Bolthole Index

Phillips County, Colorado

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

42Index Score / 100
#52 of 64 in Colorado

Unincorporated Phillips County, Colorado requires a building permit before construction of a single-family home or accessory structure.1 The home and its incidental accessory uses do not need a land-use-change permit, but site-development standards still apply.1 Northeast Colorado Health Department requires septic permits for wastewater-producing buildings in Phillips County that are not connected to city sewer.2

At a glance

Building permit
Required before a single-family home or accessory structure is built1
Zoning
Yes; Phillips County administers land-use permits and dimensional requirements3
Septic
NCHD permit required for a new or repaired system; $500 fee plus site evaluation and testing245
RV living
Private-land rule unconfirmed; county-run Harvest Park offers RV camping67
Tiny home
State-regulated units can be approved for long-term living but must satisfy county zoning8
Owner-builder
Own-property repair and maintenance exemption is limited; no new-home exemption confirmed97
Minimum home size
No countywide minimum confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning for the parcel's district standards37
Water well
A Colorado permit is required for a new groundwater well, subject to exceptions and basin rules10

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Phillips County Planning & Zoning

Building permits, land-use applications, zoning questions, variances and subdivision exemptions

970-854-3778

ap@phillipscounty.co

221 S. Interocean Ave., Holyoke, CO 80734

Septic permits

Northeast Colorado Health Department, Logan, Phillips & Sedgwick Counties

On-site wastewater treatment system permits, site evaluations and inspections for Phillips County

(970) 522-3741

700 Columbine St. Sterling, CO 80751

Online permits →

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

Off-grid gear

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

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

Yes. Unincorporated Phillips County requires a building permit before construction of a single-family dwelling or accessory structure.1 A single-family home and its incidental accessory uses do not need a land-use-change permit, but they remain subject to site-development standards.1 The general county rule also reaches structures costing more than $1,000 or work that changes the property's assessed valuation.1

Phillips County requires a contractor's drawing or blueprints for a residence.7 The county's adopted building-code edition, inspection sequence and certificate-of-occupancy requirements could not be confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning what reviews will apply before construction starts.7

Who handles building and land-use permits in Phillips County?

Phillips County Planning & Zoning handles county building permits, land-use applications, zoning questions, variances and subdivision exemptions.7 The office is at 221 S. Interocean Avenue in Holyoke, and its phone number for questions is 970-854-3778.7

Phillips County uses administrative, minor and major land-use permits.7 A single-family home and incidental accessory uses on one lot do not need a land-use-change permit, although the building permit remains required.1 Incorporated municipalities may use a different approval process because Colorado county zoning authority applies to unincorporated territory.11

Does Phillips County, Colorado have zoning?

Yes. Phillips County administers administrative, minor and major land-use permits through Planning & Zoning.3 Colorado county zoning can regulate building location, height, size, lot coverage, lot size and land use in unincorporated territory.11

A single-family dwelling and its incidental accessory uses on one lot do not need a land-use-change permit in unincorporated Phillips County, but site-development standards and the building-permit requirement still apply.1 We could not confirm one countywide minimum home size, setback, height limit or lot-size rule; ask Planning & Zoning for the parcel's district and dimensional standards.7

How do septic permits work in Phillips County?

Northeast Colorado Health Department requires an OWTS permit for any wastewater-producing building in Phillips County that is not connected to city sewer, including a new system or repair of an existing system.2 A permit costs $500 for either a new system or repair of an existing system.5 NCHD requires a plot plan showing the proposed system, structures, property lines, wells and a future replacement area.12

The site work requires three percolation holes and two soil-profile pits at least 8 feet deep or to bedrock; an NCHD Environmental Health Specialist must evaluate at least one pit before permitting and installation.13 A final inspection is required before the system is used.14 Only 19.8% of Phillips County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early contingency.15 NCHD cannot issue an OWTS permit where public sewer is available unless the serving municipality or district finds connection infeasible or otherwise authorizes the permit.16

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Phillips County?

