Bolthole Index

Logan County, Colorado

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Logan County, Colorado

51Index Score / 100
#36 of 64 in Colorado

Unincorporated Logan County, Colorado requires a building permit for a new home through the county's Planning, Zoning and Building Department in Sterling12. County zoning controls land use, lot size, building height and setbacks by district, and occupied buildings generally require a final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy34. Septic permits come separately from the Northeast Colorado Health Department56.

At a glance

Building permit
Required; issued by the Logan County Planning, Zoning and Building Department12
Zoning
County zoning regulates unincorporated land by district78
Septic permit
Required; issued by the Northeast Colorado Health Department in Sterling96
Floodplain permit
Required for development in a mapped flood hazard area; issued by the county's Planning, Zoning and Building Department1011
Driveway / road access
County right-of-way driveway requests go through Planning and Zoning and cost $50; direct state-highway access needs a separate CDOT permit1213
Well permit
Required statewide for any new well that diverts groundwater, through the Colorado Division of Water Resources14
Tiny home
State approval and local zoning compliance are required for long-term residential use15
Owner-builder exemption
Not documented for Logan County; nothing on the county's own site states one16

Who to call

Building permits

Logan County Planning, Zoning and Building Department

Building permits and inspections, zoning administration, floodplain development permits, and right-of-way permits for driveway/road access onto county roads in unincorporated Logan County

970-522-7879

315 Main Street, Suite 2, Sterling, CO 80751

Zoning

Logan County Planning, Zoning and Building Department (Zoning)

Zoning regulations, variance applications, zoning change applications, and zoning use permits for unincorporated Logan County

Floodplain permits

Logan County Planning, Zoning and Building Department (Floodplain)

Floodplain development permit applications for unincorporated Logan County

Roads & driveways

Logan County Planning, Zoning and Building Department (Right of Way Permits)

Right-of-way permit applications for work or access on county-maintained roads

Septic permits

Northeast Colorado Health Department (NCHD) - Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Program

Onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS/septic) permits, inspections, and real-estate transfer inspections for Logan County

(877) 795-0646

700 Columbine Street, Sterling, Colorado 80751

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 Logan County, Colorado?

Yes. Logan County requires a building permit for construction in unincorporated areas through the county's Planning, Zoning and Building Department in Sterling1. Site-built work receives footer, foundation, framing, drywall and final inspections; agricultural buildings, oil and gas operations, and some utilities are excepted from required county inspections but may be inspected on request17. Electrical and plumbing inspections are performed by the State of Colorado, and county inspection requests generally need at least 24 hours' notice18. A new building generally cannot be occupied until the county completes its final inspection and issues a Certificate of Occupancy; accessory structures are excepted19. Reach the department at 970-522-7879 or visit 315 Main Street, Suite 2, in Sterling2.

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

The Logan County Planning, Zoning and Building Department is at 315 Main Street, Suite 2, in Sterling2. Office hours are 8 to 5 Monday through Friday except holidays2. Call 970-522-78792. The department's official page provides building, zoning-use, variance, floodplain-development and right-of-way applications2201021. Published county fees vary by application; a county right-of-way driveway request costs $50 and goes through Planning and Zoning to the Board of County Commissioners2212. Some zoning-use applications require submission at least 20 days before the Board of Adjustment hearing, plus public, posted and nearby-owner notice, so ask the department which review path applies before setting a construction schedule23.

Does Logan County have zoning?

Yes. Logan County zoning applies outside incorporated cities and regulates unincorporated land by district; municipal zoning may apply inside a city38. The published districts are EP, A, RE, RS, RM, CH, CC and I, and the use grid classifies uses as by right, conditional or subject to a special-use permit24. Minimum lot size, setbacks and height limits vary by district and use252627. A zoning permit is also required before a utility is built, installed, hooked up or placed in service unless an approved variance applies28. Ask the Planning, Zoning and Building Department to identify the parcel's district and applicable use and dimensional standards before fixing a site plan20.

How do septic permits work in Logan County?

