Bolthole Index

Washington County, Colorado

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

42Index Score / 100
#50 of 64 in Colorado

Unincorporated Washington County, Colorado requires building permits for homes and many accessory structures, but the county has not adopted a building-code ordinance12. The Land Use Office administers building and land-use permits, while the Northeast Colorado Health Department administers septic permits34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for residences and many accessory structures in unincorporated areas1
Building code
No county building-code ordinance; applicants remain responsible for applicable codes and state standards2
Zoning
Administered by the Land Use Office in unincorporated Washington County35
Septic permits
Required before installing, altering, expanding or repairing a system through the Northeast Colorado Health Department67
Manufactured homes
Allowed where zoning permits, with county permitting and installation approval before occupancy8
Tiny homes
State approval and compliance with local zoning are required for long-term residential use9
Owner-builder
State exemption is limited to repair or maintenance on the owner's property, not construction of a new home10
Private wells
A Colorado well permit is generally required for a new groundwater well11

Who to call

Building permits

Washington County Land Use Office (Planning and Zoning)

Building permits, zoning, land-use applications and subdivision exemptions for unincorporated Washington County

(970)345-2701 ext 234

Second Floor Courthouse 150 Ash Avenue Akron, CO 80720

Septic permits

Northeast Colorado Health Department OWTS Program

OWTS and septic permits for new systems and repairs in the district

(970) 867-4918 ext. 2262

700 Columbine Street Sterling, Colorado 80751

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

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

Yes. Unincorporated Washington County requires building permits for residences, including mobile and manufactured homes, as well as outbuildings such as barns, shops and machine sheds, grain bins, garages, additions, roofed decks and screened porches1. Washington County has not adopted a county building-code ordinance, but applicants remain responsible for following Uniform Building Codes and current state standards2. The published building-permit form lists $100 for buildings except Use by Special Review, a 1.5% use tax calculated on 48% of total building value, and a $150 Use by Special Review application fee; confirm current charges with the Land Use Office because the manufactured-home fee figures conflict12. Colorado's owner exemption for a county contractor-licensing program is limited to repair or maintenance on the owner's property; it does not create an exemption for constructing a new home10.

Who issues building permits in Washington County, Colorado?

The Washington County Land Use Office administers permits for buildings, structures and land-use changes in the unincorporated county13. The office is on the second floor of the courthouse at 150 Ash Avenue in Akron and can be reached at (970)345-2701 ext 23413. Applications ask for property, access, proposed use, acreage, water and sewer information, while land-use applications proceed through the Planning Commission before the Board of County Commissioners14. Washington County publishes separate applications for general construction and mobile or manufactured homes, and a foundation permit may also be required for the latter1. Inside Akron, the town handles building permits under its own adopted code15. Septic systems in Akron remain under the Northeast Colorado Health Department; public sewer availability can restrict approval of a septic system76.

Does Washington County, Colorado have zoning?

Yes. Washington County’s Land Use Office administers zoning and land-use approvals in unincorporated Washington County; Akron sets its own zoning inside town limits316. Septic approval remains with the Northeast Colorado Health Department17. Multiple residences on less than 35 acres require Use by Special Review and health-department septic approval, rather than establishing a general minimum lot size1819. Land-use applications go through the Planning Commission before the Board of County Commissioners20. For community-business, mixed-use and industrial proposals under Use by Special Review, the approved site plan sets the minimum lot size21. Commercial Mobile Radio Service facilities and electrical-generation wind towers under special review must stand at least 250 feet plus tower height from any residence; that is a use-specific rule, not an ordinary residential setback22. We could not confirm ordinary residential lot-size, setback or minimum floor-area standards; ask the Land Use Office for the parcel’s requirements.

How do septic permits work in Washington County, Colorado?

The Northeast Colorado Health Department administers onsite wastewater systems in Washington County7. Obtain its permit before installing, altering, expanding or repairing a septic system; the application requires a site evaluation and plot plan6. Site work requires three percolation holes and two soil-profile test pits, with at least one pit evaluated by a department environmental health specialist23. The listed fee is $500 for either a new system or repair2425. Colorado requires final inspection before use26. About 62.1% of county soils are rated not very limited for a conventional drain field, but parcel testing still controls the design2723. Call the OWTS Program at (970) 867-4918 ext. 226228.

