Frequently Asked Questions

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In order to help prevent delays or errors when recording documents, please follow these guidelines:

• When recording a document, make sure that the quality of the document and text is good and legible. Documents with poor quality produce poor public records.
• When mailing, faxing, or emailing documents, please send documents in the order you would like them recorded.
• Colorado law (CRS 30-10-406(3)(a)) requires that all documents have a top and bottom margin of at least one inch and a left and right margin of at least ½ inch.
  • The recorder may refuse to file any document that does not meet these standards.
• A complete and accurate return address (to whom the original document should be returned after recording) should be clearly marked on each sheet of the document.
  • No return envelope is required but is appreciated.
• Please make sure documents are recorded in the appropriate county. Documents intended to be recorded in one county are sometimes sent to another by mistake.
• Please be aware that we will not reject any documents, nor, will we refund any recording fees.

Remember, any document that is recorded becomes part of the public records, so, please do not write any private personal information such as Social Security Numbers.

• Real Estate UCC's are filed in Alamosa County. All others are filed with the Secretary of State.
• UCC's Fees:
  • $13 for 1 to 2 pages
  • $18 for 3 or more pages

Colorado law (CRS 38-35-109(2)) requires that all deeds include a notation of the legal (mailing) address of the grantee. This address is used to determine where tax statements should be mailed after a property is sold. Individuals should verify the accuracy and completeness of such addresses before recording any deed.

Alamosa County employees cannot do lien searches. Anyone desiring a lien search may conduct a self-lien search, or have a third party come into our office and conduct the search. Individuals may also choose to hire a title company to conduct this type of search.

Recording fees are statutorily established and a fee will more than likely be collected when a document is recorded. Please make sure that all fees are correct and accurate. Documents received with insufficient fees will be returned.

• Please make checks payable to "Alamosa County Clerk and Recorder." Make sure checks are signed and dated.
• Document that transfers title with consideration exceeding $500 will be assessed a state documentary fee of 1 cent per $100 (State documentary fees are included).
  • Document Recording Fees:
    • $13 for the 1st Page
    • $5 for Each Additional Page

The Torrens title system operates on the principle of "title by registration" (i.e. the indefeasibility of a registered interest) rather than "registration of title." The system does away with the need for a chain of title (i.e. tracing title through a series of documents).

• Alamosa County uses the Torrens title system. Certain property in Alamosa County has a certificate of title; therefore, title insurance is not needed when property is sold because the property's history is already on the certificate memorialization.
• Torrens Fees:
  • $33 for an Owners Duplicate.
  • $13 for a Mortgage Duplicate.
  • $23 for a Deed of Transfer.
  • $13 for any other Memorial.
  • $8 for any withdrawal from Torrens Title.

In most cases we get a reply from the recorder within minutes after a deed is submitted for recording.

When you record a document you are entering the document into the public record, for the whole world to see. Documents with proprietary, sensitive, or personal information that you do not want to be available for viewing should not be recorded.

When you record a document you are entering the document into the public record, for the whole world to see. Documents with proprietary, sensitive, or personal information that you do not want to be available for viewing should not be recorded.

The recorder returns the file stamped recorded documents to us digitally. As soon as we receive them they are available for you to download from you e-recording platform.

Foster care means the placement of a child into the legal custody or legal authority of a county department of human/social services for physical placement of a child in a certified or licensed facility. Foster care is intended to provide a substitute family for children for a temporary period of time, during which the family can work towards the goal of reunification. Foster care is not a punishment for behavior and children in foster care are not bad. Children in foster care may have a variety of behaviors as a result being abused and/or neglected, such as differed appearance due to physical abuse (bruises/cuts, low weight), parent-like behavior, hoarding food, shy and reserved, very talkative, etc. Children and Youth may need foster care placements for a variety of reasons which can be discussed further on a case to case basis.

Some things to consider:

What are your beliefs and attitudes about the Alamosa County Department of Human Services? What are your beliefs and attitudes about Child Welfare or Child Protective Services? What are your beliefs and attitudes about foster care? What are your beliefs and attitudes about adopting from the child welfare system? What are your reasons for becoming a foster or foster/adopt parent? Are you ready emotionally and is your home ready? What impact might fostering have on your own family? What if you end up adopting a child? What age and behaviors of children vs. your own children would be the best match? Have you talked to your own children and/or family about fostering? Is it realistic for you to become a foster parent? Is it realistic for you to become an adoptive parent?

1. Are at least 21 years of age
2. Are single, married, divorced, widowed, or in a stable domestic partnership
3. Own or rent your home
4. Have a valid driver's license and car insurance
5. Willing to transport the children to and from appointments to include school, visitation, and medical/dental appointments
6. Willing to get your CPR / First Aid Certification and maintain it through the life of certification
7. Willing to participate in the Family to Family Model (Family Engagement Meetings, Icebreakers, keeping kids in their home communities and schools, etc.)
8. Have adequate financial resources to sustain your household independently
9. Demonstrate an adequate level of physical fitness and stamina to care for active children
10. Demonstrate personal characteristics/strengths needed to meet the challenges of parenting children with varying emotional and behavioral needs associated with trauma, grief and loss
11. Are open to learn
12. Can work in partnership with our county agency and are open to consult with others on a child's professional team
13. Can remain open to and maintain safe and appropriate connections with a child's extended family of origin
14. Can work closely with professionals in a child's life
15. Can keep records and maintain confidentiality
16. Can ask for support when needed
17. Healthy communication with a child's treatment team
18. Can support the best interest of the child

Foster parents are caring, and committed individuals who open their hearts and home to meet the needs of children who must be placed in out-of-home care in order to be safe. A foster family provides the child with an emergency or temporary home and a supportive, stable family environment while the birth family addresses the concerns or situation that prevents them from parenting their child. Typically, foster parents care for the child until reunification with the birth family occurs, there is an adoption or guardianship with kin, or the child is legally available for adoption. Sometimes foster parents become the permanent home for the child through adoption.

How fostering is similar to parenting your own children?

• They need daily care and supervision
• They need their basic physical and emotional needs met
• You'll work with schools, medical personnel, and other professionals to meet their needs
• Help guide the child's development in all areas: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, etc
• Provide structure, rules, and discipline
• Teach values and self-direction
• Model appropriate family relationships

How fostering is different from parenting your own children?

• Must be able to recognize that a child in care may have a variety of developmental levels which may or may not match his/her chronological age
• Only having a limited time to work with a child and his/her family
• Understanding and accepting agency/department involvement and responsibilities
• Comply with certification standards
• Must keep records
• Must work with biological children to support reunification (if appropriate)
• Will be able to make only limited decisions
• Must respect confidentiality
• Must report changes in family household to the department
• Must be able to offer flexibility and work with the objectives of the case plan (visitation, therapy, etc.)

