Bolthole Index

Arapahoe County, Colorado

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

55Index Score / 100
#30 of 64 in Colorado

Unincorporated Arapahoe County, Colorado requires building permits for projects covered by its adopted building codes, and the county publishes both its application process and fees123. The county also regulates zoning and subdivisions in unincorporated areas45. Arapahoe County Public Health handles septic permits countywide6.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered projects in unincorporated Arapahoe County1
Zoning
County zoning and subdivision rules apply in unincorporated areas45
Septic permit
Required, through Arapahoe County Public Health67
Septic-linked minimum lot size
About one acre on central water, ~2.5 acres on a well (local zoning guidance)8
Accessory dwelling units
Required in some jurisdictions under 2025 state law; confirm with Zoning9
Manufactured / tiny homes
Allowed statewide if certified and locally zoned1011
Owner-builder
Allowed conditionally with a signed homeowner-generated permit certificate12

Who to call

Building permits

Arapahoe County Building Division

Building permits, plan review and inspections for unincorporated Arapahoe County only

720-874-6600

Lima Plaza, 6924 S. Lima St., Centennial, CO 80112

Zoning

Arapahoe County Zoning Division

Zoning compliance, the Land Development Code, zoning violations and zoning maps for unincorporated Arapahoe County

720-874-6711

[email protected]

Lima Plaza, 6924 S. Lima St., Centennial, CO 80112

Health department

Arapahoe County Public Health – Environmental Health

Septic (OWTS) construction and use permits for unincorporated Arapahoe County, under the county's OWTS regulations effective May 7, 2026

303-795-4584

6964 S. Lima St., Centennial, CO 80112

Also useful

Arapahoe County Public Works and Development

Parent department over Engineering Services, Road and Bridge, Planning and Land Development, and the Building and Zoning Divisions; the department to ask about floodplain maps or county road/driveway access

720-874-6500

6924 S. Lima St., Centennial, CO 80112

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

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

Yes. Unincorporated Arapahoe County requires a building permit for projects covered by the permit provisions of its adopted residential and building codes1. The county adopted its current building codes in 2022, including the 2021 International Residential Code and International Building Code, and later adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code13. The Building Division serves only unincorporated Arapahoe County, so verify the parcel's jurisdiction before applying14. A homeowner may perform work directly instead of hiring a licensed contractor, but must submit a signed Certificate for Home Owner-Generated Permits; this is a permit procedure, not a blanket permit exemption12.

Who is the Arapahoe County building department and how do you reach them?

The Arapahoe County Building Division, at 720-874-6600, is the building-code office for unincorporated Arapahoe County14. Applicants use the county's Customer Access system to submit applications and documents, communicate with reviewers, schedule inspections and pay fees2. The county publishes building-permit and reinspection fees, and all permit fees are nonrefundable3. The Zoning Division can answer parcel-specific questions at 720-874-6711 or [email protected]15. Arapahoe County Public Works and Development, at 720-874-6500, is the starting point for Engineering Services and Road and Bridge questions16.

Does Arapahoe County have zoning?

Yes. Arapahoe County regulates zoning and subdivisions in its unincorporated areas45. Colorado county zoning may control lot size, setbacks, height, bulk, density and land uses, so the answer for a particular parcel depends on its zoning district17. Ask the Zoning Division which district applies before relying on a neighboring property's layout15. The available county material does not establish a single countywide minimum home size, setback or lot size; ask Zoning for those parcel-specific standards. A proposed land division also needs county review unless an applicable state or county exclusion applies518.

How do septic (OWTS) permits work in Arapahoe County?

Arapahoe County Public Health permits the installation, repair and use of onsite wastewater treatment systems throughout the county6. A septic permit is required for a new system, expansion, repair or use; a use permit is also required for a sale or ownership change, a use change, a bedroom addition or a separate modular-home addition7. Environmental Health says septic itself has no minimum lot size, while local planning agencies typically recommend one acre with central water and 2.5 acres with a well8. Only 38.7% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, so settle the site evaluation before fixing a house location19. Connecting new plumbing in a garage, barn or similar building to an existing system requires advance notice, county approval, inspection, applicable fees and an updated record drawing20.

