Bolthole Index

Routt County, Colorado

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

69Index Score / 100
#1 of 64 in Colorado

Unincorporated Routt County, Colorado requires a building permit for a home, and the county has adopted building codes for that work12. The county also regulates land use and subdivision through its Unified Development Code3. Septic systems need a county Environmental Health permit before excavation begins45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required; the county has adopted building codes for unincorporated areas12
Zoning
Yes; every unincorporated parcel falls in one of 14 zone districts36
Septic
County Environmental Health permit required before excavation45
Owner-builder
Allowed for a primary residence with the county form and legal agreement7
Tiny home
Allowed on a permanent foundation, subject to county permits, access, wastewater and water rules8
RV camping
Allowed by right up to 60 days only in the Agriculture/Forestry district; longer stays need a Minor Use Permit910
Secondary dwelling
Allowed only in certain situations under county standards11
Lot standards
Minimum lot area, setbacks and height limits vary by zone district121314

Who to call

Building permits

Routt County Regional Building Department

Building permit applications, plan review and inspections for the towns of Hayden, Yampa and Oak Creek and unincorporated Routt County (the City of Steamboat Springs runs its own separate permitting process)

(970) 870-5566

Routt County Courthouse Annex, 136 6th St. Suite 201, Steamboat Springs, CO

Planning & zoning

Routt County Planning Department

Zoning and land-use review for unincorporated Routt County, including secondary dwelling unit regulations

Septic permits

Routt County Environmental Health Department

Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS/septic) permits, construction approval, and inspections for unincorporated Routt County

970-870-5409

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 Routt County, Colorado?

Yes. Routt County requires permits for construction, installation, alteration, repair and demolition involving buildings or building-service equipment1. For unincorporated Routt County, the adopted code set includes the 2021 ICC series, portions of the 2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, and Colorado's Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code2. The county portal serves projects in unincorporated Routt County, Hayden, Yampa and Oak Creek, while work inside Steamboat Springs goes through the city's separate portal15. Agricultural exemptions were not confirmed, so owners planning a barn or other farm structure should ask the Regional Building Department before assuming the project is permit-exempt.

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

The Routt County Regional Building Department is at the Routt County Courthouse Annex, 136 6th St. Suite 201, Steamboat Springs, CO; call (970) 870-556615. Projects in Hayden, Yampa, Oak Creek and unincorporated Routt County use the county portal, while projects inside Steamboat Springs use the city's separate portal15. Inspection requests are not accepted by voicemail15. A property owner acting as the legal permit applicant and doing work on a primary residence must complete the county's Property Owner Permit Application Form and Legal Agreement; secondary dwellings and commercial buildings require separate qualification7. We could not confirm a complete county building-inspection schedule or a general certificate-of-occupancy rule, so ask the Building Department what inspections and final approvals apply to the specific project.

Does Routt County have zoning?

Yes. The Routt County Unified Development Code regulates use, development and subdivision throughout unincorporated Routt County316. Every unincorporated parcel falls within one of 14 zone districts, each with its own permitted uses and uses requiring approval6. Lot area, setbacks and height are therefore parcel-specific rather than countywide: published examples range from a 15-foot property-line setback and 40-foot height limit in the MR district to a 50-foot property-line setback in MRE1314. Minimum lot area also varies by district and available water and sewer service1217. Secondary dwelling units are allowed only in certain situations and under specific standards, with separate restrictions for larger lots and exemptions for some older units18. Ask Planning to identify the parcel's district before relying on a building envelope or second-home plan.

How do septic permits work in Routt County?

Routt County Environmental Health issues permits for construction, use and repair of onsite wastewater treatment systems, and excavation cannot begin before the county issues the OWTS permit45. The process covers zoning criteria, a site-and-soil evaluation, system design, application review, a possible county site inspection and permit issuance1920. The county's goal is to complete review, any site inspection and approval notice within 14 working days after receiving a complete application, although access, weather, season and unforeseen conditions can extend that timeline19. The published fee schedule lists $1,500 for a new or major-repair permit and $800 for a minor repair21. Only about 0.7% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility a purchase contingency22. Environmental Health's direct line is 970-870-540923.

