Community Development Department

Our Code of the West & "Right-to-Ranch Policy

Quartz Creek Winter

Photo courtesy of Bev Alexander

Just as western novelist Zane Grey, counties in many parts of the West have a unique perspective and lifestyle. Life in rural Colorado is rich and rewarding, treasured by both Gunnison County residents who have lived here for generations, and those who have recently moved here. Life in "non-urban"areas of Gunnison County can be different than life in town. The information included in this Gunnison County version of "The Code of the West: How to Avoid Surprises and Be a Good Neighbor When You're Buying, Building and Developing in Gunnison County" is designed to help you make an informed decision as you consider purchasing and developing land in the unincorporated areas of Gunnison County.

Agriculture in Gunnison County has been, and continues to be, a significant contributor to the county’s economy, not just for the crops and livestock it produces, but because it provides the beautiful green valleys that ensure the quality of life here. As the county grows, the ranching industry and Gunnison County have sought to ensure that ranching remains viable and feasible in the area, and that new residents and visitors can also enjoy the area. In that light, Gunnison County encourages homeowners to confine their dogs on their property to avoid conflicts with livestock, and has adopted within Article 15 of the Gunnison County Land Use Resolution its “Right-to-Ranch Policy," whose purposes are:

INTENT TO ENCOURAGE AGRICULTURE AND PRESERVE RANCHERS’ RIGHTS. It is the purpose of this Section to conserve, protect, and encourage the continued use and improvement of traditional ranching lands in Gunnison County for the production of agricultural products. Additionally, the Right-to-Ranch Policy is designed to preserve the right of ranchers to produce, without unnecessary interference, agricultural products using generally accepted agricultural practices and to discourage the encroachment of non agricultural land uses into rural areas. Gunnison County in adopting this Policy intends:

• TO ENCOURAGE RESPONSIBLE RANCHING.
  To conserve, enhance, and encourage responsible ranching and farming, and lawful agricultural activities and operations within and throughout the county where appropriate.
• TO PROTECT AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES FROM COMPLAINTS.
  To protect agricultural operators from complaints concerning agricultural activities that are legal and responsible.
• TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC.
  To educate the public and visitors and nonagricultural residents of the County about the existence, validity, and importance of the county's agricultural operations and activities.
• TO ASSIST IN DISPUTE RESOLUTION.
  To provide a forum for the informal and non-binding resolution of disputes between agricultural operators and nonagricultural residents and visitors to the county.
• TO MINIMIZE CONFLICT BETWEEN AGRICULTURAL AND OTHER USES.
  To minimize potential conflicts between agricultural and non-agricultural users of land in the county. To educate new rural residents and long-time agricultural operators alike to their rights, responsibilities, and obligations relating to agricultural activities. The requirements of this Section apply to all Land Use Change Permit applications in Gunnison County. But is not intended to apply to general agricultural operations not related to ranching or to small-scale hobby farms or ranches. Additionally, the requirements of this Section are not allowed to prevent an owner from selling his/her land or prevent or hinder the owner in seeking approval to put the land into alternative use.

Click HERE for a .pdf copy of Gunnison County's version of The Code of the West.

Click HERE for a .pdf copy of Gunnison County's "Right-to-Ranch Policy" Information Sheet.

Click HERE for a .pdf copy of the Colorado State Forest Service's "Landowning, Colorado Style."

Office Staff