1. Foster Care homes for youth ages zero to eighteen years of age
2. Homes for sibling groups of all ages
3. Homes for teens (both boys and girls)
4. Homes for teen moms and pregnant teens
5. Respite homes

Pursuant to Colorado State Statute C.R.S. Article 3, Title 39, all taxable and exempt property is valued by the county assessor valuation criteria as stipulated by statute and by using manuals, appraisal procedures, and instructions issued by the Property Tax Administrator.

• The total value as determined by the County Assessor is certified to the county entities and the state.
• Each entity certifies a mill levy to the Assessor and then it is the duty of the Assessor to extend the tax on all property assessed and direct the County Treasurer to collect the taxes.

All property, real and personal, located in the State of Colorado on the assessment date, January 1, is taxable unless expressly exempted by the Constitution or state statutes. Article X, Section 3, Colorado Constitution, and 39-1-102 (16), C.R.S.

• Most property in Colorado is valued using the three approaches to value:
  • The market approach, the cost approach, and the income approach.
• The exceptions to the three approaches include residential real property (market only), agricultural land, and natural resource land (special valuation procedures based on productivity and production).
• The market, cost, and income data that county assessors use to apply the appropriate approaches to value is collected during specific periods prescribed by statute and represent a certain ''level of value''.
• Property taxes are not calculated on the ''full actual value'' as determined by the assessor. Instead, an assessment percentage is applied according to the classification of the property. 39-1-104(1) and (1.5), C.R.S.
• Property is assessed at a percentage of the actual value. 

A property owner must be sent a notice of valuation (NOV) every year.

• This notice must be mailed no later than May 1.
• In the language of the notice is stated the actual value that the assessor has assigned to your property.
• This notice of valuation is not a tax bill.
• The purpose of this notice is to inform you of any change in your property valuation and advises you of your right to appeal the value.

If a taxpayer disagrees with the value assigned by the assessor, the taxpayer may file a protest during the statutory protest period.

• Real property protests must be postmarked no later than June 1, or a taxpayer may appear in person to protest no later than June 1. 39-5-121(1), C.R.S.
• Personal property protests must be postmarked no later than June 30, or a taxpayer may appear in person to protest no later than July 5. 39-5-121(1.5), C.R.S.
• A protest form is included with the notice of valuation: however it is not mandatory for the taxpayer to use this form, or any other particular form, when protesting.

All personal inquiries and letters/faxes received during the protest period are processed and reviewed.

• The assessor's staff corrects any erroneous or improper valuations.
• If the assessor determines that the value is correct, no adjustments will be applied.
• In each determination, the assessor includes the reason(s) for denial and information regarding the taxpayer's right of appeal to the county Board of Equalization.

No! Colorado statutes require that the sitting assessor hear protest on valuation that has been assigned by the assessor.

The assessor does not assign taxes.

Taxes include a number of components that are beyond the assessor's control, such as mill levy and assessment rate.

The assessment rate is set by the State Legislature and mill levies are determined by each governing entity such as schools, city or county, fire department, etc.

The end results of these components determine the amount of taxes levied. The following is an example of how taxes are determined.

Agricultural land valuation is directed by Section 3(1)(a), article X of the Colorado Constitution and are calculated on the earning capacity of the land, using a ten year average of commodity prices, locally researched expenses and factors supplied by the Division of Property Taxation. Each of the Assessor's offices are audited to verify that their calculations fall within the guidelines prescribed by the Colorado Constitution.

Voter registration including:

• Compilation of ballots, absentee ballots, and early voting ballots for regular primary,
• General and special county elections.
• Election judge training,
• Coordinating all Election Day operations,
• Tabulation of Election Day results, 
• Certification of the election with the County Canvass Board

In order to be eligible to vote, you must register in the county in which you reside. By registering, you declare your residency in the State of Colorado within the County and District of your actual physical residence. You must be a Colorado resident at least 22 days before the election to be eligible to vote

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be 16 years of age Reside in this state at least 22 days before the election
• Provide your Colorado driver’s license number, Colorado state issued ID number, or last 4 of your social security number if you do not have a Colorado driver’s license or ID number

Yes, if you will be 18 on or before Election Day.

Yes, it is necessary to present identification when you vote early or vote at the polling place. During the 2003 legislative session, the General Assembly of Colorado passed House Bill 1356 and Senate Bill 102 which requires identification to be presented at your polling place in order to vote.

• A valid Colorado driver’s license;
• A valid identification card issued by the Department of Revenue in accordance with the requirements of Part 3 of Article 2 of Title 42, C.R.S.;
• A valid U.S. passport;
• A valid employee identification card with a photograph of the eligible elector issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the United States government or of this state, or by any county, municipality, board, authority, or other political subdivision of this state;
• A valid pilot’s license issued by the federal aviation administration or other authorized agency of the United States;
• A valid U.S. military identification card with a photograph of the eligible elector;
• A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the elector. For example:
  • A cable bill or telephone bill,
  • Documentation from a public institution of higher education in Colorado containing at least the name, date of birth, and legal residence address of the student elector,
  • A paycheck from a government institution or private company, or A Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaskan Native Blood.
  • A valid Medicare or Medicaid card issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (formerly the United States Health Care Financing Administration);
  • A certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate for the elector issued in the United States; Certified documentation of naturalization;
  • A valid student identification card with a photograph of the eligible elector issued by an institute of higher education in Colorado, as defined in section 23-3.1-102(5), C.R.S.;
  • A valid veteran identification card issued by the United States department of veteran’s affairs or veteran’s health administration with a photograph of the eligible elector.
  • A valid identification card issued by a federally recognized tribal government certifying tribal membership.
  • Verification that a voter is a person committed to the department of human services and confined and eligible to register and vote shall be considered sufficient identification of such person for the purposes of section 1-2-210.5, C.R.S.

You may be required to vote on a provisional ballot. Save the hassle and bring your ID when you vote!

In person voting is available during regular business hours starting June 22, 2020 for the June 30, 2020 Primary Election and starting October 19, 2020 for the November 3, 2020 General Election conducted by the County Clerk & Recorder.

If you move from your voter registration address, you must change your new address with the County Clerk & Recorder. You may either go online to: govotecolorado.gov, mail your address change to our office, email us, fax us at (719) 589-6118 or come into our office at

8999 Independence Way
Alamosa, CO 81101.

• Be an eligible elector.
• Be mentally and physically able to perform all required tasks.
• Attend a training class.
• Not have been convicted of election fraud or any other election offense

If you meet the qualification above, simply notify the Elections Department at the County Clerk & Recorder's office. Remember, judges are paid by the County for their efforts.

