Bolthole Index

Moffat County, Colorado

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

53Index Score / 100
#31 of 64 in Colorado

Moffat County, Colorado requires building permits for structures larger than 200 square feet and uses the Craig/Moffat Regional Building Department for permit administration12. County zoning also applies, with permitted uses, setbacks and lot standards determined by the parcel's district3. Septic systems require a county permit and engineering4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for structures larger than 200 square feet, with limited exemptions1
Zoning
Yes; uses, setbacks and lot standards vary by district35
Septic
County permit and an engineered system required64
RV living
Private-land occupancy rule not confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning7
Tiny home
State-approved units still must satisfy local zoning8
Owner-builder
Available when the owner occupies the dwelling and personally buys materials and performs labor9
Private well
A state Division of Water Resources permit is required for every new groundwater well10

Who to call

Building permits

Craig/Moffat Regional Building Department

Building and septic permits, plan review, inspections and certificates of occupancy

970-826-2013

[email protected]

Zoning

Moffat County Planning & Zoning Department

Zoning districts, permitted uses, setbacks, parcel-size rules and land-use applications

(970) 824-9148

[email protected]

1198 W. Victory Way, Ste. 107 Craig, CO 81625

Roads & driveways

Moffat County Road and Bridge Department

Driveway permits for access from or affecting Moffat County roads

822 E. 1st Street

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

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

Yes. Moffat County requires a building permit for a structure larger than 200 square feet, a fence higher than 6 feet or a retaining wall greater than 4 feet1. The county administers the 2018 International Codes11. A building used exclusively to shelter agricultural implements, farm and ranch products, livestock or poultry may qualify for an agricultural exemption, but storage for passenger or recreational vehicles, unrelated construction equipment and workshops does not qualify12. Before occupying a completed home or business, the owner must obtain a certificate of occupancy; the basic conditions include approved electrical and sewage systems, working plumbing and heat, a posted address and no hazardous condition in the occupied area13.

Who is the Moffat County building department, and how do you reach it?

The Craig/Moffat Regional Building Department handles Moffat County building-permit information and also issues county septic permits1415. Call 970-826-2013 or email [email protected]; published office hours are 8:00 AM-5:00 PM15. The Planning & Zoning Department is the separate first stop for a parcel's district, allowed uses, setbacks and land-use applications7. Its office is at 1198 W. Victory Way, Ste. 107 Craig, CO 81625, and its phone number is (970) 824-91487. For a driveway that connects to or affects a county road, the Road and Bridge Department issues the required permit from 822 E. 1st Street1617.

Does Moffat County have zoning?

Yes. The Moffat County Zoning Resolution covers county zoning requirements, while the rules for uses, setbacks, lot size, conditional uses, variances and zone changes depend on the applicable district3. For example, the Agriculture District has a 5-acre minimum lot size, while the Rural Residential District requires 3 acres with individual water and septic, 2 acres with either community water or sewage, and 1 acre with both community water and sewage18. Dwelling-size rules also vary by district; the cited district provision sets a 200-square-foot minimum rather than establishing one countywide minimum19. Setbacks are likewise district-specific, so have Planning & Zoning confirm the parcel's designation and standards before choosing a building site57.

How do septic permits work in Moffat County?

Moffat County requires a septic permit, charges a $100 permit fee and requires septic systems to be engineered; the Craig/Moffat Regional Building Department issues the permit46. The building application plot plan must show the well, septic system, proposed construction and property-line distances, with at least 100 feet between a well and the septic system or leach field20. Colorado also requires a final on-site wastewater inspection after permitted work is complete and before the system is used, and approval is required before an OWTS-served building receives occupancy approval21. Only 23.2% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so site suitability and engineering can materially shape the project22.

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

We could not confirm a countywide Moffat County rule for long-term RV occupancy or private-land camping, so ask Planning & Zoning about the specific parcel and proposed duration before moving an RV onto the site7. The agricultural building exemption does not turn RV storage or use into an exempt agricultural purpose12. Colorado approves qualifying tiny homes for long-term living on permanent or temporary foundations, but plans must receive state approval before construction and the unit must still satisfy local zoning8. Moffat County's minimum dwelling area is district-specific, with a cited 200-square-foot standard in specified districts rather than one rule for every parcel19. Confirm the zoning district, allowed dwelling type and occupancy path with Planning & Zoning before ordering a unit7.

