Bolthole Index

San Juan County, Colorado

Building permits, zoning and land rules in San Juan County, Colorado

38Index Score / 100
#63 of 64 in Colorado

Unincorporated San Juan County, Colorado requires building permits through the county Building Department and zoning review through County Planning12. Inside Silverton, the town handles building permits and zoning34. Septic applications and inspections for San Juan County, including Silverton, go through La Plata County Public Health; San Juan County Public Health receives fees and finalizes septic permits5.

At a glance

Building permit
Required in unincorporated San Juan County; adopted building codes apply16
Zoning
County Planning handles unincorporated land; Silverton has town zoning24
Septic (OWTS)
Permit required; La Plata Public Health takes applications and inspects, San Juan Public Health receives fees and finalizes5
RV living
Not confirmed; ask County Planning before occupying an RV on private land7
Tiny home
State approval and compliance with local zoning are required for long-term living8
Owner-builder exemption
Limited state exemptions cover some owner-performed work, not a blanket exemption for a new home9
Well permit
Required from the Colorado Division of Water Resources for a new groundwater well10
Conventional septic soils
Only 0.2% of soils are rated not limited for conventional drain fields; site evaluation may show an engineered system is needed11

Who to call

Building permits

San Juan County Building Department

Building permits, building-code administration and inspection scheduling in San Juan County

970.946.9031

Planning & zoning

San Juan County Planning

Land-use review, zoning compliance, addressing, sign permits and nonresidential site-development administration

admin@sanjuancolorado.us

1557 Greene St, PO Box 466, Silverton CO 81433

Septic permits

La Plata County Public Health

OWTS inspections for San Juan County properties

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

Off-grid gear

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Do you need a building permit in San Juan County, Colorado?

Unincorporated San Juan County requires building permits, and the county Building Department administers adopted codes; the published building page does not identify code editions1612. Inside Silverton, the town handles building permits, including permits for accessory structures of 120 square feet or larger3. Septic applications and inspections remain with La Plata County Public Health, with San Juan County Public Health finalizing septic permits5. The county-hosted Silverton fee schedule adds plan review to the building permit fee: 50% for IRC permits and 65% for IBC permits, with double fees for work begun before permit issuance13. That schedule does not establish fees for unincorporated land; ask the county Building Department for the applicable fee and project thresholds, including repairs and agricultural buildings1415. Colorado’s county-contractor licensing exemption covers owner-performed repair or maintenance, rather than a blanket exemption for a new home9.

Who issues San Juan County building permits, and how do you reach them?

The San Juan County Building Department administers adopted building codes and schedules inspections; call 970.946.9031 for information or an inspection appointment156. For unincorporated land, San Juan County Planning evaluates land-use proposals, provides zoning compliance and handles addressing162. Reach Planning at admin@sanjuancolorado.us or 1557 Greene St, PO Box 466, Silverton CO 8143316. Start with the county’s property-development planning packet and ask which land-use, improvement and driveway applications apply to your parcel17. The county publishes building applications and inspection-contact instructions, but the published process does not establish every approval, deadline or exception17.

Does San Juan County have zoning?

San Juan County Planning handles zoning compliance and land-use review for unincorporated land2. Inside Silverton, the town’s own Land Use Code establishes zoning districts and a use table; county zoning should not be used to decide what is allowed inside town limits4. Septic applications and inspections for properties in either jurisdiction go through La Plata County Public Health, while San Juan County Public Health finalizes septic permits5. For county-administered subdivisions, planned unit developments, conditional-use permits and rezones, the Planning Commission reviews proposals and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners18. We could not confirm county minimum lot sizes, setbacks, lot-coverage or height limits; ask County Planning for the parcel’s district and site standards before choosing a house footprint216.

How do septic permits work in San Juan County?

Anyone installing, constructing, altering or repairing an onsite wastewater treatment system in San Juan County must first obtain a septic permit5. La Plata County Public Health receives applications and designs and inspects permitted construction under a service order; San Juan County Public Health receives fees and signs off on and finalizes permits based on La Plata’s recommendations5. The county’s environmental-health page also directs owners to La Plata County Public Health for OWTS inspections19. San Juan County septic fees match La Plata County’s and are listed on the application5. Only 0.2% of county soils are rated not limited for conventional drain fields, so obtain a site evaluation and allow for a possible engineered system; the rating does not mean septic is impossible11. For buildings without sewer service, Colorado requires the OWTS permit before construction approval and final inspection and installation approval before occupancy approval20.

