La Plata County, CO Code Violation Reporting: Response Times (2026)

Section 80-5 of the La Plata County Land Use Code sets the clocks that run once county staff find a violation in unincorporated La Plata County. Enforcement can begin with a complaint from the public, a county official or employee, or the county's own initiative (section 80-1). If reasonable cause exists, the county sends a notice to correct violation by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner's address in the county assessor's records and to the property's mailing address if one exists. The notice names the code requirements or approval conditions being violated, states what must be done for compliance, and sets a correction deadline of thirty days after the date of the notice. The director can shorten that period if the violation presents an immediate risk to public health, safety and welfare, and can approve additional time if good cause is shown.

If the violation is not fixed inside that period or an approved extension, the director can issue a violation determination and authorize the county attorney to pursue remedies. It is delivered by certified mail and posted in a conspicuous place on the parcel or structure if reasonably accessible, and it can be recorded with the county clerk and recorder. It must state that the owner, occupant or alleged violator can appeal to the board within ten days after the date of the determination, in writing through the director. Without an appeal the determination becomes final.

As an alternative to or in addition to the notice, the director can issue a written stop order that halts the activity immediately. Everyone served must comply on service or posting. The appeal window for a stop order is three business days after the order date, and the posted order stays up until the violation is corrected. It remains in effect until the director issues a written compliance order or the board lifts it after an appeal hearing. Temporary suspension or permanent revocation of a land use permit carries a ten-day appeal period after written notice by certified mail.

When a timely appeal is filed, the director puts it on the board's next available land use hearing agenda, and the appellant gets notice by certified mail no less than five days before the hearing. Within five business days after the hearing ends, the board decides whether to overturn or affirm. The hearing is not a quasi-judicial or legislative action.