The Planning Department facilitates community and economic development while protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of present and future residents of Archuleta County.
The Community Plan is a vision for the future of your community, in text and maps. Planning is how we achieve that future.
The Planning Department staff assists citizens by:
- Implementing the approved Archuleta County Community Plan.
- Administering the Archuleta County Land Use Regulations, including zoning, subdivision, mining and floodplain regulations.
- Providing guidance to property owners and neighbors through permitting processes.
Automated Appointment Scheduling
Below each Development Services staff member is a link that reads “Book Appt. with” followed with a name. This will link residents directly to the corresponding staff members Bookings page with all available time slots and meeting types. This is the easiest and fastest way to meet one on one with a department member.
The Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is the statutory land use planning body for the County. The Planning Commission is responsible for adopting the Community Plan, recommending changes to the Land Use Regulations, and investigating and recommending action on land use applications.
Land Use Changes
Most “development” including construction, change of use of property, mining, temporary uses, division of land under 35 acres, and any work done in a floodplain, is reviewed with a Land Use Permit. Zoning information on your property is available on the Assessor’s Online Map (Portico). You can review the Land Use Regulations in the left tab. Contact Planning staff early in your project to check on permit requirements.
Improperly Divided Parcels (Under 35 acres)
Archuleta County Board Resolution 2018-54 provides a one-year process to legalize Improperly Divided Parcels (IDPs) under 35 acres created without Board approval since 1972.
Short-term rentals (STR’s) and Camping
Archuleta County Planning Department is now accepting applications for Archuleta County Vacation Rental permits for short-term rental of homes, condos, or townhouses.
You can camp in an RV (including many Tiny Homes) on your own residential property with a TEMPORARY USE PERMIT for a 120-day camping season each year. All homes for permanent residence must meet building codes and require a building permit.
Subdivision Review
Land Use Permits can only be approved for a Legal Lot, which is a lot, parcel or tract of land created prior to September 1, 1972, or after that date by Subdivision Review or exempted by the Board of County Commissioners. Any division of land under 35 acres since that date must go through Subdivision Review.
Outdoor Lighting
Our residents and visitors value dark skies they do not enjoy in the city. All new outdoor lighting, including replacement fixtures, are required to meet Section 5.4.4 of the Archuleta County Land Use Regulations, in particular:
- Full cut-off fixture–light cannot shine up into the sky.
- Fully shielded fixture with opaque or translucent shielding–bulb light cannot be visible.
Public Information for Land Use Permits
Citizen Access for Planning land use permits and land use regulations is now available on the Planning Proposals link on the left of this page.
Complaint Form
The Archuleta County Land Use Regulations apply to all development of buildings, structures, and uses of land in unincorporated Archuleta County. Any complaints shall be in writing and signed by the complainant. The County shall not be obligated to investigate complaints not filed in writing.
Contact Us
1122 Hwy. 84
P.O. Box 1507
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Hours
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Quick Links
- Census Information
- Colorado Chapter of the American Planning Association
- Colorado Department of Natural Resources
- Colorado Department of Transportation
- Colorado Division of Water Resources
Can I give my kids each a smaller piece of my ranch?
Yes! Depending on your situation, you may be able to create a 35-acre division tract or if the parcel will be less than 35 acres, you may need an exemption plat. Section 4.7 of the Land Use Regulations describe how to do an Exemption Plat. You can ask for one lot at a time under the exemption regulation. Contact the planning department for more information about your specific situation.
How do I combine my lots?
The instructions are online in Land Use Regulations Section 4.We can send you the information by email or you can come by the office and we will go through the information with you and create a letter and map, which you will send out. The lot consolidation is done by resolution and takes a minimum of 30 days. Contact the Planning department for more information.
I was told that there are no regulations in Archuleta County and I can do whatever I want on my property. Is that true?
No. The County has had Land Use Regulations for many years. In 2006 the BoCC adopted new land use regulations. The County also instituted zoning for the first time in 200The regulations are online (click the link on the left) and the online map has a layer which tells you your zoning: on the Legend tab, scroll to Building and Planning and click the + symbol. At that dropdown, check the Zoning box.