Costilla County in Southern Colorado is a fantastic place to own land, especially if you love the outdoors.
Many people dream of having their own private spot for camping, parking their RV, or just enjoying nature. But like any area, Costilla County has rules about what you can and can’t do on your land, especially when it comes to temporary living or setting up camp. At Open Skies Land, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to enjoy your property responsibly and without any surprises.
Understanding Short-Term Camping Rules
Imagine spending a peaceful weekend under the stars on your own land. Sounds great, right? In Costilla County, you can absolutely do that! However, there’s a limit to how long you can camp without needing a special permit.
The county’s rules state that you can camp in a recreational vehicle (RV) or other camping shelter for a total of 14 days within any three-month period on the same piece of land. This rule is in place to prevent people from using camping as a way to live long-term on undeveloped land without proper facilities. This short-term allowance is perfect for weekend getaways, short vacations, or simply enjoying your property for a couple of weeks at a time.
Extending Your Stay: Temporary RV Occupancy While Building Your Home
While the 14-day rule covers most recreational visits, Costilla County understands that some landowners may need to stay longer on-site temporarily while building a permanent home. For these longer durations, a specific permit and regulations apply, designed to ensure safety and compliance.
Costilla County has a specific Temporary RV Occupancy During Home Construction Permit that allows you to live in your RV during the active construction phase of a permanent home. It’s important to note that while the Land Use Code may reference a “Long-Term Camping Permit” for stays longer than 14 days, the county clarified that this is the same permit as the “Temporary RV Occupancy During Home Construction Permit” and is only applicable if you are actively building a permanent residence. This permit is distinct and specifically for landowners committed to building a permanent residence.
To secure this permit, you must already have obtained a construction permit for your new residence. The permit is valid for 90 days at a time, and while renewable, Temporary RV Occupancy shall not exceed 18 months in total. This emphasizes that it’s a temporary solution directly tied to the progress of your home construction. Before approval, your RV and property site will undergo inspections to ensure plumbing and electrical systems are working properly and that essential facilities like an approved On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) and a permitted well or cistern are in place. Only one RV is allowed per parcel for temporary occupancy under this permit, and it cannot have any attached structures. To keep the permit active, you must demonstrate clear, ongoing progress towards completing your home. It’s crucial to understand that an RV is never to be used as a permanent home in Costilla County. The fee for a Temporary RV Occupancy During Home Construction Permit is $350.
Setting Up a Comfortable Recreational Base
Whether you’re camping for a short stay or living on-site while building, here are some best practices for setting up a comfortable and compliant recreational base on your Costilla County land:
- Understand Your Land: Before you do anything, truly get to know your property. Understand its topography (the shape of the land), where water flows, and what kind of soil you have. This helps you choose the best spot for camping or parking your RV.
- Water and Waste Management: Even for short stays, think about how you’ll handle water and waste. For longer stays requiring a permit, having an approved wastewater system and a well or cistern is mandatory. For shorter camping trips, bring in your water and plan to pack out all waste, including human waste, in a responsible and sanitary way.
- Fire Safety: Costilla County can be dry, especially in certain seasons. Always check for fire bans before having any open flames. If fires are allowed, use a designated fire pit or fire circle, clear away any dry brush around it, and always have water or a shovel nearby to put out embers.
- Temporary Structures: While the focus is on camping and RVing, some people might consider small, temporary structures like sheds. It’s important to know that generally, permits are required for all new structures in any zone district. Accessory structures like sheds or garages usually require a primary residence to exist or be under construction. If you’re thinking about any kind of shed or temporary building, even for storage, contact the Costilla County Planning and Zoning Department first to understand the specific requirements and whether a special review or permit is needed.
- Respect the Land and Neighbors: Always clean up after yourself, leave no trace, and be mindful of your neighbors. This includes controlling noise and ensuring your activities don’t disrupt the peace of the area.
- Stay Informed: Land use codes and regulations can change. It’s always a good idea to check with the Costilla County Planning and Zoning Department for the most current information before starting any new projects or extended stays on your land.
Owning land in Costilla County offers incredible opportunities for recreation and relaxation. By understanding and following the local rules and regulations, you can ensure your time on your property is enjoyable, safe, and fully compliant with county guidelines. At Open Skies Land, we’re here to help you navigate these details and make the most of your land ownership journey.