Any building in Logan County that creates wastewater flow and is not connected to a city sewer system needs an onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS), or septic, permit from the Northeast Colorado Health Department, and any new system or repair of an existing one requires that permit before work begins69. NCHD's office for this program is at 700 Columbine Street in Sterling, reachable at (877) 795-06466. Soils here are relatively favorable by the standards of this dataset: about 43.9% of Logan County's soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, well above many rural counties, though that still leaves more than half the county where a standard system may not work and a site evaluation matters29. Colorado law backs this permit requirement statewide: no one may construct, alter, install or use an OWTS without first applying for and receiving a permit from the local public health agency, and a final inspection is required before the system can be placed in use3031. A building permit for a home not served by a sewage treatment works cannot move forward until the OWTS permit is issued, and occupancy approval waits on the final septic inspection, so plan your septic application early32.

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

Colorado permits a Division of Housing-approved tiny home to be used as a long-term residence only after its plans receive state approval and the home complies with local zoning15. We could not confirm a Logan County rule that clearly resolves tiny-home or private-land RV occupancy, so ask the Planning, Zoning and Building Department about the parcel's district before placing either unit20. In specified districts, a manufactured home used as temporary living quarters while a permitted house is built requires a Zoning Use Permit; the permit expires after 365 days unless renewed in exceptional circumstances, and the unit must be removed within 30 days after the house receives its Certificate of Occupancy33. County rules separately limit stays in regulated camping areas to three consecutive months, but that provision does not establish a general right to camp on any private parcel34.

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

  1. Confirm the parcel's zoning district, allowed residential use, minimum lot size and setbacks with the Logan County Planning, Zoning and Building Department at 970-522-787922526.
  1. Apply to the Northeast Colorado Health Department for an OWTS permit if the home will not connect to municipal sewer; building approval and occupancy depend on septic approval and final inspection632.
  1. Apply to the Colorado Division of Water Resources if the project needs a new groundwater well14.
  1. Submit the building-permit application and determine whether flood-hazard-area development also requires county floodplain approval135.
  1. Submit a county right-of-way driveway request through Planning and Zoning, or obtain a separate CDOT permit for direct state-highway access1213.
  1. Schedule county inspections and the final OWTS inspection, then obtain the Certificate of Occupancy before moving in17314.

What to check before you buy land in Logan County

Confirm the zoning district and allowed use before buying because Logan County applies district-specific use, setback, height and minimum-lot-size standards8252627. A proposed land split may require one of the county's published subdivision review processes36. Arrange a septic evaluation because only 43.9% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field29. Check the flood map because development in a county flood-hazard area requires a permit35. Confirm legal and physical access because county right-of-way driveway requests need approval12. Logan County receives about 16.2 inches of precipitation annually and experiences severe drought in about 19.3% of years, making water planning especially important3738.

Watch-outs

  • Logan County has adopted zoning outside incorporated cities, so do not assume a rural parcel is unrestricted; confirm the district and its use, setback and dimensional rules before planning a build78.
  • We could not confirm a general right to live in an RV on rural Logan County land; ask the Planning, Zoning and Building Department before relying on RV occupancy20.
  • Only 43.9% of Logan County's soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so budget for a site evaluation before assuming a standard system will work29.

Sources

  1. Logan County Planning, Zoning and Building Department (2026 county census)
  2. Logan County Planning, Zoning and Building Department (logancounty.colorado.gov)
  3. Logan County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  4. Logan County Inspection Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  5. Northeast Colorado Health Department On-site Wastewater Treatment System Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  6. Northeast Colorado Health Department (NCHD) - Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Program (nchd.org)
  7. Logan County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  8. Logan County Zoning Use Grid, quoted and re-checked
  9. Northeast Colorado Health Department - OWTS (2026 county census)
  10. Logan County Planning, Zoning and Building Department (Floodplain) (logancounty.colorado.gov)
  11. SB24-179 Floodplain Management Program (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Logan County Right of Way Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  13. Access Permits | Frequently Asked Questions (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Water Administration (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. (2026 county census)
  17. Logan County Inspection Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  18. Logan County Inspection Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  19. Logan County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  20. Logan County Planning, Zoning and Building Department (Zoning) (logancounty.colorado.gov)
  21. Logan County Planning, Zoning and Building Department (Right of Way Permits) (logancounty.colorado.gov)
  22. Planning and Zoning Applications, quoted and re-checked
  23. Zoning Use Permit Application Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  24. Logan County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  25. Logan County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  26. Logan County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  27. Logan County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  28. Logan County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  29. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  30. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  32. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  33. Logan County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  34. Logan County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  35. Logan County Flood Plain Development Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  36. Planning and Zoning Applications, quoted and re-checked
  37. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data