We do not issue addresses to vacant land. Unless you have plans to improve your property by pulling a building or septic permit, submit documentation from the utility company you are having utilities installed, or apply for an access permit we cannot issue an address

Fill out this application form (PDF) and submit along with the $50 fee, documentation of ownership, proof of utilities and/or proof of improvement.

$50 and you receive a reflective, metal address sign to post on your property.

Download this form for Xcel Energy (PDF) or this one for SLV Rural Electric Cooperative (SLVREC (PDF)).

All structures with human occupancy and all structures over 200 square feet need a permit as do fences over 6 feet, solar panels, demolition projects, re-roofing, stucco, siding, decks/patios, and onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).

• Wind Speed: 115 mph
• Ground Snow Load: 30psf. up to 7880 feet elevation, 40psf over 7880 feet.
• Frost Depth: 36 inches from final grade. Note that final grade must slope away from the foundation and fall at least 6 inches in the first 10 feet

• 2018 International Building Code (IBC)
• 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)
• 2018 International Mechanical Code ( IMC)
• 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
• 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)

Alamosa County is Climate Zone 6B in the 2018 International Building Codes. The minimum insulation values are:

• Wood Frame Walls: R-20 (cavity) + R-5 (continuous) OR R-13 (cavity) + R-10 (continuous)
• Ceiling: R-49
• Floor: R-30
• Slab: R-10 to 4 feet depth, AND R-5 under heated slab

Contractor licenses are not required in the county for construction except for OWTS Installers/Cleaners and Manufactured Home Installers.

Building permits for new construction, remodels, and additions are based on the valuation of construction costs which is calculated based on square footage. Alamosa County uses the ICC Building Valuation Data from February of the prior calendar year, and Appendix L of the IRC. See the current department fee schedule (PDF).

Other permit fees include:

• Roofing: $150 (per building)
  • Example: House with detached garage is $200 if re-roofing both the house and garage.
• OWTS Permit:$500
• Solar PV systems: $100
• Storage/Shipping Container Placement: $50
• Demolition Permit:$0 (Must provide permit documentation from CDPHE)

The County recently adopted updated regulations for Campground/RV Parks development. Campgrounds and RV Parks are permitted on Rural (RU) and Commercial (C) zoned property of at least 12 acres with a Special Use Permit. Both temporary and permanent structures are permissible, and water and sewer infrastructure is required.

Download the updated regulations (PDF).

Under no circumstances may an RV, camper, or tent be used as a permanent residence. If an individual is on a property in violation of these regulations they will be turned over to the Code Enforcement Officer, fined, and will eventually be taken to court.

We do allow temporary RV occupancy under two instances:

1. If there is an installed OWTS and the applicant may apply for a RV Temporary Use Permit which costs $120 and is only valid for 180-days per calendar year.
2. If there is an installed OWTS, a well, and a valid building permit on file for a residence, they may apply for a RV Temporary Use Permit for Home Construction which costs $120 and is only valid for two years with a renewal each year.

Download this guide (PDF).

Download this flowchart (PDF) of the requirements.

Agriculture" is an assessment classification for tax purposes and is totally separate from zoning. Always verify zoning with the Land Use office or research it qPublic Alamosa County.

It is always best to contact the Land Use office to evaluate the type of business and location you are considering. There are some zone districts and business types that are simply not compatible. Generally, there are three ways to start a new business:

Most types of business are allowed by right in Commercial (C), and sometimes Industrial (I), districts. If the business is small, a Home Occupation is often allowable. Some businesses are not allowed by right but are eligible for Special Use Review.

Alamosa County is zoned and requires building permits. Please be aware Alamosa is a rural community and life in the country is different from life in the city.

County governments are not able to provide the same level of service as municipal governments. Mail service, cellular/internet service, school buses, trash service, and even emergency services may be limited, slow, or not available at all in certain parts of the county. Connecting to the electrical grid can be very expensive and service is not available in all parts of the county. Road maintenance is not guaranteed and if the roads near your property are not maintained, they never will be.

• You and your neighbors are responsible for road maintenance of private roads including grading and snow removal.

Only properties in the City of Alamosa or East Alamosa have central water and sewer.

• All rural, residential properties require an onsite wastewater treatment system (septic).
  • At this time, we do not allow composting toilets or gray water systems.
• All rural, residential properties require a permanent, legal water source.
  • In almost all cases, you must have a well.

Generally, a parcel is buildable if it is at least 1 acre which is the minimum size required for an onsite wastewater treatment system by the Colorado Division of Public Health and Environment. Most parcels in Alamosa County are eligible to apply for a well permit with the Colorado Division of Water Resources. The only parcels in Alamosa County that are ineligible for wells are located in Deer Valley Meadows Unit III.

Alternative building methods i.e... earthships, straw bale, shipping containers, or rammed earth, are allowed but the plans must be stamped by a licensed, Colorado Architect or Engineer.

Colorado is a "Buyer Beware" state and access is not guaranteed. There can be problems with the legal aspects of access, especially if you gain access across property belonging to others. It is wise to obtain legal advice and understand the easements that may be necessary to access a piece of property.

Generally, if you own 35 acres or more you are allowed a domestic well which gives you the ability to irrigate up to an acre. Anything smaller than 35 acres allows you an in-house use only well which does not permit you to have any outside irrigation, not even patio plants.

If you have an in-house only use well, you can sometimes buy augmentation water from the San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District for an annual fee. All water questions and verification of water rights should be directed to the Colorado Division of Water Resources. They are a state agency which operates a local office in Alamosa.

• Please contact them at 719-589-6683.

Most of the county is zoned Rural (RU), a district set aside for agricultural and residential purposes. Water can be a limiting factor on both agriculture and livestock, so please verify use with the Division of Water Resources. The keeping of animals as a residential accessory use is as follows:

• Horses, mules, donkeys, cattle, rabbits, goats, sheep and poultry or other fowl are allowed on all parcels one acre or larger but they are not allowed to create a health hazard or nuisance to surrounding properties.
• Parcels less than two acres cannot have more than a total of two of the following per acre: horses, mules, donkeys, cows, goats or sheep with the exception of young animals of less than six months of age provided they are the offspring of mature animals on the property.
• Up to ten chickens are allowed in every district of Alamosa County and more are allowed in Rural (RU) zoned districts. The following requirements apply:
  • Chickens must be provided with a covered, properly ventilated and predator-resistant chicken coop.
  • Chicken coops and outdoor enclosures shall be regularly cleaned to control dust, odor and waste and must not constitute a nuisance, safety hazard, or health problem to surrounding properties.

