Bolthole Index

Crowley County, Colorado

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

42Index Score / 100
#53 of 64 in Colorado

Unincorporated Crowley County, Colorado requires building permits for new stick-built construction, manufactured homes and remodeling1. County Planning & Zoning / Building Inspection handles county building permits and zoning; inside Ordway, the town handles its own building permits and zoning1,2,3,4. Otero County Health Department handles septic permits for Crowley County sites, with septic approval required before a county building permit when the site needs a system1.

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

Unincorporated Crowley County requires a building permit for new stick-built construction, manufactured homes and remodeling of existing structures.

Unincorporated Crowley County requires a building permit for new stick-built construction, manufactured homes and remodeling of existing structures1. Inside Ordway, obtain a town building permit before constructing a structure or making a substantial improvement; Otero County Health Department remains the septic authority for Crowley County sites1,3. Crowley County enforces the 2018 International Building Code, International Residential Code and International Energy Conservation Code2. County design requirements include a 20-pound-per-square-foot live snow load, a 30-pound-per-square-foot combined live and dead load, a 26-inch frost depth and a 100-mile-per-hour basic wind speed2.

Who issues building permits in Crowley County, and how do you reach them?

Crowley County Planning & Zoning / Building Inspection handles county building permits and inspections from the Crowley County Courthouse Annex at 603 Main Street in Ordway.

Crowley County Planning & Zoning / Building Inspection handles county building permits and inspections from the Crowley County Courthouse Annex at 603 Main Street in Ordway2. The office is available by appointment at 719-267-5218 or matt.carter@crowleycounty.net2. County applicants must provide floor plans and project cost sheets, obtain addressing requirements from the County Administration Office for a new building site, and complete the listed prerequisites before the Building Inspector issues the building permit1. Crowley County requires a 2% use tax on construction materials, payable at the County Clerk's Office; contact the administration office to confirm planning, zoning or building-inspection charges before paying by card1.

Does Crowley County have zoning?

Crowley County administers zoning through Planning & Zoning / Building Inspection for unincorporated land.

Crowley County administers zoning through Planning & Zoning / Building Inspection for unincorporated land1,2,9. Inside Ordway, town zoning applies, and uses by right in the single-family residential district require a zoning permit from the town zoning administrator4. Otero County Health Department handles septic permits for Crowley County sites, separately from town zoning approval1. Incoming manufactured homes must satisfy Crowley County Planning and Zoning regulations1. We could not confirm the county district standards for minimum home size, lot size, setbacks or lot coverage; ask county Planning & Zoning to identify the parcel’s district and applicable standards before choosing a house plan1,2.

How do septic permits work in Crowley County?

Otero County Health Department administers septic permits for Crowley County sites and must issue its permit before the Crowley County building permit when a site needs septic.

Otero County Health Department administers septic permits for Crowley County sites and must issue its permit before the Crowley County building permit when a site needs septic1. Colorado law requires an onsite wastewater treatment system permit before construction, alteration, installation, repair or use when a structure is not served by a sewage treatment works10. Otero County Health Department also performs the sewage-disposal-system final inspection required for the county project1. About 50.9% of Crowley County soils are rated as not severely limited for a conventional septic drain field, so soil and site evaluation should happen before committing to a house location11. The final septic inspection must occur before the system is used10.

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

We could not confirm a Crowley County rule that allows long-term residential RV occupancy or private-land camping, so ask county Planning & Zoning about the specific parcel and proposed duration before relying on an RV as housing.

We could not confirm a Crowley County rule that allows long-term residential RV occupancy or private-land camping, so ask county Planning & Zoning about the specific parcel and proposed duration before relying on an RV as housing1,2. A Colorado Division of Housing-regulated tiny home can be approved for long-term living on a permanent or temporary foundation, but its plans need state approval and the unit must satisfy applicable codes and local zoning5. Manufactured homes likewise may be installed where local zoning allows, and Crowley County expressly subjects incoming manufactured homes to county Planning and Zoning regulations1,5.

How do you build a home in Crowley County, step by step?

For unincorporated land, ask Crowley County Planning & Zoning to confirm the parcel's zoning district, proposed residential use and applicable site standards.

