What Should I Know Before Buying Land and Building Near Crested Butte?

Start with who has jurisdiction. The Town of Crested Butte, the Town of Mt. Crested Butte and unincorporated Gunnison County each have their own rules. Then check access, water and wastewater, snow load and design review. This is general information, not legal or engineering advice.

Which government permits my build?

It depends on the parcel. In the Town of Crested Butte, projects need review by the Board of Zoning and Architectural Review (BOZAR) before a building permit; see my historic district post. Mt. Crested Butte has its own codes. In unincorporated areas such as Crested Butte South, Gunnison County's Building Office (200 E. Virginia, Gunnison) handles permits.

What does Gunnison County require?

Per the county's Climate Design Criteria page, ground snow load varies by site (based on the 2016 Colorado Design Snow Loads report), all new construction must meet it, and the county lists a 36-inch frost depth and 104 mph wind design. See my post on Gunnison County snow load. The county page gives no single snow load number, so a designer must confirm it for your parcel.

What about water and septic?

In unincorporated Gunnison County, a home with a septic system generally needs an inspection before the title transfers. The county does not issue well permits, so check with the Colorado Division of Water Resources. See my post on water, septic and heating.

What should I check on a lot?

• Legal access. Does a legal, maintained road reach the building site in winter?
• Utilities. Are power, gas, fiber and water available, and what do connections cost?
• Septic feasibility. Ask about soils and the county process.
• Zoning and covenants. Read the rules on size, height, outbuildings and rentals.
• Hazards. Ask about slopes, drainage, wildfire and floodplain.
• Timeline. Winter limits construction, so plan with a local builder.

How do I budget?

I cannot give you a price. Costs depend on design, site and season. Ask builders to explain what is code-driven and what is a choice, and compare bids line by line.

What is the bottom line?

Confirm jurisdiction first, then access, water and wastewater, snow load and design review. Talk to a local builder before you buy the lot.

Do I need a permit to build in Crested Butte?

Yes. Town projects need BOZAR review before a building permit; unincorporated parcels go through Gunnison County.

What is the frost depth in Gunnison County?

36 inches, per the county's design criteria.

Does the county issue well permits?

No. Check with the Colorado Division of Water Resources.

Who do I call?

The Gunnison County Building Office or the Town's Community Development Department (970-349-5338 ext. 121).

Connect with a great real estate agent in Crested Butte, Kelsey Loftis with Crystal Peak Properties. Phone: (970) 784-6768 · Email: kelseyloftis@gmail.com · Website: crystalpeakproperties.com