Bolthole Index

Park County, Colorado

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

58Index Score / 100
#23 of 64 in Colorado

Park County, Colorado requires building permits and inspections for construction outside the towns of Fairplay and Alma12. Unincorporated Park County is zoned, and a septic permit must come before the building-permit application when a property is not served by a sewage treatment works34. Applications and inspection requests use the county's CloudPermit portal52.

At a glance

Building permit
Required; the county handles construction outside Fairplay and Alma12
Zoning
Yes in unincorporated Park County; permitted uses and setbacks depend on the zone district36
Septic permit
Required before applying for a building permit when the property lacks sewer service4
RV living
Long-term occupancy on private land is not confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning for the parcel-specific rule37
Tiny home
Colorado approval and local zoning compliance are required for long-term residential use8
Minimum home size
No county minimum square-footage requirement is stated, but building-code and zoning rules still apply9
Owner-builder exemption
No county permit exemption was confirmed; ask the Building Department before planning self-performed work102
Well permit
Required from the Colorado Division of Water Resources before drilling11

Who to call

Building permits

Park County Building Department

Building permits and building inspections for Park County except the towns of Fairplay and Alma

719-836-4255

856 Castello Ave, P.O. Box 517, Fairplay, CO 80440

Online permits →

Zoning

Park County Planning and Zoning

Planning and zoning questions and development review

719-836-4292

856 Castello Ave, P.O Box 1598, Fairplay, CO 80440

Online permits →

Septic permits

Park County Environmental Health

Septic permits, site evaluation and septic inspections

719-836-4267

856 Castello Ave, P.O. Box 216, Fairplay, CO 80440

Online permits →

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 Park County, Colorado?

Yes. Park County requires a building permit under its adopted building codes, and the Building Department handles permits and inspections throughout the county except in the towns of Fairplay and Alma12. The department covers new construction, remodels, mechanical work and demolition2. Colorado leaves most building-code and land-use decisions to local governments, so Park County's rules—not a universal statewide residential code—control an ordinary project in the county's jurisdiction12. Applications and inspection requests are made through CloudPermit, and incomplete applications are rejected52. Starting construction before the permit is issued can trigger a double fee, while at least 50% of the building-permit fee is due when plans are submitted13. Park County has not confirmed a special owner-builder exemption, so a person doing their own construction should ask the Building Department what licensing, plan and inspection requirements apply before ordering materials102.

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

The Park County Building Department issues building permits and performs building inspections outside Fairplay and Alma2. The office is at 856 Castello Ave, P.O. Box 517, Fairplay, CO 80440, and the phone number is 719-836-42552. Property owners, contractors, residents and businesses can submit permit applications and request inspections through CloudPermit2. Planning and Zoning is a separate Development Services contact for land-use questions at 856 Castello Ave, P.O Box 1598, Fairplay, CO 80440, and 719-836-42927. Environmental Health handles septic work from 856 Castello Ave, P.O. Box 216, Fairplay, CO 80440, and can be reached at 719-836-426714. A parcel inside Fairplay or Alma needs the applicable town office rather than Park County's Building Department because those towns are expressly excluded from the department's service area2.

Does Park County have zoning?

Yes. Unincorporated Park County is divided into zoning districts, and Planning and Zoning administers the rules that determine allowed structures and setbacks37. Park County staff checks whether a proposed use fits the parcel's zone district, whether required setbacks are met, whether the parcel is legal and whether other land-use approvals are needed6. Setbacks are district-specific, and some planned unit developments have their own setback standards, so a neighboring parcel is not a safe proxy for yours6. Park County states no minimum square-footage requirement for a residence, but it caps residential building height at 35 feet915. That absence of a minimum floor area does not waive building permits, septic approval, setbacks or use restrictions146. The countywide minimum lot size and lot-coverage limits could not be confirmed; Planning and Zoning should identify the standards for the parcel's exact district37.

How do septic permits work in Park County?

Park County Environmental Health administers onsite wastewater treatment system permits and inspections1617. For a building or structure without sewer service, obtain the septic permit before applying for the building permit; the building permit cannot be issued until the local public health agency has issued the OWTS permit418. Environmental Health also checks whether an existing septic system is adequate for the proposed project, even when the building application is not for a new house17. After permitted septic work is complete, a final inspection and local approval are required before the system is used and before occupancy approval for a building without sewer service19. Only 4.9% of Park County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early feasibility step and expect that many parcels may need a more involved design20. Off-grid living does not remove sanitation requirements: an occupied structure must have adequate sewage-disposal facilities, and a new cesspool is prohibited21.