1. For unincorporated land, ask Crowley County Planning & Zoning to confirm the parcel's zoning district, proposed residential use and applicable site standards1,2. 2. If the property needs septic, obtain the Otero County Health Department permit before applying for the county building permit1. 3. Submit floor plans and project cost sheets, obtain county addressing requirements for a new building site, and pay the 2% construction-materials use tax at the County Clerk's Office1. 4. Obtain the Crowley County building permit after the listed prerequisites are complete1. 5. If the home needs a new groundwater well, apply to the Colorado Division of Water Resources for a well permit6. 6. If the driveway connects directly to a state highway, obtain a Colorado Department of Transportation access permit12. 7. Schedule the applicable county building inspections, state electrical and plumbing inspections, and the health department's final septic inspection before occupancy1. Schedule slab or under-floor inspection before pouring concrete or installing floor sheathing, and lath or gypsum-board inspection before plastering or taping and finishing; Crowley County may charge for re-inspection when work is incomplete, plans are unavailable or access is missing1.

What should you check before buying land in Crowley County?

Crowley County receives about 12 inches of precipitation a year, and severe drought has occurred in about 41.7% of years, so verify the parcel's lawful, dependable water source before purchase.

Crowley County receives about 12 inches of precipitation a year, and severe drought has occurred in about 41.7% of years, so verify the parcel's lawful, dependable water source before purchase11. A new groundwater well requires a state permit, and the permit's availability or conditions can depend on statutory and basin-specific rules6. The land is broadly gentle, with 100% at a slope of 15% or less, but floodplain status still matters because local floodplain regulations must meet state and federal minimums11,13. Farmland averages about $1,003 per acre, while the effective property-tax rate is about 0.5% and the median annual property-tax bill is about $52511. Confirm legal access too, especially where a proposed driveway meets a state highway12.

Watch-outs

  • Crowley County requires the Otero County Health Department septic permit before the building permit when a site needs septic, so do not leave wastewater approval until after house plans are complete1.
  • Crowley County's available materials do not confirm long-term RV occupancy, a general owner-builder exemption for a new home, minimum home size or universal setbacks; ask Planning & Zoning / Building Inspection about the parcel and project1,2,7.
  • A manufactured home must satisfy Crowley County Planning and Zoning regulations as well as the county building-permit process1.

Sources

13 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 10, 2026

  1. Requirements for a Crowley County Building Permit
  2. Crowley County Planning & Zoning / Building Inspection (crowleycounty.colorado.gov)
  3. Town of Ordway: Ordway Code Chapter 15.12—Building Permits (Crowley County)
  4. Town of Ordway: Ordway Town Code § 17.12.020—Single-family residential district (R-1) (Crowley County)
  5. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule)
  6. Water Administration (Colorado statewide rule)
  7. Colorado Revised Statutes 2026, Title 30, § 30-11-125 (Colorado statewide rule)
  8. Colorado Revised Statutes 2026, Title 12, § 12-115-116 (Colorado statewide rule)
  9. Colorado Revised Statutes 2025 Title 30 Government - County (Colorado statewide rule)
  10. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule)
  11. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  12. Access Permits | Frequently Asked Questions (Colorado statewide rule)
  13. SB24-179 Floodplain Management Program (Colorado statewide rule)

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Crowley County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleCrowley CountyOtero CountyBent CountyPueblo CountyKiowa CountyEl Paso CountyLincoln County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsOtero County Health Dept.County Env. Health ServicesCounty Public HealthPueblo Dept. of Public Health & Env.County Public HealthCounty Public HealthLincoln County

County locator

Crowley County in Colorado

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

How Crowley County scores

42 / 100 · #53 of 64 in Colorado · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion68100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1592% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability50100% ev.
Property Autonomy75100% ev.
Carry Cost87100% 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 →

$160kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$1,003Land / acre
12"Annual rain
41.7% of yrsSevere drought
30 / yr (+21.7)Mid-century 100°F days
35.4 daysMid-century dry spell
1" (+1.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.24×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,610Home insurance / yr
3.7% / yrInsurance growth
1.22%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
203,069People within 2 hr
3,451Radius comparison (15 mi)
7.2People / sq mi
0.6%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
50.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
251,850 acWorkable land screen
0.2%Wooded land
52.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Crowley 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 covered: Town of Crowley · Town of Olney Springs · Town of Sugar City

Answers from the rulebook for Crowley County

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

Crowley County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New stick-built construction, manufactured homes, and remodeling of existing structures in Crowley County.

