Bolthole Index

Yuma County, Colorado

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

46Index Score / 100
#44 of 64 in Colorado

Unincorporated Yuma County, Colorado does not require a county Land Use Permit for one single-family home on one lot, but every new building needs an Activity Notice12. The county Land Use Code zones all unincorporated land3. Septic permits for buildings off city sewer come from the Northeast Colorado Health Department45. Wray issues its own building permits and zoning67.

At a glance

Building permit
One single-family home on one lot is exempt from a Land Use Permit; an Activity Notice and site plan are required8
Zoning
Yes throughout unincorporated Yuma County3
Septic permit
Northeast Colorado Health Department permit and inspection required459
RV living
General occupancy is unconfirmed; special flood-hazard areas have specific RV limits10
Tiny home
State-regulated units require plan approval and must satisfy local zoning11
Residential setbacks
20-foot front, 10-foot side and 25-foot principal-use rear setbacks1213
Private well
A state well permit is required; designated-basin rules may also apply1415
Additional dwellings
A second or third dwelling needs an Administrative Land Use Permit, and the county page ties that path to parcels of at least 35 acres1617

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Yuma County Land Use and Planning

Land-use permits, Activity Notices, zoning questions, parcel-specific permit classification and floodplain permit applications

970-332-0930

landuse@yumacountyco.gov

310 Ash, Suite J, Wray, CO 80758

Online permits →

Septic permits

Northeast Colorado Health Department OWTS Program

OWTS septic permits, applications and inspections in Yuma County

(970) 867-4918 ext. 2262

melb@nchd.org

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

Yuma County Road and Bridge

County-road approaches, road access, culverts and work in county rights-of-way

970-332-5718

ycrb@yumacountyco.gov

1310 S. Blake Street, Wray, CO 80758

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 24, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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

Unincorporated Yuma County does not require a county Land Use Permit for one single-family dwelling and its incidental accessory uses on one lot, but an Activity Notice and detailed site plan are still required8. Every new building—including a home, garage, barn, equipment building, grain bin or meteorological tower—needs an Activity Notice1. The residential Activity Notice, including agricultural improvements, costs $100; administrative, minor and major land-use permits cost $150, $300 and $500, plus mailing, administrative and recording fees18. Estimated outside consultant, expert and attorney costs may also be added19. Normal agricultural structures and operations are exempt from a Land Use Permit but still need an Activity Notice and site plan, and a livestock-confinement expansion stays exempt only if it adds no more than 33% or 5,000 head, whichever is less2021. The county's rules apply to unincorporated land. Inside Wray, the city issues its own building permits6. Yuma sets its own zoning, and the city prohibits septic tanks22; elsewhere in Yuma County, NCHD handles septic permits for buildings not connected to city sewer224.

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

Yuma County Land Use and Planning handles Activity Notices and county land-use filings for unincorporated Yuma County23. The office is at 310 Ash, Suite J, Wray, CO 80758, can be reached at 970-332-0930 or landuse@yumacountyco.gov, and offers an online E-Permits portal23. A contemplated land-use change begins with a pre-application meeting; the application is dated when complete, and review time starts from that date2425. Depending on permit type, review may include agency referrals, notice to owners and mineral holders within 500 feet, Planning Commission review and a Board of County Commissioners hearing; the county says the shortest processing time is one month26. Yuma County's structural-code edition, construction inspections and certificate-of-occupancy requirement could not be confirmed; ask Land Use and Planning which construction and trade approvals apply to the project23.

Does Yuma County have zoning?

The Yuma County Land Use Code applies throughout unincorporated Yuma County3. Inside Yuma and Wray, city zoning applies; Yuma city prohibits septic tanks, while NCHD handles septic permits elsewhere in the county where buildings are not connected to city sewer277224. Residential single-family setbacks are 20 feet in front, 10 feet at the side and 25 feet at the rear for a principal use; an accessory use has a 5-foot rear setback12. A Minor or Major Land Use change generally cannot be approved on a lot smaller than 2.5 acres unless public wastewater serves it or the applicant satisfies the county and health department that a smaller lot will not create wastewater or environmental-health concerns28. Heights must comply with state and federal requirements and cannot interfere with airport flight paths or height restrictions in airport influence zones, but the county source gives no general numeric limit29. Community Overlay District resolutions may vary lot size, setbacks and height limits, so ask Land Use for the standards governing the parcel30133123. Minimum dwelling size and lot coverage could not be confirmed23.

