Frequently asked questions
Costilla County, Colorado
Can I Live Here Off-Grid?
Yes! You can set up an off-grid or green living homestead! You can add power by solar or wind, water by cistern or water haul service, and sewer by septic. The county requires you to have these things set up before you can live there long term, but you can camp and vacation there short term without having them set up.
Is there Power, Water, or Sewer?
Our properties are raw, pristine undeveloped land ready for you to prep for your off-grid living! Properties with utilities already added to them are drastically more expensive and you save a ton by adding them yourself or with a contractor. You can also customize the off-grid water, power, and septic to your specific needs when you add them yourself.
Blanca Telephone provides both telephone and internet service to the Sangre de Cristo Ranches area. Telephone access includes landlines at lower elevations. The cellular service covers a wide area and usually maintains a good signal. For high-speed internet through Jade Communications, contact Blanca Telephone.
Telephone & Internet Services?
Internet Service Providers:
1. TaosNet dial-up, DSL and Wireless Broadband Internet service, more. Taos. Access points in Costilla and Amalia require line of sight within 13 miles TaosNet Coverage Map
2. Jade Communications LLC Canopy wireless broadband coverage map
3. HughesNet Satellite Internet Service
4. Viaero cell phone and wireless broadband services, partners with AT&T and T-Mobile, installing new towers at La Veta Pass and elsewhere in San Luis Valley. Viaero Wireless Coverage Map
5. CenturyLink fiber-optic wired network, for voice, Internet, broadband TV
Cell Phone Companies:
1. Verizon Wireless
2. T-Mobile Wireless
3. AT&T Wireless
4. Sprint Wireless
5. Virgin Mobile
6. Straight Talk
Public Internet Access Location
Costilla County Public Library, 418 Gasper St, San Luis, (719) 672-3309
Blanca-Fort Garland Library, Community Center, 17591 E. Highway 160, Blanca, (719) 379-3945 (Libraries in San Luis and Blanca offer high-speed Internet access for patrons and visitors)
What can I build here?
**Accessory structures, such as garages, guesthouses, barns, stables, and greenhouses, are not considered in the minimum square feet.**
After purchasing land, you do not have to build on it. Your lot will be held indefinitely. All water, construction, and septic projects must have a permit. For detailed information on needed permits, refer to the Costilla County Planning and Zoning Department Residential Development Policy and Procedure.
** Per the Dodd-Frank Act you cannot build on the property until the property is paid for in full if you decide to purchase using owner financing.**
Can you build a “tiny house”?
Yes - the county requires that all houses be at LEAST 600 square feet minimum. So as long as your “tiny house” is 600 square feet or more, you’re good!
There is an optional HOA when buying in the Sangre de Cristo Ranches. Joining the Sangre de Cristo Ranch Owners Association (SCRO) is “optional” for residents and landowners. When joining the community, dues are required in the form of a small fee every year. Benefits of membership include:
Voting privileges
Access to the Piñon Semi-Annual Newsletter
Admission to community-sponsored events
Eligibility to assist or become a Board Executive member
Frequent updates on changes in the community
Annual dinners
Participation in Dumpster Days
As a member you will support your land and community by providing protection, beautification, and assistance with programs such as Meals on Wheels, Crime Stoppers, County Initiatives, and many other future activities!
What about the HOA?
Yes! For “short term” camping - you are allowed 2 weeks every 3 months. For “long term” camping - you must have a septic system and a water source put in and apply for a permit (Cost: $200). Allowed to “long term” camp up to 180 days every year. For a permit visit, download & fill out: HERE
Can you camp on the property?
Long-term RV living requires a Long-Term RV Camping permit, which is valid for 60 days. This permit can be renewed three times. In order to qualify for this permit, you must:
Have your septic system set up with your RV hooked up to it
Have either a permitted well or cistern installed
Have no violations of County Code or State Statute or Regulation
Adhere to the covenants of your property
Provide proof that you own the property
Get your RV inspected
Long-Term RV living must be less than 180 days per person/RV/parcel in a 12-month period, and cannot be lived in permanently.
RV occupancy permits are available while building your home. They are valid for 90 days and can be renewed up to 18 months.
Please contact the Costilla County Planning & Zoning offices for additional details at (719) 937-7668.
Can you live in an RV/Trailer?
The weather varies from dry and hot during the day, and cool during the nights. During June, July, and August there are rainy periods when a monsoon system moves in from Arizona.
Temperatures in Costilla County are moderate to cold, ranging from 30-80 degrees Fahrenheit, on average.
On average, there are 280 sunny days, and approximately 40 inches of snow per year.
Here is a list of the average temperatures by month:
What is the weather like in Costilla County, Colorado?
If your property is zoned residential (all of ours are unless otherwise mentioned), then you are allowed: Dogs & cats (obviously), Chickens, 2 Horses. No swine & No cows allowed. For swine & cows you must be zoned agriculture/farming.