Frequently Asked Questions

You can download our Residential Development Guide (PDF).
You can download an application packet for Residential Building (PDF).

When you submit your completed application, the Building Division staff will give you an approximate date when you can expect to hear from the County. The actual time it takes to receive approval is determined by the clarity and completeness of your application materials, as well as the number of other applications awaiting review. If your submitted documents are complete, accurate and meet all the code requirements, the possibility of your application requiring resubmittal or correction is reduced.

Building Permit Submittals:

• Proof of Legal Water
• Proof of Legal Sanitation
• County Driveway Permit or CDOT Access Permit for road and driveway may be required.
• HOA approval must be provided if there is an active HOA.
• Complete set of construction drawings

To apply visit the Alamosa County Citizen Portal.

Purpose

On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems Act, 25-10- 101, et seq., CRS (OWTS Act); and, Colorado Water Quality Control Commission On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Regulation Number 43, 5 CCR 1002-43 (Regulation 43).

The purpose of Regulation 43 is to:

• Eliminate or control the causes of diseases and infections
• Protect public health, safety and welfare
• Protect the quality of the environment
• Reduce the pollution of the air, land and water
• Regulate waste from residences, businesses, industrial buildings, and other uses
• It is declared to be in the public interest to establish regulations regarding On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems in Alamosa County, Colorado and to provide the authority for the administration and enforcement of such regulations.

Responsibility

These regulations govern all aspects of permits, performance, location, construction, installation, maintenance, alteration, use, and repair of OWTS in Alamosa County except those aspects that are specifically reserved by law solely to the State of Colorado.

Whenever it is uncertain as to whether an OWTS ( formally known as ISDS) should be reviewed under these regulations or state regulations, the more stringent and restrictive applies.

Copies

The On-Site Wastewater Treatment System include standards and requirements for installing an individual sewage disposal system (septic tank / leach field).

Offline amendments and reformatting of the document are ongoing. Hard copies of the current document are available in the Alamosa County Land Use and Building Department.

OWTS Contractor and Cleaner Licensing

Becoming a Septic Contractor / Installer

Septic Contractors/Installers must be licensed by the Alamosa County Land Use and Building Department. Licensing involves taking an open book test from the OWTS Regulations. Tests may be taken during regular business hours Monday through Friday. A copy of the Regulations may be purchased at our office. Please be aware that testing takes, on average, about 2 hours. Once you have passed the test, you will then need to pay a $25 licensing fee. Licenses must be renewed each year. If your license expires you must test again to reinstate your license.

Question & Answers

How long is the permit valid? The septic system permit is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance.

Who can install a septic system? All systems must be installed by a licensed Alamosa County septic installer. See a list of our latest licensed installers (PDF).

What inspections are required during installation? Your OWTS permit fee entitles you to one inspection during the construction process Additional inspection fees will be charged if more inspections are necessary. All components of the system must be left exposed until the inspection is completed unless otherwise approved in advance by the inspector. Arrangements for all inspections should be made at least one business day in advance of the requested inspection time.

Does snow and winter weather affect my ability to construct an OWTS? OWTS are generally constructed between April - November due to the challenges of working in freezing temperatures and snow. Alamosa County may limit OWTS permitting during winter months, depending on soil conditions.

All building permits that require electrical or plumbing components must have permits issued by the State of Colorado. You may apply online.