How do septic permits work in Yuma County?

The Northeast Colorado Health Department administers onsite wastewater treatment system permits in Yuma County4. Any new or repaired septic system needs a health-department permit when the building is not connected to city sewer532. An off-grid wastewater setup is therefore not permit-free: an OWTS remains subject to health-department approval33. The department inspects permitted systems for compliance, while a lender may also request an inspection when property is sold349. Only 24.1% of Yuma County soils avoid severe USDA limits for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency rather than assuming a standard system will work35. Reach the OWTS program at (970) 867-4918 ext. 2262 or melb@nchd.org34.

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

Yuma County's general rules for long-term RV occupancy and temporary camping on private land could not be confirmed, so ask Land Use and Planning before moving an RV onto a parcel23. In mapped flood-hazard zones, an RV must be present for fewer than 180 consecutive days, remain licensed and highway-ready, or meet the county's permit, elevation and anchoring requirements10. A Colorado-regulated tiny home intended for long-term residential use requires Division of Housing plan approval before construction and must still satisfy local zoning11. Yuma County's separate local rules for tiny homes and manufactured homes could not be confirmed; obtain a written parcel-specific answer before ordering a unit23. In unincorporated Yuma County, a second or third dwelling needs an Administrative Land Use Permit, and the county's code ties that permit to a single parcel of 35 acres or larger16. The sources found no path for a second home on a smaller parcel, so ask Land Use before planning a guest house or rental unit23.

Building a home in Yuma County: what are the steps?

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is in unincorporated Yuma County or a municipality, then ask the correct planning office which setbacks, lot rules and overlay standards govern the site361330.
  1. If the project divides land, obtain preliminary-plan approval through a Major Land Use Permit before final-plat approval through a Minor Land Use Permit; confirm any exemption with Land Use3723.
  1. Meet with the Land Use Administrator, then file the Activity Notice or assigned land-use application and budget for the published fee2413823.
  1. If city sewer is unavailable, obtain the septic permit and arrange the required compliance inspection32534.
  1. Before drilling a groundwater well, apply for the state well permit and ask the Colorado Division of Water Resources whether designated-basin rules or an augmentation plan affect the site14.
  1. Obtain Road and Bridge approval for a county-road approach or a CDOT permit for direct state-highway access3940.

What should you check before buying land in Yuma County?

Before buying rural land in Yuma County, confirm legal access with Road and Bridge and the land-use approval path with Land Use and Planning3923. A division into parcels of at least 35 acres can qualify for a subdivision exemption only under stated conditions, including no intended multiple ownership; roads, utilities and other land-use changes still need applicable approval4142. Check septic feasibility early because only 24.1% of Yuma County soils avoid severe USDA limits for a conventional drain field35. Every new groundwater well needs a Colorado Division of Water Resources permit, with designated-basin rules or an augmentation plan potentially affecting approval14. If you are dividing land and a well is on the property or will be drilled, the county lists a subdivision exemption as a step before the State Water Engineer issues a drilling permit; confirm the sequence with Land Use1523. In a Special Flood Hazard Area, notify Yuma County before construction or development begins; the county identifies floodplain permits as an Administrative Land Use Permit activity, so ask Land Use which floodplain filing and site standards apply434423.

Watch-outs

  • No county Land Use Permit for one single-family home does not mean no paperwork: every new building still needs an Activity Notice, and a home may also need septic, well and access approvals151439.
  • General long-term RV living, private-land camping and county-specific tiny-home occupancy remain unconfirmed; mapped flood-hazard areas have specific RV conditions, so ask Yuma County Land Use and Planning for a written parcel-specific answer1023.
  • A county-road approach needs Road and Bridge approval, while direct access from a home to a state highway requires a CDOT access permit3940.