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

We could not confirm a San Juan County rule allowing long-term RV occupancy or temporary camping on private land, so ask County Planning about the parcel, duration and utility arrangement before moving an RV onto the site716. A Colorado Division of Housing-regulated tiny home intended for long-term living has a clearer state path: plans must be approved by the Colorado Division of Housing before construction, the unit must meet applicable state standards and local zoning, and certification is tied to its installation site8. Manufactured homes likewise may be installed only where local zoning allows and remain subject to state installation requirements21. State approval does not replace local zoning review in unincorporated San Juan County78.

What are the steps to build a home in unincorporated San Juan County?

  1. Ask San Juan County Planning to identify the parcel's zoning and the land-use or improvement applications that apply1617.
  1. Confirm legal access and ask whether the county's published driveway application applies; direct access to a state highway requires a CDOT access permit2223.
  1. Establish water: every new Colorado groundwater well requires a Division of Water Resources permit, subject to statutory and basin-specific conditions10.
  1. If sewer is unavailable, submit the OWTS application and design to La Plata County Public Health and obtain San Juan County Public Health’s finalized permit before building approval520.
  1. Submit the county building application to the Building Department and confirm the required plans and parcel-specific fee; the published schedule covers Town of Silverton permits and does not establish fees for unincorporated land1714.
  1. Schedule building inspections with the county and obtain the final OWTS inspection before using the system1524.

What should you check before buying land in San Juan County?

Only 24.7% of San Juan County land has a slope of 15% or less, while 90.1% is federal land, so a private parcel can face steep terrain and access constraints2526. Conventional septic suitability is unusually limited, with only 0.2% of soils rated not limited for conventional drain fields; a site evaluation may identify an engineered-system option11. Confirm whether the parcel has sewer service or needs an OWTS, and confirm a lawful water source; every new groundwater well requires a state permit2010. Ask Planning about zoning, hazards, driveway review and prior subdivision approval because the county regulates subdivision proposals and publishes development applications1817. The effective property-tax rate is 0.3%, and the median annual property-tax bill is $1,195, but parcel-specific assessments can differ2728.

Watch-outs

  • Colorado's county-contractor provision exempts only repair or maintenance on an owner's property, not all self-performed work or construction of a new home; ask the Building Department what permits and licensed trades the project requires915.
  • Only 0.2% of San Juan County soils are rated not limited for conventional drain fields; investigate site-specific OWTS feasibility and possible engineered systems before buying11.
  • Long-term RV occupancy, temporary private-land camping, setbacks and minimum dwelling size were not confirmed; get parcel-specific answers from San Juan County Planning716.

Sources

  1. San Juan County Colorado - Building Department (2026 county census)
  2. Planning | San Juan County Colorado, quoted and re-checked
  3. Town of Silverton: Silverton Municipal Code § 15-3-60, Accessory uses and structures (San Juan County), quoted and re-checked
  4. Town of Silverton: Silverton Municipal Code § 15-3-40, Use table (San Juan County), quoted and re-checked
  5. La Plata County Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  6. Building | San Juan County Colorado, quoted and re-checked
  7. Planning | San Juan County Colorado (2026 county census)
  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 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Water Administration (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. 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
  12. Building, quoted and re-checked
  13. Building Permit Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Permit Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  15. San Juan County Building Department (sanjuancounty.colorado.gov)
  16. San Juan County Planning (sanjuancounty.colorado.gov)
  17. Building | San Juan County Colorado, quoted and re-checked
  18. Planning, quoted and re-checked
  19. Environmental Health | San Juan County Colorado, quoted and re-checked
  20. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Planning, quoted and re-checked
  23. Access Permits | Frequently Asked Questions (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  28. 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, San Juan County has countywide zoning.

RuleSan Juan CountyHinsdale CountyOuray CountyLa Plata CountyMineral CountySan Miguel CountyDolores County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredNot required
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Env. HealthCounty Building Dept.County Land Use Dept.County Public HealthCounty Land Use OfficeCounty OWTSDolores County

County locator

San Juan County in Colorado

38
County map
San Juan County highlighted among the Colorado counties · colored by Index score

How San Juan County scores

Seclusion9146% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1393% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability32100% ev.
Property Autonomy75100% ev.
Carry Cost7696% ev.

Evidence strength: 85%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$558kTypical home
0.3%Property tax
$3,273Land / acre
39.1"Annual rain
26.9% of yrsSevere drought
0 / yr (+0)Mid-century 100°F days
18.6 daysMid-century dry spell
1.75" (+9.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.3×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,450Home insurance / yr
5.5% / yrInsurance growth
1.32%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
306People within 30 min
109,738People within 2 hr
5,946Radius comparison (15 mi)
2.1People / sq mi
90.1%Federal land
24.7%Land at 15% slope or less
0.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
345 acWorkable land screen
60.4%Wooded land
46 tonsBiomass / forest ac
35.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in San Juan 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.