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

In the Agriculture/Forestry zone district, private non-commercial camping in an RV, motor home, trailer or other temporary accommodation is allowed by right for up to 60 days without county approval910. A stay longer than 60 days but no more than 180 days requires a Minor Use Permit and review of greywater and blackwater handling10. These camping permissions apply only in the Agriculture/Forestry district, not automatically to every parcel10. A tiny home on a permanent foundation can be reviewed under the county's adopted Appendix Q, but it must also meet county access, wastewater and building-permit requirements and state water provisions8. A tiny home built on a trailer is treated as camping, so the same district and duration limits apply8. Manufactured-home rules depend on zoning; the county's MHR district has its own lot, setback, height, home-size, sewer and water standards24.

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

  1. Ask the Planning Department to identify the parcel's zone district and confirm the proposed use, lot area, setbacks, height, access and utility requirements612131417.
  1. If the property needs an onsite wastewater system, complete the site-and-soil evaluation and design, then obtain the Environmental Health permit before excavation519.
  1. Resolve water with the appropriate provider or the Colorado Division of Water Resources; the county's tiny-home guidance directs applicants to the state for water provisions, but a general well-permit rule could not be confirmed8.
  1. Resolve access: a driveway entering a county road or a privately maintained road in a public right-of-way needs a Road & Bridge permit, and longer driveways or heavier grading can trigger added approvals25.
  1. Submit the building application through the county portal for unincorporated Routt County15. An owner-builder must also complete the county's property-owner form and legal agreement7.

What to check before you buy land in Routt County

Start with the zoning map: every unincorporated parcel is assigned to one of 14 districts, and the district controls uses and dimensional standards6. Confirm that an existing parcel is buildable before assuming it can be divided, because subdivision and creation of new lots are regulated by the Unified Development Code16. Only about 0.7% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility a purchase contingency and contact Environmental Health early2223. About 44.4% of Routt County is federal land and 63.8% is wooded, making legal access, boundaries and wildfire exposure practical due-diligence items2627. A driveway onto a county road or a privately maintained road in a public right-of-way requires a county permit25. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.3%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $2,4902829.

Watch-outs

  • The Routt County Regional Building Department uses separate online portals for the City of Steamboat Springs and for Hayden, Yampa, Oak Creek and unincorporated Routt County, and does not accept inspection requests by voicemail, so confirm you're in the right portal before you apply15.
  • Routt County's owner-builder path requires the property-owner application and legal agreement and is limited to primary residences; secondary dwellings and commercial buildings require separate qualification7.
  • RV camping is allowed only in the Agriculture/Forestry zone district: stays up to 60 days are allowed by right, while stays longer than 60 days and no more than 180 days require a Minor Use Permit and wastewater review10.

Sources

  1. Routt County / CSU Extension - Building Codes and Permit Requirements (2026 county census)
  2. Building Code & Policies, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning, quoted and re-checked
  4. Septic Permitting Information, quoted and re-checked
  5. Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  6. Planning, quoted and re-checked
  7. Property Owner Permit Application Form and Legal Agreement, quoted and re-checked
  8. Tiny Homes, quoted and re-checked
  9. Tiny Homes, quoted and re-checked
  10. Tiny Homes, quoted and re-checked
  11. Planning, quoted and re-checked
  12. Routt County Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  13. Routt County Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  14. Routt County Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  15. Routt County Regional Building Department (co.routt.co.us)
  16. Planning, quoted and re-checked
  17. Routt County Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  18. Planning, quoted and re-checked
  19. Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  20. Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  21. Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  22. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  23. Routt County Environmental Health Department (co.routt.co.us)
  24. Routt County Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  25. When is a Road & Bridge Permit Required?, quoted and re-checked
  26. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Median property tax bill: 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

Routt County in Colorado

69
County map
Routt County highlighted among the Colorado counties · colored by Index score

How Routt County scores

Seclusion77100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency50100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability51100% ev.
Property Autonomy75100% ev.
Carry Cost71100% 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 →

$1145kTypical home
0.3%Property tax
$4,101Land / acre
25.5"Annual rain
20.6% of yrsSevere drought
0.1 / yr (+0.1)Mid-century 100°F days
16 daysMid-century dry spell
1.12" (+4.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.31×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,091Home insurance / yr
7% / yrInsurance growth
0.9%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
6,034Radius comparison (15 mi)
10.6People / sq mi
44.4%Federal land
42.2%Land at 15% slope or less
0.7%Septic soil without severe limits
9,139 acWorkable land screen
63.8%Wooded land
25.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
40.1°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Routt County

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

Routt County rules

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Property owners acting as legal permit applicants and performing work on residential primary dwellings.