    • If the site requires a septic system, a permit is required from the Otero County Health Department first.
    • Payment of use tax of 2% on all construction materials is required, payable at the Crowley County Clerk's Office.
    • Applicant must provide floor plans and project cost sheets.
    • For a new building site, addressing requirements must be obtained from the Crowley County Administration Office.
    • The Building Inspector issues the building permit after all listed requirements are met.
    • All manufactured homes moving into Crowley County must meet all County Planning and Zoning regulations.

    construction-material use tax: 2 percent (all construction materials)

    “REQUIREMENTS FOR A CROWLEY COUNTY BUILDING PERMIT For new stick built, manufactured homes, and remodeling of existing structures.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New stick-built construction, manufactured homes, and remodeling of existing structures in Crowley County.
      “REQUIREMENTS FOR A CROWLEY COUNTY BUILDING PERMIT For new stick built, manufactured homes, and remodeling of existing structures. [...] Building Permit will be issued by the Building Inspector after all above requirements are met.”
    • Required — New stick-built construction, manufactured homes, and remodeling of existing structures in Crowley County.
      “REQUIREMENTS FOR A CROWLEY COUNTY BUILDING PERMIT For new stick built, manufactured homes, and remodeling of existing structures.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Residential and commercial construction within Crowley County.

    • The county states that the listed codes are enforced for safety, durability, and efficiency of residential and commercial construction.
    • Minimum structural design values are snow load 20 pounds per square foot live load, combined live and dead load 30 pounds per square foot, frost depth 26 inches, and wind load 100 miles per hour basic wind speed.
    • The standards must be followed for all new construction and major renovations.

    International Building Code: 2018 Edition · International Residential Code: 2018 Edition · International Energy Conservation Code: 2018 Edition · snow load: 20 pounds per square foot live load · combined live and dead load: 30 pounds per square foot · frost depth: 26 inches · wind load: 100 miles per hour basic wind speed

    “Crowley County has officially adopted the following building codes: International Building Code (IBC), 2018 Edition; International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 Edition; International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 Edition.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Residential and commercial construction within Crowley County.
      “Crowley County has officially adopted the following building codes: International Building Code (IBC), 2018 Edition International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 Edition International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 Edition”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Residential and commercial construction within Crowley County.
      “Crowley County has officially adopted the following building codes:”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction and remodeling covered by Crowley County building requirements.

    • Foundation inspection occurs after trenches are excavated, forms erected, and foundation materials delivered, subject to the stated transit-mixed-concrete exception.
    • Concrete slab or under-floor inspection occurs after in-slab or under-floor service equipment is in place and before concrete is poured or floor sheathing is installed.
    • Frame inspection occurs after roof, framing, fire blocking, bracing, pipes, chimneys, and vents are complete and rough electrical, plumbing, and heating work is approved.
    • Lath and/or gypsum board inspection occurs after lathing and gypsum board are in place and before plastering or taping and finishing.
    • Final inspection occurs after finish grading and completion when the building is ready for occupancy.
    • Other inspections may apply; the building official may require additional inspections.
    • Re-inspection fees may be assessed for incomplete work, uncorrected deficiencies, improperly posted permit cards, unavailable approved plans, lack of access, or deviations from approved plans.
    • No additional inspection is performed until required re-inspection fees are paid.
    “1. FOUNDATION INSPECTION: To be made after trenches are excavated and forms erected and when all materials for the foundation are delivered on the job. [...] 5. FINAL INSPECTION: To be made after finish grading and the building is completed and ready for occupancy.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Permitted construction subject to Crowley County building inspection requirements.
      “5. FINAL INSPECTION: To be made after finish grading and the building is completed and ready for occupancy. [...] 5. Final inspection by Crowley County Building Inspector.”
    • Required — Permitted construction subject to Crowley County building inspection requirements.
      “Inspection Requirements 1. FOUNDATION INSPECTION: To be made after trenches are excavated and forms erected”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County Planning and Zoning regulations applicable within Crowley County.

