Bolthole Index

Teller County, Colorado

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Cripple Creek, Colorado

Inside Cripple Creek, Colorado, the city handles building permits and addressing rather than Teller County's unincorporated-area building office.1 Modular and manufactured homes require a city building permit and must meet Cripple Creek building-code and zoning requirements.2 Teller County Public Health and Environment handles onsite wastewater systems throughout Teller County.3

At a glance

Building permit
City permit confirmed for modular and manufactured homes; ask the city to classify other work21
Building code
Cripple Creek has adopted and amended construction codes4
Zoning
City zoning requirements apply to modular and manufactured homes; ask for the parcel's district rules2
Septic
Teller County Public Health and Environment handles onsite wastewater systems countywide3
Flood-hazard development
City development permit required before work begins in a special flood hazard area5
RV living
Private-land occupancy rule not confirmed; ask the Cripple Creek Building Department1
Tiny homes
Local occupancy and zoning approval not confirmed; state approval does not replace city zoning61
Wells
A Colorado permit is required for a new groundwater-diverting well, subject to exceptions and basin rules7

Who to call

Building permits

City of Cripple Creek Building Department

Building permits and addressing inside Cripple Creek city limits

719-689-3588

Septic permits

Teller County Environmental Health - Septic Services

Onsite wastewater treatment system applications and septic services throughout Teller County, including Cripple Creek

719-687-6416

11115 W Hwy 24 Unit 2C Divide, CO 80814

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 Cripple Creek means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Cripple Creek, Colorado?

Cripple Creek's own Building Department handles building permits inside city limits; Teller County's Building Division serves unincorporated property instead.1 The clearest project-specific rule confirms that modular and manufactured homes require a building permit from the city's community development department and remain subject to applicable city building codes and zoning requirements.2 Those homes must also pass a city building inspection before occupation.8

Cripple Creek has adopted and amended construction codes, but the available city rule does not establish the complete permit list or exemptions for every ordinary house, addition, shed or remodel.4 Call the City of Cripple Creek Building Department at 719-689-3588 before work begins and ask which building-permit application, plans, fees and inspections apply to the exact project.1

Who issues building permits in Cripple Creek, and how do you reach them?

The City of Cripple Creek Building Department is the building-permit and addressing contact for property inside Cripple Creek city limits.1 Its phone number is 719-689-3588.1 For a modular or manufactured home, the city community development department issues the building permit and the city building department performs the required pre-occupancy inspection.28

Do not take a Cripple Creek project to Teller County's unincorporated-area building counter. The county says its Building Division issues permits and inspects only land in unincorporated Teller County, while incorporated Cripple Creek has its own building department.9 Septic approval remains separate: Teller County Environmental Health - Septic Services handles onsite wastewater systems throughout the county and can be reached at 719-687-6416.310

Does Cripple Creek have zoning, and what does it mean for a parcel?

Cripple Creek applies city zoning requirements to modular and manufactured homes in addition to its applicable building codes.2 Land division is also locally regulated: a minor subdivision creates no more than 5 lots, requires every lot to abut an existing dedicated and accepted city street, and cannot request a variance.11

We could not confirm a complete city zoning map, district schedule, minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, setback schedule, lot-coverage limit or building-height schedule. Ask the City of Cripple Creek Building Department to identify the parcel's zoning district and provide the current use and dimensional standards before designing a house or relying on a listing.1 Teller County's unincorporated zoning districts, camping limits, lot-size rules and setbacks do not govern land inside Cripple Creek.12

How do septic permits work inside Cripple Creek?

Teller County Public Health and Environment, working with the Teller County Board of Health, governs onsite wastewater treatment systems throughout Teller County, including properties inside Cripple Creek that need an onsite system.3 Colorado law requires the applicable local public health agency's permit before constructing, altering, installing, repairing or using an onsite wastewater system where a building is not served by sewage treatment works.13 A final inspection is required after permitted work is complete and before the system is used.14

Contact Teller County Environmental Health - Septic Services at 719-687-6416 and use its onsite wastewater application materials.10 Only 6.2% of Teller County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make site evaluation and system feasibility an early purchase condition rather than assuming a conventional layout will work.15

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Cripple Creek?

We could not confirm a Cripple Creek rule that allows long-term RV living or temporary camping on a private city lot. Ask the City of Cripple Creek Building Department for a written answer tied to the parcel's zoning district, length of stay and proposed utility connections.1 Teller County's temporary-housing and camping rules apply to unincorporated land and should not be treated as Cripple Creek's city rule.1617

Colorado recognizes state-regulated tiny homes for long-term living when the plans receive state approval before construction and the unit satisfies applicable codes and local zoning.6 That state pathway does not answer whether a tiny home is allowed on a particular Cripple Creek lot. Ask the city about the use, foundation, building permit and occupancy approval, and ask Teller County Environmental Health about wastewater if public sewer will not serve the site.13

Building a home in Cripple Creek: what are the steps?