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

Park County's rule for long-term residential RV occupancy on private land could not be confirmed, so ask Planning and Zoning about the parcel, zone district and proposed duration before relying on an RV as housing37. State rules for camping in Colorado state parks do not answer whether someone may occupy an RV on private Park County land22. A tiny home intended for long-term living has a defined Colorado route: plans must be approved by the Division of Housing before construction, the unit must meet applicable state standards and local zoning, and certification attaches to the approved site8. Park County separately states that residences have no minimum square-footage requirement, but that statement alone does not approve a tiny home or override zoning, building-code and septic review931. Manufactured homes may be installed where local zoning allows, subject to state certification and local site requirements, but Park County's complete occupancy rule was not confirmed233.

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

  1. Ask Planning and Zoning to confirm the parcel's district, allowed residential use, setbacks and any separate land-use approval367.
  1. Confirm legal access and the driveway location; Park County requires a driveway permit before driveway construction, and direct access to a state highway also requires a Colorado Department of Transportation access permit2425.
  1. If the property needs a well, obtain the Colorado Division of Water Resources permit before drilling11.
  1. Complete the site work and obtain the Park County septic permit before filing the building-permit application414.
  1. Submit the building plans and application through CloudPermit; at least 50% of the building-permit fee is due at plan submittal, and incomplete applications are rejected135.
  1. Wait for permit issuance before starting, then request the required inspections through CloudPermit as construction advances132.
  1. Complete final septic inspection and approval before occupying a home that is not served by a sewage treatment works19.

What should you check before buying land in Park County?

Start with jurisdiction and zoning: verify that the parcel is outside Fairplay or Alma, then have Planning and Zoning confirm the use, setbacks and parcel legality in writing26. Treat septic feasibility as a purchase contingency because only 4.9% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field20. Check slope and clearing costs too: 33.3% of Park County land is at a slope of 15% or less, while 45.4% is wooded2627. Confirm year-round legal access, the driveway-permit path and whether the approach meets a county road, private road or state highway2425. A new groundwater well needs a state permit, and water availability or permit conditions should be resolved before assuming a well is viable28. Floodplain requirements were not confirmed at the county level, so ask Planning and Zoning which flood review applies to the parcel before siting improvements37. Park County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.3%, with a median annual bill of about $1,679, but parcel-specific assessment and special-district charges still need direct review2930.

Watch-outs

  • Do not begin construction before the permit is issued: Park County can charge a double fee, and at least 50% of the permit fee is due with plan submittal13.
  • Only 4.9% of Park County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so septic feasibility can decide whether a parcel works for a home20.
  • Long-term RV occupancy on private land and a county-specific tiny-home occupancy rule could not be confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning before buying or moving a unit onsite37.

Sources

  1. Park County - Building Department (2026 county census)
  2. Park County Building Department (parkcountyco.gov)
  3. Park County - Development Guidelines (Planning & Zoning) (2026 county census)
  4. Development Guidelines, quoted and re-checked
  5. Building, quoted and re-checked
  6. Planning and Zoning FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  7. Park County Planning and Zoning (parkcountyco.gov)
  8. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Planning and Zoning FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  10. (2026 county census)
  11. Development Guidelines, quoted and re-checked
  12. Land Use Planning and Regulation in Colorado (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Park County Development Services Development Guide, quoted and re-checked
  14. Park County Environmental Health (parkcountyco.gov)
  15. Planning and Zoning FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  16. Environmental Health (2026 county census)
  17. Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  18. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  21. Title 25 - Public Health and Environment - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Title 33 - Parks and Wildlife - Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Consumers of Manufactured Homes and Tiny Homes - HUD (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Development Guidelines, quoted and re-checked
  25. Access Permits | Frequently Asked Questions (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Water Administration (Colorado statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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

Park County in Colorado

58
County map
Park County highlighted among the Colorado counties · colored by Index score

How Park County scores

Seclusion58100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency38100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability49100% ev.
Property Autonomy75100% ev.
Carry Cost77100% ev.

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

$527kTypical home
0.3%Property tax
$2,330Land / acre
17.6"Annual rain
15.5% of yrsSevere drought
0 / yr (+0)Mid-century 100°F days
19 daysMid-century dry spell
0.95" (+4.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.4×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,334Home insurance / yr
6.2% / yrInsurance growth
1.41%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
4,761Radius comparison (15 mi)
8.3People / sq mi
51.3%Federal land
33.3%Land at 15% slope or less
4.9%Septic soil without severe limits
67,006 acWorkable land screen
45.4%Wooded land
25.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
38.6°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Park County

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

Park County rules

  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    Residential structures under Park County zoning regulations.