Answers from the rulebook for San Juan County

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

San Juan County rules

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building codes administered and enforced by the San Juan County Building Department.

    • The department regulates construction, use, and occupancy through administration and enforcement of adopted building codes.
    “The Building Department works to assure the life, health, and safety of the public by regulating the construction, use and occupancy of buildings, through the administration and enforcement of Building Codes adopted in San Juan County and to maintain an adequate record system, as required by law.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction, use, and occupancy of buildings governed by San Juan County building-code administration.
      “The Building Department works to assure the life, health, and safety of the public by regulating the construction, use and occupancy of buildings, through the administration and enforcement of Building Codes adopted in San Juan County and to maintain an adequate record system, as required by law.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building-code administration in San Juan County.
      “The Building Department works to assure the life, health, and safety of the public by regulating the construction, use and occupancy of buildings, through the administration and enforcement of Building Codes adopted in San Juan County and to maintain an adequate record system, as required by law.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning and land-use administration in San Juan County.

    • Planning staff evaluates land-use proposals for conformance with county regulations.
    • The county planning page identifies zoning compliance and references the county Land Use Code and Regulations approved March 8, 2017.
    “Planning staff evaluates land-use proposals for conformance with the regulations and CMP goals and policies. The division also handles addressing for the County, provides zoning compliance, issues sign permits, and provides site development administration for nonresidential construction.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Land-use proposals and zoning compliance administered by San Juan County.
      “Planning staff evaluates land-use proposals for conformance with the regulations and CMP goals and policies. The division also handles addressing for the County, provides zoning compliance, issues sign permits, and provides site development administration for nonresidential construction.”
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning and land-use regulation in San Juan County.
      “The division also handles addressing for the County, provides zoning compliance, issues sign permits, and provides site development administration for nonresidential construction.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-administered zoning compliance and land-use review.

    • The county planning division provides zoning compliance and evaluates land-use proposals for conformance with regulations.
    “Planning staff evaluates land-use proposals for conformance with the regulations and CMP goals and policies. The division also handles addressing for the County, provides zoning compliance, issues sign permits, and provides site development administration for nonresidential construction.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    OWTS inspection administration for San Juan County properties through La Plata County Public Health.

    • San Juan County's Environmental Health page directs applicants to La Plata County Public Health for OWTS inspections.
    • The source establishes the inspection contact/administrator but does not establish that La Plata County is the rule-making authority for every OWTS matter.
    “Contact La Plata County Public Health for OWTS inspections”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Local (with conditions) — OWTS inspection administration for San Juan County property, as directed by the San Juan County Environmental Health page.
      “Septic and Off-Site Well Water Inspections Contact La Plata County Public Health for OWTS inspections”
    • Local (with conditions) — OWTS inspections for San Juan County referred by San Juan County Environmental Health.
      “Septic and Off-Site Well Water Inspections Contact La Plata County Public Health for OWTS inspections”
  • Septic permitRequired

    OWTS installation, construction, alteration, or repair in San Juan County, Colorado.

    • La Plata County Public Health Department receives applications and designs and inspects permitted construction under a service order with San Juan County Public Health.
    • San Juan County Public Health receives fees and signs off on and finalizes permits based on La Plata County Public Health recommendations.
    • The page states that San Juan County permit fees are the same as La Plata County permit fees and are listed on the application.
    • The source does not state an exception for municipal or special-district sewer service on this page.
    “Anyone who wishes to install, construct, alter, or repair an on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS) in La Plata or San Juan counties is required to first obtain a permit.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and planned-unit-development review in San Juan County.

    • The planning page states that the Planning Commission reviews and recommends to the Board of County Commissioners on subdivisions, planned unit developments, conditional use permits, and rezones.
    “This seven-member board reviews and recommends to the Board of County Commissioners on Land Development, Code Amendments, Subdivisions, Planned Unit Developments, Conditional Use Permits, and Rezones.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and related land-development proposals in San Juan County.
      “This seven-member board reviews and recommends to the Board of County Commissioners on Land Development, Code Amendments, Subdivisions, Planned Unit Developments, Conditional Use Permits, and Rezones.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Building and land-use permit process information published by San Juan County.