We require a minimum of 500 square feet for residential purposes.

Some areas of the county do not have transmission lines and installation of new lines is the property owner's responsibility.

Installation can be very expensive and it is always best to verify utilities before purchasing rural property.

• Alamosa County does not verify electrical service but you can contact either Xcel Energy or the SLV Rural Electric Cooperative (SLVREC) for more information.
• See SLVREC's service territory map.

All homes other than single or double-wide manufactured homes must be site built. Pre-fab or kit homes are only allowed if they are assembled on site and the building inspector can perform all the necessary inspections required of a site built home or if they are inspected by a qualified third-party inspector.

The State of Colorado's Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Regulation 43 allows composting toilets in addition to the installation of a septic system.

• Per state regulation, you cannot use a composting toilet instead of a septic system.
• Per state regulation, using composting toilets does not allow you to reduce the size or treatment capacity of your septic system.
• As of May 23, 2018, Incinerating, Composting and Chemical Toilets are prohibited in Alamosa County.

Alamosa County only allows medical marijuana grows. A Special Use Permit is required for all medical marijuana facilities.

A Special Use Permit is required for all medical marijuana facilities.

• Patients with qualifying debilitating medical conditions can receive a registry identification card for legal access to medical marijuana. Cards are available to Colorado residents and valid only in Colorado.
  • Read more on the Department of Public Health & Environment website.
• Colorado HB-1220 which limits caregivers to twelve plants went into effect on January 1, 2018.
• A grow over twelve plants is subject to Alamosa County's medical marijuana regulations.

People over the age of 21 may grow six plants, three mature and three immature for personal use. No more than twenty-four (24) plants are allowed per residence without a Special Use Permit. If you cultivate more than 12 plants but less than 24, you must provide the Land Use office with a copy of your patient or primary caregiver registration on an annual basis. Under no circumstance may any plants or their products be sold.

Yes, but only plants allowed for personal use and they must be in an enclosed, locked space that is not public or open. You cannot sell marijuana you grow yourself under any circumstances.

On any zoned parcel of Alamosa County that is either Rural, Industrial, or Commercial and that is 1,000' from our protected purposes.

The State requires that no MMCs, MMIPMs, or OPCOs may be closer than 1,000 feet of any an alcohol or drug treatment facility, the principal campus of a college, university, or seminary, or a residential child care facility. Alamosa County has further standards they may not be within 1,000 feet of a church, dormitory, health services center or hospital, other licensed medical marijuana facility, detention facility, government building, public park, or residential zoned property.

• Learn more about Alamosa County Marijuana Regulations (PDF). Learn about the State's water regulations for marijuana (PDF).
• Alamosa County marijuana regulations are established by ordinance:
  • Ordinance Number 16 (PDF): Regarding Medical Marijuana
  • Ordinance Number 17 (PDF): Prohibition of Retail Marijuana

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.

All occupied structures and all structures over 200 square feet need a permit as do fences over 6 feet, solar panels, demolition projects, re-roofing, decks/patios, stucco/re-siding, residential additions of any kind, and onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).

• 2018 International Building Code (IBC)
• 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)
• 2018 International Mechanical Code ( IMC)
• 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
• 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)

The International Energy Conservation Code provides multiple pathways for compliance, the most common locally being the Prescriptive R-Value Alternative (Table R402.1.2) and Total UA Alternative (RESCheck).

The Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (table 301.2) for Alamosa County (PDF):

Table 401.1.2 Insulation requirements include:

• Wood Frame Walls: R-20 (cavity) + R-5 (continuous) OR R-13 (cavity) + R-10 (continuous)
• Ceilings: R-49
• Foundation wall: R-10 to 4 feet depth, AND R-5 required under heated slab

Contractor licenses are not required in the county for construction except for OWTS Installers/Cleaners and Manufactured Home Installers.

• County licensed OWTS installers/cleaners are listed.
• Manufactured Home contractors are licensed by the state. More information can be found on the DOLA website

Building permits are based on the valuation of construction costs which is calculated based on square footage. Alamosa County uses the ICC Building Valuation Data from February of the prior calendar year, and Appendix L of the IRC. The current department fee schedule (PDF)

Other permit fees include:

• Roofing: $150 (per building)
  • Example: House with detached garage is $200 if re-roofing both the house and garage.
• OWTS Permit: $500
• Solar PV systems: $100
• Storage/Shipping Container Placement: $50
• Demolition Permit: $0 (Must provide permit documentation from CDPHE)

Yes. Roads are maintained on a schedule but it changes based on the season and other factors such as inclement weather, snow, and other maintenance projects. If you would like to know when your road will be maintained you can call our office at 719-589-6262. If you have a concern about a particular road, please fill out a Report a Road Issue form.

Alamosa County only maintains roads in the county road system. Not all roads in Alamosa County were formally adopted into the county road system and Alamosa County, by law, can only repair and maintain roads in the county road system. There are many miles of roads that are not maintained by the county, which means no grading or snow plowing, and even some public roads that are not maintained by anyone.

See the State's COtrip website that includes travel alerts, route information, and an interactive map.

If your road is unpaved, it is highly unlikely that Alamosa County will pave it in the foreseeable future. Check carefully with the Alamosa County Road and Bridge Department when any statement is made by the seller of any property that indicates an unpaved road will be paved.

Unpaved roads generate dust when traffic reaches specific levels. Alamosa County does not treat county roads to suppress the dust. Dust is a factor of life for most rural residents. If you reside near unpaved Alamosa County roads, you may be able to obtain a permit from the Road and Bridge Department to treat the road for dust suppression using a county approved contractor at your expense.

In July 1990, the Colorado Legislature passed a bill called the "Colorado Weed Management Act." This bill requires all landowners to manage noxious weeds on their property.

Alamosa County only removes noxious weeds on county right-of ways. We do not have any resources to help property owners remove weeds on private property at this time. To report a noxious weed concern please submit a Noxious Weed Report or contact the Alamosa County Noxious Weed Officer at 719-589-3812.

Even though you pay property taxes to the county, the amount of tax collected does not cover the cost of the services provided to rural residents. In general, tax revenues derived from oil and gas production, commercial, industrial, agricultural and forest uses and activities in the County subsidize the lifestyle of those who live in the country by making up the shortfall between the cost of services and the revenues received from rural dwellers.

See Colorado Chain Up Tips for Commercial Vehicles

While some foods may be sold without a license, most foods requiring preparation or refrigeration do require the vendor to hold a Retail Food Establishment License.