    • The county FAQ states there is no minimum square-footage requirement; the FAQ separately directs applicants to IRC Section R304 for the smallest cabin/house question.
    “There is no minimum square footage requirement, and the building height shall not exceed 35 feet.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Structures and development subject to Park County zoning districts.

    • Setbacks are zone-district-specific.
    • Some Planned Unit Developments have specific setback requirements.
    • The county FAQ directs applicants to the Planning Department for required setbacks.
    “Based on the zoning, staff will determine if your project is an appropriate land use within that zone district as well as verifying property setback requirements, parcel legality, and other land use requirements needed for the permitting process.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Residential structures under Park County zoning regulations.

    • The county FAQ states a maximum height of 35 feet for residential structures.

    maximum building height: 35 feet

    “There is no minimum square footage requirement, and the building height shall not exceed 35 feet.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    On-site wastewater treatment system permitting and inspection administration in Park County.

    • County Environmental Health works with landowners on septic permits and publishes the county OWTS regulations.
    “When applying for a building permit (regardless of permit type), you will need approval from Environmental Health that the current septic system is adequate for your project.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Buildings or structures in Park County not served by a sewage treatment works.

    • A building permit cannot be issued until the local public health agency has issued an OWTS permit.
    “A septic system permit must be obtained from the Department before applying for a building permit.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways constructed in Park County.

    • Property owners must identify the driveway location and obtain a driveway permit from the Road and Bridge Department before construction.
    • Property owners are responsible for constructing and maintaining their own driveways and parking areas.
    “Park County requires that all property owners identify their driveway location and apply for a driveway permit from the Road and Bridge Department before constructing a driveway. Property owners are responsible for constructing and maintaining their own driveways and parking areas.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals in Park County.

    • All short-term rentals must be licensed.
    • An online STR permit application and payment are required.
    • Applications must include requested documents, septic documentation or recent transfer-of-title material, a certificate of occupancy, floor plans, parking, trash, and snow-removal plans.
    • The page states that the fee schedule became effective June 1, 2026, and the ordinance became effective July 19, 2026.
    “All short-term rentals must be licensed to operate in Park County. You must complete the online Application for an STR Permit and remit payment at time of application. We no longer accept paper applications.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Park County development and building permit fees.

    • A minimum of 50% of the building permit fee is due upon plan submittal.
    • Estimated fees are available on the Building webpage.
    • Starting construction before permit issuance subjects the applicant to a double fee.
    • Permit renewal may involve a $100 renewal fee; other fees vary by permit and review.

    minimum payment due at plan submittal: 50 percent of building permit fee · permit renewal fee: 100 USD (if permit is extended for another year)

    “Permit Fees: A minimum of 50% of the building permit fee is due upon plan submittal. Estimated permit fees are available on the Building web page. Commencing construction prior to issuance of a building permit will subject you to a double fee.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County development and building permit process.

    • Applications proceed through the county's online CloudPermit portal.
    • Incomplete applications are rejected.
    • Plans are reviewed in order received.
    • A septic permit must be obtained before applying for a building permit.
    • Building inspections must be scheduled no later than 5 p.m. on the prior business day.
    “Property owners, residents, businesses and contractors can engage and collaborate with officials to submit permit applications and request inspections.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Unincorporated Park County is divided into zoning districts that determine permitted structures and setbacks, administered by Park County Planning & Zoning.

    Park County - Development Guidelines (Planning & Zoning) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

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.”
  • InspectionsRequired

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

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

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

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

    foundation types: permanent or temporary

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

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

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

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

    “HUD homes [...] can be installed anywhere in Colorado as long as the local zoning allows for it.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Water wells serving property in Park County.
      “Before drilling a water well, property owners must first obtain a well permit from the Colorado Division of Water Resources in Denver at (303) 866-3587.”
  • 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;”
  • 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).”
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size for development in Park County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits in Park County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land in Park County.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from Park County building or land-use requirements.

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 Park County, Colorado

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

Park County scores 58/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: thin water margin (17.6″/yr rainfall) and more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

Park County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Park County Environmental Health Department. 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 Park County, Colorado?

Land in Park County runs about $2,330 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Park County?

Park County gets about 17.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 15.5% of years.

How remote is Park County?

A typical private-land location has about 4,761 people within 15 miles and 3,950,297 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Park compares in Colorado

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