We could not confirm a Phillips County rule allowing full-time RV occupancy or temporary camping on private land; ask Planning & Zoning about the parcel, stay length, sanitation and land-use approval before moving in.7 Phillips County's Harvest Park is a different, confirmed option: its RV campground has 57 full-hookup sites and is open year-round, with seasonal water limits on some sites.6 The campground offers daily, weekly and four-week stays, but that park rule does not authorize camping on private acreage.17

Colorado-regulated tiny homes may be approved for long-term living on a permanent or temporary foundation, but plans need Division of Housing approval before construction and the unit must satisfy local zoning.8 We could not confirm a countywide tiny-home or minimum-size rule, so obtain a parcel-specific answer from Planning & Zoning.7 Any occupied off-grid dwelling still needs adequate sewage disposal, and a permitted OWTS may fill that role where sewer rules allow it.18

What are the steps to build a home in Phillips County?

  1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Phillips County and ask Planning & Zoning for its district and site standards.3
  2. Confirm legal parcel creation; a division producing a parcel under 35 acres must go through subdivision review, and the county page states a 2.5-acre parcel minimum.7
  3. Resolve water and wastewater: a new well generally needs a state permit, while a wastewater-producing building not connected to city sewer needs an NCHD septic permit.102
  4. Complete the septic plot plan, evaluation and soil testing before relying on a building site.12
  5. Submit residence drawings and obtain the county building permit before construction.71
  6. Ask Planning & Zoning for the inspection and occupancy sequence because those local requirements could not be confirmed.7
  7. Obtain a CDOT permit if the driveway connects directly to a state highway.19

What should you check before buying land in Phillips County?

Confirm zoning, legal parcel creation, recorded access and the exact permits for the intended use before closing. Phillips County uses three land-use permit classes, while a new single-family home follows the building-permit rule even when no land-use-change permit is needed.71 Direct residential access to a Colorado state highway requires a state access permit.19

Verify water and septic feasibility before treating the land as buildable. A new groundwater well generally requires a Colorado permit, subject to exceptions and basin rules.10 Only 19.8% of county soils are rated without severe conventional drain-field limits.15 Phillips County receives about 17.8 inches of precipitation annually, so confirm a dependable legal water source.20 The effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,263.2122

Watch-outs

  • A single-family home may be exempt from a land-use-change permit while still requiring a Phillips County building permit.1
  • Private-land RV occupancy, temporary camping and a countywide minimum dwelling size remain unconfirmed; Harvest Park's campground rules do not apply to private parcels.717
  • An occupied off-grid structure must have adequate sewage disposal, and public-sewer availability can prevent NCHD from issuing an OWTS permit.1816

Sources

  1. Phillips County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  2. Onsite Wastewater Treatment System, quoted and re-checked
  3. Phillips County Planning & Zoning (2026 county census)
  4. Application for a Permit to Install or Repair an On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS), quoted and re-checked
  5. Application for a Permit to Install or Repair an On-Site Wastewater Treatment System, quoted and re-checked
  6. Harvest Park RV Campground, quoted and re-checked
  7. Phillips County Planning & Zoning (phillipscounty.colorado.gov)
  8. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Colorado Revised Statutes 2026, Title 30, § 30-11-125 (2026 county census)
  10. Water Administration (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Colorado Revised Statutes 2025 Title 30 Government - County (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Application for a Permit to Install or Repair an On-Site Wastewater Treatment System, quoted and re-checked
  13. Application for a Permit to Install or Repair an On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS), quoted and re-checked
  14. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. 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
  16. nchd.org, quoted and re-checked
  17. Harvest Park RV Campground, quoted and re-checked
  18. nchd.org, quoted and re-checked
  19. Access Permits | Frequently Asked Questions (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Phillips County has countywide zoning.

RulePhillips CountySedgwick CountyYuma CountyLogan CountyWashington CountyMorgan CountyKit Carson County
Building permitRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredLimited
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsNCHDNCHDNortheast Colorado Health Dept.NCHDNortheast Colorado Health Dept.NCHDCounty Public Health & Env.

