Community Development Department  Building, Planning, Zoning & GIS
The Old Courthouse / 203 Eureka Street, 2nd and 3rd Floors / P.O. Box 661 / Central City, CO 80427
Phone: 303-582-5831 / Fax: 303-565-1796

Zoning Division Information & Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a lot is "build-able?"
There is no minimum lot size in Gilpin County. Building plans and ISDS plans that can meet the Gilpin County zoning regulations will be permitted.
What is the zoning on a property?
Gilpin County has three general land zoning categories: residential, forestry and commercial. Rule of thumb: if the property is within a subdivision, it is zoned R1 (residential.) Most other properties are zoned forestry, with the exception of a few commercially zoned areas. Call the Community Development Department for more information.
I thought my property was zoned agricultural?
"Agricultural" is a designation used by the Gilpin County Assessor’s office. Most property listed by the assessor’s office as agricultural is zoned forestry.
How do I know if a property is zoned for horses?
All property in Gilpin County is zoned for horses. Restrictions lie within various setback codes and trash codes (to control manure). A hard copy of the Gilpin County Zoning Codes is available for $10.00 from the Community Development Department. The electronic version is available at no cost.
How is property zoned in Black Hawk, Central City and Rollinsville?
While unincorporated Rollinsville is included in Gilpin County zoning, the incorporated cities of Black Hawk and Central operate under their own zoning regulations.
What are "setbacks?"
Setbacks refer to the required distance a building must be from a property line or road. Property zoned R1 (residential) setbacks are 30 feet around; Forestry zoned property setbacks are 30 ft. front, 15 ft. back and sides. Other setback requirements may apply if property is adjacent to roads. Call the Community Development Department for more information.
How do I determine if there is a survey on my property?
Gilpin County has only begun requiring surveys on certain properties as of August 1, 2005; therefore, not all properties have been surveyed. The public is welcome to search the survey depository in the Community Development Department.
What is the zoning for mining claims?
In Gilpin County, mining claims fall under forestry zoning.
What is the sign code in Gilpin County?
Permitted: 1x 36 square foot freestanding; 1x 20 square foot building mounted.
Prohibited: signs within setbacks; neon signs, internal lighting; billboards.
Is my property within a flood zone?
The "FIRM" maps on file in the Community Development office depict flood zones and locations.
Can I build a studio apartment above my garage?
NO – Gilpin County permits only one living quarters per lot.
Gilpin County Zoning
A hard copy of the Gilpin County Zoning Codes is available for $10.00 from the Community Development Department. The electronic version is available at no cost.
Gilpin County Map
The Emergency Services map book is available for $100.00 from the Community Development Department. Other maps are available at the Assessor’s office.
Special Use Permit
Gilpin County requires a special use permit for proposed uses other than those listed as "use by right" in a particular zone. A special use permit incurs a $750.00 charge. Please contact the Community Development Department for details.
Boundary Line Elimination
Gilpin County pays $500.00 for every building site eliminated that is over ¼ acre. Applications are available at the Community Development Department.
Boundary Line Adjustment
A boundary line adjustment may be approved only when the resulting number of parcels is equal to or less than the number of original parcels.
Zoning Variances
The Gilpin County Board of Adjustment must review all requests for zoning variances. Applications are available at the Community Development Department.
Address Request Application
Applications are available at the Community Development Department and require information sufficient to determine the location of the subject site. The joint application form and routing sheet also includes an address request section.