    • The property owner must complete the Property Owner Permit Application Form and Legal Agreement.
    • The source page states the owner-applicant pathway is limited to the applicable county program; secondary dwellings and commercial buildings require separate qualification.
    “All Property Owners who are acting as the Legal Permit Applicant and performing their own work under a Legal Permit Application are required to fill out our Fillable Property Owner Permit Application Form and Legal Agreement.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Routt County Building Department code adoption, including unincorporated county jurisdiction.

    • The county adopted the listed 2021 ICC codes, portions of the 2021 IWUIC, and the Colorado Model State Electric and Solar Ready Code.
    • The source states the adoption was effective January 1, 2024.

    effective date: 2024-01-01

    “Adoption of the 2021 Building Codes Effective January 1st, 2024”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Routt County building-code administration, including the unincorporated county jurisdiction.
      “The Routt County Building Department has completed the adoption of the following new Codes; 2021 ICC Series for the IBC, IRC, IECC, IEBC, IFGC, IPC, IMC, and IPMC, then also portions of the 2021 IWUIC and the Colorado Model State Electric and Solar Ready Code.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Use, development, and subdivision of land in unincorporated Routt County.

    • The cited county UDC applies to unincorporated Routt County, not incorporated municipalities.
    “The Routt County Unified Development Code regulates the use, development, and subdivision of land within unincorporated Routt County”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts and maps in unincorporated Routt County.

    • The county states that all unincorporated land falls within one of 14 zone districts.
    • Zoning maps identify the zoning for a parcel by parcel identification number or owner name.
    • Each district has permitted uses and uses allowed by permit.

    number of unincorporated zone districts: 14 districts

    “All land within unincorporated Routt County falls within one of 14 zone districts. Each district has a list of permitted uses and uses that are allowed by permit when approved by the planning director, Planning Commission, or Board of County Commissioners.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Zone districts in unincorporated Routt County.
      “All land within unincorporated Routt County falls within one of 14 zone districts.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots in Routt County UDC zone districts.

    • Requirements vary by district.
    • Examples include HDR 3,000 square feet per dwelling unit, LDR 10,000 square feet per dwelling unit, MR 0.5 acres per dwelling unit, and MRE 5 acres or 2.5 acres with both CSCS and central water.

    HDR minimum gross lot area: 3000 square feet per dwelling unit · LDR minimum gross lot area: 10000 square feet per dwelling unit · MR minimum gross lot area: 0.5 acres per dwelling unit · MRE minimum gross lot area: 5 acres; 2.5 acres with both CSCS and Central Water System

    “Minimum Gross Lot Area 0.5 acres per Dwelling Unit”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Property-line and road setbacks in Routt County UDC zone districts.

    • Setbacks vary by district and use.
    • Examples include MR 15 feet, MRE 50 feet, and MHR property-line setbacks of 10 feet on all sides plus a 50-foot public-road setback.

    MR property-line setback: 15 feet · MRE property-line setback: 50 feet · MHR public-road setback: 50 feet from edge of pavement

    “Property Line Setbacks 10 feet (all sides) Public Road Setbacks 50 feet from edge of pavement”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Maximum building heights in Routt County UDC zone districts.

    • Height limits vary by district and use; examples include 40 feet in MR and 25 feet in MHR.

    MR maximum height: 40 feet · MHR maximum height: 25 feet

    “Minimum Property Line Setbacks 15 feet Maximum Height 40 feet Maximum Residential House Size 7,500 square feet”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Private non-commercial occupancy by recreation vehicles, motor homes, or trailers in the Agriculture/Forestry zone district.