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

Logan County in Colorado

51
County map
Logan County highlighted among the Colorado counties · colored by Index score

How Logan County scores

Seclusion84100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency23100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability43100% ev.
Property Autonomy75100% ev.
Carry Cost85100% 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 →

$259kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$2,141Land / acre
16.2"Annual rain
19.3% of yrsSevere drought
16 / yr (+13.4)Mid-century 100°F days
24.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.09" (+5.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.29×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,967Home insurance / yr
3.9% / yrInsurance growth
1.81%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
88,060People within 2 hr
3,235Radius comparison (15 mi)
11.2People / sq mi
0.4%Federal land
95.8%Land at 15% slope or less
43.9%Septic soil without severe limits
475,499 acWorkable land screen
0.6%Wooded land
24.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
50.4°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Logan County

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

Logan County rules

  • InspectionsLimited

    County building inspections for site-built, storage/garage, factory-built-home, and roofing work in unincorporated Logan County.

    • Inspections are not required for agricultural buildings, oil and gas operations, and some utilities, but may be performed upon request.
    • Electrical and plumbing inspections are performed by the State of Colorado, not the county.
    • Inspections must generally be requested at least 24 hours in advance.

    inspection notice: >= 24 hours

    “Inspections are not required for agricultural buildings, oil and gas operations, and some utilities, but can be inspected upon request.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — County building inspections in unincorporated Logan County.
      “Inspections are not required for agricultural buildings, oil and gas operations, and some utilities, but can be inspected upon request. Site Built Construction Inspections 1. Footer 2. Foundation 3. Framing 4. Drywall 5. Final with Certificate of Occupancy”
    • Required — Site-built and factory-built construction inspections in unincorporated Logan County.
      “Inspections are not required for agricultural buildings, oil and gas operations, and some utilities, but can be inspected upon request.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Occupancy of new buildings under the Logan County Zoning Resolution.

    • Accessory structures are excepted.
    • The certificate is issued after notice of completion and final inspection.
    • The inspection must determine conformance with the zoning resolution.

    issuance period: 5 days (After notification of completion and final inspection.)

    “No new building except accessory structures shall hereinafter be occupied or used without a Certificate of Occupancy which has been issued by the Zoning Administrator.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New buildings other than accessory structures and inspected construction in unincorporated Logan County.
      “Structures cannot be occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land-use zoning in unincorporated Logan County.

    • The county zoning resolution applies outside the jurisdictional limits of incorporated cities.
    • Municipal zoning may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    “WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners is empowered to regulate land use in Logan County outside the jurisdictional limits of any incorporated city,”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulation in unincorporated Logan County.
      “A resolution and map establishing Zoning Districts in Logan County, Colorado, regulating the location, height, bulk and size of buildings and other structures within the territorial jurisdiction of Logan County; regulating the percentage of lot which may be occupied; the size of lots, courts and other open space, the density and distribution of population, and the location and use of land for trade, industry, recreation, or other uses; dividing said areas of zoning jurisdiction into districts; and providing for the amending and enforcing of this resolution and penalties for its violation.”
    • Present — County zoning regulation outside incorporated cities in Logan County.
      “WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners is empowered to regulate land use in Logan County outside the jurisdictional limits of any incorporated city,”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-administered zoning in unincorporated Logan County; incorporated municipalities may administer their own land-use rules.

    • Specific uses depend on the applicable zoning district and may require zoning-use, conditional-use, or special-use approval.
    “No structure or land shall hereafter be used or occupied and no structure or part thereof shall be erected, moved or altered unless in conformity with the regulations herein specified for the District in which it is located.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County-administered zoning in unincorporated Logan County.
      “No structure or land shall hereafter be used or occupied and no structure or part thereof shall be erected, moved or altered unless in conformity with the regulations herein specified for the District in which it is located. [...] In order to carry out the purposes of this Resolution, Logan County is hereby divided into the following districts:”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Logan County zoning districts and zoning map for unincorporated county jurisdiction.