Sources

  1. Land Use and Planning - Yuma County, quoted and re-checked
  2. Yuma County Land Use Code (2026 county census)
  3. Yuma County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  4. Onsite Wastewater Treatment System – Northeast Colorado Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  5. Onsite Wastewater Treatment System – Northeast Colorado Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  6. Wray: Building/Activity Permit (Yuma County), quoted and re-checked
  7. Wray: Wray Code § 18.08.010—Permitted uses (Yuma County), quoted and re-checked
  8. Yuma County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  9. Onsite Wastewater Treatment System – Northeast Colorado Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  10. Yuma County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  11. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Yuma County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  13. Yuma County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  14. Water Administration - Colorado Division of Water Resources, quoted and re-checked
  15. Land Use and Planning - Yuma County, quoted and re-checked
  16. Yuma County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  17. Land Use and Planning - Yuma County, quoted and re-checked
  18. Land Use and Planning - Yuma County, quoted and re-checked
  19. Land Use and Planning - Yuma County, quoted and re-checked
  20. Yuma County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  21. Yuma County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  22. Yuma: Yuma Municipal Code § 13.04.020, Connection Required; Permit (Yuma County), quoted and re-checked
  23. Yuma County Land Use and Planning (yumacounty.net)
  24. Land Use and Planning - Yuma County, quoted and re-checked
  25. Yuma County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  26. Land Use and Planning, quoted and re-checked
  27. Yuma: Yuma Municipal Code § 17.01.106, Application and Compliance (Yuma County), quoted and re-checked
  28. Yuma County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  29. Yuma County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  30. Yuma County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  31. Yuma County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  32. Onsite Wastewater Treatment System – Northeast Colorado Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  33. Onsite Wastewater Treatment System – Northeast Colorado Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  34. Northeast Colorado Health Department OWTS Program (nchd.org)
  35. 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
  36. Yuma County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  37. Yuma County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  38. Land Use and Planning, quoted and re-checked
  39. Yuma County Road and Bridge (yumacounty.net)
  40. Access Permits | Frequently Asked Questions (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  41. Yuma County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  42. Land Use and Planning, quoted and re-checked
  43. Yuma County Land Use Code, quoted and re-checked
  44. Land Use and Planning, quoted and re-checked

Written October 24, 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

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Yuma County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleYuma CountyPhillips CountyWashington CountySedgwick CountyLogan CountyKit Carson CountyMorgan County
Building permitLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsNortheast Colorado Health Dept.NCHDNortheast Colorado Health Dept.NCHDNCHDCounty Public Health & Env.NCHD

County locator

Yuma County in Colorado

46
County map
Yuma County highlighted among the Colorado counties · colored by Index score

How Yuma County scores

Seclusion91100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1699% ev.
Admin Boringness5490% ev.
Durability40100% ev.
Property Autonomy75100% ev.
Carry Cost84100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$288kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$1,580Land / acre
17.6"Annual rain
17.6% of yrsSevere drought
20.9 / yr (+16.4)Mid-century 100°F days
26.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.09" (+4.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.31×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,768Home insurance / yr
3.3% / yrInsurance growth
1.77%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
161People within 30 min
67,124People within 2 hr
1,040Radius comparison (15 mi)
4.2People / sq mi
0.6%Federal land
80.7%Land at 15% slope or less
24.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
348,670 acWorkable land screen
0.1%Wooded land
5.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
51.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Yuma 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 Eckley

Answers from the rulebook for Yuma County

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

Yuma County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Residential construction and other land-use changes in unincorporated Yuma County.

    • Construction of one single-family dwelling and accessory uses incidental and secondary to that dwelling on a single lot does not require a Yuma County Land Use Permit.
    • An Activity Notice is required for the exempt single-family dwelling, processed by the Administrator for the County Assessor’s Office based on review of a detailed site plan.
    • Unless an exemption applies, land-use changes require the applicable county Land Use Permit.
    • The county land-use webpage lists a $100.00 Activity Notice fee for residential including agricultural improvements.
    • This claim concerns the county land-use permit system and does not establish whether a separate municipal building permit is required inside an incorporated municipality.

    residential Activity Notice fee: 100 USD (The county webpage states this fee for residential, including agricultural improvements.)

    “A. SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING. The construction of one single family dwelling and accessory uses that are incidental and secondary to the single-family dwelling on a single lot shall not require a Land Use Permit. 1. Activity Notice Required. For purposes of the County Assessor’s Office, the Administrator shall process an Activity Notice, based upon review of a detailed site plan.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Construction of buildings and land-use changes in unincorporated Yuma County.
      “An Activity Notice needs to be filled out for any building constructed”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land-use regulation in unincorporated Yuma County.