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

  1. Ask Planning & Zoning to identify the parcel's district, allowed residential use, minimum lot size and setbacks37.
  2. Confirm legal access; a driveway affecting a county road requires a Road and Bridge permit, while direct access to a state highway requires a CDOT access permit1623.
  3. Apply to the state Division of Water Resources before drilling a new groundwater well10.
  4. Have the septic system engineered and obtain the $100 county septic permit4.
  5. Submit a signed building application, two sets of building plans and a plot plan showing buildings, well, septic, proposed work and property-line distances20.
  6. Complete required inspections and obtain the certificate of occupancy before moving into the home13.

What should you check before buying land in Moffat County?

Start with water, septic feasibility, legal access, zoning and flood exposure. Every new groundwater well needs a state permit, while county septic permitting requires engineering104. The county averages 14.9 inches of precipitation annually and has experienced severe drought in 26.5% of years, so verify the realistic water source and yield before relying on a homesite2425. About 51.9% of the land has a slope of 15% or less, and only 23.2% of soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field2622. About 57.2% of Moffat County is federal land, so verify recorded access rather than assuming an adjoining public route serves the parcel27. Floodplain development standards apply where mapped hazards affect the site; ask the building office to confirm the local review path2815.

Watch-outs

  • A building used to store recreational vehicles or to serve as a workshop does not qualify for Moffat County's agricultural building-permit exemption12.
  • Only 23.2% of Moffat County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, and the county requires engineered septic systems224.
  • Moffat County requires a certificate of occupancy before anyone moves into a home or business13.
  • We could not confirm the county's private-land RV occupancy rule; ask Planning & Zoning before using an RV as a residence7.

Sources

  1. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building Permit Information (2026 county census)
  3. Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  4. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  5. Moffat County Zoning Resolution Section 400—District Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  6. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  7. Moffat County Planning & Zoning Department (moffatcounty.colorado.gov)
  8. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  10. Water Administration (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  12. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  13. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Permit Information (2026 county census)
  15. Craig/Moffat Regional Building Department (moffatcounty.colorado.gov)
  16. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  17. Moffat County Road and Bridge Department (moffatcounty.colorado.gov)
  18. Moffat County Zoning Resolution Section 400—District Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  19. Moffat County Zoning Resolution Section 400—District Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  20. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  21. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  23. Access Permits | Frequently Asked Questions (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  28. SB24-179 Floodplain Management Program (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written September 27, 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

Moffat County in Colorado

53
County map
Moffat County highlighted among the Colorado counties · colored by Index score

How Moffat County scores

Seclusion85100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency23100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability47100% ev.
Property Autonomy75100% ev.
Carry Cost86100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$308kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$1,560Land / acre
14.9"Annual rain
26.5% of yrsSevere drought
1.2 / yr (+1.1)Mid-century 100°F days
22.3 daysMid-century dry spell
0.76" (+5.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.19×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,219Home insurance / yr
3% / yrInsurance growth
1.33%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
494Radius comparison (15 mi)
2.8People / sq mi
57.2%Federal land
51.9%Land at 15% slope or less
23.2%Septic soil without severe limits
600,761 acWorkable land screen
13.8%Wooded land
14.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
44.4°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Moffat County

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

Moffat County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Structures and specified site improvements in Moffat County subject to the county building department.

    • Permits are required for structures larger than 200 square feet.
    • Permits are required for fences higher than 6 feet.
    • Permits are required for retaining walls greater than 4 feet.
    • Buildings used exclusively for agricultural purposes as defined under Section 510 of the Moffat County Zoning Resolution are exempt.
    • The agricultural exemption does not include buildings used for passenger vehicles, recreational vehicles, equipment, construction tools and equipment not directly related to agriculture, or workshops.

    structure area threshold: > 200 sq ft · fence height threshold: > 6 ft · retaining wall height threshold: > 4 ft

    “Building permits are required for all structures larger than 200 square feet, fences higher than 6 feet, and retaining walls greater than 4 feet.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A bona fide owner performing work personally in a single-family dwelling, including accessory buildings and quarters connected to the dwelling, where a City of Craig or Moffat County permit is required.