    • The zoning resolution identifies EP, A, RE, RS, RM, CH, CC, and I districts.
    • The official zoning map is incorporated into the resolution.
    “In order to carry out the purposes of this Resolution, Logan County is hereby divided into the following districts:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Published Logan County zoning districts and use schedules.
      “In order to carry out the purposes of this Resolution, Logan County is hereby divided into the following districts: EP - Environmental Protection A - Agricultural RE - Residential Estate RS - Residential Suburban RM - Residential – Multiple Family CH - Commercial Highway CC - Commercial Center I - Industrial”
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning districts and use classifications in unincorporated Logan County.
      “Legend: RE - Residential Estate, RS - Residential Suburban, RM - Residential Multi-Family, CC - Commercial Center, CH - Commerial Highway, I - Industrial, EP - Environmental Protection, A - Agricultural”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Minimum lot size and minimum lot size per dwelling unit under Logan County zoning districts.

    • The zoning resolution identifies Sections 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 as bulk requirements; district-specific numeric provisions and exceptions vary by district.
    • Atwood zoning provisions include a 35-acre minimum lot size and Rural Residential Atwood provisions include a one-half-acre minimum for new development.

    Atwood minimum lot size: 35 acres (Atwood Agricultural District.) · Rural Residential Atwood minimum lot size: 0.5 acre (New RRA development; existing smaller developed lots may continue unabated.)

    “the minimum lot size shall be one-half (1/2) acre. This requirement applies to new “RRA” development on or after the date of adoption of this Section.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Pre-existing lots and construction governed by Logan County zoning setbacks.

    • For the cited pre-existing lots, setbacks are front 30 feet, back 20 feet, and side 10 feet, unless recorded deed covenants provide different applicable requirements.
    • State sewer and water regulations also apply.

    front setback: 30 feet (unless recorded deed covenants apply) · back setback: 20 feet (unless recorded deed covenants apply) · side setback: 10 feet (unless recorded deed covenants apply)

    “such lots may be occupied according to the permitted uses provided for the district in which the lot is located, if building setback requirements of Front – 30 feet, Back – 20 feet, and Side – 10 feet are met, or if setback requirements contained in recorded deed covenants for the lot are met.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Yard and setback requirements in Logan County zoning districts.
      “Front Yard: (A) Farm related buildings: 45 feet from the edge of public road easements for buildings. (B) Other permitted uses: 20 feet from the edge of public road easements.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Minimum setbacks from lot lines and district-specific yard requirements.
      “Farm related buildings: 45 feet from the edge of public road easements for buildings.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Lot-coverage controls in Logan County zoning districts.

    • The zoning resolution regulates the percentage of a lot that may be occupied; district-specific numeric requirements were not fully extracted.
    “regulating the percentage of lot which may be occupied; the size of lots, courts and other open space, the density and distribution of population”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Public, semi-public, public-service buildings, hospitals, institutions, schools, and churches when permitted in a Logan County zoning district.

    • The cited limits apply when the use is permitted in the district.
    • Other height rules and exemptions in the zoning resolution may apply.

    maximum height for public/semi-public/public-service buildings, hospitals, institutions, or schools: <= 60 feet · maximum height for churches: <= 75 feet

    “Public, semi-public, or public service buildings, hospitals, institutions, or schools, when permitted in a district, may be erected to a height no exceeding sixty (60) feet, and churches may be erected to a height not exceeding seventy five (75) feet,”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Building-height controls in Logan County zoning districts.
      “regulating the location, height, bulk and size of buildings and other structures within the territorial jurisdiction of Logan County”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    County-regulated camping areas in unincorporated Logan County.

    • The camping area must supply spaces for recreational travel trailers, camper vehicles, or tent camping.
    • Travel trailers and camper vehicles may not exceed 40 feet in length and 8 feet in width.
    • Accommodation is limited to three consecutive months.
    • A Camping Area Permit must be conspicuously posted.

    maximum trailer/camper length: <= 40 feet · maximum trailer/camper width: <= 8 feet · maximum accommodation period: <= 3 months (consecutive)

    “The terms of accommodation for any travel trailer or camper vehicle within the camping area shall be limited to three (3) months.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home occupancy in county zoning districts, including agricultural and specified Atwood districts.