    • The Code applies to all land within unincorporated Yuma County.
    • No person may engage in a Land Use Change without first complying with the Code.
    • A Land Use Permit is not required for certain exempt uses, including one single-family dwelling on a single lot, subject to an Activity Notice.
    “This Land Use Code shall apply to all land within the unincorporated areas of Yuma County. No person may engage in any Land Use Change without first complying with this Code.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning and land-use regulation across Yuma County: the county Land Use Code applies in unincorporated areas, while incorporated municipalities administer their own local planning or zoning systems.

    • The county code expressly applies to unincorporated areas of Yuma County.
    • Municipal regulation is administered by the relevant municipality rather than by Yuma County.
    • The City of Wray maintains an official Zoning and Planning page and provides municipal planning and building applications.
    • This aggregate claim does not treat Yuma County as the administrator of each municipal ordinance.
    “# Zoning and Planning ## Maps Flood Insurance Rate Map Wray City Limit Map ## Applications Building Permit Application”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Land-use changes requiring Minor or Major Land Use Permits in unincorporated Yuma County.

    • No Land Use Change may be approved on a lot smaller than 2.5 acres unless served by public wastewater treatment or the applicant demonstrates to the County and Northeast Department of Health that the smaller lot will not cause wastewater-treatment or environmental-health concerns.

    minimum lot size: >= 2.5 acres (Public wastewater service or satisfactory demonstration of no wastewater-treatment or environmental-health concerns.)

    “No Land Use Change shall be approved on a lot smaller than 2.5 acres in size unless the lot will be served by a public wastewater treatment system or the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the County, and Northeast Department of Health, that a smaller lot size will not cause wastewater treatment and/or environmental health concerns”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Lots in Yuma County Community Overlay Districts.
      “Instead of the standards set forth in Article 5, lot size, setback requirements and height limitations applicable to a Community Overlay District may be varied at the discretion of the Board, taking into consideration the purpose and review standards of the Community Overlay District.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Structures regulated by the Yuma County Land Use Code in unincorporated Yuma County.

    • Residential single-family setbacks are 20 feet front, 10 feet side, and 25 feet rear for principal uses or 5 feet rear for accessory uses.
    • Waivers or reductions may be requested with a Land Use Permit and are discretionary.
    • Agricultural and industrial/commercial structures have separate standards.

    front setback: 20 feet (Residential single-family dwellings) · side setback: 10 feet (Residential single-family dwellings) · rear setback: 25 or 5 feet (25 feet for principal uses; 5 feet for accessory uses)

    “(a) front yard setback (i) arterial 20 feet (ii) major collector 20 feet (iii) local 20 feet (b) side yard setback 10 feet (c) rear yard setback (i) principal uses 25 feet (ii) accessory uses 5 feet”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Setbacks in Yuma County Community Overlay Districts.
      “Instead of the standards set forth in Article 5, lot size, setback requirements and height limitations applicable to a Community Overlay District may be varied at the discretion of the Board, taking into consideration the purpose and review standards of the Community Overlay District.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Structures regulated by the Yuma County Land Use Code in unincorporated Yuma County.

    • Heights must comply with State and Federal regulations and FAA and FCC regulations.
    • Structures may not interfere with established airport flight paths or structural height restrictions in airport influence zones.
    • The source does not provide a general numeric height limit.
    “Heights of structures shall comply with State and Federal Regulations, FAA & FCC Regulations. There shall be no interference with established airport flight paths or structural height restrictions within airport influence zones.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Height limitations in Yuma County Community Overlay Districts.
      “Instead of the standards set forth in Article 5, lot size, setback requirements and height limitations applicable to a Community Overlay District may be varied at the discretion of the Board, taking into consideration the purpose and review standards of the Community Overlay District.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles placed within Zones A1-30, AH, and AE on Yuma County’s FEMA flood insurance rate map.

    • The RV must be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, or be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or meet Article 4 Section C permit, elevation, and anchoring requirements.
    • Ready for highway use means on wheels or a jacking system, attached only by quick-disconnect utilities and security devices, and without permanently attached additions.

    maximum consecutive days under one alternative: < 180 days (Alternative compliance options are available.)

    “All recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones A1-30, AH, and AE on the county's FIRM either: a. Be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, b. Be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or c. Meet the permit requirements of Article 4, Section C, and the elevation and anchoring requirements for "manufactured homes" in paragraph (4) of this section.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Second or third dwelling units on a single parcel in unincorporated Yuma County.

