FAQs - Planning
Zoning - How is my property zoned?
La Plata County uses a permit, or performance zoning, system to determine suitability of land uses. The system generally allows one dwelling unit per lot without a land use permit and requires compatibility review for any additional development.
The closest thing to “traditional” zoning in the unincorporated areas of La Plata County is in the Animas Valley, from the North edge of Durango up to the Baker’s Bridge area. Land Use Permits are still required. Read more »
Business License - Where do I obtain a business license?
For businesses located in the City of Durango call (970) 375-5010.
For businesses located in the Town of Bayfield call (970) 884-9544.
For businesses located in the Town of Ignacio call (970) 563-9494. Read more »
Map or plat - Where can I get a map or plat of my property?
The La Plata County Clerk and Recorder’s office maintains indexing and scanned images of all documents recorded in the county. These may include, but are not limited to, plats, easements, deeds, right-of-way or easement vacations, annexations, and liens.
For assistance with researching recorded documents, please call the Clerk’s Office at (970) 382-6281 or visit the office.
Land use regulations - existence of.
County Planning records date back to 1966. Depending on the type of proposed use, there are different dates that county and state regulations took effect.
Development Activity - Land Use Permit needed for...?
In La Plata County, you generally have the right to one single family dwelling on one legally created parcel. Activities that you will need a Land Use Permit for, prior to use or expansion of existing use, include but are not limited to: more than one home on a parcel, home businesses, daycare, commercial ventures, industrial uses, creation of any lot less than 35 acres in size (whether by subdivision, boundary adjustments, or sale of part of a larger parcel,) boundary adjustments or lot consolidations of previously platted lots, mineral mining, grav Read more »
Block Party - Can I hold a?
Any citizen or group who wishes to close, use, or block a county road right-of-way for an event must first obtain approval from the County Road & Bridge Office. If a liquor license is required for the event you must contact the Liquor Licensing Clerk at (970)-382-6219 . The event itself may require a Temporary Use permit from the Planning Department as well. If the event will not use or block a road, you may still need to obtain Special Event or Temporary Use Permits. Read more »
New Business - Where can I locate?
If your business will be located in the unincorporated areas of La Plata County, you must have the appropriate land use and building permits, as well as a valid Certificate of Occupancy prior to starting, expanding, or relocating your business. For assistance in determining locations in the County appropriate for the type of business you intend to operate, please visit the Planning Department in the Courthouse at 1060 East Second Avenue, Durango. Read more »
Subdividing - Can I subdivide my lot?
On May 5, 1972, a state regulation went into effect that requires county processing and approval of any subdivision of land which creates one or more parcels of land less than 35 acres in size. Professional land developers, as well as private citizens, must apply for subdivision approval through the La Plata County Planning Department and must obtain Board of County Commissioner approval prior to creating pieces of land less than 35 acres in size. This also applies to any residual piece of land which the owner retains when creating a 35+ acre tract. Read more »
Covenant Violations - what to do.
By state law, counties are not involved in enforcing covenants. The Homeowners' Association must enforce the covenants through civil court. Covenants can be more strict than county and state regulations, but not less strict. Covenants do not take precedence over county and state regulations.
Animas Valley
The Animas Valley Land Use Plan is included in the La Plata County Land Use Code and covers the Animas Valley roughly from the north edge of Durango up to the Baker’s Bridge area. Property in the Plan is divided into several zoning districts with classifications such as general commercial, local commercial, and residential of varying densities. Some zoning districts allow certain land uses that require special use permits granted by the Board of County Commissioners. Read more »
