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Often times folks call La Plata County because we are a good source of information about services that are provided by other agencies. Here are some services or topics about which you may have questions, and the resources to help you answer them!
24 / 7 Frequently Asked Questions and Information
INFOLINE is an information resource for La Plata County residents on government, programs, services and projects. Information can be accessed now via the web, or by calling (970) 385-4636 24-Hours a Day and entering the message code of your choice.
Address of the La Plata County Courthouse - The La Plata County Courthouse is locate at 1060 E. Second Avenue, Durango, CO 81301. The main phone number for the courthouse is (970) 382-6200.
Addressing - to obtain an address for your property, please call the appropriate number listed below.
| If your property is in: | |
| area code (970) | |
| unincorporated La Plata County | Call La Plata County at 382-6265 or 382-6226 |
| the City of Durango | Call the City of Durango at 385-2890 |
| the Town of Bayfield | Call the Town of Bayfield at 884-9545 |
| the Town of Ignacio | Call the Town of Ignacio at 563-9494 |
Adoption Services and Permanency Planning - seeks to match children with suitable, loving families enabling children to have permanent homes and family stability. Contact SummersCL@co.laplata.co.us
Animal Control - Provided by the La Plata County Humane Society (970) 259-2847. To report a dog at large, call central dispatch (970) 385-2900.
Animals - Wildlife See Living with Wildlife Advisory Board.
Assessor's On Line Database - Click here to get to the On line Assessor's Property Information
Auctioneer's Licenses - Auctioneer's licenses are not required by La Plata County.
Avalanche Hotline - To find out current avalanche conditions for back country skiing and other outdoor activities in the mountains of southwestern Colorado, call (970) 247-8187 from October through April.
Ballot - Election Information
Bears - Waste Disposal Ordinance O-2008-1
Birth and Death Records - Can be obtained from San Juan Basin Health Dept. (970) 247-5702.
Boards and Commissions - Information and application
Boat Registration - Boats must be registered with Colorado State Parks Department, 883-2208. Forms are available at the Clerk and Recorder's Motor Vehicle Office (970) 382-0240 and at the entrance to Navajo Lake.
Brand Inspector - Larry Rogers (970) 247-2106.
Burning of fields, ditches, trash - Contact your local fire department for information before undertaking any type of controlled burn.
Business license - For businesses in the City of Durango, call (970) 385-2811. Business licenses are not required in the County; however, land use permission is required. For additional information about land use permits, call the Planning Department at (970) 382-6263.
Canning - The La Plata County Extension Office can offer you a wealth of information about food preservation and safety. For assistance, call (970) 247-4355.
Census Information - Census information can be obtained from the Region 9 Economic Development District at (970) 247-9621 or the Census Bureau of Colorado at (303) 969-7750.
Child Abuse - To report a case, please call La Plata County Human Services at (970) 382-6150. After hours, please call (970) 382-2879.
Child Care Resources - In La Plata County child care resource and referral services can be obtained by contacting The Durango 4-C Council, the provider of quality early childhood programs. Please go to the following web site to get further information www.earlychildhoodprograms.org or call (970) 247-5960.
Child Support Enforcement - assists parents in locating non-custodial parents, establishing paternity, establishing court orders for financial and medical support and support payment collections. In 2003, the Child Support Enforcement Unit collected over $3.0 million in support payments for families in La Plata County.
Citizenship, Proof of - You can obtain proof of citizenship forms from the Clerk and Recorder's Office (970) 382-6280.
City of Durango - Link to their web site: http://www.durangogov.org/
Colorado Congressional District Map - Colorado Department of Education
Colorado Legislative Council District Maps
Community Calendar - Request form and information
County Commissioner Districts:
District 1 generally includes the area west of the Animas River
District 1 Commissioner is Joelle Riddle
District 2 generally includes the area within the city of Durango
District 2 Commissioner is Kellie Hotter
District 3 generally includes the area east of the Animas River
District 3 Commissioner is Wally WhiteCounty Code - The La Plata County Code is a compilation of all county ordinances and resolutions of a general and permanent nature. To view the La Plata County code on line, visit http://www.municode.com. Go directly to La Plata County code
County Office Closure Schedule
County Office location(s) - Directions to county offices
Court Information - La Plata County falls within the Sixth Judicial District.
