Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly is a "Conditional Use Permit"?

A: Conditional Use Permit (CUP) as it pertains to Mineral County, Colorado is a permit that is issued to a property owner that changes the allowed use of a property to something that is not currently permitted under county zoning regulations. To secure the permit the owner must go before the county with the proposed change(s) to the property and give evidence of why the changes should be approved. The original CUP for this property was secured in 1997 and then re-confirmed with the county in February of 2020. It was also established again that the CUP does not expire and that you, as the new owner, have a 10-year window to complete the development process. The term "Development Permit" as used on this website is interchangeable with term Conditional Use Permit (CUP)

In most real estate transactions, permits are tied to the individual owner or require a difficult re-application process upon sale. This permit is legally attached to the land and transfers directly to you upon closing. It serves as a "pre-approval" from the county and relevant authorities, saving you from lengthy environmental impact studies and zoning hearings.

Q: Why is a 10-year development window an advantage?

A: This window provides unparalleled financial flexibility. You aren't forced to invest all your capital at once. You can build the first two yurts, begin generating high-margin nightly revenue, and use those profits to fund the lodge or additional cabins over the next decade. It's a "pay-as-you-grow" model with no pressure to rush construction.

Q: Can I change the design of the approved yurts or cabins?

A: While the permit specifies the use and scale (4-6 yurts, 2-4 cabins, etc.), there is room for architectural customization within those parameters. This allows you to bring your own aesthetic vision—whether that's ultra-modern glass cabins or rustic luxury yurts.

County building permits are required for each additional permitted unit but there should not be a problem with a particular design without a good reason from the county. The owner is also required to comply with Colorado Regulation 43 which requires a modern Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) for new units. The newest yurt has a modern OWTS and the older yurt is grandfathered but does have a composting toilet.

The county also approved the use of incinerating toilets which can be used in the winter when composting toilets do not work once they have reached their holding capacity.

Q: How does the National Forest boundary affect my property value?

A: It creates a "Scarcity Premium." Because your property is mostly surrounded by federal land, no one can ever build a subdivision, a road, or a commercial project next to you. Your views, your privacy, and your "quiet zone" are legally protected, which is the #1 driver for appreciation in mountain real estate.

Q: Is the property ready for immediate commercial use?

A: Yes, the property has already been used commercially since the original date of the Conditional Use Permit in 1997 and the process to expand under the CUP is available to the new owner immediately.