County locator

Phillips County in Colorado

42
County map
Phillips County highlighted among the Colorado counties · colored by Index score

How Phillips County scores

Seclusion88100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1592% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability40100% ev.
Property Autonomy75100% ev.
Carry Cost85100% ev.

Evidence strength: 97%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$267kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$2,779Land / acre
17.8"Annual rain
18.2% of yrsSevere drought
20.1 / yr (+16.1)Mid-century 100°F days
25.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.22" (+3.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.3×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,829Home insurance / yr
1.8% / yrInsurance growth
1.42%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
469People within 30 min
152,322People within 2 hr
3,637Radius comparison (15 mi)
6.5People / sq mi
0%Federal land
89.9%Land at 15% slope or less
19.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
85,337 acWorkable land screen
0.1%Wooded land
50.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Phillips 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 Paoli

Answers from the rulebook for Phillips County

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

Phillips County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction of a single-family dwelling and accessory structures in unincorporated Phillips County.

    • A building permit is required before construction.
    • A single-family dwelling and incidental accessory uses are exempt from a Land Use Change Permit but remain subject to site development standards.
    • The general building-permit rule applies to structures costing more than $1,000 or changing assessed valuation.

    cost threshold: > 1000 USD (The Code also applies when the work changes the assessed valuation of the property.)

    “The Applicant shall obtain a building permit before construction of a single-family dwelling and accessory structures.”
  • Living in an RVAllowed

    RV occupancy at the Phillips County Harvest Park RV Campground, 22505 Hwy 385, Holyoke, Colorado.

    • The campground has 57 sites with full hookups.
    • The campground is open year-round, but water is shut off on Sites #1-25 from October 1 through March 1.
    • Rental rates are $35 first day, $30 per day thereafter, $200 per week, or $650 for four weeks.
    • Space is first come, first served; check-out is 2:00 pm.

    campground sites: 57 sites · four-week rate: 650 USD

    “57 total sites, all with full hookups. Open year-round”
  • Camping on your landAllowed

    Temporary camping at the Phillips County Harvest Park RV Campground.

    • The county page identifies the site as an RV campground and welcomes campers.
    • Rental periods are offered for one day, one week, and four weeks.
    • Check-out is at 2:00 pm, or an additional day rental fee may be due.
    “Rental rates are: $35 first day, $30/day thereafter”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    On-site wastewater treatment system permitting and inspection in Phillips County, within the Northeast Colorado Health Department's six-county jurisdiction, for buildings creating wastewater flow that are not connected to a city sewer system.

    • A permit is required for any new OWTS or repair of an existing OWTS.
    • The rule applies to buildings creating wastewater flow that are not connected to a city sewer system.
    • NCHD inspects systems for compliance with regulations approved by the Northeast Colorado Board of Health.
    • The NCHD permit form identifies Phillips County as part of the Logan, Phillips, and Sedgwick Counties service area.
    • The NCHD page identifies revised OWTS regulations as effective June 15, 2026.
    “Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS), or septic system, permits are required for any building creating wastewater flow in the six counties under NCHD’s jurisdiction that are not connected to a city sewer system. Any new system or repair of an existing system requires a permit from the health department.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Local — OWTS permitting and related environmental-health administration for Phillips County through the Northeast Colorado Health Department.
      “NCHD Logan, Phillips, and Sedgwick Counties: (970) 522-3741 ext. 1262 or 1231”
    • Local — On-site wastewater treatment systems in Phillips County, including unincorporated areas and municipalities within the district's territorial limits.
      “These requirements have been adopted by the Northeast Colorado Board of Health pursuant to and under authority contained in the On-site Wastewater Treatment System Act, 25-10-101, et seq. C.R.S. and has designated the Northeast Colorado Health Department to implement these regulations on behalf of the Board of Health.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction or repair of septic systems in Phillips County.

