Now that you’ve decided to settle, it is time to ask yourself some additional questions that will enable you to develop a plan for your property. Sections of this guide will touch on each of these subjects and more.

• What do I want to do with my property? Will its size support my plans?
• What legal and/or deed restrictions apply to my property?
• What is the zoning classification of my property located? What are the permitted uses of this classification?
• Have I acquired the proper building permits and determined if there are any local regulations that affect my property?
• What easements are attached to my property (conservation, roads, trails, utility lines, irrigation ditches, other)?
• Who owns the access road to my property?
• Is the access road to my home wide and tall enough to handle large vehicles, such as fire engines and heavy construction equipment?
• Is my homesite so steep that access roads and driveways may be difficult to use when icy or muddy? Will my homesite be prone to drifting snow?
• Is the soil on my property stable enough for construction? Does it tend to shrink or swell? Is it corrosive to metal or concrete? Is my soil good for growing vegetation?
• How will sewage be disposed of from my home (septic or city water)?
• If I plan to build, have I considered using fire-resistant construction materials?
• If I plan to purchase my home, has it been properly maintained?
• Is radon present in my soil?
• How will my drinking water be supplied (well or city water)? Is it safe to drink?
• What does it mean to be a “Good Neighbor” in the mountains?
• Do I own any water or mineral rights on my land?
• Do I have noxious weeds on my land?
• How healthy is the rangeland and/or forest on my property? Should I seek advice on managing these resources?
• Do I live within the boundaries of a fire district? If not, are additional fire protection fees assessed in the event of a fire?
• How safe is my home from wildfire? Will I be able to acquire fire insurance coverage for my home?
• What do I need to know about drought?
• What species of wildlife use my property? Is there anything I should do to improve habitat quality?
• Can I grow a garden up here? If so, what will grow?
• Do I want livestock? Is that a good idea?
• What do healthy soils look like and why should I care?
• Other Important Questions to Ask Yourself:  CSU Extension’s “Purchasing Rural Property in CO” Questionnaire:  extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/natres/xcm235.pdf

References: 1, 2, 9