    • The code requires an Administrative Land Use Permit for construction of a second or third dwelling unit on a single parcel 35 acres or larger.
    • The county page identifies second or third dwelling construction on 35 acres or larger as an Administrative Land Use Permit activity.

    minimum parcel size: >= 35 acres (Second or third dwelling unit)

    “An Administrative Land Use Permit shall be required for the construction of a second or third dwelling unit on a single parcel thirty-five (35) acres or larger in size.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Second or third dwelling units on a parcel in unincorporated Yuma County.
      “An Administrative Land Use Permit shall be required for the construction of a second or third dwelling unit on a single parcel thirty-five (35) acres or larger in size.”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater treatment systems serving Yuma County within the Northeast Colorado Health Department jurisdiction.

    • NCHD states that its jurisdiction covers six counties.
    • City sewer connection changes whether an OWTS permit is required.
    “Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS), or septic system, permits are required for any building creating wastewater flow in the six counties under NCHD’s jurisdiction that are not connected to a city sewer system.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Any building in Yuma County creating wastewater flow and not connected to a city sewer system.

    • Any new OWTS requires a permit from the health department.
    • Repair of an existing OWTS also requires a permit.
    • The requirement applies when the building is not connected to city sewer.
    “Any new system or repair of an existing system requires a permit from the health department.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    OWTS property inspections in Yuma County.

    • The NCHD page describes inspections as sometimes requested by lenders when property is sold; it does not state that every system requires a routine inspection.
    “In addition, there are also times when property is sold that lenders may ask us to do an inspection of the property to ensure the OWTS is working properly.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid wastewater sanitation through an OWTS in Yuma County.

    • The building must not be connected to city sewer.
    • A new or repaired OWTS requires a health-department permit.
    “Any new system or repair of an existing system requires a permit from the health department.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Wastewater service for buildings in Yuma County.

    • If not connected to city sewer, the building must use an OWTS subject to the NCHD permit requirement.
    • The source does not establish a universal countywide obligation to connect to public water or sewer.
    “permits are required for any building creating wastewater flow in the six counties under NCHD’s jurisdiction that are not connected to a city sewer system.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Normal agricultural operations and agricultural structures in unincorporated Yuma County.

    • The exemption applies to construction of agricultural structures and activities associated with normal agricultural operations.
    • Minor expansion of a concentrated animal feeding operation or livestock confinement facility is exempt only when the increase does not exceed 33% or 5,000 head, whichever is less, over the existing capacity as of the approval date.
    • An Activity Notice is still required for the County Assessor's Office based on review of a detailed site plan.

    capacity increase threshold: <= 33 percent (Or 5,000 head, whichever is less)

    “The construction of agricultural structures and the conduct of activities associated with normal agricultural operations and any minor expansion of a concentrated animal feeding operation or livestock confinement facility that does not increase the capacity of the facility by more than 33% or 5,000 head, whichever is less, over the existing capacity as of the date of approval of this document, shall not require a Land Use Permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Normal agricultural structures and activities in unincorporated Yuma County.
      “The construction of agricultural structures and the conduct of activities associated with normal agricultural operations and any minor expansion of a concentrated animal feeding operation or livestock confinement facility that does not increase the capacity of the facility by more than 33% or 5,000 head, whichever is less, over the existing capacity as of the date of approval of this document, shall not require a Land Use Permit.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and related land divisions in unincorporated Yuma County.

    • A Minor Land Use Permit is required for exempt divisions into four parcels or less, cluster subdivisions, subdivision plat vacation, and subdivision final plat.
    • Divisions creating parcels of 35 acres or more may be exempt from a Land Use Permit if none is intended for multiple ownership.
    • Other land-use changes serving parcels 35 acres or larger, including roads and utilities, still require a Land Use Permit.

    acreage threshold: >= 35 acres (Division exemption applies only where none of the parcels is intended for multiple ownership)

    “No subdivision shall be approved under this Code unless it meets all of the County requirements contained in this Code.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in unincorporated Yuma County.
      “No subdivision shall be approved under this Code unless it meets all of the County requirements contained in this Code.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and land divisions in unincorporated Yuma County.
      “An applicant for subdivision must gain approval of a preliminary plan prior to consideration of a request for final plat approval. A preliminary plan requires a Major Land Use Permit under Section 4-104.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Floodplain development requiring a Yuma County land-use permit.