A "Temporary Event" is defined as a single community event or celebration that operates for a period of time of not more than fourteen consecutive days and may include town celebrations, fairs, and festivals. Farmers markets are specifically excluded. Therefore, a Temporary Event Retail Food Establishment License is not valid at a farmer's market.

Chili roasting operations are required to have a Retail Food Establishment License. The chilies must be washed in potable water at a commissary, and a handwashing facility must be available at the site where the chilies are roasted and sold. Contact your local Environmental Health Department for details.

Though recommended, food safety training is not required of food workers in Colorado.

From the list on the Cottage Food web page, one may choose from a variety of online courses, or hands-on, in person instruction in an operator's restaurant. Contact your local Environmental Health Department for details.

A Retail Food license is required if your operation meets the definition of a "Retail Food Establishment". A Retail Food Establishment means a retail operation that stores, prepares, or packages food for human consumption or serves or otherwise provides food for human consumption to consumers directly or indirectly through a delivery service, whether such food is consumed on or off the premises or whether there is a charge for such food

No, Retail Food Establishment Licenses are valid for specific owner, location, and Colorado Department of Revenue account number.

All foods sold or served to the public must be from an approved facility. All must have at minimum a 3 compartment sink, a handwashing sink, a prep sink, a water heater, a mop sink, and a restroom containing a toilet and a handwashing sink. All equipment must be commercial, and all floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and easily cleanable. If you intend to build your establishment, you must submit a plan review form and have it approved prior to the start of construction. If you instead plan to purchase an existing establishment, you will need to have a Change-of-Ownership inspection conducted. Having secured an approved facility, you will need to obtain a Sales Tax License from the Colorado Department of Revenue, complete and submit an Application for a Retail Food Establishment License, available from Alamosa County Public Health Department (PDF) office, along with the appropriate license fee.

Potentially Hazardous Food (time/temperature control for safety food)" means a food that requires time/temperature control for safety (TCS) to limit pathogenic microorganism growth or toxin formation. "Potentially Hazardous Food (time/temperature control for safety food)" includes: A food of animal origin that is raw or heat-treated, a food of plant origin that is heat-treated or consists of raw seed sprouts, cut melons, cut leafy greens, cut tomatoes or mixtures of cut tomatoes that are not modified in a way so that they are unable to support pathogenic microorganism growth or toxin formation, or garlic-in-oil mixtures that are not modified in a way so that they are unable to support pathogenic microorganism growth or toxin formation.

Yes, plans must be submitted, reviewed, and approved before the start of construction. Review more on the Restaurant Plan Review Form (PDF).

No, SLV Regional Environmental Health does not require food safety training. But it is highly recommended. As stated in the Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rule and Regulations, "Only persons necessary to the operation and maintenance of the retail food establishment shall be allowed in food preparation, food storage, food equipment storage, and ware washing areas.

Equipment used in retail food establishments must fabricated of safe materials, and be of commercial design meeting American National Standards Institute (typically, National Sanitation Foundation or Underwriters Laboratories Commercial approved). Domestic equipment is not allowed except in very limited circumstances, as it does not hold up under the heavy use in a commercial kitchen.

You must obtain a Colorado Sales Tax Id number in order to receive a Retail Food Establishment License. Contact Colorado Department of Revenue.

Yes, an individual may become licensed to operate from any approved facility. There are commercial kitchens whose primary business is renting time to the public. Other operations will produce and package a food product to your specifications. A list is available from the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

No, temporary food operations are required to operate from an approved commissary.

While both must report to an approved commissary, the Temporary Retail Food Establishment may operate only at temporary events, and have far less stringent equipment requirements. A Mobile Retail Food Establishment is tied to a specific mobile truck, trailer, or pushcart, and may operate at any event, any location, and at any time, within the travel time and/or distance constraints of their commissary.

Why must a "fixed" licensed facility obtain an additional Retail Food Establishment License to participate in temporary events?

Vendor applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the start of the event. Vendors not meeting this deadline will be assessed a $50 late fee.

No, as long as you operate as a mobile food truck, trailer, or push cart. If you set up a temporary food booth in addition to your licensed mobile food unit, you will need to obtain a Temporary Event Retail Food Establishment License.

Yes, the Colorado Cottage Foods Act requires "producers to be certified in safe food handling and processing by a third-party certifying entity, comparable to and including the United States Department of Agriculture or the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Service, and must maintain a status of good standing in accordance with the certifying entity practices and procedures, including attending any classes required for certification.

Yes. All employees directly handling food products are under the same guidelines of the Colorado Cottage Foods Act as stated above and need to have the same safe food handling/processing training and certification.

Many pies are allowed, however, potentially hazardous pies such as some pumpkin and cream pies are not allowed since they support pathogenic growth and therefore require refrigeration. Frozen foods are not allowed cottage foods under the Colorado Cottage Foods Act.

You are allowed to use home grown produce and herbs in the products you produce for sale. You do not need a license, but safe food handling/processing guidelines should be followed.

The preserved products allowed in Colorado as cottage foods (jams, jellies, some fruit butters) have different characteristics than canned fruits and vegetables. Higher amounts of sugar in these products lower the water activity and therefore inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

No, cakes and quick breads, baked in a canning jar are not allowed, they are not a safe product. Dry mixes that are labeled can be packed in a canning jar. The only canned products allowed under the Act are jams, jellies, and fruit butters (jalapeño jelly and pumpkin butters are not allowed).

You can find available dates at your local CSU Extension Office or by visiting the StateFoodSafety website.

Yes, if it is a Retail Food Establishment Mobile Unit.

Mobile food trucks and trailers that have never been licensed by Alamosa County Public Health Department must go through a Plan Review. To determine the type of plan review that is appropriate for you contact us in Alamosa at 719-589-6639 or Del Norte at 719-657-3352. Mobile food trucks that have been previously licensed by Alamosa County Public Health, may be inspected and licensed at our Alamosa County Public Health offices or Rio Grande Public Health office, by appointment.

A commissary is a facility approved by the health department as a base of operations for a mobile food establishment where food, containers, and supplies are kept, handled, prepared, packaged or stored, and where fresh water is replaced, and waste water is disposed of. Most commissaries are licensed fixed restaurants used by agreement between management of the restaurant and the mobile food operator. A Commissary Agreement must be completed and submitted for licensing. The Colorado Co Pack Directory maintains a list of approved kitchens whose sole purpose is to rent time to the public.

Yes, you must obtain a new Colorado Sale Tax ID number for each mobile, unit for each county you operate in. If you own a restaurant and have a catering service, you must contact the Colorado Department of Revenue.

You are required to conduct body are procedures in an approved and inspected facility, comply with Code of Colorado Regulations, and pay a yearly inspection fee. However, a license is not required. Code of Colorado Regulations.

