Land use and development are governed by Park County Zoning Ordinances, Land Use Regulations, Subdivision Regulations and Building Codes, as well as state and county Health Department Regulations.

Building permits are not issued until applicants first comply with all other county requirements. Before buying property in the county, prospective property owners should check with the Park County Environmental Health Department to determine what environmental hazards and health risks may exist in the area. A septic system permit must be obtained from the Department before applying for a building permit.

Before drilling a water well, property owners must first obtain a well permit from the Colorado Division of Water Resources in Denver (303-866-3587). The Environmental Health Department advocates that well water be tested by a certified laboratory before it is used for household purposes. In particular, testing for bacteria, nitrates, radioactivity and metals is highly recommended.

The Park County Road and Bridge Department is only required to maintain roads on the county road system. It is not responsible for maintaining State highways, town streets or private roads. Nor does the county maintain residential or subdivision roads that are not part of the county's road system. Winter snow removal is one of the most important functions of the Department, with main thoroughfares receiving highest priority. As time and weather permit, U.S. Mail routes, school bus routes and secondary roads are then cleared. Snow removal on lower priority county roads is a courtesy rather than mandatory.

County roads in more remote areas may be graded only one time each year, if at all. If a road is deemed passable upon inspection, it may not receive maintenance every year. Contrary to a common misconception, residency is not a factor with regard to road maintenance or snow removal prioritization.

Park County