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1. What permits do I need to build a house?

You will need to obtain several types of permits to build in San Miguel County. A development permit from the Planning Department is the first permit you should apply for unless you are in the West End Zone District, where it is not required. The next permit would usually be an OWTS (septic) permit through the Public Health Department, which is required in all zone districts. If your property is accessed from a county road, you will need a driveway access permit from the Road & Bridge Department. Finally, you would apply for a building permit through the Building Department (not required in the West End Zone District). All of these permits may be applied for on the SmartGov portal.

2. When do I need a building permit?

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the International Codes, or to cause any such work to be done is required to have a building permit. Building permits are not required in the West End Zone District.

3. When do I need a permit from the Planning Department?

Any person engaging in any development within the unincorporated area of San Miguel County (unless the proposed development qualifies for an exemption) is required to have a development permit. Development Permits (other than those associated with buildings and signs) are not required in the Wright's Mesa Zone District. Development permits are not required in the West End Zone District. View the Zone District Map (PDF) to determine your zone. 

A land use permit is required for most types of development in San Miguel County.  Before you apply for a land use permit, contact the Planning Department for the information you will need specific to your project. Staff will be happy to help you through the process, 970-728-3083.

4. When do I need a septic (OWTS) permit?

On-site Wastewater Treatment System permits are required in all zone districts by the Public Health Department. You may apply for an OWTS permit on SmartGov.

5. When do I need a permit from the Road & Bridge Department?

Any proposed access to a County Road requires a driveway access permit.

Permits are required for any disturbance to a County road or right-of-way not considered normal public use; including, but not limited to the following: utility excavation, private maintenance of a County Road, filming of commercials when road conditions are altered, or the operation of any hauling estimated to be in excess of 3,000,000 pounds within a 12-month period.

6. How do I apply for a Short Term Rental license or renewal?

You can apply or renew a Short Term Rental on SmartGov.

7. How do I apply for a retail or medical marijuana license?

You can apply for a retail or medical marijuana license on SmartGov through the Planning Department.

8. How do I apply for a new address?

In the West End Zone District, apply for a new address using SmartGov. For all other zone districts, the address will be assigned as part of the development review process and will not be assigned without an approved driveway location.