You must have an opening inspection performed by an Environmental Health Technician, before opening. Correct any violations of the Code of Colorado Regulations (PDF), and pay the yearly inspection fee. Once violations are corrected and the inspection fee is paid, the San Luis Valley Public Health Department will approve your ship to operate. Contact Gary Bruder, Regional Environmental Health Program at 719-587-5206 for an opening inspection.

Section 5-516 of the Colorado Regulations requires that all body art establishments shall be completely separated from areas used for human habitation.

Child care centers are licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care. However, these licensed child care facilities are required to have an inspection by the state or local health department and comply with the Regulations Governing the Health and Sanitation of Child Care Facilities in the State of Colorado prior to licensing and at least once every two years of operation.

No, but we do investigate complaints related to such facilities. The only in home facilities that local Public Health regulates are group homes. If you have questions about either starting a home day care or having your child attend a home day care, please contact the Colorado Department of Human Services - Child Care Division at 303-866-5948.

A sanitizer reduces the bacterial count, including disease causing microorganisms, to a safe level and is required to be used on surfaces in childcare settings such as toys, tabletops, and food preparation surfaces. A disinfectant eliminates most or all disease causing microorganisms (with the exception of bacterial spores) and is required to be used on surfaces in childcare settings such as diaper changing tables and restrooms, as well as areas contaminated with High Hazard Body Fluids such as blood, urine, vomit, or feces. See our Sanitizer and Disinfectant Guidance for Childcare Centers, and our Guidelines for using Bleach in Child Care.

Contact Alamosa County Public Health at 719-589-6639.

If you find unsanitary conditions existing at a public pool or spa, contact the Regional Environmental Health, or by calling 719-589-6639

State Board of Health Regulations Pertaining to Swimming Pools

The chlorine smell is the actually chemicals that form when chlorine mixes with urine, feces, sweet, and dirt from swimmers bodies. These chemicals, not chlorine, can cause your eyes to get red and sting or make you cough or make your nose run. A pool that is properly chlorinated will not have a strong chemical smell.

Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, are brown with a flat, oval-shaped body and can be smelly, emitting a "musty-sweetish" odor produced through glands on the lower side of the body. Bed bugs are considered a public health pest and are not known to transmit or spread disease. Bed Bug Fact Sheet (PDF)

Bed bugs have not been shown to transmit diseases and are not considered a public health hazard. Bed bugs can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep. In some instances, the itching can lead to excessive scratching which may increase the chance of a secondary skin infection.

Bed bugs range from 1mm to 7mm long (less than 1/4 of an inch - roughly the size of Lincoln's head on a penny), are wingless, and have a flat head and a flat, oval body. Young bed bugs are yellow-white in color and change to a light to reddish brown as they mature. For more information and pictures you can visit: Colorado State University Extension website. You can also contact an entomologist for help identifying bed bugs.

One of the easiest ways to identify a bed bug infestation is by the tell-tale bite marks on the face, neck, arms, hands, or any other body parts. However, these bite marks may take as long as 14 days to develop. Other signs of bed bugs may include the presence of bed bug exoskeletons, actual bed bugs in the fold of mattresses and sheets, rusty-colored blood spots on bedding and or a sweet musty odor.

Bed bugs bites have different effects on every person. When a bed bug feeds on the blood of a person or animal, saliva is injected into the bite wound, which contains proteins that may cause some form of an allergic response. Some people show no signs of bed bug bites, some people have small bite marks, and others have allergic reactions. However, most people experience some level of inflammation, swelling, reddening, and itchiness at the bite site. Bed bug bites are not considered dangerous, but severe allergic reactions may require medical attention. Scratching bed bug bites may lead to secondary skin infections as well.

If you suspect that you have an infestation, contact your landlord or professional pest control company that is experienced with treating bed bugs. Getting rid of a bed bug infestation involves a combination of cleaning, room-modification, and insecticide administration by a knowledgeable, licensed pest control operator. Bed bug infestations are commonly treated with insecticides containing "pyrethrins". All pesticides should be applied per the label's instructions and treat areas where bed bugs are known to live. Wash all draperies, bedding and clothing in hot water and place them in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Bed bugs and their eggs can be vacuumed up with a nozzle attachment. Vacuum all the crevices on mattresses, bed frames, baseboards and any objects close to the bed. Steam clean and vacuum carpets. Vacuum daily and be sure to immediately empty your vacuum in an outside trash can. Be vigilant and conduct regular inspections.

Bed bugs can be difficult to get rid of and bed bug control usually requires multiple visits by a licensed pest control operator and diligence on the part of those who are experiencing the infestation.

It is best to read your lease first, as it may contain information as to who is responsible for treating pests. If your land lord is responsible, contact your land lord. If you are responsible, contact a licensed pest control company that is experienced with treating bed bugs. Regardless of who is responsible, getting rid of a bed bug infestation involves a combination of cleaning, room-modification, and insecticide administration.

San Luis Valley Environmental Health Departments do not have a Housing Ordinance and do not have legal authority over private property including rental properties. Public Health can document a bed bug problem and provide educational resources on how to prevent and eliminate a bed bug infestation, but is not able to mandate (require) action by a landlord. If you are renting, it is important to thoroughly read your lease to identify who is responsible for pest control. SLV Environmental Health Departments cannot provide legal services. For further legal questions, you can contact Colorado Legal Services at 303-837-1313.

Unfortunately, San Luis Valley Health Departments cannot recommend a pest control company. You can find many companies in the Yellow Pages or through an internet search. The Colorado Department of Agriculture at 303-239-4140 can also provide a list of licensed pest control operators.

Use luggage racks to hold your luggage, instead of setting it on the bed or on the floor. Avoid unpacking your clothes into hotel dresser drawers. Keep your clothes in your luggage (on a luggage rack) or hang clothes in the closet. Check the mattress and the headboard before sleeping. Once you return home, unpack directly into the washing machine, using hot water followed by drying items in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Thoroughly inspect your luggage for any signs of bed bugs.

A tax lien is a lien (or a legal interest) on a given tax parcel issued by a taxing entity. The I.R.S. and state revenue agencies can place tax liens on parcels, but the county treasurer's office (the county entity responsible for collecting property taxes can also place tax liens on parcels. The Alamosa County Treasurer holds a tax lien auction each year (around November) and any tax parcels which have unpaid/delinquent amounts will have tax liens sold against them. A bidder can offer to pay the remaining taxes, plus interest and fees then due on a parcel and in exchange, they will then hold a tax lien on that parcel until the owners pay off, or "redeem" the tax lien. During the time that the tax lien is held by the bidder, the bidder's investment in the parcel accrues interest (which will be reimbursed to the bidder along with all the invested money upon redemption of the tax lien by the owner). This allows Alamosa County to operate and pay its entities the revenues that they are in need and expecting. It also allows investors to earn interest on their investment in Alamosa County.