    • The cited source does not specify whether incorporated municipalities administer separate zoning ordinances.
    “NOTE: All manufactured homes moving into Crowley County must meet all County Planning and Zoning regulations.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes moving into Crowley County.

    • All manufactured homes moving into Crowley County must meet County Planning and Zoning regulations.
    • The permit packet separately treats manufactured homes as covered by the building-permit requirements.
    “NOTE: All manufactured homes moving into Crowley County must meet all County Planning and Zoning regulations.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Septic permits for sites in Crowley County administered by Otero County Health Department.

    • The Otero County Health Department permit must be obtained first when the Crowley County site requires a septic system.
    • The Crowley County document identifies the rule as applying under the septic requirement for a Crowley County building permit.
    “OTERO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Serving Crowley and Otero Counties ON-SITE WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM PERMIT APPLICATION”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — On-site sewage disposal permitting and final inspection for sites in Crowley County administered by the Otero County Health Department.
      “If site requires a septic system, a permit is required from the Otero County Health Department first. [...] Final inspection on sewage disposal system from Otero County Health Department.”
    • Local (with conditions) — On-site sewage disposal permitting and final sewage-disposal inspection for sites in Crowley County.
      “If site requires a septic system, a permit is required from the Otero County Health Department first.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Sites in Crowley County that require a septic system.

    • The permit is required from the Otero County Health Department before the Crowley County building permit.
    • The source does not state that every site requires septic; it applies when the site requires a septic system.
    “If site requires a septic system, a permit is required from the Otero County Health Department first.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Construction projects in Crowley County using a sewage-disposal system.

    • A final inspection of the sewage-disposal system is required from the Otero County Health Department before the Crowley County project is complete.
    • The source distinguishes this sewage-disposal inspection from final electrical, plumbing, building-code, and Crowley County Building Inspector inspections.
    “REQUIREMENTS FOR FINAL INSPECTION [...] Final inspection on sewage disposal system from Otero County Health Department.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Sewage disposal systems associated with construction in Crowley County.
      “3. Final inspection on sewage disposal system from Otero County Health Department.”
    • Required — A Crowley County project using a sewage disposal system and proceeding to final inspection.
      “Final inspection on sewage disposal system from Otero County Health Department.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Crowley County building-permit-related charges and use tax.

    • A 2% use tax on all construction materials is required and paid at the County Clerk’s Office.
    • Credit-card transaction fees apply to Planning and Zoning and Building Inspection fees.
    • The county page directs applicants to contact the administration office to confirm the amount due and receive instructions.
    • A re-inspection fee may be assessed in the circumstances stated in the permit packet.

    construction materials use tax: 2 percent

    “Payment of use tax of 2% on all construction materials is required. Payment to be made at the Crowley County Clerk’s Office.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Crowley County building-permit application process.

    • For applicable new construction, manufactured homes, and remodeling, obtain any required Otero County Health Department septic permit first.
    • Pay 2% use tax on all construction materials at the County Clerk's Office.
    • Submit floor plans and project cost sheets.
    • Obtain addressing requirements for a new building site from the County Administration Office.
    • The Building Inspector issues the permit after the requirements are met.
    • Final completion requires state electrical and plumbing inspections, Otero County sewage-disposal inspection, completion under Crowley County Building Codes, and final Crowley County Building Inspector inspection.
    • If the project is not completed in six months, contact the County Clerk's Office regarding use tax and submit final itemized sheets with attached tickets.

    construction-material use tax: 2 percent (all construction materials)

    “Applicant must provide floor plans and project cost sheets. [...] Building Permit will be issued by the Building Inspector after all above requirements are met. [...] REQUIREMENTS FOR FINAL INSPECTION”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Crowley County building-permit application process.
      “Applicant must provide floor plans and project cost sheets. [...] Building Permit will be issued by the Building Inspector after all above requirements are met.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Crowley County building-permit application and issuance process.
      “Building Permit will be issued by the Building Inspector after all above requirements are met.”

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”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Public school buildings and structures of public schools, institute charter schools, charter schools, and junior colleges in Colorado.

