New:   Summer 2008 Economic Development Update

Chaffee in brief ...

Chaffee County is on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains in central Colorado. Bordered on the west by the Sawatch Range, including the 14,000 foot Continental Divide, the eastern boundary of the county follows the Mosquito Range, descending toward the south. Located high in the Upper Arkansas Valley, the Arkansas River flows toward the southeast, between the two mountain ranges.

The area is the crossroads for the three interstate highways: U.S. 24, 50 and 285. Driving distance from Denver is approximately 144 miles, 102 miles from Colorado Springs and Pueblo, and 65 miles from Gunnison.

The elevation of the area ranges from just under 7,000 to over 14,000 feet on its highest peaks, providing some of the most spectacular views to be seen anywhere in the world. In fact, Chaffee County has more mountain peaks of 14,000-foot or more than any other county in Colorado and is often referred to as the ”Fourteener” Region.

On September 26, 2008 Chaffee County will be offering a Water Law Class.  For more information please click here.

On March 4, 2008 the Chaffee County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 2008-02 "Right to Ranch. The policy contains important information for all land-owners in rural Chaffee County regarding rights, responsibilities and obligations relating to agricultural activities and owning land in Chaffee County.  It contains information about the importance of the County's agricultural operations and activities and provides a forum for dispute resolution.  You can find additional information on living in a rural area in the "Code of the West".  Chaffee County initially published it's Code of the West in the mid-1990's.  Most of the original wording was created by John Clark, a Commissioner from Larimer County, Colorado.

The Chaffee County Heritage Area Advisory Board will be holding 2 public meetings to gather input on the Heritage Area Management Plan.  Please clilck here   here for meeting dates.

Chaffee County ENERGY STAR Program

Click here to view the RFP for the purchase of Chaffee County's Recycling Equipment and Continuation of the Recycling Program.

Request for Proposals for Visitors Bureau

Snow Removal & Other Winter Tips 

Chaffee County/Salida Joint Plannng Area

Trails Master Plan

To view the proposed Chaffee County Zoning Changes please go to Planning and Zoning.

Land Use Focus Groups and Roundtable information