Moffat County Road and Bridge Department (moffatcounty.colorado.gov)
  22. Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  23. Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  24. Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  25. Moffat County Zoning Resolution, Section 400—District Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  26. Moffat County Zoning Resolution, Section 400—District Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  27. Moffat County Zoning Resolution, Section 400—District Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  28. Moffat County Zoning Resolution Section 415.5 - R-R District Property Development Standards, quoted and re-checked
  29. Moffat County Zoning Resolution, Section 400—District Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  30. Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  31. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  32. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  33. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  34. 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
  35. Moffat County Zoning Resolution, Section 400—District Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  36. Moffat County Zoning Resolution Section 400—District Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  37. Access Permits | Frequently Asked Questions (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  38. Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  39. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  40. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  41. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  42. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  43. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  44. SB24-179 Floodplain Management Program (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 16, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Moffat County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleMoffat CountyRio Blanco CountyRoutt CountyGarfield CountyJackson CountyEagle CountyGrand County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCraig/Moffat Regional Building Dept.County OWTSCounty Dept. of Env. HealthCounty Public HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Building & Sanitation Div.

County locator

Moffat County in Colorado

53
County map
Moffat County highlighted among the Colorado counties · colored by Index score

How Moffat County scores

Seclusion85100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency23100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability47100% ev.
Property Autonomy75100% ev.
Carry Cost86100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$308kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$1,560Land / acre
14.9"Annual rain
26.5% of yrsSevere drought
1.2 / yr (+1.1)Mid-century 100°F days
22.3 daysMid-century dry spell
0.76" (+5.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.19×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,219Home insurance / yr
3% / yrInsurance growth
1.33%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
494Radius comparison (15 mi)
2.8People / sq mi
57.2%Federal land
51.9%Land at 15% slope or less
23.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
600,761 acWorkable land screen
13.8%Wooded land
14.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
44.4°FAvg temp

Scout Moffat County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Moffat County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Cities and towns in Moffat 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 Dinosaur

Answers from the rulebook for Moffat County

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

Moffat County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Structures and specified site improvements in Moffat County subject to the county building department.

    • Permits are required for structures larger than 200 square feet.
    • Permits are required for fences higher than 6 feet.
    • Permits are required for retaining walls greater than 4 feet.
    • Buildings used exclusively for agricultural purposes as defined under Section 510 of the Moffat County Zoning Resolution are exempt.
    • The agricultural exemption does not include buildings used for passenger vehicles, recreational vehicles, equipment, construction tools and equipment not directly related to agriculture, or workshops.

    structure area threshold: > 200 sq ft · fence height threshold: > 6 ft · retaining wall height threshold: > 4 ft

    “Building permits are required for all structures larger than 200 square feet, fences higher than 6 feet, and retaining walls greater than 4 feet.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Structures in Moffat County subject to the county building department.
      “Building permits are required for all structures larger than 200 square feet, fences higher than 6 feet, and retaining walls greater than 4 feet.”
    • Required — Structures in Moffat County exceeding the stated thresholds.
      “Building permits are required for all structures larger than 200 square feet, fences higher than 6 feet, and retaining walls greater than 4 feet.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A bona fide owner performing work personally in a single-family dwelling, including accessory buildings and quarters connected to the dwelling, where a City of Craig or Moffat County permit is required.

    • The structure must be occupied by the owner.
    • The owner must personally purchase all material.
    • The owner must personally perform all labor.
    • If the owner hires a contractor, the contractor must have the applicable City or County license.
    • The cited page states this applies to one- and two-family dwellings; commercial properties require a properly licensed contractor.
    “the owner shall personally purchase all material and shall personally perform all labor for the project.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Moffat County building-code administration.

    • The official county page identifies the adopted codes as the 2018 International Codes.
    • Specific code requirements and exemptions may vary by project type and location.

    code edition: 2018 International Codes

    “Moffat County has adopted the 2018 International Codes.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction subject to Moffat County building inspection requirements.

    • The county page directs applicants to a separate list of required inspections; the individual inspection stages were not available in the opened county text.
    “Required Inspections To see a list of the required inspections, click here .”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building-permit work administered through the Moffat County building department.
      “Required Inspections To see a list of the required inspections, click here.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupancy of a home or business in Moffat County.