  1. Confirm that the parcel is inside Cripple Creek city limits, then ask the city Building Department for the zoning district, allowed residential use and applicable dimensional standards.1
  2. Determine whether sewage treatment works will serve the project; if not, obtain the required onsite wastewater permit from Teller County Public Health and Environment before building approval.183
  3. Submit the city building-permit application and required plans; modular and manufactured homes expressly require a city building permit.2
  4. If the site lies in a special flood hazard area, obtain the city development permit before construction or development begins.5
  5. Arrange the inspections required by the city; a modular or manufactured home must pass inspection before occupation.8
  6. For a new groundwater well, apply through the Colorado Division of Water Resources, subject to statutory exceptions and basin-specific rules.7

What should you check before buying land in Cripple Creek?

Start by confirming city limits, the parcel's zoning district, allowed residential use, dimensional standards, building-permit path and subdivision status with the City of Cripple Creek Building Department.111 Check the city's flood mapping early because development in a special flood hazard area needs a city development permit before work begins.5

Verify sewer service rather than assuming an onsite system will work. Only 6.2% of Teller County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, and a site without sewage treatment works needs local onsite-wastewater approval before building construction or remodeling approval.1518 Teller County is 73.6% wooded and only 31.4% of county land has a slope of 15% or less, so county-level terrain context supports budgeting for a parcel survey, drainage review, access planning and site-specific excavation estimates.1920

Watch-outs

  • Teller County's unincorporated-area building, zoning, RV and camping rules do not become Cripple Creek city rules; start with the City of Cripple Creek Building Department.9121
  • A state-approved tiny home still must satisfy Cripple Creek's local zoning and applicable code requirements before it can be placed and occupied on a city lot.6
  • A city building permit does not replace the local public-health permit and final inspection required for an onsite wastewater system.1314

Sources

  1. City of Cripple Creek Building Department (tellercounty.gov)
  2. Sec. 18-19-20. Permits required (Cripple Creek), quoted and re-checked
  3. Septic Services, quoted and re-checked
  4. Cripple Creek Municipal Code, Sec. 18-3-20—Amendments (Cripple Creek), quoted and re-checked
  5. Sec. 16-2-50. Basis for establishing the areas of special flood hazards (Cripple Creek), quoted and re-checked
  6. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Water Administration (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Sec. 18-19-20. Permits required (Cripple Creek), quoted and re-checked
  9. Building Division, quoted and re-checked
  10. Teller County Environmental Health - Septic Services (tellercounty.gov)
  11. library.municode.com (Cripple Creek), quoted and re-checked
  12. Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  13. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), 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. Teller County Land Use Regulations: Chapter 2 Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  17. Teller County Land Use Regulations: Chapter 2 Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  18. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  20. Share of land at 15% slope or less: 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Cripple Creek

Cripple Creek’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Modular and manufactured homes inside Cripple Creek city limits.

    • The home is subject to applicable building codes and zoning requirements in the City Land Development Code in effect when the application is made.
    • Building permits apply only to the modular or manufactured home for which obtained.
    “Modular and manufactured homes as defined in Section 18-19-10 above require a building permit from the community development department and are subject to the requirements of all applicable building codes and zoning requirements as set forth in the City Land Development Code in effect at the time of application.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Modular and manufactured homes inside Cripple Creek city limits.
      “Modular and manufactured homes as defined in Section 18-19-10 above require a building permit from the community development department and are subject to the requirements of all applicable building codes and zoning requirements as set forth in the City Land Development Code in effect at the time of application.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building work inside Cripple Creek city limits governed by the City Building Code.

    • The cited section identifies the regulations as the Building Code of the City of Cripple Creek.
    “These regulations shall be known as the Building Code of the City of Cripple Creek (the "City"), hereinafter referred to as "this Code."”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Modular and manufactured homes inside Cripple Creek city limits before occupation.

    • Inspection is required before occupation.
    • The home must conform to Article 19.
    “Prior to the occupation of any modular or manufactured home, the modular or manufactured home shall be inspected by the building department and shall be in conformance with the requirements of this Article.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Modular and manufactured homes before occupation inside Cripple Creek city limits.
      “Prior to the occupation of any modular or manufactured home, the modular or manufactured home shall be inspected by the building department and shall be in conformance with the requirements of this Article.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside Cripple Creek city limits.

    • Planned unit developments must comply with Chapter 16 and the City Development Code.
    “Modular and manufactured homes are permitted uses in all residential zones of the City.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Zoning districts inside Cripple Creek city limits.

    • The opened code confirms residential zones and a Chapter 16/Development Code framework, but did not supply the current complete district map or schedule.
    “Modular and manufactured homes are permitted uses in all residential zones of the City.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping on unimproved property inside Cripple Creek city limits.