When the owner of the property pays off or "redeems" the tax lien. They then pay The Alamosa County Treasurer's Office the total due in taxes, interest accrued and fees and the County Treasurer sends you a reimbursement check.

This is the designation we use in Alamosa County to indicate that there is a prior dated tax lien existing on a parcel at the time of a tax lien auction. Should you as a buyer see this, it simply means that an un-redeemed outstanding lien still exists on the parcel you may be bidding on.

All of the parcels that are delinquent as of early October will be published according to state statute three consecutive weeks in The Valley Courier newspaper. You may view these parcels online to decide if there are parcels you may wish to bid on at the auction.

If you wish to retain your interest in the parcel, you have the right, as a senior (or prior dated) lien holder, to redeem, or pay off the tax lien of that other holder. This money is not money which will be refunded to you in the event of an owner redemption! Unfortunately, this is money due to this other tax lien holder and should you chose to redeem it to protect your interest, you are not entitled to have this money refunded to you should the actual owner of the property redeem your lien. If you wish to simply let the treasurer's deed go through, and not protect your interest in the parcel, you would lose out on the money you had put into your own lien and waive any rights to be reimbursed for that lien.

In the event that there is/are senior (older) tax lien(s) on a parcel, you as a junior lien holder do not have to redeem out the senior lien holder to have a treasurer's deed issued. You simply apply for deed and those lien holders will be notified accordingly that you have applied for deed. If they choose not to redeem your lien (to protect their interest in the parcel), then a deed will be issued to you and they will have waived their interest in the parcel.

When you purchase a tax lien, all sales are final. We cannot refund your investment until it is paid back by the owner. Because of this, buying a tax lien is actually a three to four year commitment. Should you decide that you no longer wish to endorse a lien you hold, that is your choice, but we advise against it. This is because we will take the parcel back to tax auction and sell another tax lien on it. This other lien will put you as a senior lien holder - in direct competition for interest in the parcel. Should a second or third lien be sold, you still hold your lien until the owners redeem it, but should you wish to apply for a treasurer’s deed, you would then have other liens to pay off before we could issue a deed to you.

The rate varies from year to year, but it cannot be less than 8% per annum. It is typically 10% to 15% per annum.

The redemption period for owners in Colorado is three years from the date of the sale of the tax lien. The holder of the tax lien can apply with the County Treasurer for a treasurer's deed on the parcel when this redemption period is up. The treasurer's deed process takes 5 to 6 months typically and costs $1000 or more, but should no redemption of taxes take place, the tax lien holder will be issued a treasurer's deed for the parcel - thus making them the owner.

The payment to redeem a tax lien on a parcel must be made in full as we are not insured to hold money like a bank or lending institution. This amount must be paid in full so that we can immediately reimburse the tax lien holder and process the redemption.

For information like this we recommend you contact the Alamosa County Treasurer's Office immediately to obtain a projected redemption figure that reflects current interest owed and all fees.

If you are the senior lien holder you always have the right to redeem out a junior. Note that this redemption money is not going to be refunded to you if the owners redeem your tax lien. You would simply be out this money to protect your lien. After all, the only way that this situation arose is because you neglected to endorse your tax lien in a subsequent year and we sound another lien on it. This does not work the other way around. If you are a junior lien holder you are not entitled to redeem a senior's tax lien. You may, after the three year redemption period is up on your lien (and assuming that the senior has never applied for treasurer's deed them self) apply for deed yourself and give the senior one last shot at redeeming you out. Should they choose not to, then they waive their interest in the parcel.

I got my endorsement list and sent money for the tax lien endorsements, but I waited a little too long to send it and you refunded me some money, saying that some of my endorsements were already paid by another tax lien holder on the same parcel. Is it too late for me to endorse these liens again this year? What does this mean for my interest I am earning?

If another tax lien exists on a parcel you currently hold a tax lien on, we will send an endorsement notice to both lien holders because Alamosa County does not care who endorses taxes, they simply need to collect the tax revenue. In cases like this, we will accept the endorsement payment from whichever lien holder we receive payment from first on a given parcel. Every time you endorse taxes on a tax lien, you are increasing the amount you are earning interest on. So it is important to endorse as soon as we send out notices to you. (This is also why you don't want there to be other tax liens on parcels you currently hold a lien on!)

This endorsement list is only liens which you are eligible to endorse and have not been paid for the current year. The property owners may have actually paid the current years taxes due this year, but not redeemed the tax lien (i.e., the back taxes, interest and fees owed to you from the year of the tax lien). If they have not redeemed the actual tax lien, then you still hold that lien, but you may not have to pay the current year if the owners have paid it already.

A treasurer's deed is a deed issued by the County Treasurer of a given county that states that a buyer of a tax lien has been granted ownership of a parcel they held a tax lien on. The three year redemption period must have expired for the owner and all other requirements under the law must have been fulfilled. At the end of this process, should no tax lien redemption take place, the County Treasurer will conduct a Public Auction. If there are no bidders at the auction, the current buyer will receive a Certificate of Option for a Treasurer's Deed. The buyer then will be deeded the property. 

The entire process takes approximately five to six months. There are statutory obligations that we must meet in order to fulfill "due diligence" and rightfully issue a treasurers deed to you.

In Colorado, you must hold the lien for three years. That is, we cannot issue you a deed until the lien has been held three years from the date of the sale. You can apply for a deed before that three year point, but we cannot issue you a deed until that time. It is our office policy that we send notice to you each year listing what liens are now eligible for deed. We will not send notice for any which became eligible in prior years and you have failed to apply for deeds on. If you hold liens on these older ones, you can still apply for deeds on them, but we will not be sending you "reminders" that you are eligible. Your list will only include those liens which will be three years old in November of that year. It is also our policy not to accept applications for deed unless the lien is already eligible (older than three years) or we are only approximately 5 to 6 months out from the date it becomes eligible. That is, you cannot apply for a deed right after buying the lien.

For real estate parcels, we ask for $1,200 for each parcel to cover all the legal fees, certified mailings, advertisements and current year taxes left unpaid in the process. If any of this money is not used, it will be returned to you with your deed. For mineral rights only parcels and mobile homes, please call our office at 719-589-3626.