County Court (247-2304) handles civil cases under $10,000, evictions, small claims, traffic citations, restraining orders, name changes and misdemeanor criminal cases.
District Court (247-2304) handles adoptions, divorce, child support/custody, felony criminal cases, probate, juvenile cases and adjudication of water-related claims.
Municipal Court (375-5020) is an office of the City of Durango, and handles only municipal offenses, including parking and certain traffic violations within city limits.
Create a Site Plan - A step by step presentation that will describe the basic process of creating a Site/Visual plan to accompany an Oil and Gas Facility Permit Application using the La Plata County GIS ArcIMS mapping system.
Death Records - Can be obtained from San Juan Basin Health Department (970) 247-5702.
Directions to County Offices - Map and directions to county offices
Driver's License - To obtain or renew your driver's license, the State of Colorado Driver's License Office is located at 305 S. Camino del Rio, Durango (970) 247-4591.
Driveway Permits - Must be obtained from the Engineering Department (970) 382-6363 if your proposed driveway will enter a county road. Driveway permits must be obtained from the Colorado Dept. of Transportation (385-1402) if your proposed driveway will enter a state highway. For other situations, please call the Planning Department at (970) 382-6263.
Dust Complaints on County Roads - Please call the La Plata County Road and Bridge Department at (970) 382-6412.
Easements - For information on easements, research public records in La Plata County Clerk & Recorder's Office or call (970) 382-6280.
Election Information - Forms and calendar
Election Judges - Frequently Asked Questions about election judges.
Employment Verification - Please call the Human Resources Department. at (970) 382-6364.
Entomology (identification of insects and how to control them) - Please call the La Plata County/CSU Cooperative Extension Office at (970) 247-4355.
Fair - For information about the La Plata County Fair, renting booths and entering exhibits, please call the La Plata County/CSU Cooperative Extension Office at (970) 247-4355.
Fees - County fee schedule
Fingerprinting - The La Plata County Sheriff's Office (970) 247-1157 and Durango Police Department (970) 375-4700 both offer fingerprinting services. Please call for details.
Flood plain maps - Please call the La Plata County Building Dept. at (970) 382-6250 for information on flood plain maps.
Food stamps - Can be obtained through the La Plata County Human Services Department. Please call (970) 382-6150 for information.
Foreclosures - Public Trustee - La Plata County Public Trustee Foreclosure database search
Forms On Line - Various county forms available on line. Link to Forms.
Foster Care - places at-risk children in caring, supportive foster families and provides resources to foster families to promote successful and positive relationships. Contact FarmerJM@co.laplata.co.us
Four H - For information about La Plata County 4-H programs, please call the La Plata County/CSU Cooperative Extension Office at (970) 247-4355.
Frost dates - Approximate date for first frost is September 20; approximate date for last frost is June 13. Don't plant your flowers too early!
Gas wells - For information about the oil and gas industry in La Plata County, please call the Planning Department at (970) 382-6263 or the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in Denver at (303) 894-2100 or toll free at (888) 235-1101.
Handicapped Parking Permits - Can be obtained from the Clerk and Recorder's Motor Vehicle Registration Office (970) 385-0240.
Health Department - Contact San Juan Basin Health Department 281 Sawyer Dr Durango, CO (970) 247-5702
High Altitude Food Preparation - For information about home economics and related topics, please call the La Plata County/CSU Cooperative Extension Office at (970) 247-4355.
Hiking Certificate - The Colorado Hiking Certificate is available to resident and non-resident backpackers, hikers, mountain and trail bikers, horsemen, cross country skiers, kayakers and other users of the Colorado back country. The certificate costs one dollar ($1.00) a year with 25 cents being credited to the Colorado Search and Rescue Fund. This fund allows the Sheriff to seek reimbursement for certain costs incurred for search and rescue missions rather than billing the victim. The Colorado Hiking Certificate is a great way to defray the costs of your rescue if you ever get in trouble in the back country of Colorado. The Colorado Hiking Certificate can be purchased at sporting goods stores, supermarkets and any other location where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
Historical Information - For information about local history, please call the La Plata County Historical Society at (970) 259-2402 or the Colorado Historical Society at 303-866-3682.
Home values - The La Plata County Assessor or the La Plata County Association of Realtors (970) 247-9604 can provide general information about home values in La Plata County.
