Planning Division
Online Application Portal for Planning Requests
Online Planning Application Portal
Public Information Map
Utilize the public information map to locate properties, find zoning, and other useful information.
Frequently Asked Gilpin Planning Questions
1 Zoning
Most private property in Gilpin County is zoned RR, Resource Residential or RS, Residential Subdivision. Both zones only permit one primary residential dwelling and one accessory dwelling. You must build a primary dwelling prior to construction of any accessory structures such as a garage or barn. Animals such as horses are permitted in all zones but you must have adequate space on the property to house them. The required setbacks or distances of structures from the property line in RR is 30' feet from front property line, 15' feet from all other sides and 55' feet from the centerline of unplatted/undedicated roadways; in RS the setbacks are 30' feet from all property lines or 55' feet from the centerline of unplatted/undedicated roadways.
2 Buildability
Community Development will not make a buildability determination for you. For a property to be buildable you must meet all applicable codes and standards for new dwelling unit construction. You can review some of these requirements on the Building Division webpage.
3 Addressing
Community Development will assign an address to a vacant property as part of the building permit process. The department will not issue addresses to vacant land without a building permit. Most addresses associated or used on vacant parcels in Gilpin County are informal and have not been assigned by the county.
4 Camping on Private Property/Renting Campsites on Private Property
Private property owners are permitted to camp on private property up to 30 days in a calendar year with a camping permit. Public camping on private land such as renting out campsites on vacant land is not a permitted use by right in any zoning districts in Gilpin County. All structures intended for habitation require you to pull a building permit and they must meet all current codes and regulations. Temporary structures such as yurts, tiny homes, and tents are not permitted as permanent structures and may not be rented out publicly.
5 Temporary Housing Permits
Property owners building their own home may apply for a temporary housing permit to live onsite full time during construction of the home. These permits are good for initial 4 months and may be extended up to three times administratively for additional 4 month periods. For the first extension the project must be at 50% completion. Second and third extensions may be granted if the project reaches 75% completion. The temporary housing permit will not be issued prior to issuance of a building permit.
Code Enforcement
See something? Say something. Report code enforcement issues through our portal: File a CE Report
Gilpin County Zoning Regulations & Amendments
Gilpin County Zoning Regulations
Section 3.10 Short Term Rentals Amendment 8.23.22
Section 4.5 Mobile Business Amendment 3.15.22
Section 4.12 Outdoor Lighting Amendment 2.15.22
Section 3.7 Temporary Use Permits Effective 10.24.23
Resources
Gilpin County Comprehensive Plan 2020
Gilpin County Master Plan 2017