    • The Board may not occupy or use the building or structure until the Division of Fire Prevention and Control or a Prequalified Building Department issues a Certificate of Occupancy or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
    • A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be issued only if immediate occupancy is required and appropriate inspections, including fire inspections, indicate no life-safety issues.
    • A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy expires ninety days after issuance; if it is not renewed and a permanent Certificate of Occupancy is not issued, the building must be vacated upon expiration.

    temporary certificate expiration: 90 days after date of issuance (If no renewal is issued and no permanent Certificate of Occupancy is issued, the building shall be vacated upon expiration.)

    “The Board shall not occupy or use a public school building or structure until a Certificate of Occupancy or a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy has been issued by Division, or the Prequalified Building Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    County zoning, developmental, use, aesthetic, or historical standards governing factory-built or manufactured housing and comparable existing or new site-built housing in a county specific use district.

    • The state rule permits, rather than itself establishes, county standards.
    • The standards must be applicable to existing similar housing or structures or new site-built housing within the county's specific use district.
    • The statewide source supplies no numeric minimum floor-space requirement.
    “Nothing in this subsection (3) prevents a county from enacting any zoning, developmental, use, aesthetic, or historical standard, including, but not limited to, requirements relating to permanent foundations, minimum floor space, unit size or sectional requirements, and improvement location, side yard, and setback standards to the extent that such standards or requirements are applicable to existing similar housing or structures or new site-built housing within the specific use district of the county.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    County zoning regulations for unincorporated Colorado; the state statute authorizes local district-specific lot-size rules but does not prescribe one statewide minimum.

    • Applies to portions of counties outside incorporated cities and towns.
    • Actual minimum lot sizes must be obtained from the applicable county zoning resolution and district map.
    • Colorado's official planning guidance states that most zoning decisions are driven by local governments, not the state.
    “Colorado is a “local control” state when it comes to land use planning authority (Local Government, 2012). This means that most land use decisions such as adoption of zoning and building codes are driven by local governments, not by the state.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    County zoning, developmental, use, aesthetic, or historical standards governing factory-built or manufactured housing and comparable existing or new site-built housing in a county specific use district.

    • The state rule permits, rather than itself establishes, county setback and side-yard standards.
    • The standards must be applicable to existing similar housing or structures or new site-built housing within the county's specific use district.
    • The statewide source supplies no numeric setback.
    “Nothing in this subsection (3) prevents a county from enacting any zoning, developmental, use, aesthetic, or historical standard, including, but not limited to, requirements relating to permanent foundations, minimum floor space, unit size or sectional requirements, and improvement location, side yard, and setback standards to the extent that such standards or requirements are applicable to existing similar housing or structures or new site-built housing within the specific use district of the county.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    County zoning plans for all or part of a county's unincorporated territory.

    • A county planning commission may make the zoning plan, and must do so when ordered by the board of county commissioners.
    • The provision concerns the unincorporated territory within a county.
    • The statewide source supplies no numeric maximum lot-coverage percentage.
    “The county planning commission of any county may, and upon order by the board of county commissioners in any county having a county planning commission shall, make a zoning plan for zoning all or any part of the unincorporated territory within such county, including both the full text of the zoning resolution and the maps, and representing the recommendations of the commission for the regulation by districts or zones of the location, height, bulk, and size of buildings and other structures, percentage of lot which may be occupied, the size of lots, courts, and other open spaces, the density and distribution of population, the location and use of buildings and structures for trade, industry, residence, recreation, public activities, or other purposes, access to sunlight for solar energy devices, and the uses of land for trade, industry, recreation, or other purposes.”
  • 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 homesLimited

    Tiny homes (on a permanent chassis) built under DOH rules, 8 CCR 1302-14, and used as long-term dwellings in Colorado

    • Applies to DOH-certified tiny homes on a permanent chassis; they are distinct from tiny houses (permanent or temporary foundation) and from RV park models.
    • Manufacturers must submit plans to DOH or an authorized third-party agency for approval before construction.
    • Tiny homes are certified for the specific site location and may be installed elsewhere only where design criteria are the same or less stringent.
    • Fire suppression and wildfire mitigation are per local jurisdiction.
    • The page does not address local zoning, which still governs where they may be sited; county/municipal zoning not researched here.
    “Every manufactured home, as defined by sections 24-32-3302(20), C.R.S., to include a “multi-family structure” as defined in Rule 1.18, or a tiny home as defined by section 24-32-3302(35), C.R.S., that is installed at a temporary or permanent location and is designed and commonly used for occupancy by persons for residential purposes, must display a certificate of installation (insignia) issued by the Division of Housing or an authorized party, certifying that the unit is installed in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions or the Manufactured Housing Installation Standards adopted by the Division in rules 2.12 through 2.15.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
  • Well permitRequired

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Buildings or structures used solely to shelter agricultural implements, farm products, livestock, or poultry, in a county designated area after that county has adopted a building code.