    • Private non-commercial camping is limited to up to 60 days.
    • Camping is only allowed in the Agriculture/Forestry zone district.
    • Private non-commercial camping is a use by right and requires no county approval.
    • Occupancy exceeding 60 days is treated as extended camping and requires a Minor Use Permit, with wastewater handling review.

    maximum private non-commercial camping period: <= 60 days (extended camping may continue more than 60 days but not more than 180 days with a Minor Use Permit)

    “The use of temporary living accommodations such as tents, tepees, yurts, and recreation vehicles such as motor homes or trailers for up to 60 days.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Private non-commercial and extended private non-commercial camping in the Agriculture/Forestry zone district.

    • Camping is only allowed in the Agriculture/Forestry zone district.
    • Private non-commercial camping is allowed by right for up to 60 days without county approval.
    • Extended private non-commercial camping is more than 60 days but not more than 180 days and requires a Minor Use Permit to ensure greywater and blackwater are handled properly.

    private non-commercial camping period: up to 60 days (extended camping is more than 60 days but not more than 180 days with a Minor Use Permit)

    “Camping is only allowed in the Agriculture/Forestry zone district. Camping, Private Non-Commercial is a use by right and does not require any approvals from the County. Camping, Extended, Private Non-Commercial requires a Minor Use Permit to ensure that wastewater (grey and black) is handled properly.”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Tiny homes constructed on a permanent foundation in unincorporated Routt County.

    • Appendix Q review requires a permanent foundation.
    • Tiny homes must comply with Planning Department access requirements, Environmental Health wastewater requirements, Building Department permit requirements, and Division of Water Resources water provisions.
    • A tiny home constructed on a trailer is treated as camping and is subject to camping rules.
    “With the recent adoption of Appendix Q of the International Building Code, Routt County now has a building code that allows for the construction of tiny homes. To be reviewed under Appendix Q, these tiny homes must be built on a permanent foundation.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes in the county MHR zone district.

    • The MHR district has specific lot, setback, height, home-size, sewer, and water standards.

    minimum overall lot area: 1 acre · maximum height: 25 feet · maximum residential house size: 2000 square feet

    “Minimum Overall Lot Area 1 acre Setbacks Property Line Setbacks 10 feet (all sides) Public Road Setbacks 50 feet from edge of pavement”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Secondary dwelling units in unincorporated Routt County.

    • Secondary dwelling units are permitted only in certain situations and are subject to specific standards.
    • Separate restrictions apply on lots that are 70 acres or larger.
    • Certain exemptions apply for secondary dwelling units constructed prior to June 1995.

    large-lot threshold: >= 70 acres (separate restrictions apply)

    “Secondary dwelling units are permitted in certain situations and are subject to specific standards. Separate restrictions apply on lots that are 70 acres or larger. Certain exemptions apply for secondary dwelling units constructed prior to June 1995.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Secondary dwelling units in unincorporated Routt County.
      “Secondary dwelling units are permitted in certain situations and are subject to specific standards.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site wastewater treatment systems in Routt County.

    • Routt County Environmental Health issues OWTS permits and administers county OWTS requirements.
    • The county has adopted State Regulation 43 with local options.
    “The Environmental Health Department issues permits for the construction, use and repair of on-site wastewater treatment systems.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — On-site wastewater treatment systems administered by Routt County Environmental Health.
      “The Environmental Health Department issues permits”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of an OWTS in Routt County.

    • No excavation may begin before issuance of a septic/OWTS permit by Routt County Environmental Health.
    • A new or existing unpermitted OWTS permit fee is $1,500 and includes application and design review.
    • The permit process includes zoning criteria, site and soil evaluation, system design, application review, possible site inspection, and final issuance.

    new or existing unpermitted OWTS permit fee: 1500 USD (includes application and design review)

    “No excavation for the installation of an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System shall be started without a septic/OWTS permit issued by the Routt County Department of Environmental Health (RCDEH).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, use, and repair of onsite wastewater treatment systems in Routt County.
      “Permits are valid for one year from date of issuance”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    OWTS permitting and construction review in Routt County.