    • A certificate of occupancy is required before moving into a home or business.
    • The listed basic requirements include an approved electrical system, one functional bathroom and kitchen sink with hot and cold running water, an approved sewage disposal system, a functional heating system, no hazardous condition in the occupied space, and a conspicuously posted address.
    “A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is required before moving into a home or business.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Homes and businesses in Moffat County before occupancy.
      “A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is required before moving into a home or business. The following is a list of the basic requirements for obtaining a CO.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Moffat County zoning regulation.

    • The official county record identifies the Moffat County Zoning Resolution as the applicable zoning instrument.
    “The Moffat County Zoning Resolution covers all of the County's zoning requirements.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Moffat County zoning requirements administered under the Moffat County Zoning Resolution.

    • The official page states that the County Zoning Resolution covers all of the County's zoning requirements.
    • The page directs applicants to the Planning Department for permitted uses by zone, building setbacks, parcel or lot size requirements, conditional uses, variances, and zone changes.
    • This claim addresses the county zoning resolution and does not establish separate zoning rules administered by incorporated municipalities.
    “The Moffat County Zoning Resolution covers all of the County's zoning requirements. Call the Planning Department for all zoning information, i.e. uses permitted in each zone, building set-backs, size requirement of parcel or lot, how to apply for a conditional use, variance or zone change.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning in unincorporated Moffat County.
      “Mobile Home, if located outside of the urban development boundaries established by an adopted master plan in the unincorporated area of the County.”
    • Present (with conditions) — County-administered zoning in Moffat County, including unincorporated areas; incorporated municipalities may have separate rules.
      “The Moffat County Zoning Resolution covers all of the County's zoning requirements. Call the Planning Department for all zoning information, i.e. uses permitted in each zone, building set-backs, size requirement of parcel or lot, how to apply for a conditional use, variance or zone change.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Moffat County zoning districts listed on the county zoning page.

    • The page lists A, R-R, R-C, R-1, R-2, MH-2, B, C, L-I, H-I, and O districts.
    • The page provides minimum lot-size details only for A and R-R districts; complete district regulations require consulting the zoning-resolution sections.
    “Remaining County Zoning Districts R-C Rural Community District R-1 Low Density Residential District R-2 Medium Density Residential District MH-2 Mobile Home Park District B Business District C Commercial District L-I Light Industrial H-I Heavy Industrial O Open District”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Dwellings in the A Agricultural District.

    • Seasonal or recreational dwelling units have the stated exemptions and sanitation conditions.
    • The ordinance states that seasonal or recreational units may not be used more than 6 months per year.

    minimum dwelling floor area: >= 200 sq ft (Seasonal or recreational-use provisions in the same paragraph apply.)

    “Each dwelling hereafter erected or constructed in this District shall have a minimum floor area of 200 square feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Dwellings in specified Moffat County zoning districts, including districts where the zoning resolution states a 200-square-foot minimum floor area.
      “Each dwelling hereafter erected in this District shall have a minimum floor area of 200 square feet.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Zoning districts identified on the Moffat County zoning page.

    • Agricultural District: minimum lot/parcel size is 5 acres, with private water/septic.
    • R-R Rural Residential District: minimum lot/parcel size is 3 acres; where community water or public septic is provided, 2 acres; where both community water and septic are provided, 1 acre.

    A Agricultural District minimum lot size: 5 acres (Private water/septic.) · R-R Rural Residential District minimum lot size: 3 acres (2 acres where community water or public septic is provided; 1 acre where both community water and septic system are provided.)

    “A Agricultural District Minimum lot/parcel size: 5 acres. Private water/septic. R-R Rural Residential District Minimum lot/parcel size: 3 acres. Private water/septic. Where community water or public septic system is provided, a minimum of 2 acres is required. Where both community water and septic system are provided, a minimum 1 acre lot size is required.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Setbacks regulated by the Moffat County Zoning Resolution.

    • The opened page confirms that building setbacks are part of county zoning requirements but does not provide the numeric setback schedule.
    “Call the Planning Department for all zoning information, i.e. uses permitted in each zone, building set-backs, size requirement of parcel or lot, how to apply for a conditional use, variance or zone change.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Buildings and structures in Moffat County's A Agricultural District.

    • The standard applies to all land and structures in the A District.
    • Non-dwelling structures, accessory farm buildings, flagpoles, chimneys, smokestacks, and radio and television masts are exempted from the 35-foot limit.
    • For exempted structures, vertical height may not exceed the horizontal distance from the structure to the nearest property line, utility easement, or dwelling.

    maximum building height: <= 35 feet (Non-dwelling structures, accessory farm buildings, flagpoles, chimneys, smokestacks, and radio and television masts are exempted, subject to the stated horizontal-distance limitation.)

