Oil & Gas in Elbert County

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) is the state agency that regulates the development and production of oil and gas in the state of Colorado.  Therefore, Elbert County has limited authority and oversight of oil and gas operations in the unincorporated areas of the county.  Oil and gas companies intending to drill in Elbert County will need to acquire the necessary permits and permissions from the COGCC before submitting an application at the County level.  

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved Resolution 17-34 (PDF) on 10/25/17 amending sections of Elbert County Zoning Regulations Part II and voided duplicative requirements that are covered in state statute.  However, these regulations were replaced with the current Elbert County Zoning and Subdivision Regulations, which were approved on January 23, 2019, and were last amended on July 27, 2020.

Major oil and gas facilities are allowed as Special Use by Review (SUR) in all zone districts and subject to building permit review.  Minor Oil and Gas facilities are allowed as use by right in all zone districts, subject to building permit review. Elbert County Oil and Gas Land Use Regulations can be found in Article V. Uses and Supplemental Standards, E. Supplemental Standards, 21. Oil and Gas Facilities.  Please see Elbert County Zoning Regulations – Amendment #4 (Zoning Regulations (PDF)).

To begin the process at the local level, review the applicable applications in the Building and Community and Development Services (CDS) departments.  

To get more information about conducting oil and gas activities in the county, including 1041 permits, please contact Christina Stanton, Director of CDS.