    • An OWTS permit is required to construct or repair a septic system.
    • The stated fee is $500.00 for new systems and $500.00 for repair of existing systems.
    • A site evaluation, including a percolation test, is necessary.
    • Plot plans are required per OWTS Regulations.

    new-system fee: 500 USD · existing-system repair fee: 500 USD

    “Permit is required to construct or repair a septic system.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    OWTS site evaluation and soil testing for septic systems in Phillips County.

    • Three percolation test holes are required.
    • Two soil profile test pits at least 8 feet deep or to bedrock are required.
    • At least one soil profile test pit must be evaluated by an Environmental Health Specialist before the system is permitted and installed.
    • The applicant or contractor must provide approximately 100 gallons of water 25 feet from the percolation holes.

    soil profile pit depth: >= 8 feet (or to bedrock) · percolation holes: 3 holes

    “Said pit shall be evaluated by an Environmental Health Specialist”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Sanitary sewage disposal for occupied structures using an OWTS rather than centralized sewer in Phillips County.

    • An OWTS permit is required.
    • No person may construct or maintain an occupied structure without adequate sanitary sewage-disposal facilities.
    • Public sewer availability and feasibility rules apply.
    “No person shall construct or maintain any dwelling or other occupied structure which is not equipped with adequate facilities for the sanitary disposal of sewage.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Use of OWTS versus public sewer service in Phillips County.

    • An OWTS permit must not be issued where a municipality or special district provides public sewer service, unless sewer service is not feasible as determined by that municipality or special district, or the permit is otherwise authorized by it.
    “An OWTS permit must not be issued to any person when the subject property is located within a municipality or special district that provides public sewer service, except where such sewer service to the property is not feasible in the determination of the municipality or special district, or the permit is otherwise authorized by the municipality or special district.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    OWTS permit fees for Phillips County.

    • The cited fee applies to new systems and repairs of existing systems.

    new OWTS permit fee: 500 USD · repair OWTS permit fee: 500 USD

    “An On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Permit is required to construct or repair a septic system. Fees are $500.00 for new systems and $500.00 for repair of existing systems.”
  • Permit processPublished

    OWTS permit process in Phillips County.

    • The application requires a plot plan showing the proposed system, structures, property lines, wells, and a future replacement location.
    • A site evaluation and percolation test are required.
    • Three percolation holes and two soil-profile test pits are required under the cited form.
    • The soil-profile pit must be evaluated by an NCHD Environmental Health Specialist before permitting and installation.
    “Plot Plans are required per OWTS Regulations. Please attach a Plot Plan indicating the location of the proposed system(s), structures, property lines, and wells. Include locations(s) where a replacement system can be installed for future reference.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    The county has a Planning & Zoning office and has adopted Land Use Permit classes (Administrative, Minor, and Major Land Use Permits).

    Phillips County Planning & Zoning ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Colorado rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

    Construction at Colorado state agencies and institutions of higher education owned facilities.

    • The approved state building codes are minimum requirements for the specified state-owned facilities.
    • The source states that additional codes, standards, and appendices may be adopted by state agencies and institutions in addition to the listed minimum codes and standards.
    • The statewide source describes Colorado as a local-control state in which most building-code adoption decisions are driven by local governments, not the state.
    • The listed code editions and effective dates are those stated in the retrieved Approved State Building Codes document, which is marked Rev. 9/2023.

    International Building Code edition: 2021 edition (Chapter 1 as amended; Chapters 2-35 and Appendices C and I) · International Residential Code edition: 2021 edition (As applicable) · International Energy Conservation Code edition: 2021 edition (As adopted by the Colorado State Buildings Program and Colorado Energy Office) · National Electrical Code edition: 2023 edition (Effective July 30, 2023) · Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code effective date: 2023-07-01 date · International Plumbing Code edition: 2021 edition (First printing (March 2020); effective May 15, 2023 as adopted by the Colorado Examining Board of Plumbers) · International Fuel Gas Code edition: 2021 edition (First printing; effective May 15, 2023 as adopted by the Colorado Examining Board of Plumbers)

    “These minimum requirements are to be applied to all construction at state agencies and institutions of higher education owned facilities.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Construction at Colorado state agencies and institutions of higher education owned facilities under the Colorado State Buildings Program and other state authorities.
      “Approved building codes and standards are adopted by the Office of the State Architect (herein referred to as State Buildings Program (SBP)) and other state authorities, and are identified below. These minimum requirements are to be applied to all construction at state agencies and institutions of higher education owned facilities.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    All reviewed Colorado State Buildings Program construction projects subject to state building-code compliance review.