    • RCDEH staff may conduct a site inspection before issuing a construction permit.
    • The inspection may verify site conditions, design concurrence, suitability, proposed structures, driveways, streams, soil treatment area, septic tank, and well location.
    • The official process states a goal of completing application review, site inspection, and approval notification within 14 working days after a complete application, subject to access, weather, seasons, or unforeseen circumstances.

    target review period: 14 working days (goal; subject to access, weather, seasons, or unforeseen circumstances)

    “RCDEH staff may conduct a site inspection of the property before issuing a construction permit.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Utility connections in UDC zone districts, including residential districts.

    • The UDC varies by district: some districts require central water or sewer systems; connections are required if available; other districts permit OWTS or on-site systems.
    • For example, the MR district requires central water and CSCS except for specified pre-existing parcels under 5 acres.
    “Connection to a central sewer collection system (CSCS) shall be required for certain development, as specifically outlined in each Zone District.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and creation of buildable lots in unincorporated Routt County.

    • The UDC regulates subdivision of land within unincorporated Routt County.
    • Creation of new buildable lots is permitted only in specified tiers or subdivisions depending on zone district.
    “The Routt County Unified Development Code regulates the use, development, and subdivision of land within unincorporated Routt County, and is an important tool for the implementation of Master Plan goals and policies.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways accessing county roads or privately maintained roads in public right-of-way.

    • If disturbance exceeds 300 cubic yards or the driveway is within the waterbody setback, a Grading and Excavating permit is also required.
    • Driveways longer than 100 feet require fire department approval.
    • A county driveway permit is not required for access to a state highway; a CDOT access permit is required instead.
    • A county driveway permit is not required for private roads with no public right-of-way; the applicant must contact the governing entity.

    disturbance threshold: > 300 cubic yards (Grading and Excavating permit also required) · driveway length: > 100 feet (fire department approval required)

    “A Road & Bridge Driveway/access permit is required for: Installation of a driveway that accesses a County Road or privately maintained roads in public ROW.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published Routt County fee schedule, including OWTS permits.

    • The published schedule lists $1,500 for new and major-repair OWTS permits and $800 for minor-repair OWTS permits.

    new OWTS permit fee: 1500 USD · major repair OWTS permit fee: 1500 USD · minor repair OWTS permit fee: 800 USD

    “New Onsite Wastewater Treatment (OWTS) Permit | $1,500.00 Major Repair OWTS Permit | $1,500.00 Minor Repair OWTS Permit | $800.00”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Published Routt County permit fees, including onsite wastewater permits.
      “New Onsite Wastewater Treatment (OWTS) Permit | $1,500.00 Major Repair OWTS Permit | $1,500.00 Minor Repair OWTS Permit | $800.00”
    • Published (with conditions) — Routt County OWTS permit fees.
      “The Routt County Department of Environmental Health (RCDEH) received approval from the Routt County Board of Health to increase permit application fees for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) from $750.00 for a minor repair permit and $1500.00 for a new permit. A fee of $1500.00 would also be charged for a major repair requiring a design from a Colorado Certified Professional Engineer.”
  • Permit processPartial

    OWTS permitting process in Routt County.

    • The process requires zoning-criteria review, site and soil evaluation, system design, application submission, staff review, possible site inspection, and permit issuance.
    • A complete application is targeted for review, inspection, and approval notification within 14 working days, subject to access, weather, seasons, or unforeseen circumstances.
    • The guide states that it is guidance and does not supersede Routt County OWTS Regulations.

    target review period: 14 working days (goal; subject to access, weather, seasons, or unforeseen circumstances)

    “It is the goal that the application review, site inspection and notification of approval will be within 14 working days after receiving a complete application but due to access, weather, seasons or unforeseen circumstances that is not”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County planning permitting process for land-use applications.
      “If you would like to receive an ART review for your project, please submit an ART application through CityView.”

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”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings in unincorporated Routt County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling floor area under Routt County zone districts.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage standards in unincorporated Routt County.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from Routt County land-use or building 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 Routt County, Colorado

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

Routt County scores 69/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 6,034 people within 15 miles and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

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

How much does land cost in Routt County, Colorado?

Land in Routt County runs about $4,101 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Routt County?

Routt County gets about 25.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 20.6% of years.

How remote is Routt County?

A typical private-land location has about 6,034 people within 15 miles and 3,641,033 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Routt compares in Colorado

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