    • The structure must be occupied by the owner.
    • The owner must personally purchase all material.
    • The owner must personally perform all labor.
    • If the owner hires a contractor, the contractor must have the applicable City or County license.
    • The cited page states this applies to one- and two-family dwellings; commercial properties require a properly licensed contractor.
    “the owner shall personally purchase all material and shall personally perform all labor for the project.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Moffat County building-code administration.

    • The county page identifies the adopted codes as the 2018 International Codes; code-specific permit and inspection requirements still apply.

    code edition: 2018 International Codes

    “Moffat County has adopted the 2018 International Codes.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupancy of a home or business in Moffat County.

    • A certificate of occupancy is required before moving into a home or business.
    • The listed basic requirements include an approved electrical system, one functional bathroom and kitchen sink with hot and cold running water, an approved sewage disposal system, a functional heating system, no hazardous condition in the occupied space, and a conspicuously posted address.
    “A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is required before moving into a home or business.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning requirements administered under the Moffat County Zoning Resolution.

    • The source states that the resolution covers all of the County's zoning requirements; particular uses, setbacks, lot sizes, conditional uses, variances, and zone changes depend on the applicable district and approval process.
    “The Moffat County Zoning Resolution covers all of the County's zoning requirements.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Dwellings in specified Moffat County zoning districts, including districts where the zoning resolution states a 200-square-foot minimum floor area.

    • The requirement varies by district.
    • The cited provision is district-specific and does not establish a single countywide minimum.

    minimum dwelling floor area: >= 200 sq ft

    “Each dwelling hereafter erected in this District shall have a minimum floor area of 200 square feet.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots created in Moffat County zoning districts, including the A and R-R districts.

    • In the A District, the minimum lot size is 5 acres.
    • In the R-R District, the minimum is 3 acres with individual water and septic, 2 acres where community water or sewage is provided, and 1 acre where both community water and sewage are provided.
    • Other districts have separate standards.

    A District minimum lot size: >= 5 acres · R-R District minimum with individual water and septic: >= 3 acres · R-R District minimum with community water or sewage: >= 2 acres · R-R District minimum with community water and sewage: >= 1 acres

    “The minimum lot size that may be created within the "A" District shall be 5 acres.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Buildings and accessory structures in Moffat County zoning districts.

    • Setbacks vary by district and by residential versus non-residential structure.
    • Accessory buildings and structures must conform to required yard setbacks.
    • The zoning resolution also provides permitted-projection and corner-lot rules.

    R-R side-yard setback: >= 10 ft · R-R rear-yard setback: >= 10 ft

    “Each lot shall have a side yard setback of not less than 10 feet from the property line.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site septic systems in Moffat County.

    • The county page states that septic permits are issued through the building department.
    • The page identifies the Craig/Moffat Regional Building Department as the contact for building permit information.
    “These permits are issued through the building department”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Septic systems in Moffat County.

    • The permit is issued through the building department.
    • The cited county page states that septic systems are required to be engineered.

    permit fee: 100 USD

    “Permits are also required for septic systems.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Building-permit exemption for buildings or structures used exclusively to shelter agricultural implements, farm and ranch products, livestock, or poultry.

    • The exemption is under Section 510 of the Moffat County Zoning Resolution.
    • Passenger-vehicle, recreational-vehicle, equipment, construction-tool/equipment not directly related to agriculture, and workshop storage or use is excluded from the exemption.
    “Buildings or structures used for the sole purpose of providing shelter for agricultural implements, farm and ranch products, livestock, or poultry shall be exempt”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of unincorporated land within Moffat County.