    • A Zoning Use Permit is required for specified manufactured-home uses.
    • An employee/family manufactured home in an Agricultural District requires a farm principal use at or above 40 acres and no space offered for rent.
    • Temporary manufactured-home living quarters must be removed within 30 days after issuance of the new home's Certificate of Occupancy.
    • The temporary ZUP expires after 365 days but may be renewed in exceptional circumstances.

    farm parcel threshold: >= 40 acres (Agricultural District employee/family manufactured home.) · removal deadline: 30 days (After issuance of the new home's Certificate of Occupancy.) · temporary ZUP duration: 365 days (May be renewed in exceptional circumstances.)

    “Manufactured home for an employee and their family based upon the principle use as a farm at or above forty (40) acres in size with no space offered for rent.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Manufactured-home occupancy and temporary manufactured-home placement in county zoning districts.
      “The manufactured home must be removed within thirty (30) days of the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the building official. In the case of a ZUP permit for temporary living quarters as established herein, the ZUP expires 365 days after issuance in all cases, but may be renewed under exceptional circumstances.”
    • Limited — Temporary manufactured-home occupancy in specified Logan County zoning districts.
      “The ZUP permit expires 365 days after issuance in all cases, but may be renewed in exceptional circumstances.”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    On-site wastewater treatment systems in Logan County within the Northeast Colorado Health Department jurisdiction.

    • The regulations cover Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma Counties.
    • Colorado Regulation 43 is incorporated, with additional or more stringent local requirements.
    “These requirements have been adopted by the Northeast Colorado Board of Health pursuant to and under authority contained in the On-site Wastewater Treatment System Act, 25-10-101, et seq. C.R.S. and has designated the Northeast Colorado Health Department to implement these regulations on behalf of the Board of Health.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Utility construction, installation, hookup, or service to structures in Logan County.

    • A permit from the Zoning Administrator is required before a utility is constructed, installed, hooked up, or provides service.
    • The proposal must conform to the zoning resolution unless a variance has been granted.
    “No utility of any type shall be constructed in any location in Logan County; not shall any utility be installed, “hooked up,” or provide service to any structure until a permit has been issued by the Zoning Administrator;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Construction, installation, hookup, or service connection of utilities to structures in Logan County.
      “No utility of any type shall be constructed in any location in Logan County; not shall any utility be installed, “hooked up,” or provide service to any structure until a permit has been issued by the Zoning Administrator;”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and qualifying subdivision exemptions in Logan County.

    • A subdivision exemption may apply to one additional lot under 35 acres with a remaining lot over 35 acres, subject to no more than one prior exemption and consolidated legal access.
    • The application must be received at least 60 days before the Planning Commission hearing.

    advance filing period: >= 60 days (before regularly scheduled Planning Commission hearing) · remaining lot size: > 35 acres (subdivision exemption condition)

    “A Subdivision Exemption, exempting the Applicant from the improvement and design requirements of the Logan County Subdivision Regulations, may be applied for in certain cases of land division involving one additional lot of less than 35 acres and a remaining lot of over 35 acres, where no more than one previous subdivision exemption has been granted.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and subdivision-exemption processes administered through Logan County Planning and Zoning.
      “Preliminary Subdivision Application Subdivision Exemption Application Subdivision Regulations (PDF)”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway access requests involving Logan County rights-of-way in Logan County, Colorado.

    • Applications must be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Department for review and submission to the Board of County Commissioners for approval.
    • The application must be received by noon on Thursday to be placed on the following Tuesday Commissioner's Agenda.
    • Logan County Commissioners meet the first, third and fifth Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m., unless otherwise advertised.
    • A copy of the application is forwarded to the Logan County Road & Bridge Department, which may inspect work in County rights-of-way before, during, or after completion.
    • The listed driveway-access fee is $50.00.
    • Work before permit approval doubles fees, except in an approved emergency.
    • Special circumstances may cause additional fees considered case-by-case and approved by the Logan County Commissioners.
    • The application document is marked Revised 10/2025; that revision stamp is not treated as an effective date.

    driveway access fee: 50 USD · application deadline for following Tuesday agenda: noon Thursday · commissioner meeting schedule: first, third and fifth Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. (unless otherwise advertised) · fee multiplier for work before permit approval: 2 times (except in an approved emergency)

    “Applications must be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Department for review and submission to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. [...] REQUEST FEES [...] Driveway Access $50.00”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Driveway access and related work in Logan County rights-of-way.
      “Applications must be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Department for review and submission to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. [...] Driveway Access $50.00”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development projects in Logan County flood hazard areas subject to county floodplain regulations.