    • The county fee schedule identifies a floodplain permit as an Administrative Land Use Permit activity.
    • The applicable floodplain standards and any site-specific requirements were not fully extracted here.
    “Floodplain Development notification shall be required to ensure conformance with the provisions of this ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or development in a Yuma County Special Flood Hazard Area.
      “Notification is required before construction or development begins within any Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). If FEMA has not defined the SFHA within a county, the county shall require notification for all proposed construction or other development in the county including the placement of manufactured homes, so that it may determine whether such construction or other development is proposed within flood-prone areas.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Yuma County land-use and activity-notice fees.

    • Residential activity notices, including agricultural improvements, are listed at $100.
    • Commercial activity notices are listed at $300.
    • Administrative Land Use is listed at $150 plus mailing, administrative and recording fees.
    • Minor Land Use Permits are listed at $300 plus mailing, administrative and recording fees.
    • Major Land Use Permits are listed at $500 plus mailing, administrative and recording fees.
    • Administrative, mailing and recording fees may be determined or changed as stated on the page.

    residential activity notice: 100 USD (Including agricultural improvements) · commercial activity notice: 300 USD · administrative land use permit: 150 USD (Plus mailing, administrative and recording fees) · minor land use permit: 300 USD (Plus mailing, administrative and recording fees) · major land use permit: 500 USD (Plus mailing, administrative and recording fees)

    “Residential (including AG Improvements) $100.00 Commercial $300.00”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Yuma County land-use permit fees in unincorporated Yuma County.
      “Residential (including AG Improvements) | $100.00 [...] $150.00 [...] $300.00 [...] $500.00”
    • Published (with conditions) — Yuma County land-use permit applications.
      “Residential (including AG Improvements) | $100.00”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Yuma County land-use permit applications.

    • A person contemplating a Land Use Change must first schedule a pre-application meeting with the Land Use Administrator.
    • The permit type is determined when the application is filed and the application is dated when complete.
    • The process may include referral-agency review, notice to owners and mineral holders within 500 feet, Planning Commission review, and a Board of County Commissioners public hearing.
    • The county states that one month is the shortest processing time and that review periods and hearing notices vary by permit type.

    adjacent-property notice distance: 500 feet (Parcel boundaries) · shortest processing time: >= 1 month (County statement)

    “Any person contemplating a Land Use Change shall first schedule a pre-application meeting with the Land Use Administrator to discuss the proposed Land Use Change.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Yuma County land-use permit process in unincorporated Yuma County.
      “all time frames within this Code [...] shall be based on the completeness date.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Yuma County Land Use Permit process.
      “Any person contemplating a Land Use Change shall first schedule a pre-application meeting with the Land Use Administrator to discuss the proposed Land Use Change. Determination of the type of land use permit will be made.”

Colorado rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    • The policy states that all reviewed construction projects are inspected for building-code compliance.
    • Required inspections are identified on the Building Inspection Record and may include building, special, fire, plumbing, electrical, boiler, elevator, and health-department inspections as applicable.
    • Local fire districts and other state authorities may have separate inspection responsibilities.
    • The policy applies to state buildings and state projects, not uniformly to every private project in Colorado.
    “All reviewed construction projects shall be inspected for building code compliance.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Water-well drilling associated with property divisions in Yuma County.
      “Every new well in the state that diverts groundwater must have a well permit.”
    • Required — New groundwater wells serving property in Yuma County, subject to statutory exemptions and basin-specific rules.
      “Every new well in the state that diverts groundwater must have a well permit.”
  • 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.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

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

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

    maximum rental duration for STR definition: < 30 days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in unincorporated Yuma County.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in unincorporated Yuma County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Yuma County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Yuma County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Yuma County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in Yuma 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 ↗

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 Yuma County, Colorado

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

Yuma County scores 46/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 161 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (17.6″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.

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

Yuma County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Northeast Colorado Health Department (OWTS Program). 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 Yuma County, Colorado?

Land in Yuma County runs about $1,580 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Yuma County?

Yuma County gets about 17.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 17.6% of years. On water rights, Yuma 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 Yuma County?

A representative private-land location has about 161 people within a 30-minute drive and 67,124 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 Yuma compares in Colorado

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