    • Camping permit required.
    • Owner camping is limited to 30 days in any continuous 12-month period unless an extended permit is obtained with a valid building permit.
    • Public-place camping and camping in a private parking lot not approved as an RV park are unlawful.
    • Resident guests may sleep in an RV or camper for no more than 14 days, with permission and within 25 feet of the resident's house.

    owner camping limit: <= 30 days per continuous 12-month period (Extended camping permit may be requested with a valid building permit.) · guest exception: <= 14 days (Guest must have resident permission and camp within 25 feet of the resident's house.)

    “Property owners may camp on their property for up to thirty (30) days in any continuous 12-month period. If the property owner possesses a valid building permit, he or she may request an extended camping permit.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Modular and manufactured homes in all residential zones inside Cripple Creek city limits.

    • A building permit from the community development department is required.
    • Homes are subject to applicable building-code and zoning requirements in the City Land Development Code.
    • The home must have a permanent foundation or be anchored under Sec. 18-19-30.
    • Inspection and compliance are required before occupation.
    “Modular and manufactured homes are permitted uses in all residential zones of the City.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Camping on unimproved property inside Cripple Creek city limits.

    • Sewage must be disposed of at an off-site facility with a dump station or by a permitted and approved sewer tap and appropriate connection.
    • Campers may be required to provide receipts or other proof of off-site dumping to the code compliance officer.
    “Sewage must be disposed of at an off-site facility where a dump station is operated or by means of a permitted and approved sewer tap and appropriate connection to facilitate on-site dumping.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and resubdivision of land inside Cripple Creek city limits.

    • A minor subdivision is five or fewer lots, all abutting an existing dedicated and accepted City street, without requested variances from the regulations, chapter, or other applicable City ordinances and resolutions.
    • Other subdivisions are major subdivisions under the definition.

    minor subdivision lot threshold: <= 5 lots (All lots must abut an existing dedicated and accepted City street and no variance may be requested.)

    “Major subdivision means all those subdivisions which do not meet the requirements of a minor subdivision as herein defined. Minor subdivision means the subdivision of land into five (5) or fewer lots, all which abut an existing dedicated and accepted City street, and where no variance from the requirements of these regulations, this Chapter and other applicable City ordinances and resolutions is requested by the applicant.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land inside Cripple Creek city limits.
      “Major subdivision means all those subdivisions which do not meet the requirements of a minor subdivision as herein defined. Minor subdivision means the subdivision of land into five (5) or fewer lots, all which abut an existing dedicated and accepted City street, and where no variance from the requirements of these regulations, this Chapter and other applicable City ordinances and resolutions is requested by the applicant.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction or development in any City area of special flood hazard.

    • The permit must be obtained before construction or development begins.
    • Application is on forms furnished by City Council and may require duplicate scale plans.
    • Required information includes lowest-floor elevation, floodproofing elevation, engineer/architect certification for qualifying nonresidential floodproofing, and watercourse alteration/relocation description.
    “A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in section 16-2-50 above.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or development within a special flood hazard area inside Cripple Creek city limits.
      “A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in section 16-2-50 above. Application for a development permit shall be made on forms furnished by the city council and may include, but not be limited to: plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions and elevation of the area in question; existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials and drainage facilities; and the location of the foregoing.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Residential dwellings rented for lodging for less than 30 consecutive days inside Cripple Creek city limits.

    • A City-issued short-term-rental permit is required to operate the business.
    • The business must also obtain the Article 1 business license.
    • The permit does not substitute for the business license.

    short-term period: < 30 consecutive days (Does not include apartment buildings, bed and breakfast inns, hotels, lodges, and hostels under the cited definition.)

    “Short-term rental permit means a city-issued license to operate a short-term rental business. A short-term rental permit does not satisfy the requirements of Article 1 of this Chapter 6 which requires a short-term rental business to also obtain a business license.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work requiring a City permit inside Cripple Creek city limits.

    • A fee is due for each permit according to the City Building Fee Schedule.
    • The actual fee schedule and fee amounts were not included in the opened code section.
    “On building, structures, electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing systems or alterations requiring a permit, a fee for each permit shall be paid as required, in accordance with THE CITY OF CRIPPLE CREEK BUILDING FEE SCHEDULE.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Building work inside Cripple Creek city limits subject to City permits and inspections.

    • Every permit expires 24 months after issuance.
    • Work must begin within 180 days after issuance and may not be suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement.
    • The building official may grant written extensions of no more than 180 days each on written request and justifiable cause.
    • Inspection requests made before 3:00 p.m. are performed the next working day.

    permit expiration: 24 months after issue · commencement deadline: <= 180 days after issuance (Written extensions may be granted.)

    “EVERY PERMIT ISSUED BY THE BUILDING OFFICIAL SHALL EXPIRE 24 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF ISSUE. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Cripple Creek or Teller County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder permit exemptions inside Cripple Creek city limits.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements inside Cripple Creek city limits.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside Cripple Creek city limits.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size inside Cripple Creek city limits.
  • Setbacks — Setbacks inside Cripple Creek city limits.
11 more unanswered
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Who permits septic
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Well permit
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Cripple Creek publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Teller County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Teller County: county rules, score and offices