Horticulture - For information about home gardens, lawns and agriculture, please call the La Plata County/CSU Cooperative Extension Office at (970) 247-4355.
Hunting and fishing licenses - The State of Colorado requires licenses for hunting and fishing. For information about license categories and fees, please call the Colorado Division of Wildlife at (970) 247-0855. Hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased at sporting good stores, supermarkets, some department stores and gas stations and other local businesses.
Immigration and Naturalization - For information, please call the Denver Office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service at (303) 844-5976 or (800) 359-3997, or visit their web site at www.ins.usdoj.gov.
Information - 24 / 7 Frequently Asked Questions - INFOLINE is an information resource for La Plata County residents on government, programs, services and projects. Information can be accessed now via the web, or by calling (970) 385-4636 anytime and entering the message code of your choice.
Inspection - Vehicle Inspection see Motor Vehicle, Building Inspection see Building Department
Irrigation Ditches - For information about irrigation ditches, please call the Colorado Division of Water Resources at (970) 247-1845.
Judges - Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial District, Gregory Lyman, District Judge David Dickinson, District Judge Jeff Wilson, and County Court Judge Martha Minot can be reached by calling (970) 237-2304 (see Court Information above).
Land Use Questions - For information about land use permits and related questions, please call the Planning Department at (970) 382-6263.
License Plates - See Motor Vehicle
Living with Wildlife Advisory Board - The Living with Wildlife Advisory Board (LWAB) is your resource for conflict with wildlife in La Plata County. In most situations, people and wildlife can coexist. Frequently, there are simple steps and non-evasive methods to deter wildlife from damaging your property. View the web page for additional information.
Location of County Offices - Directions to County Offices
Low Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) - Provides financial assistance to eligible local residents for home heating from November through April. Please call the La Plata County Social Services Dept. at (970) 382-6150 for information.
Legal Aid - Colorado Rural Legal Services provides legal assistance to eligible applicants on certain civil matters. For information, call (970) 247-0266.
Liquor Licenses - Liquor licenses must be obtained for events at which alcoholic beverages will be served or sold. Licensing information can be obtained by calling the Administration Office at (970) 382-6219.
Maps - For hard copy maps of La Plata County please contact the La Plata County GIS Office at (970) 382-6226. For online/interactive computer mapping please log on to http://arcims.laplata.co.us/laplataWEBSITE/ .
Marriage Licenses - Marriage licenses can be obtained from the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder's Office. More information about Marriage Licenses.
Medicare - The local Social Security Office is located at 103 Sheppard Dr., Suite 120, Durango, Telephone: (970) 247-3128. You can also visit the link below for current information on Social Security programs and work incentives that are available. Applications for retirement, Medicare, Social Security disability, dependent and survivor's benefits can be filed online as well as disability medical reports for adults and children. Please visit www.socialsecurity.gov and www.medicare.gov for more information.
Meetings :
Minutes of County Commissioner Meetings, Business Agenda Meetings - Can be viewed on line at http://laplata.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2- Planning Commission Meetings - Can be viewed on line at http://laplata.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2 or by calling the Planning Department at (970) 382-6263
Methane Questions - Information concerning methane contamination in La Plata County can be obtained by calling the La Plata County Building Dept. at (970) 382-6250.
Mosquito Control - There are two mosquito control districts in La Plata County; however, not all areas of La Plata County are covered by a mosquito control district. To determine whether your home is located within a mosquito control district, please call the Florida Mosquito Control District at (970) 259-1652 or the Animas Mosquito Control District at (970) 247-1483.
Motor Vehicle - Vehicle Plates, Renewal Tags, Specialty Plates, Titles.
- The Main branch of the Auto Registration Office is 98 Everett St. Ste A and the phone number is (970) 385-0240. The hours of operation at the main branch is 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Wednesday. V.I.N. verification hours are 8:00 am to 11:30 am & Noon to 4:00 pm. Certified V.I.N. inspections are done at 4:00 pm by appointment only.
- The Bayfield branch of the Auto Registration Office is located at 1199 Hwy 160B (Mailing: PO Box 1746, Bayfield) and the phone number is (970) 884-9382. The hours of operation at the Bayfield branch is 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. V.I.N. inspections are "NOT" done at the Bayfield branch.
Municipal Code, La Plata County - Go directly to La Plata County municipal code .