    • The building page provides permit application forms and inspection-contact instructions.
    • The planning page provides a property development planning packet, land-use permit application, driveway permit application, and improvement permit application.
    • The opened pages do not establish every approval, deadline, or exception.
    “Property Development Planning Packet (including checklist, improvement permit application, and Chapters 3 & 4 of the Land Use Regulations defning the process and requirements)”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Planning and land-use application process in San Juan County.
      “Property Development Planning Packet (including checklist, improvement permit application, and Chapters 3 & 4 of the Land Use Regulations defning the process and requirements) Land Use Permit Application County Driveway Permit Application County Permit Improvement Application”
    • Published (with conditions) — County building and land-use permit application process.
      “Property Development Planning Packet (including checklist, improvement permit application, and Chapters 3 & 4 of the Land Use Regulations defning the process and requirements)”

Colorado rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Sanitation for dwellings and occupied structures statewide that is provided without connection to a sewage treatment works.

    • The structure must have adequate facilities for sanitary disposal of sewage.
    • An OWTS may be used subject to applicable permit, inspection, construction, installation, alteration, and use requirements.
    • Construction of new cesspools is prohibited.
    • Septage removed during maintenance or cleaning must be disposed of at an approved site and in an approved manner.
    “No person shall construct or maintain any dwelling or other occupied structure that is not equipped with adequate facilities for the sanitary disposal of sewage.”
  • Well permitRequired

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

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

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

    “Every new well in the state that diverts groundwater must have a well permit.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Residential or other occupied structures statewide that are not serviced by a sewage treatment works.

    • Colorado law conditions building and occupancy permitting on either service by a sewage treatment works or an approved OWTS process.
    • If the structure is not serviced by a sewage treatment works, the local public health agency must issue the OWTS permit before building construction or remodeling approval, and must complete a final inspection and approve the installation before occupancy approval.
    • This claim does not establish a universal statewide mandate to connect to a particular municipal water or sewer provider.
    “A permit to construct or remodel a building or structure that is not serviced by a sewage treatment works until the local public health agency has issued a permit for an on-site wastewater treatment system;”
  • 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”

Inside cities and towns in San Juan County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Building permit fees under Chapter 8 of the Town of Silverton Code.

    • The schedule is expressly authorized per Chapter 8 of the Code of the Town of Silverton.
    • The schedule includes valuation-based fees, plan-review fees, temporary-structure and shipping-container fees, manufactured-home and mobile-home fees, inspection fees, temporary certificate-of-occupancy fees, and double fees for work commenced before permit issuance.

    plan review fee under IRC: 50% of building permit fee (Structures receiving permits under IRC guidelines) · plan review fee under IBC: 65% of building permit fee (Structures receiving permits under IBC guidelines) · temporary structure permit fee: 50 USD · shipping container permit fee: 125 USD · manufactured home permit fee: 350 USD (Exclusive of excavation permit) · temporary certificate of occupancy fee: 40 USD (Each TCO and extensions) · pre-issuance work fee: permit costs x2 (Work commencing before permit issuance)

    “Building Permit Fee Schedule Authorized per Chapter 8 of the Code of the Town of Silverton”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Building permit fees under the Town of Silverton fee schedule linked from the San Juan County building page.
      “Building Permit Fee Schedule Authorized per Chapter 8 of the Code of the Town of Silverton”
    • Published (with conditions) — Building-permit fees under Chapter 8 of the Town of Silverton Code; applicability to unincorporated San Juan County was not established.
      “Building Permit Fee Schedule Authorized per Chapter 8 of the Code of the Town of Silverton”
    • Published (with conditions) — Building permit fees under Chapter 8 of the Code of the Town of Silverton.
      “Building Permit Fee Schedule Authorized per Chapter 8 of the Code of the Town of Silverton Total Valuation Fee $1 to $500 $30.00”

Still unanswered

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

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings or improvements in San Juan County.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning-district map, list, or district-specific regulations for San Juan County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size standards in San Juan County.
  • Setbacks — Building setbacks in San Juan County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage standards in San Juan County.
3 more unanswered
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • 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.

Living off-grid in San Juan County, Colorado

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

San Juan County scores 38/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 306 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (39.1″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.

Do you need a building permit in San Juan County, Colorado?

San Juan County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by San Juan County Environmental Health (OWTS permitting administered with La Plata County Public Health). 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 San Juan County, Colorado?

Land in San Juan County runs about $3,273 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in San Juan County?

San Juan County gets about 39.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 26.9% of years.

How remote is San Juan County?

A representative private-land location has about 306 people within a 30-minute drive and 109,738 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 San Juan compares in Colorado

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