    “3. Building Height: No building hereafter erected in this District may exceed 35 feet in height. Non-dwelling structures, accessory farm buildings, flagpoles, chimneys, smokestacks, and radio and television masts are exempted, provided that the vertical height of the structure shall not exceed the horizontal distance from the structure to the nearest property line, utility easement or dwelling.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured or mobile homes in unincorporated Moffat County zoning districts.

    • A mobile home is permitted in the A District outside an urban development boundary.
    • A mobile home is a conditional use in the A District within an urban development boundary.
    • The zoning resolution also establishes separate MH-1 and MH-2 mobile-home districts with district-specific standards.
    “Mobile home, if located within an urban development boundary established by an adopted master plan in the unincorporated area of the County.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site septic systems in Moffat County.

    • The official page states that septic permits are issued through the building department.
    • The page also states that septic systems must be engineered.
    “These permits are issued through the building department and cost $100.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — On-site septic systems in Moffat County.
      “These permits are issued through the building department”
    • County (with conditions) — Septic-system permitting in Moffat County.
      “These permits are issued through the building department and cost $100. Septic Systems in Moffat County are required to be engineered.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Septic systems in Moffat County.

    • Permits are issued through the building department.
    • Septic systems are required to be engineered.
    • The stated permit cost is $100.

    permit fee: 100 USD

    “Permits are also required for septic systems. These permits are issued through the building department and cost $100. Septic Systems in Moffat County are required to be engineered.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Temporary uses where a septic system is required.
      “Where a septic system is required, the Temporary Use Application may be approved after the septic system is installed and the Septic Permit approved.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Seasonal or recreational dwelling units in the A Agricultural District.

    • The unit may not be used more than 6 months of the year.
    • The footprint must be no less than 200 square feet or less than 1200 square feet as stated in the ordinance.
    • A porta-john, composting toilet, or approved outhouse is required.
    • Other zoning, building-code, and health requirements remain applicable.

    maximum annual use: <= 6 months · minimum footprint: >= 200 sq ft

    “A “porta-john”, composting toilet or approved outhouse is required. (Amended 3/11/2025 Resolution 2025-14)”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Residential development in Moffat County zoning districts.

    • The A Agricultural District is identified as using private water/septic.
    • The R-R Rural Residence District requires 3 acres with individual water and septic, 2 acres where community water or a public sewage system is provided, and 1 acre where both community water and sewage systems are provided.
    • The quoted rules are district-specific.
    “Where community water or public septic system is provided, a minimum of 2 acres is required. Where both community water and septic system are provided, a minimum 1 acre lot size is required.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Building-permit exemption for buildings or structures used exclusively to shelter agricultural implements, farm and ranch products, livestock, or poultry.

    • The exemption is under Section 510 of the Moffat County Zoning Resolution.
    • Passenger-vehicle, recreational-vehicle, equipment, construction-tool/equipment not directly related to agriculture, and workshop storage or use is excluded from the exemption.
    “Buildings or structures used for the sole purpose of providing shelter for agricultural implements, farm and ranch products, livestock, or poultry shall be exempt”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of unincorporated land within Moffat County.

    • The regulations involve all unincorporated land within the county.
    • The process applies to divisions into parcels smaller than 35 acres, while a 350-acre tract divided into ten 35-acre parcels is given as an example outside the county subdivision process.
    • Minor subdivision regulations apply to small subdivisions containing no more than four parcels or lots.
    • An exemption application may be available if eligibility conditions are met; the source states a minimum of 5 acres for a homesite in an Agriculture Zone.

    threshold described for subdivision process: < 35 acres (The source gives an example that ten 35-acre parcels from a 350-acre tract would not be affected.) · minor subdivision maximum: <= 4 parcels or lots · Agriculture Zone homesite minimum stated for exemption example: >= 5 acres

    “These regulations involve all unincorporated land within each county's boundaries.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and minor subdivision of unincorporated land in Moffat County.
      “These regulations involve all unincorporated land within each county's boundaries.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway access in Moffat County.

    • Driveway permits may be obtained from the Moffat County Road and Bridge Department at 822 E. 1st Street.
    “Driveway permits are required and may be obtained from the Moffat County Road and Bridge Department located at 822 E. 1st Street.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New or improved driveways associated with temporary-use applications.
      “Where a new or improved driveway is to be constructed, the Temporary Use Application may be approved after the County driveway permit has been obtained.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published Moffat County building, septic, planning, zoning, and subdivision-related fees.