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

Washington County's rule for residential RV occupancy on private land could not be confirmed; ask the Land Use Office about the parcel and intended duration. Colorado-approved tiny homes may be used for long-term living when the Division of Housing approves the plans, applicable standards are met and local zoning allows the unit9. We could not confirm a county-specific tiny-home occupancy rule; ask the Land Use Office before buying a unit. For mobile and manufactured homes, unincorporated Washington County requires a building permit, applicable installation inspection and an installation insignia before occupancy829. Permanent utilities cannot be released before that insignia is attached30.

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

  1. Confirm zoning, proposed use and any special review with the Land Use Office320.
  1. Secure water and septic documentation; Colorado generally requires a permit for a new groundwater well, and the county requires evidence of a water source or well permit, and a health-department septic permit, or proof that those applications have started, before issuing a manufactured-home building permit113120.
  1. Obtain the required septic permit and complete the site evaluation, percolation and soil-profile work623.
  1. Submit the correct county building application and confirm current fees112.
  1. Arrange the final septic inspection before use; for a manufactured home, arrange the county inspection before occupancy and complete placement and licensing inspection within 6 months after signing263220.
  1. For direct state-highway access, obtain a Colorado Department of Transportation permit before construction33.

What should you check before buying land in Washington County?

Confirm legal access, zoning and proposed use first; the county's exact local driveway-permit rule could not be confirmed, so ask the Land Use Office before altering an entrance. Every new Colorado groundwater well generally needs a state permit, subject to statutory and basin-specific exceptions11. Washington County receives about 16.2 inches of precipitation annually, and severe drought occurs in roughly 19.5% of years, making legal water central to due diligence3435. About 93.9% of the land has slopes of 15% or less, while wooded cover is 0%, so wind exposure may matter on buildable-looking ground3637. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%, with a median annual bill near $8903839. Check mapped flood risk because applicable local rules must meet or exceed federal minimum criteria40.

Watch-outs

  • A Washington County building permit does not mean the county has adopted a building-code ordinance; applicants remain responsible for applicable codes and current state standards2.
  • Colorado's owner exemption for county contractor licensing is limited to repair or maintenance on the owner's property and does not exempt new-home construction10.
  • Manufactured-home occupancy requires the installation insignia, and permanent utilities cannot be released before it is attached4130.

Sources

  1. washingtoncounty.colorado.gov, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  4. Office Locations – Northeast Colorado Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  5. Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  6. OWTS Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  7. Application for a Permit to Install or Repair an On-Site Wastewater Treatment System, quoted and re-checked
  8. Planning and Zoning | Washington County, quoted and re-checked
  9. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Colorado Revised Statutes 2026, Title 30, § 30-11-125 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Water Administration (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  13. Washington County Land Use Office (Planning and Zoning) (washingtoncounty.colorado.gov)
  14. Planning and Zoning | Washington County, quoted and re-checked
  15. Town of Akron: 10-2-1: Code Adopted (Washington County), quoted and re-checked
  16. Town of Akron: 11-5-1: Districts Established; Map; General Regulations (Washington County), quoted and re-checked
  17. OWTS Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  18. Planning and Zoning | Washington County, quoted and re-checked
  19. Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  20. Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  21. Application for Use by Special Review, quoted and re-checked
  22. Application for Use by Special Review, quoted and re-checked
  23. Application for a Permit to Install or Repair an On-Site Wastewater Treatment System, quoted and re-checked
  24. OWTS Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  25. Application for a Permit to Install or Repair an On-Site Wastewater Treatment System, quoted and re-checked
  26. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. 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
  28. Northeast Colorado Health Department OWTS Program (nchd.org)
  29. Mobile or Manufactured Home Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  30. Mobile or Manufactured Home Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  31. Mobile or Manufactured Home Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  32. Mobile or Manufactured Home Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  33. Access Permits | Frequently Asked Questions (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  34. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  35. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  36. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  37. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  39. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  40. SB24-179 Floodplain Management Program (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  41. Mobile or Manufactured Home Permit Application, quoted and re-checked

Written October 12, 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, Washington County has countywide zoning.