Name changes - For information about name changes, please call the La Plata County Court at (970) 247-2304.
Oil and Gas Development - For information about the oil and gas industry in La Plata County, please call the Planning Department at (970) 382-6263 or the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in Denver at (303) 866-3531.
Create a Site Plan - A step by step presentation that will describe the basic process of creating a Site/Visual plan to accompany an Oil and Gas Facility Permit Application using the La Plata County GIS ArcIMS mapping system.
Parcel numbers - To obtain parcel numbers on a piece of property, please call the La Plata County GIS Office at 382-6226.Planning Commission Meetings - Can be obtained by calling the Planning Department at (970) 382-6263
Plates - See Motor Vehicle
Population - For demographic information about La Plata County, please call the Region 9 Economic Development District at (970) 247-9621 or the Census Bureau of Colorado at (303) 969-7750, or www.dola.state.co.us/demog.
Pot hole complaints - Please call the La Plata County Road and Bridge Dept. at (970) 247-2617.
Prescription Drug Program - National Association of Counties (NACo) prescription drug discount card.
Property taxes - For information about your property taxes or tax bill, please call the La Plata County Treasurer at (970) 382-6352.
Privacy Statement - La Plata County Privacy Statement for online information and web site.
Property Information Database - Eagleweb Assessor's Property Information
Public Assistance Unit – to promote family and individual self-sufficiency in a customer service oriented environment. The programs consist of Food Stamps, Low Income Energy Assistance (LEAP), Child Care Assistance, Family/Child Medicaid, Medicaid Transportation and Aid to the Needy and Dependent. These basic programs are provided in an atmosphere of decency and high regard for families and individuals.
- Colorado Works Program - is the new public assistance program enacted in Colorado in 1997 following federal welfare reform legislation. Colorado Works, administered by the Human Services Department, provides assistance to families in the form of temporary income payments, food stamps, grants, job training and child care assistance to help clients find and retain jobs and gain financial independence.
Public Defender - The Sixth Judicial District Public Defender's Office is located at 101 W 11th St. Suite 108, Durango, Telephone: (970) 247-9284.
Recreation Scholarships - Youth Scholarship, Senior Scholarship
Recycling - For information on recycling, computer or electronic collection, hazardous waste, household battery collection, view the La Plata County Sustainability Office page.
Residency requirements - For information concerning establishment of residency in La Plata County, please call the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder's Office at (970) 382-6280.
Rideshare - Rideshare is an on-line service to help match commuters and one-way ride seekers for carpooling in the San Juan Basin.
Road and weather conditions - For information about local road and weather conditions, please call the Colorado State Patrol road and weather hotline at (877) 315-7623 or www.cotrip.org.
Search and rescue - Search and rescue efforts in La Plata County are coordinated through the La Plata County Sheriff's Office. For additional information, please call the Sheriff's Office at (970) 247-1157.
Section, Township and Range numbers of property - Information on the Section, Township & Range of a particular property can be obtained from the La Plata County GIS Office at (970) 382-6226.
Senior Programs - The office of La Plata County Senior Services is located at the Durango/La Plata Senior Center, 2424 Main Avenue in Durango. The Durango/La Plata Senior Center offers a variety of services including nutritional meals, a home chore program, recreational and social activities, information, referral and outreach. The Home Chore Program provides assistance to seniors for minor safety, heavy cleaning, yard work and snow shoveling. Please call (970) 247-9136 for more information and coordination of services.
Nutritional meals are served at the Senior Center at 12:00 noon daily. The suggested donation price is $3.00 for adults age 60 and over. Meal reservations are required. Please call (970) 247-1965 by 10:00 daily for meal reservations.
For additional information about senior services please call the Durango/La Plata Senior Center at (970) 247-1965.
Septic systems - For regulations and information about the placement of septic systems, please call the San Juan Basin Health Dept. at (970) 247-5702.
Sheriff's Office - Web site address http://www.lpcso.org
Site Plan - A step by step presentation that will describe the basic process of creating a Site/Visual plan to accompany an Oil and Gas Facility Permit Application using the La Plata County GIS ArcIMS mapping system.