    • Proposed floodway development requires evidence that no rise will occur or a Conditional Letter of Map Revision before a local floodplain permit can be issued.
    • Residential lowest floors and specified equipment must be elevated one foot above the Base Flood Elevation.
    • Substantial improvements are those costing 50 percent or more of pre-construction market value and must be brought into full compliance.

    residential elevation above base flood elevation: 1 foot · substantial-improvement threshold: >= 50 percent (of market value before construction)

    “Permits are required to ensure that proposed development projects meet the requirements of the NFIP and these floodplain management regulations.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Planning, zoning, right-of-way, subdivision, and related county permit fees.

    • The county publishes fee schedules and individual application fees; fees vary by permit type and may include additional case-by-case charges.

    driveway access fee: 50 USD (right-of-way request)

    “REQUEST FEES Crossing (Bores) $100.00 Crossing (Trench) 1 $200.00 Driveway Access $50.00”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Logan County Zoning Use Permit applications.

    • Application materials must be received at least 20 days before the regularly scheduled Board of Adjustment hearing.
    • The applicant or representative must attend the hearing.
    • A public-hearing notice is published 14 days before the hearing; the applicant posts a sign 14 days before the hearing; adjacent landowners within 500 feet receive written notice.
    • The same use may not be reapplied for on the same plot within six months after a final decision or denial.

    minimum filing lead time: >= 20 days (before regularly scheduled hearing) · adjacent-owner notice radius: 500 feet · reapplication waiting period: 6 months (same use and same plot or lots)

    “This application and required items must be received by the Planning and Zoning Department at least 20 days prior to the regularly scheduled Board of Adjustment Hearing.”

Colorado rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, including adding previously unlicensed space to a Health Facility license, or operational permits for a Colorado-licensed Health Facility located in a jurisdiction with no local Building Department.

    • The Division is responsible for issuing the building permit when no local Building Department exists.
    • Limited Scope Project permits may be used instead of an individual Building, Fire, or Life Safety Code permit for projects identified by the Division.
    • Permit issuance is contingent upon review and approval by the Fire Code Official.
    • The determination of when a building permit is required is based on International Building Code Section 105 requirements, except Sections 105.1.1 and 105.1.2.
    • Substantial changes to the project scope, including adding square footage, require a new permit application.
    • Once all corrections identified through code review are satisfactorily addressed, the Division will issue the permit.

    building permit determination: International Building Code Section 105, except Sections 105.1.1 and 105.1.2 (Substantial changes to project scope require a new permit application.)

    “Under these circumstances, the Division will issue the applicable Building Permits and associated Certificates of Occupancy”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Construction, renovation, emergency, cash-funded, or in-house-funded projects involving Colorado state buildings and administered through the Department of Personnel and Administration/Office of the State Architect.
      “State Buildings Program (SBP) is responsible for establishing minimum building codes for all construction by state agencies [...] Colorado has no statewide building code”
  • 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.”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

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

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

    foundation types: permanent or temporary

    “Tiny homes are approved for long term living”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

    Construction, alteration, installation, repair, or use of an OWTS statewide when the building or structure is not serviced by a sewage treatment works.

    • The permit is issued by the applicable local public health agency under local board-of-health rules.
    • A person may not construct, alter, install, or permit use of an OWTS without first applying for and receiving the required permit.
    • Local boards of health may prohibit OWTS permits in defined areas where additional systems may create a public-health or water-quality hazard.
    “Constructs, alters, installs, or permits the use of any on-site wastewater treatment system without first applying for and receiving a permit as required under this article;”
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from county building-permit requirements.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Logan County zoning districts.
  • Living in an RV — RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Logan County.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from Logan County permits or zoning.

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 Logan 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 ↗

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 Logan County, Colorado

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

Logan County scores 51/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and deep seclusion — about 3,235 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: thin water margin (16.2″/yr rainfall).

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

Logan County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Northeast Colorado Health Department (NCHD). 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 Logan County, Colorado?

Land in Logan County runs about $2,141 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Logan County?

Logan County gets about 16.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 19.3% of years. On water rights, Logan 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 Logan County?

A typical private-land location has about 3,235 people within 15 miles and 327,295 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Logan compares in Colorado

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