E-mail: planning@co.laplata.co.us
1060 E. 2nd Ave.
Durango, CO 81301
Phone: 970-382-6263
Fax: 970-382-6298
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm
Submittals accepted until 4pm daily.
General
The Planning Department provides information to the public and explains regulations regarding land use possibilities in the county. Staff also advises decision-makers regarding land use, growth and development issues in our community. The Planning Department combines current planning and long-range planning to best serve the public interest while allowing growth to occur.
Current Planning
La Plata County has an innovative, performance-based permit system which generally allows one single-family dwelling and agricultural uses on a legally created parcel of land. To legally create a parcel of land 35 acres or larger, you may record a deed with the County Clerk & Recorder's Office. To develop a home business, commercial use, have more than one home, or legally create a parcel less than 35 acres, you will need to obtain a land use permit from the Board of County Commissioners utilizing the planning process. Planning Services will assist you in the process as well as review your proposal according to the regulations established in the La Plata County Land Use Code. The planning staff helps locate development in appropriate areas of the county based on availability of central services and infrastructure. To assist staff and the public in determining appropriate development areas, there are Planning District Maps and Plans which were developed through the combined efforts of the Planning Commission, staff, and residents of those districts.
Class I Permit - includes single family residential development and/or additions which result in multiple dwelling units on a single lot or parcel (up to 3 units on agriculturally assesed land and up to 2 units on other land); duplexes; certain home occupations; temporary uses; certain changes in land use.
Minor Exemption Subdivision Permit - when an agricultural property owner proposes to divide a tract of land into 3 or fewer parcels. Specific eligibility conditions apply.
Class II Permit - broad category which includes commercial and industrial development or redevelopment; some home businesses; multi-family residential development; mobile home parks; mixed-use development, public facilities; churches; childcare or group care facilities; commercial campgrounds; gravel mining or mineral extraction operations; etc.
Major Subdivision Permit - includes creating lots less than 35 acres on non-agricultural land or agricultural land which does not meet the criteria for the Minor Exemption Subdivision Permit; some mobile home parks, and residential condominium developments.
Boundary Adjustment Permit - adjusting lot lines between two or more parcels without creating or eliminating parcels.
Lot Consolidation Permit - adjusting lot lines between two or more parcels, reducing the number of parcels.
Conceptual Development Plan Permit - required preliminary step for subdivisions and commercial developments which will be developed in phases; optional preliminary step for non-phased subdivisions and commercial developments when trying to determine if the concept of a proposal is appropriate for a specific location prior to proving adequate water, sewer, and access.
Sign Permit - the County currently does not issue sign permits, however, all signs installed in the county must meet code requirements regarding size, design, and location. Please contact staff for more information on sign codes.
Legal vs. Illegal Lots - all parcels of land smaller than 35 acres created after May 5, 1972 were required to be approved by the County. Please check with staff on how to research lot legality in La Plata County.Informative brochures detailing each of the above permits, the process to obtain them and related costs are available at the La Plata County Planning Department. Please call or e-mail the Planning Department for additional information. La Plata County's dramatic growth is reflected in the number of planning cases and lots created in La Plata County over the past 7 years.
Special Events - For any event using or crossing a County Road, you must first obtain a Special Events - County Road Use Permit by submitting the application linked here (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 La Plata County Planning Department at 1060 East Second Avenue.