    • The building page states a $100 septic-permit cost.
    • Planning fees exclude State, survey, recording, and other fees.
    • Planning-fee examples include $200 for exemption from subdivision regulations, $100 for a temporary use, $175 for a zoning variance, $300 for a rezone, $500 for a minor subdivision, and $1,000 for a major subdivision.

    septic permit fee: 100 USD · temporary use fee: 100 USD (One-year permit with two optional renewals at $50 each.) · zoning variance fee: 175 USD · rezone fee: 300 USD · minor subdivision fee: 500 USD · major subdivision fee: 1000 USD (Additional $50 per lot over 10 lots for the preliminary plan.)

    “Temporary Use (1-year with 2 optional renewals - $50 each) $100”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Published Moffat County permit-related fees identified in the opened official pages.
      “Conditional Use (including Seismic & Meteorological Towers) $300. Exemption from Subdivision Regulations $200.”
    • Variable (with conditions) — Building, septic, planning, zoning, and subdivision-related fees identified on official county pages.
      “Permits are also required for septic systems. These permits are issued through the building department and cost $100. Septic Systems in Moffat County are required to be engineered.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building permit applications in Moffat County.

    • Applicants must provide two sets of building plans with floor plan, foundation, framing, and roof details.
    • A plot plan must show existing buildings, well, septic, proposed construction, and distances from property lines.
    • The application must be completed, dated, and signed.
    • A minimum 100-foot separation between well and septic or leach field must be maintained.

    well-to-septic separation: >= 100 ft

    “Two sets of building plans with details of proposed structure including: floor plan, foundation, framing and roof system.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Building, septic, planning, and subdivision permit processes described on official Moffat County pages.
      “Two sets of building plans with details of proposed structure including: floor plan, foundation, framing and roof system.”
    • Partial — Building and related development-permit process in Moffat County.
      “Two sets of building plans with details of proposed structure including: floor plan, foundation, framing and roof system. A plot plan showing existing buildings, well, septic, proposed construction and distances in feet from all property lines (to ensure setbacks and separations between well and septic).,A minimum of 100 feet separation between well and septic or leech field must be maintained. Completed application form, dated and signed.”

Colorado rules that apply here

  • 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”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    OWTS construction, installation, alteration, or repair statewide before the system is placed in use, plus operating inspections when authorized under applicable rules.

    • A final inspection must occur after permitted work is completed and before the system is placed in use.
    • The local public health agency or its designated professional engineer determines compliance with the permit, statute, and applicable rules.
    • For a building not serviced by a sewage treatment works, an occupancy permit requires final OWTS inspection and local agency approval.
    “Final inspection of a system to be made by the local public health agency or its designated professional engineer after construction, installation, alteration, or repair work under a permit has been completed, but before the system is placed in use, to determine that the work has been performed in accordance with the permit and that the system is in compliance with this article and the rules adopted under this article;”
  • Well permitRequired

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

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

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

    “Every new well in the state that diverts groundwater must have a well permit.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in floodplain areas subject to Colorado floodplain-management requirements, and state-owned land in counties or municipalities that do not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.

    • Local floodplain regulations must equal or exceed FEMA National Flood Insurance Program minimum design and construction criteria.
    • Local floodplain regulations must comply with Colorado Water Conservation Board rules and regulations for regulatory floodplains.
    • The state program applies to development on state-owned land in counties and municipalities that do not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.
    “Local government floodplain management regulations for development in floodplain areas must equal or exceed the federal emergency management agency's national flood insurance program's (national flood insurance program) minimum design and construction criteria and must comply with the Colorado water conservation board's (CWCB) rules and regulations for regulatory floodplains in Colorado.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

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

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

    maximum rental duration for STR definition: < 30 days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in Moffat County.
  • Living in an RV — RV occupancy on private land in Moffat County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Moffat 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 Moffat County, Colorado

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

Moffat County scores 53/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and deep seclusion — about 494 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 14.9″ of rain a year, in severe drought 26.5% of years.

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

Moffat County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Craig/Moffat Regional Building Department. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Moffat County, Colorado?

Land in Moffat County runs about $1,560 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Moffat County?

Moffat County gets about 14.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 26.5% of years.

How remote is Moffat County?

A typical private-land location has about 494 people within 15 miles and 338,221 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Moffat compares in Colorado

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