Permitting a yurt

[Daniel Pittman]

I just got a brochure from Ouray County in Colorado about Yurt Permitting.

To date, no yurts have been permitted as single-family dwellings, in compliance with county building and energy codes.

They are allowed as 'Temporary Structures for Non-Commercial Camping'.

That means a short duration (less than 30 days) when (a) no fees (except a trespass fee for hunting or fishing or an outfitters fee) is paid or charged for occupancy, (b) occupancy is in conformance with State or Federal regulations, (c) written permission from the owner of the land has been obtained, (d) no permanent structure is installed and no permanent changes are made to the land, (e) and adequate sanitation is available.

You will need a building permit to put a Yurt on a temporary foundation or deck. No permit required for yurts directly on the ground.

Other regulations that apply on a site-by-site basis:

Visual Impact

Zoning and setback requirements

Road and driveways

Outdoor lighting regulations.

Their contact information:

Ouray County Land Use Department
PO Box 28
Ridgway CO 81432

970-626-9775


There's no date on the brochure, but it appears to be current.