RuleWashington CountyMorgan CountyYuma CountyLogan CountyAdams CountyPhillips CountyKit Carson County
Building permitRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredLimited
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsNortheast Colorado Health Dept.NCHDNortheast Colorado Health Dept.NCHDCounty Health Dept.NCHDCounty Public Health & Env.

County locator

Washington County in Colorado

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

How Washington County scores

Seclusion88100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1492% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability47100% 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 →

$263kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$1,171Land / acre
16.2"Annual rain
19.5% of yrsSevere drought
12.9 / yr (+11.3)Mid-century 100°F days
25.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.09" (+3.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.28×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,743Home insurance / yr
2.4% / yrInsurance growth
3.9%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
90People within 30 min
79,565People within 2 hr
838Radius comparison (15 mi)
1.9People / sq mi
0%Federal land
93.9%Land at 15% slope or less
62.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
948,841 acWorkable land screen
0%Wooded land
50.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Washington 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 Otis

Answers from the rulebook for Washington County

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

Washington County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Residences, outbuildings, grain bins, garages, additions, decks with attached roofs, screened porches, and similar structures in unincorporated Washington County.

    • The county page lists residences, including mobile/manufactured homes, and specified accessory structures.
    • Well and septic permits may be required before final approval.
    • A foundation permit may be required for mobile/manufactured homes.
    “Building Permits are Required For Residences – all categories including mobile/manufactured homes”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residences, outbuildings, grain bins, garages, room additions, decks with attached roofs, and screened porches in unincorporated Washington County.
      “Building Permits are Required For [...] Residences – all categories including mobile/manufactured homes [...] Out buildings (barns, shops, machine sheds, etc.) [...] Grain bins”
  • Building code adoptedNot adopted (with conditions)

    Washington County building-code ordinance status for county-administered permits.

    • The county form states that applicants remain responsible for compliance with Uniform Building Codes and current state standards.
    “Washington County does not have a building code ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not adopted (with conditions) — County building-code ordinance for unincorporated Washington County.
      “*Washington County does not have a building code ordinance. It is the responsibility of the applicant to insure Uniform Building Codes and current state standards are adhered to.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Mobile or manufactured homes and foundations in unincorporated Washington County.

    • Placement and licensing inspection must be completed within six months after the application is signed.
    • The property inspector must inspect before occupancy.
    • A foundation must be inspected before setting the home when the home is placed on a foundation or basement.

    inspection completion deadline: 6 months (from the date the application is signed)

    “The foundation must be inspected prior to setting the home.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Mobile or manufactured home placement and, when applicable, foundation installation.
      “It will be your responsibility to contact the inspector to make arrangements for inspection of your property prior to occupancy.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Manufactured-home installation occupancy in unincorporated Washington County.

    • The source describes a state Division of Housing certificate/installation insignia rather than a general county certificate-of-occupancy program.
    • The installation insignia must be affixed before occupancy.
    • Permanent utilities cannot be released before the insignia is affixed.
    “"Certificate of Occupancy" means a certificate issued by the Division of Housing for the installation of a manufactured home that is in compliance with the manufactured home installation requirement. The certificate of installation shall be referred to as the "Insignia."”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Buildings, structures, and changes in land use in the unincorporated portion of Washington County.

    • The source expressly limits the Land Use Office's administration to the unincorporated portion of the county.
    • Specific use approvals may require Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners approval.
    “The Washington County Land Use Office administers the permits for the unincorporated portion of the County for buildings and structures as well as changes in land use.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Land-use administration and permitting in the unincorporated portion of Washington County.
      “Zoning Official - (temporary) [...] The Washington County Land Use Office administers the permits for the unincorporated portion of the County for buildings and structures as well as changes in land use.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County land-use controls in unincorporated Washington County.