    • The county board is authorized to except these buildings or structures from its building code.
    • The exception applies only when the structure is used for the sole purpose stated in the statute.
    • The permit provision applies after county building-code adoption and in the designated area.
    • The county building-code authority applies outside incorporated cities and towns.
    “After the adoption of the building code, it shall be unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, or remodel any structure, dwelling, or building in the designated area, except buildings or structures used for the sole purpose of providing shelter for agricultural implements, farm products, livestock, or poultry without first obtaining a building permit from the county building inspector.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land and creation of interests subject to Colorado county subdivision law.

    • Divisions creating parcels of at least 35 acres each are excluded when none is intended for use by multiple owners.
    • Additional statutory exclusions include certain 35-acre-per-interest divisions, court or eminent-domain divisions, security instruments, investment entities, cemetery lots, severed mineral or water interests, certain joint-tenancy or tenancy-in-common interests, parcel combinations, contingent sale contracts, and cluster developments.
    • A board of county commissioners may exempt a division from the subdivision definition by rule, regulation, or resolution if it determines the division is not within the purposes of the subdivision statute.
    • Local county subdivision regulations and review procedures still determine administration.

    parcel-size exclusion: >= 35 acres (Each parcel must be at least 35 acres and none may be intended for use by multiple owners.) · minimum area per interest for listed exclusion: >= 35 acres per interest (Subject to the statutory exceptions and anti-evasion language.)

    “"Subdivision" or "subdivided land" means any parcel of land in the state which is to be used for condominiums, apartments, or any other multiple-dwelling units, unless such land when previously subdivided was accompanied by a filing which complied with the provisions of this part 1 with substantially the same density, or which is divided into two or more parcels, separate interests, or interests in common, unless exempted under paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of this subsection (10).”
  • 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 staysLimited

    Camping occupancy in Colorado state parks, including a motorized vehicle towing a camping trailer.

    • All Colorado state parks are reservation only.
    • The maximum stay is 14 days per park during any 28-day period; a violation may result in a citation, removal from the park, and retention of camping fees.
    • One camping unit with up to six people is allowed per campsite. More than six people require another booked site.
    • An allowable combination is one motorized vehicle towing a camping trailer and one tent if space allows; if space permits, one additional passenger vehicle and/or motorcycle may be parked at the campsite.
    • Colorado describes most land-use decisions, including adoption of zoning, as driven by local governments rather than the state; this state-park rule does not establish private-land RV occupancy rules.

    maximum stay: 14 days (per park during any 28-day period) · lookback period: 28 days (for the per-park maximum stay) · maximum people per campsite: <= 6 people (one camping unit)

    “There is a 14-day maximum stay allowed per park during any 28-day period.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Allowed (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.
      “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”
    • Limited — Temporary camping in Colorado state parks.
      “One camping unit with up to six people is allowed per campsite.”
    • Limited — Tiny homes on a permanent chassis (as defined by the Colorado Division of Housing), as distinct from tiny houses on a foundation and RV park models
      “tiny homes are approved for long-term use similar to modulars, hud code homes, and mobile homes.”
  • 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.

  • Local zoning — Local zoning within incorporated municipalities and other subordinate local jurisdictions in Crowley County.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning-district map or district schedule for Crowley County.
  • Living in an RV — RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Crowley County
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Crowley 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.

Living off-grid in Crowley County, Colorado

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

Crowley County scores 42/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 12″ of rain a year, in severe drought 41.7% of years.

How much does land cost in Crowley County, Colorado?

Land in Crowley County runs about $1,003 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Crowley County?

Crowley County gets about 12" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 41.7% of years.

How remote is Crowley County?

A typical private-land location has about 3,451 people within 15 miles and 3,226,087 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Crowley compares in Colorado

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