    • The regulations involve all unincorporated land within the county.
    • The process applies to divisions into parcels smaller than 35 acres, while a 350-acre tract divided into ten 35-acre parcels is given as an example outside the county subdivision process.
    • Minor subdivision regulations apply to small subdivisions containing no more than four parcels or lots.
    • An exemption application may be available if eligibility conditions are met; the source states a minimum of 5 acres for a homesite in an Agriculture Zone.

    threshold described for subdivision process: < 35 acres (The source gives an example that ten 35-acre parcels from a 350-acre tract would not be affected.) · minor subdivision maximum: <= 4 parcels or lots · Agriculture Zone homesite minimum stated for exemption example: >= 5 acres

    “These regulations involve all unincorporated land within each county's boundaries.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway construction requiring access from or affecting Moffat County roads.

    • Driveway permits may be obtained from the Moffat County Road and Bridge Department at 822 E. 1st Street.
    “Driveway permits are required and may be obtained from the Moffat County Road and Bridge Department”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published Moffat County permit-related fees identified in the opened official pages.

    • The septic permit fee is $100.
    • Planning Department pricing does not include State, survey, recording, or other fees.
    • A meeting with the Planning Department is required before submitting any application.
    • The Planning Department page lists $300 for conditional use and $200 for exemption from subdivision regulations.

    septic permit fee: 100 USD · conditional use fee: 300 USD (Pricing does not include State, survey, recording or other fees.) · exemption from subdivision regulations fee: 200 USD (Pricing does not include State, survey, recording or other fees.)

    “Conditional Use (including Seismic & Meteorological Towers) $300. Exemption from Subdivision Regulations $200.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building, septic, planning, and subdivision permit processes described on official Moffat County pages.

    • Building applications require two sets of building plans, a plot plan showing existing buildings, well, septic, proposed construction and distances from property lines, and a completed dated and signed application.
    • The plot plan must address a minimum 100-foot separation between a well and septic or leach field.
    • Planning applications require a meeting with the Planning Department before submission.
    • Planning applications may have additional State, survey, recording, or other fees.

    minimum well-to-septic or leach-field separation: >= 100 ft

    “Two sets of building plans with details of proposed structure including: floor plan, foundation, framing and roof system.”

Colorado rules that apply here

  • InspectionsRequired

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

    • The policy states that all reviewed construction projects are inspected for building-code compliance.
    • Required inspections are identified on the Building Inspection Record and may include building, special, fire, plumbing, electrical, boiler, elevator, and health-department inspections as applicable.
    • Local fire districts and other state authorities may have separate inspection responsibilities.
    • The policy applies to state buildings and state projects, not uniformly to every private project in Colorado.
    “All reviewed construction projects shall be inspected for building code compliance.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

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

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

    foundation types: permanent or temporary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “Every new well in the state that diverts groundwater must have a well permit.”
  • 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;”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in floodplain areas subject to Colorado floodplain-management requirements, and state-owned land in counties or municipalities that do not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.

    • Local floodplain regulations must equal or exceed FEMA National Flood Insurance Program minimum design and construction criteria.
    • Local floodplain regulations must comply with Colorado Water Conservation Board rules and regulations for regulatory floodplains.
    • The state program applies to development on state-owned land in counties and municipalities that do not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.
    “Local government floodplain management regulations for development in floodplain areas must equal or exceed the federal emergency management agency's national flood insurance program's (national flood insurance program) minimum design and construction criteria and must comply with the Colorado water conservation board's (CWCB) rules and regulations for regulatory floodplains in Colorado.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

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

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

    maximum rental duration for STR definition: < 30 days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits in Moffat County zoning districts.
  • Living in an RV — Residential or long-term recreational-vehicle occupancy in Moffat County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Moffat 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 Moffat County, Colorado

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

Moffat County scores 53/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and deep seclusion — about 494 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 14.9″ of rain a year, in severe drought 26.5% of years.

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

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

How much does land cost in Moffat County, Colorado?

Land in Moffat County runs about $1,560 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Moffat County?

Moffat County gets about 14.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 26.5% of years.

How remote is Moffat County?

A typical private-land location has about 494 people within 15 miles and 338,221 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Moffat compares in Colorado

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