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

We could not confirm a county rule allowing an RV to serve as a dwelling or allowing temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Arapahoe County; ask the Zoning Division before occupying an RV15. Colorado-approved tiny homes may be used for long-term living, but plans require state approval, the unit is certified for its installation site, and local zoning still applies11. The county material available here does not confirm which unincorporated zoning districts allow tiny homes. A certified manufactured home may be installed where local zoning allows, subject to state installation requirements10. Any occupied structure without public sewer needs an approved sewage-disposal route, and an onsite system requires the county permit and final inspection process216.

Building a home in Arapahoe County: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Arapahoe County, because the Building Division serves only that area14.
  2. Ask the Zoning Division to confirm the zoning district, allowed use, setbacks and whether a proposed lot split needs subdivision review155.
  3. If public sewer is unavailable, obtain the septic permit through Arapahoe County Public Health before building approval and complete the required final septic inspection before occupancy approval621.
  4. Submit a complete building application and plans through Customer Access; use the residential guide to reduce review delays2.
  5. Pay the published, nonrefundable building-permit fees and arrange inspections through Customer Access32.
  6. Obtain a CDOT access permit if the house will connect directly to a state highway22.

What to check before you buy land in Arapahoe County

Confirm jurisdiction, zoning, legal access, water and wastewater before closing. If an existing septic system transfers with the property, Arapahoe County requires a use permit for the sale or ownership change7. Only 38.7% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, so septic feasibility can determine the usable building area19. A new groundwater well requires a state permit, subject to statutory and basin-specific rules23. Development anywhere in a floodplain or special flood-hazard area in unincorporated Arapahoe County needs a Floodplain Development Permit before work begins; even work with no apparent impact needs a no-impact permit and engineer certification24. Direct access to a state highway requires a CDOT access permit22.

Watch-outs

  • An Arapahoe County street address does not prove county jurisdiction; the Building Division serves unincorporated areas only14.
  • Owner-builders still need permits and must submit a signed Certificate for Home Owner-Generated Permits12.
  • Every activity in a mapped floodplain or special flood-hazard area needs county floodplain permitting, including work expected to have no impact24.

Sources

  1. Building, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building, quoted and re-checked
  3. Building, quoted and re-checked
  4. Codes, Criteria And Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  5. Codes, Criteria And Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  6. Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  7. Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  8. Arapahoe County Public Health – Environmental Health (arapahoeco.gov)
  9. HB24-1152 Accessory Dwelling Units (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Residential Permitting Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  13. Code Central, quoted and re-checked
  14. Arapahoe County Building Division (arapahoeco.gov)
  15. Arapahoe County Zoning Division (arapahoeco.gov)
  16. Arapahoe County Public Works and Development (arapahoeco.gov)
  17. Colorado Revised Statutes 2025 Title 30 Government - County (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 30—Government—County (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  20. Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  21. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Access Permits | Frequently Asked Questions (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Water Administration (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Floodplain Permitting and Documents, quoted and re-checked

Written September 29, 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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County locator

Arapahoe County in Colorado

55
County map
Arapahoe County highlighted among the Colorado counties · colored by Index score

How Arapahoe County scores

Seclusion34100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency39100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability73100% ev.
Property Autonomy75100% ev.
Carry Cost77100% 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 →

$516kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$2,773Land / acre
16.4"Annual rain
15.5% of yrsSevere drought
9.6 / yr (+8.7)Mid-century 100°F days
23 daysMid-century dry spell
1.26" (+6.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.3×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,966Home insurance / yr
4.6% / yrInsurance growth
1.2%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
4,578,168People within 2 hr
15,350Radius comparison (15 mi)
822.3People / sq mi
1.7%Federal land
94.9%Land at 15% slope or less
38.7%Septic soil without severe limits
170,863 acWorkable land screen
12.8%Wooded land
24.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
49.5°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Arapahoe County

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

Arapahoe County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building projects described in Section R105 of the IRC and Section 105 of the IBC for unincorporated Arapahoe County.

