FAQs • Montrose County • CivicEngage

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Planning & Development

1. What is the largest structure I can build without a permit?: One story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses do not require a permit, provided the projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet.

2. What are the setback requirements?: Front: Minimum 25’ setback from property line. Sides and Rear: Minimum 10’ setback from property line.

3. Do I need a permit to build a fence?: Fences not over 6’ high do not require a permit.

4. Do I need a permit to build a barn/agricultural building?: Yes, a Zoning Location Permit is required for all agricultural buildings. An agricultural building, (ie; pole barn), is defined as a building located on a parcel of land that is actively being used for agricultural and/or ranching purposes, and which is at least 35 acres in size.

5. Does the County regulate irrigation water?: Montrose County does not regulate irrigation water.

6. What is the minimum lot size for a septic system in Montrose County?: The minimum lot size for a septic system is one (1) acre. All septic systems must be designed by a licensed engineer.

7. Do I need an engineer to design my septic system?: Yes, all septic systems in Montrose County must be designed by an engineer licensed in the State of Colorado.

8. Do I need an engineer to design my foundation?: Engineer designed foundations must be submitted with construction plans when required as a condition for final approval of a subdivision.

9. Can I build a second home on my property?: An Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) is allowed in Montrose County in the General Agricultural zone district, provided you have a minimum of 1 acre and in the General Residential zone district. You are allowed two homes on the first ten acres and one home & one septic system for each additional ten acres.

10. Can I just deed property to my children without going through the subdivision process?: In the State of Colorado, properties of less than 35 acres in size may not be created without approval of the local government. Executing a deed for a property under 35 acres in size without gaining approval from the local government can result in that property being considered as an illegal subdivision. Montrose County will not issue permits of any type for illegally subdivided properties.

11. What are the basic requirements for subdividing my property?: In order to be eligible for subdivision in Montrose County, a property must have direct frontage on a County road, must have access to potable water and must meet the minimum lot size requirements of the County Zoning Resolution.

12. How do I determine the zoning of my property?: The majority of Montrose County is zoned “General Agricultural”. However, there are commercial, business, industrial and residential zones as well. The County zoning maps may be viewed on-line at
Zoning Resolution & Maps

13. What are the allowed uses in my zoning district?: The County’s Zoning Resolution may be accessed online at Zoning Resolution Hard Copies of the Zoning Resolution may be purchased from the Planning and Development Department for a cost of $10.

14. How long does the subdivision process take?: Subdivision applications vary in their review time and depend largely upon the timeliness with which the required materials are submitted by the Applicant. From the date of submittal Minor Subdivisions may be completed in approximately three (3) months. Major subdivisions which require Sketch Plan, Preliminary Plan and Final Plat applications take considerably longer.

15. Will subdividing change my property tax status?: It is likely that subdividing will change the property tax status of your property. Questions regarding property tax related issues should be directed to the Montrose County Assessor’s Office at (970)249-3753.

16. Does the County enforce covenants?: Montrose County does not enforce private covenants. Covenants are typically administered and enforced by Homeowners Associations.

17. How do I determine where my property boundaries are?: If your property is part of a previously platted subdivision or division, there will be a plat on file with the Clerk and Recorders Office. These plats may be viewed by the public during business hours and will show the location of the surveyor’s pins which mark the property boundaries. Property owners may also look for these pins on their property to determine existing property boundaries. If not previously recorded plats exist and no pins can be found, property owners may choose to have their property surveyed by a Professional Land Surveyor.