    • The policy states that all reviewed construction projects are inspected for building-code compliance.
    • Required inspections are identified on the Building Inspection Record and may include building, special, fire, plumbing, electrical, boiler, elevator, and health-department inspections as applicable.
    • Local fire districts and other state authorities may have separate inspection responsibilities.
    • The policy applies to state buildings and state projects, not uniformly to every private project in Colorado.
    “All reviewed construction projects shall be inspected for building code compliance.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    County zoning regulations for unincorporated Colorado; the state statute authorizes local district-specific lot-size rules but does not prescribe one statewide minimum.

    • Applies to portions of counties outside incorporated cities and towns.
    • Actual minimum lot sizes must be obtained from the applicable county zoning resolution and district map.
    • Colorado's official planning guidance states that most zoning decisions are driven by local governments, not the state.
    “Colorado is a “local control” state when it comes to land use planning authority (Local Government, 2012). This means that most land use decisions such as adoption of zoning and building codes are driven by local governments, not by the state.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Municipal zoning districts in Colorado where the municipality adopts building-height or story regulations.

    • The applicable height or story limit is determined by the municipality's zoning regulations and district classification.
    • The statute provides authority but no statewide numeric height limit.
    • Height restrictions do not apply to existing buildings under the cited municipal zoning authority, except as stated for new growth of vegetation.

    building height or number of stories: local regulation (No statewide numeric limit specified)

    “the governing body of each municipality is empowered to regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and size of buildings and other structures”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

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

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

    foundation types: permanent or temporary

    “Tiny homes are approved for long term living”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Installation and resulting residential use of HUD-code manufactured homes and mobile homes in Colorado, subject to Colorado Division of Housing requirements and local zoning or building requirements.

    • HUD homes must be certified by the applicable State Administrative Agent for installation in Colorado; imported units are monitored by the State Administrative Agent of the state from which they are imported, rather than necessarily by Colorado's SAA.
    • A HUD home may be installed anywhere in Colorado only where local zoning allows it.
    • Local jurisdictions may require site mitigation to meet local wind and snow loads, but the mitigation cannot directly affect or change the construction of the home itself.
    • The Division of Housing regulates installation and installation inspections for HUD homes; mobile-home foundation and structural construction requirements are regulated by local jurisdictions with active building departments.
    • The state minimum HUD design criteria listed by the source are Wind Zone 1, Thermal Zone 3, and Middle Roof Load Zone (30 psf).

    wind zone: 1 zone · thermal zone: 3 zone · roof load zone: 30 psf (Middle Zone)

    “HUD homes [...] can be installed anywhere in Colorado as long as the local zoning allows for it.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

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

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

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

    “Section 1 requires a subject jurisdiction, on or after June 30, 2025, to allow, subject to an administrative approval process, one accessory dwelling unit”
  • 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.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land and creation of interests subject to Colorado county subdivision law.

    • Divisions creating parcels of at least 35 acres each are excluded when none is intended for use by multiple owners.
    • Additional statutory exclusions include certain 35-acre-per-interest divisions, court or eminent-domain divisions, security instruments, investment entities, cemetery lots, severed mineral or water interests, certain joint-tenancy or tenancy-in-common interests, parcel combinations, contingent sale contracts, and cluster developments.
    • A board of county commissioners may exempt a division from the subdivision definition by rule, regulation, or resolution if it determines the division is not within the purposes of the subdivision statute.
    • Local county subdivision regulations and review procedures still determine administration.

    parcel-size exclusion: >= 35 acres (Each parcel must be at least 35 acres and none may be intended for use by multiple owners.) · minimum area per interest for listed exclusion: >= 35 acres per interest (Subject to the statutory exceptions and anti-evasion language.)