    • The county page describes a Zoning Official and land-use permitting; incorporated municipalities may administer their own local rules.
    “Revert the property back to agricultural zoning. Approved by Commissioners only in certain circumstances.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Community business and mixed-use development approved through Washington County Use by Special Review in unincorporated areas, including mixed-use projects containing multifamily dwellings.

    • The minimum lot size is not a countywide numeric minimum; it is established in the approved site plan.
    • Mixed-use development uses the site-plan and public-hearing process for County approval.
    • The source also lists multifamily dwelling units and combinations of commercial and residential uses among mixed-use principal permitted uses.
    • A Use by Special Review application is subject to Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners review and approval, potentially with conditions.
    • The source is not evidence of a general minimum lot size for ordinary single-residence parcels outside Use by Special Review.

    minimum lot size: as set forth in the site plan

    “FOR MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT [...] B. Minimum Lot Size: As set forth in the site plan”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Commercial Mobile Radio Service facilities and electrical-generation wind towers subject to Washington County Use by Special Review regulations in unincorporated areas.

    • This is a use-specific setback and is not a general residential setback rule.
    • For CMRS facilities, the rule states that no structure may be located within 250 feet plus the tower height from any residence.
    • For wind towers, the rule states that no wind tower structure may be located within 250 feet plus the tower height from any residence.
    • Use by Special Review requires county review and approval.

    setback from any residence for CMRS structure: 250 feet plus tower height · setback from any residence for wind tower structure: 250 feet plus tower height

    “No structure shall be located within 250 feet plus the tower height from any residence. [...] No wind tower structure shall be located within 250 feet plus the tower height from any residence.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Mobile and manufactured homes used as residences in unincorporated Washington County.

    • A building permit is required.
    • State installation requirements and inspection apply.
    • A water source or well permit and Northeast Colorado Health Department septic permit, or evidence that applications have started, are required before the building permit.
    • An installation insignia is required before occupancy.
    “The installation insignia shall be affixed to the unit prior to occupancy of the home.”
  • Who permits septicLocal

    On-site wastewater treatment systems in Washington County served by the Northeast Colorado Health Department.

    • The district serves Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma counties.
    • Colorado Regulation 43 assigns primary enforcement responsibility to the local board of health.
    “These requirements have been adopted by the Northeast Colorado Board of Health [...] and has designated the Northeast Colorado Health Department to implement these regulations”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Local (with conditions) — On-site wastewater treatment systems serving Washington County.
      “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.”
    • Local (with conditions) — On-site wastewater treatment systems in Washington County.
      “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 Washington County.

    • A permit is required to construct or repair a septic system.
    • The application requires a site evaluation and plot plan.
    • No OWTS permit may be issued in a municipality or special district with public sewer service unless sewer service is infeasible or otherwise authorized.

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

    “Prior to installing, altering, expanding or repairing an OWTS, the applicant must obtain a permit from Northeast Colorado Health Department.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction or repair of a septic system in Washington County through the Northeast Colorado Health Department.
      “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.”
    • Required — Construction or repair of septic systems in Washington County under the Northeast Colorado Health Department OWTS program.
      “An On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Permit is required to construct or repair a septic system.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

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

    • Three percolation holes and two soil-profile test pits are required.
    • At least one soil-profile excavation must be evaluated by an NCHD Environmental Health Specialist before the system is permitted and installed.

    percolation holes: 3 holes · soil profile test pits: 2 pits · soil profile pit depth: >= 8 feet minimum (or to bedrock)

    “three percolation test holes [...] two soil profile test pits”
  • Well permitLimited

    Building-permit processing for residences, including mobile or manufactured homes, in unincorporated Washington County.

    • The county mobile/manufactured-home form requires evidence of a water source or well permit, or proof that the application process has started, before obtaining a building permit.
    “evidence of a water source or well permit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Water-source documentation for building permits, especially manufactured homes.
      “Note that applicants will also be required to have evidence of a water source or well permit and the necessary Northeast Colorado Health Department septic permit or they must show they have started the application process with the appropriate agencies prior to obtaining building permit.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Permanent utility connections for manufactured homes.