We first send a "10 Day Letter" and a "Lien Payoff Statement" amount to the owner of record. They have ten working days to pay the back taxes owed and not incur any additional costs. If there is no redemption, we order an "Ownership and Encumbrance Report" from a title company and this usually comes back to us within a few weeks. We use the information provided in the O&E to send certified mailings (an official "Notice of Sale of Real Estate/Mineral Rights") to individuals and entities of interest in the parcel, giving them one last opportunity to pay off back taxes. We also run three consecutive newspaper advertisements (the "Notice of Sale" above, one per week) as required by law when the value of the parcel is over $500. If the value is under $500, the step is not required.

Please Note: We will not send any correspondence to owners, "warning letters", etc. before a deed application has been received and you have paid fees. It is our office policy that no work will begin until we have received a signed application and fees. This is a legal document and must be filled out and signed correctly. We will provide assistance in filling it out, but we need a signed copy on file. You can request a blank form to photocopy yourself and use in the future applications, but please send an individual signed copy when you apply.

• If we have sent out all official notices, run all required advertisements and waited the necessary amount of time (we schedule the deed date three months and one week from the date of the last publication date) - on that prescribed date, we will record a treasurers deed in your name with the Office of the Clerk and Recorder. At that point, you will be the owner of that parcel through a treasurer's deed.
• Any of the $1,200 fee you paid at the beginning which where not used in the process will be refunded to you at this point as well. In addition to the above costs there are fees for legal forms, recording fees to the Clerk and Recorder, notarization fees and other minor miscellaneous fees that your money is paying for. All expenses will be detailed for you in an expense worksheet included when we send your copy of the deed.

This is one of our office policies because we have found that often, if the owner receives it right away and we provide them with a solid redemption figure (unclouded by other fees and costs), that they will pay it immediately and it prevents many of the complications of refunding your money. This allows us to bring closure to the whole process in a more efficient manner.

Treasurer's deeds in Colorado are non-merchantable titles. It is possible to sell a property obtained through a treasurer's deed, but the terms and conditions under which you do so may be limited by the law. If you have questions regarding the legality of sale, under what terms, obtaining "quiet-title" on a property, or any other legal issues regarding the newly acquired property, please refer these questions to an attorney, real estate agent, Title Company or your own research as We cannot provide legal advice in these matters.

We encourage you to apply for deeds on them right away! It should also be noted that according to Colorado law, we can, and do cancel any tax liens older than fifteen years, with or without notice.

It is our county's policy to ask for $1000 (for real estate and mobile homes) as this seems to be an amount sufficient to cover process costs and is often enough to cover any current year taxes which are due. It is our goal to find an amount of money that is a perfect balance of an amount convenient enough to allow you to start the deed without too much financial burden and, at the same time, cover all costs. We feel that the $1000 fees meet this goal. If we need to ask for more money to cover the treasurer deed costs, we will try to do so as soon as it is discovered in order to issue you your deed quickly and without any further delay.

Sometimes O&Es take a long time to get back from title companies, sometimes there are legal issues that need to be sorted out with an attorney, sometimes we are just swamped with treasurer's deed applications and we are a very small staff. Each of these steps takes time, labor and lots of organization to ensure that we are fulfilling our "due diligence" as required by law to notify those who need to be notified. There could be many reasons, but rest assured that we are working to issue you a deed in a timely manner. Please bear in mind that, while we are the entity which facilitates you getting your deed, our primary obligation is to the property owner and we need to make every effort to get them to pay their property taxes so they don't lose the property in question.

We are obligated by law to allow the property owner to pay the taxes before we can allow you, the tax lien holder, to endorse taxes on the property in any given year. We prepare and send you a listing of parcels that you hold liens on (typically around August 1st of that year) with a total to re-endorse all taxes. Please remember that any tax amounts you endorse for subsequent years you earn you additional interest on in the event of redemption by the owner.

We hold an on-line auction for tax liens through a third party auction house. The company we are currently using is SRI, Inc. The auction is similar in many ways to an "E-Bay" style auction. We use a proxy bidding system. It takes place over a three day period in November. High bidders at the end of the auction win the tax liens on their parcels. Payment is due immediately and is done through an electronic transfer of funds from an account of the buyer’s choosing. Should there not be sufficient funds to cover the total payment, the buyer waives their right to the lien and the lien will not be granted to them. Registration takes place between September and November before the tax auction. Please contact our office for additional information on how to participate. All sales are final and it is the buyer’s responsibility to know exactly what they are bidding on. CAVEAT EMPTOR or "Buyer Beware". The mobile home parcels are covered in a separate sale that takes place in the form of a live auction – typically at the Alamosa County Treasurer’s Office on a given date in November. Contact us for more info.

Per Colorado Revised Statutes 12-25-202(7): "Professional Land Surveyor" means an individual who practices professional land surveying and w ho is currently registered with the board after demonstrating competency to practice, as define d by section 12-2 5-214. Registration is earned through years of education and experience and successful completion of a series of licensing examinations.

A land survey is performed for the purpose of locating, describing, monumenting and mapping the boundaries and corners of a parcel of land. It may also include mapping of the topography of the parcel, and the location of buildings or other improvements upon the parcel.

You should have your land surveyed:

• Before you purchase it. This will disclose the relationship between the lines of possession and the deeded property lines.
• A lending institution may require either a Land Survey Plat or an Improvement Location Certificate of your property when you borrow money on it.
• Whenever you believe there may be a conflict of use on your property.
• Prior to dividing any parcel of land for sale.
• The county or city that your property is located in may require a Land Survey prior to the construction of any structure or improvement on the property.
• When you intend to sell any tract of land.
• When your lawyer, architect, real estate agent or municipal planning or engineering office advises or requires it.

The Professional Land Surveyor can:

• Review your deed along with other evidence and render a professional opinion as to the locations and conflicts of the boundaries of your land.
• Set monuments at your property corners and mark them so they can be easily found and identified.
• Keep an accurate record of all services performed and measurements obtained.
• Identify and advise you of any apparent defect in your land description or evidence of conflict of ownership and/or use.
• Prepare a plat or map of your property indicating boundary measurements, the monuments found and placed, and the calculated area.
• Provide the client with copies of these maps bearing the Professional Land Surveyor's signature and seal. Copies of these maps will also be filed in the County Records where the land is located. This will ensure that the plat or map is available for public inspection.

• We focus on patient care first and foremost.
• We work with Medicare, Medicaid, VA and most other insurances.
• When choosing a home health agency, consider our Medicare quality of care rating. See Medicare.gov
• We provide home health care to patients in Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Rio Grande and Saguache counties.
• We have provided exceptional home health care as part of Alamosa County Public Health since 1972.

If you feel that you need home health services, talk to your medical provider and ask them to refer you to us.