    • The requirement applies to building projects described in the current county-adopted ICC codes, including amendments posted by the county.
    • County building services are limited to unincorporated parts of Arapahoe County.
    “Building projects, as described in section R105 of the IRC and 105 of the IBC, of the current County adopted ICC codes, including amendments posted on our website require a building permit.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Work performed directly by a homeowner instead of a licensed contractor in residential permitting.

    • A signed Certificate for Home Owner-Generated Permits must be provided.
    • This source establishes a homeowner-generated permit procedure but does not establish a blanket exemption from permits.
    “If any work is done directly by the homeowner instead of a licensed contractor, please provide a signed Certificate for Home Owner-Generated Permits.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Current county-adopted building codes for unincorporated Arapahoe County.

    • The county adopted current codes by Resolution No. 21-394 on April 1, 2022.
    • The page identifies the 2021 International Building Code and International Residential Code and states that the county adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code on July 9, 2024.

    adoption date: 2022-04-01 · NEC edition: 2023 (Adopted July 9, 2024)

    “The Arapahoe Board of County Commissioners adopted the current building codes by Resolution NO. 21-394 on April 1, 2022.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning and subdivision regulation in unincorporated Arapahoe County.

    • The county source expressly limits these regulations to unincorporated areas.
    “View zoning and subdivision regulations for unincorporated areas of Arapahoe County.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Development and land uses on the State Land Board's Lowry Ranch trust land parcel in Arapahoe County, Colorado.

    • Arapahoe County has final decision-making authority regarding what uses are permitted or not permitted on the trust land parcel.
    • Obtaining a State Land Board lease is only the first step of a multi-step public process before development.
    • Lessees must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
    • Lessees must obtain necessary local, state, and federal permits before development can occur.
    • The source specifically identifies local land-use regulations and does not provide a complete zoning-district schedule or numeric zoning standards.
    • The page states the proposed pad locations would comply with the lease terms as of July 2024.
    “The State Land Board is Constitutionally required to comply with all local land use regulations.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Installation, repair, and use of onsite wastewater treatment systems in Arapahoe County.

    • The county page identifies Arapahoe County Public Health as the permitting authority.
    • The county also links to Colorado OWTS regulations, which provide state-level regulatory context.
    “Arapahoe County Public Health permits the installation, repair, and use of these systems in the County.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New onsite wastewater installations, expansions, repairs, and use permits in Arapahoe County.

    • A septic permit is required for new installations, expansions, repairs, and use.
    • A Use Permit is required for sale or change of ownership, change in use, bedroom additions, additions of a separate modular home, and other reasons deemed necessary by the department.
    • Repair exceptions may apply where minor damage likely does not require a permit, subject to county inspection and contractor requirements.
    “A septic permit is required for new installations, expansions, repairs and use.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Connection of new plumbing in a garage, barn, or similar structure to an existing septic system.

    • The owner must notify Arapahoe County Public Health in advance.
    • The county must approve the connection.
    • An inspection of the new plumbing and applicable fees is required.
    • Before final approval, the existing record drawing must be amended to show new buildings and plumbing.
    “We generally allow connection to the existing septic system, provided the owner notifies Arapahoe County Public Health in advance, and we approve the connection. An inspection of the new plumbing and applicable fee(s) is required. Prior to final approval, the existing record drawing of the system must also be amended to show new buildings and plumbing.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Zoning and subdivision regulation in unincorporated Arapahoe County.

    • The county source expressly limits the cited zoning and subdivision regulations to unincorporated areas.
    “View zoning and subdivision regulations for unincorporated areas of Arapahoe County.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    All development proposed, constructed, installed, commenced, improved, or maintained within a floodplain or special flood hazard area in unincorporated Arapahoe County.