    “"Subdivision" or "subdivided land" means any parcel of land in the state which is to be used for condominiums, apartments, or any other multiple-dwelling units, unless such land when previously subdivided was accompanied by a filing which complied with the provisions of this part 1 with substantially the same density, or which is divided into two or more parcels, separate interests, or interests in common, unless exempted under paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of this subsection (10).”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Direct residential access from a property to a Colorado state highway, and construction, relocation, closure, modification, or change in use of access points to state highways.

    • Direct access from a house to a state highway requires an access permit.
    • Some state-highway access categories require access from a lesser street or by easement from a parent parcel whenever possible.
    • Level 1 permits cover single-family residential/agricultural permits; Level 2 covers commercial property and developments exceeding 20 vehicular trips per day without roadway improvements; Level 3 covers commercial property requiring roadway improvements.
    • Level 1 fees are $50, Level 2 fees are $100, and Level 3 fees are $300.
    • No fees are charged to local government applications or political subdivisions.
    • There is no upfront charge to review an Access Permit Application.
    • The permittee is responsible for roadway-improvement costs required with issuance of an access permit.
    • Performance-bond requirements apply only to private projects; local agencies are not required to comply, although CDOT regions may require a bond at their discretion.

    Level 1 access permit fee: 50 USD (Single-family residential/agricultural permits) · Level 2 access permit fee: 100 USD (Commercial property permits and developments exceeding 20 vehicular trips per day without roadway improvements) · Level 3 access permit fee: 300 USD (Commercial property permits requiring roadway improvements)

    “If you want the house to have direct access off of the state highway, then you will need an access permit.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

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

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

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

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

    maximum rental duration for STR definition: < 30 days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Phillips County.
  • Local zoning — Local zoning controls in Phillips County and its incorporated municipalities.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts or zoning maps for unincorporated Phillips County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Phillips County.
  • Setbacks — Building and structure setbacks in unincorporated Phillips County.
2 more unanswered
  • Lot coverage
  • Agricultural exemption

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.

Water rights & wells in Phillips County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Colorado’s water agency.

Over-appropriated / declining

The aquifer here is over-appropriated and declining. A domestic well is usually still permit-exempt, but long-term supply is a genuine risk.

Household wellExempt up to a limit

A household obtains water via a permit-exempt small-capacity well (15 gpm) under CRS 37-92-602 outside designated basins or CRS 37-90-105 inside them; on a 35-acre-plus lot limited outside/stock/1-acre irrigation is allowed.

Limit: Household-use-only well: 15 gpm, ≤0.33 acre-ft/yr, indoor only. Domestic well on a 35+ acre tract: 15 gpm, ≤1 acre-ft/yr.

Colorado DWR — Guideline 2023-1, Exempt & Small-Capacity Wells ↗
  • Northern High Plains Designated Ground Water Basinmajority of county

    New large-capacity wells need a Colorado Ground Water Commission permit and are allocated on an allowable 100-year water-level decline; in over-allocated management districts new large-capacity permits are effectively unavailable. Household/exempt small-capacity wells still allowed.

    Colorado DWR / Ground Water Commission — Designated Basins ↗

Prior-appropriation state (first in time, first in right). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Colorado state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Phillips County, Colorado

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

Phillips County scores 42/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 469 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (17.8″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.

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

Phillips County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Northeast Colorado Health Department (NCHD) - serves Logan, Phillips & Sedgwick Counties. 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 Phillips County, Colorado?

Land in Phillips County runs about $2,779 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Phillips County?

Phillips County gets about 17.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 18.2% of years. On water rights, Phillips County lies in the Northern High Plains Designated Ground Water Basin — New large-capacity wells need a Colorado Ground Water Commission permit and are allocated on an allowable 100-year water-level decline; in over-allocated management districts new large-capacity permits are effectively unavailable. Household/exempt small-capacity wells still allowed..

How remote is Phillips County?

A representative private-land location has about 469 people within a 30-minute drive and 152,322 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Phillips compares in Colorado

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