Buying land in Colorado’s foothills sounds like a dream—rolling hills, Ponderosa pines, and mountain views out your future living room window. But before you break out the blueprints, you need to make sure that parcel is actually buildable.
Not all lots are created equal, and in Colorado, especially in the foothills, the terrain and regulations can be tricky to navigate. Here’s what you need to know before you fall in love with a piece of dirt.
1. Check for Year-Round Road Access
The first step? Get to the lot. If you can’t access the property 12 months a year, you’ll face delays—or might not be able to build at all.
🛻 Things to confirm:
-
Is the road public or private?
-
Who plows the road in winter?
-
Will a fire truck or construction vehicle be able to access it?
Pro Tip: County-maintained roads are your best friend.
2. Confirm Utility Availability—or Make a Plan
Even in remote areas, you’ll need a plan for:
-
Water – Is there a well or access to install one?
-
Sewer – Can you install a septic system?
-
Power – How close is the nearest power pole?
-
Internet – Satellite or cell-based services may be your only options
💡 No utilities? That’s fine—just be ready to budget for solar, generators, or alternative setups.
3. Know the Zoning & Building Regulations
Every county—and sometimes every neighborhood—has unique rules.
📝 Before making an offer:
-
Check with the County Planning Department
-
Understand minimum setbacks, square footage requirements, and building height limits
-
Ask if the area is in a wildfire zone or floodplain
In the foothills, land use codes can be your best friend or biggest obstacle. We help clients navigate them before they spend a dime.
4. Evaluate the Terrain
Steep slopes and rocky terrain can complicate—or completely prevent—construction.
🧭 Walk the property with:
-
A licensed surveyor
-
A contractor or excavator familiar with mountain builds
-
A land specialist (👋 hey, that’s us)
Make sure there’s enough flat space for a house, driveway, and septic field.
5. Know What’s Already On the Lot
Some lots come with bonus features… or hidden red flags:
-
Mining claims that can affect ownership or access
-
Old foundations or mobile homes (could save money or increase removal costs)
-
Shared driveways or easements—read the fine print
If there’s existing infrastructure, we’ll help determine whether it’s a perk or a problem.
Let’s Find You the Right Piece of Dirt
Building your Colorado foothills dream home starts with the right lot—not just the prettiest one. We specialize in helping buyers find land that’s actually buildable, insurable, and worth the investment. Let’s walk it, inspect it, and get your vision off the ground (literally).
📞 Contact Us
🏡 Moxie Property Group
📞 (303) 578-1220
💻 [email protected]
📺 YouTube Video