Social Security - The local Social Security Office is located at 103 Sheppard Dr., Suite 120, Durango, Telephone: (970) 247-3128. You can also visit the link below for current information on Social Security programs and work incentives that are available. Applications for retirement, Medicare, Social Security disability, dependent and survivor's benefits can be filed online as well as disability medical reports for adults and children. Please visit www.socialsecurity.gov and www.medicare.gov for more information.
Special Events Permits -For any event using or crossing a County Road, you must first obtain a Special Events - County Road Use Permit by submitting the application (with required attachments) at least 45 days prior to the proposed event. Applications shall be submitted in person to the Deputy Clerk to the Board in the Planning Department at 1060 East Second Avenue. Liquor licenses are also required if alcohol is to be served.
Snow removal - La Plata County Road and Bridge Dept. is responsible for snow removal on county roads while the Colorado Dept. of Transportation clears snow from state highways. For information about snow removal on County roads, please call the La Plata County Road and Bridge Dept. at (970) 247-2617. For snow removal on state highways, please call the Colorado Dept. of Transportation at (970) 385-1402.
Subdividing property - For information about how to subdivide property, please call the Planning Department. at (970) 382-6263.
Tax forms - Federal income tax forms can be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service (800) 829-3676. State income tax forms can be obtained from the Colorado Dept. of Revenue (970) 247-3675.
Tax Lien Sale - See the La Plata County Treasurer web page or click here for a letter from Ed Murray, La Plata County Treasurer titled Important Facts About The County Treasurer's Tax Lien Sale.
Titles - See Motor Vehicle
Topographical maps - Topo maps for the area can be obtained at several local sporting good stores.
Tourist Information - See Durango Mountain Resort, DSNGRR (the train), Durango Downtown, Mesa Verde, and Durango Area Tourism Office (DATO).
Town of Bayfield - Link to their web site: http://www.bayfield.govoffice.com/
Town of Ignacio - Link to their web site: http://www.townofignacio.com/
Transcripts of County Commissioner and Planning Commission Meetings - For Business Agenda Meetings call (970) 382-6219. For Planning Agenda Meetings call (970) 382-6263.
More information and hours of operation
U.S. Representative -John Salazar (D) - Grand Junction 225 North 5th Street, 702 Grand Junction, CO 81501 (970)245-7107 or Washington 1531 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515-0603 (202) 225-4761
U.S. Senators -
Michael Bennett (D) - Durango 835 East 2nd Avenue, Suite 203, Durango, CO 81301 (970)259-1710 or Washington 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 (202)224-5852
Mark Udall (D) - Durango 954 East 2nd Avenue, Suite 106, Durango, CO 81301 (970)247-1047 or Washington Hart Office Building Suite SH-317, Washington, DC 20510 (202)224-5941
Vehicle registration and inspection - The Main branch of the Auto Registration Office is 98 Everett St. Ste A and the phone number is (970) 385-0240. The hours of operation at the main branch is 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. V.I.N. verification hours are 8:00 am to 11:30 am & Noon to 4:00 pm. Certified V.I.N. inspections are done at 4:00 pm by appointment only.
The Bayfield branch of the Auto Registration Office is located at 1199 Hwy 160B (MAILING: PO Box 1746, Bayfield) and the phone number is (970) 884-9382. The hours of operation at the Bayfield branch is 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. V.I.N. inspections are "NOT" done at the Bayfield branch.
Veteran's Services - provides local access to federal veterans programs. In 2002, this Unit provided information and referral services to more than 1,500 veterans with regard to medical assistance, pension awards and home loans. In 2000 La Plata County, the U.S. Bureau of the Census showed a civilian veteran population of 4290. The Veterans Service Office is located at 1970 E 3rd Avenue Ste #102, Durango, CO. For additional information, please call Richard Schleeter, the Veteran Service Officer at (970) 759-0117 or (970) 382-6150, FAX: (970) 247-3277 or email schleeterrs@co.laplata.co.us.
Violence Prevention Coalition - Telephone - 970-247-2304 x 127
Voter registration information
Waste Disposal - See La Plata County Sustainability Office.
Water rights and disputes - Disputes over water rights are adjudicated through Sixth Judicial District Water Court. For information, please call (970) 247-2304. Water rights records can be obtained from the Colorado Division of Water Resources at (970) 247-1845. Or see the Water Information Program web site for more information.
Water well permits - Can be obtained through the Colorado Division of Water Resources at (970) 247-1845.
Weed Management (See Fairgrounds).