    • A Floodplain Development Permit must be obtained from the Floodplain Administrator before construction or development begins.
    • All activities require permitting regardless of impact, including activities with no apparent adverse impacts.
    • If the project will not cause an impact to the floodplain, a No-Impact FDP is required and an Engineer’s Certification of No-Impact is required.
    • If the project will cause an impact to a FEMA-regulated floodplain, a Conditional Letter of Map Revision must be submitted to and approved by FEMA before approval of the FDP.
    • Engineering Services administers floodplain and stormwater regulations, permits, and inspections.
    “All activities, regardless of impact, need to be permitted.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    County building permit and re-inspection fees for unincorporated Arapahoe County.

    • The Board of County Commissioners approved a fee increase effective January 1, 2021.
    • All fees are non-refundable.
    • Starting September 22, 2025, online payment vendor transaction fees are $1.80 for ACH or 3.20 percent for credit card payments.

    ACH transaction fee: 1.8 USD (Starting September 22, 2025) · credit-card transaction fee: 3.2 percent (Starting September 22, 2025)

    “The Board of County Commissioners approved an increase in fees, effective January 1, 2021. All fees are non-refundable.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building permit applications in unincorporated Arapahoe County.

    • Applicants use Customer Access to apply, upload project documents, communicate with case managers, schedule inspections, and make fee payments.
    • Applicants should follow residential or commercial permit guides and submit complete applications to avoid delays.
    “Customer Access is the online full-service tool that allows you to submit applications, upload documents, communicate with case reviewers, schedule inspections and make payments.”

Colorado rules that apply here

  • 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.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

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

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

    foundation types: permanent or temporary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “Section 1 requires a subject jurisdiction, on or after June 30, 2025, to allow, subject to an administrative approval process, one accessory dwelling unit”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    OWTS construction, installation, alteration, or repair statewide before the system is placed in use, plus operating inspections when authorized under applicable rules.

    • A final inspection must occur after permitted work is completed and before the system is placed in use.
    • The local public health agency or its designated professional engineer determines compliance with the permit, statute, and applicable rules.
    • For a building not serviced by a sewage treatment works, an occupancy permit requires final OWTS inspection and local agency approval.
    “Final inspection of a system to be made by the local public health agency or its designated professional engineer after construction, installation, alteration, or repair work under a permit has been completed, but before the system is placed in use, to determine that the work has been performed in accordance with the permit and that the system is in compliance with this article and the rules adopted under this article;”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

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

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

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

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

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

    “Every new well in the state that diverts groundwater must have a well permit.”
  • 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 — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements in unincorporated Arapahoe County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Arapahoe County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Arapahoe County.
  • Setbacks — Setbacks in unincorporated Arapahoe County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Arapahoe County.
3 more unanswered
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Agricultural exemption

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

Water rights & wells in Arapahoe 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 ↗
  • Lost Creek Designated Ground Water Basinpartial of county

    Lost Creek designated basin NE of Denver; over-appropriated alluvial aquifer, new large-capacity appropriations limited. Small-capacity/domestic wells still permitted.

    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 ↗
  • Denver Basin nontributary bedrock aquifers (Dawson, Denver, Arapahoe, Laramie-Fox Hills)partial of county

    Nontributary bedrock groundwater is allocated to the overlying landowner on an assumed 100-year aquifer life and needs a well permit; finite and steadily declining.

    Colorado Water Knowledge (CSU) — Groundwater Rights ↗

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 Arapahoe County, Colorado

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

Arapahoe County scores 55/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: sparse surroundings — about 15,350 people within 15 miles and thin water margin (16.4″/yr rainfall).

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

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

How much does land cost in Arapahoe County, Colorado?

Land in Arapahoe County runs about $2,773 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Arapahoe County?

Arapahoe County gets about 16.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 15.5% of years. On water rights, Arapahoe County lies in the Lost Creek Designated Ground Water Basin — Lost Creek designated basin NE of Denver; over-appropriated alluvial aquifer, new large-capacity appropriations limited. Small-capacity/domestic wells still permitted..

How remote is Arapahoe County?

A typical private-land location has about 15,350 people within 15 miles and 4,978,888 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Arapahoe compares in Colorado

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