    • Permanent utilities cannot be released before the state installation insignia is affixed.
    • Temporary utility connections are permitted for construction purposes after pertinent testing is complete.
    “No permanent utilities will be released to the home prior to the affixing of the installation insignia! Temporary Utility connections are permitted for construction purposes when pertinent testing has been completed.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision-related land-use applications in unincorporated Washington County.

    • The county lists an Exemption from Subdivision application.
    • A single residence is allowed under the listed exemption.
    • Multiple residences on less than 35 acres require Use by Special Review and health-department septic approval.

    multiple-residence threshold: < 35 acres (The county page states that multiple residences on less than 35 acres require Use by Special Review.)

    “Multiple residences on less than 35 acres of land. Must have health department approval for septic for multiple residences on acreage.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Land-use applications involving subdivision exemptions and multiple residences in unincorporated Washington County.
      “Land Use applications go to the Planning Commission for approval before they are approved by the Board of County Commissioners. [...] Exemption from Subdivision”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Fees shown on the Washington County building-permit and mobile/manufactured-home forms.

    • The building form is marked rev 06/14 and the mobile/manufactured form is marked Rev 09/12; neither revision notation is treated as an effective date.
    • The building form lists a 1.5% use tax calculation, a $100 building permit fee for buildings except Use by Special Review, $150 for a Use by Special Review application, and a manufactured-home state fee shown as $415.
    • The mobile/manufactured form separately shows $100 county permit fee, $435 state inspection/insignia fees on page 1, and page 2 breaks out $375 inspection plus $60 insignia, totaling $415 state fees and $515 total permit before use tax; the discrepancy requires confirmation.

    use tax: 1.5 percent (calculated on 48% of total building value) · building permit fee: 100 USD (all buildings except Use by Special Review) · Use by Special Review application: 150 USD (commercial use) · mobile/manufactured county permit fee: 100 USD

    “Plus State Inspection and Sticker Fees $435.00”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building permits and manufactured-home permits.
      “Building Permit Fees for all buildings except Use by Special Review: $100.00”
  • Permit processPartial

    Washington County building, land-use, and manufactured-home permit process.

    • Land-use applications go to the Planning Commission before Board of County Commissioners approval.
    • Mobile/manufactured-home applicants must provide water-source or well-permit evidence and NCHD septic-permit evidence, or show that those applications have started, before obtaining the building permit.
    • A foundation permit is separate or concurrent when the home is placed on a foundation or basement.
    • Manufactured-home placement and licensing inspection must be completed within six months after signing.

    manufactured-home inspection deadline: 6 months (from application signature date)

    “Land Use applications go to the Planning Commission for approval”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building and land-use permitting process.
      “Land Use applications go to the Planning Commission for approval before they are approved by the Board of County Commissioners.”

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 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”
  • 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”
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Zoning districts — Published zoning-district map or district schedule.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size for residences in the unincorporated portion of Washington County
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or temporary occupancy of an RV on private land in unincorporated Washington County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land.
1 more unanswered
  • 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 Washington 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 ↗
  • Camp Creek Designated Ground Water Basinlocalized of county

    Small NE-plains designated basin adjacent to the Northern High Plains basin; over-appropriated. County placement lower-confidence (DWR does not enumerate this basin's counties).

    Colorado DWR — Designated Basins / Division 3 ↗
  • Kiowa-Bijou Designated Ground Water Basinpartial of county

    New wells require a Ground Water Commission permit; new large-capacity alluvial appropriations limited by prior appropriation, while Denver Basin bedrock is allocated by overlying acreage on a 100-year aquifer life.

    Colorado DWR — 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 Washington County, Colorado

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

Washington County scores 42/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 90 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (16.2″/yr rainfall).

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

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

How much does land cost in Washington County, Colorado?

Land in Washington County runs about $1,171 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Washington County?

Washington County gets about 16.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 19.5% of years. On water rights, Washington 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 Washington County?

A representative private-land location has about 90 people within a 30-minute drive and 79,565 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 Washington compares in Colorado

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