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1. Why is there an address ordinance?

The purpose of the ordinance is to provide a system of address standards that will be used to name roadways and assign addresses to properties along such roadways. The intent of the ordinance is to assign addresses with an orderly system while accomplishing the following objectives:

-Ensure that emergency services are able to locate a person via an assigned location as quickly as possible

-Provide logic and order in the assigning of roadway names and addresses 

-Guide staff in consistent addressing practices

-Improve efficiency for visitors, delivery and other services to find their way to an assigned location in a timely fashion 

2. When does a road need to be named?

All roads that serve three (3) or more addressable structures shall be named regardless of
whether the ownership is public or private. A “Road” refers to any highway, road, street,
avenue, lane, private way or similar paved, gravel, or dirt thoroughfare. A road name
assigned by Pitkin County shall not constitute or imply acceptance of the road as a public
way.

3. What is an Addressable Structure?

Any structure that has been deemed addressable by Pitkin County as described in the Address Ordinance. Generally only buildings normally occupied by human beings will be assigned addresses; provided, however, that other sites or structures, (barns, outbuildings, service areas) may be addressed where it may be helpful in emergencies. Such sites may be assigned addresses at the discretion of Pitkin County.

4. How are addresses assigned?

Typically, Pitkin County addresses are assigned using the Century System where address numbers are based on fractions of a mile starting from the origin of a roadway to the start of a property’s driveway. The theory behind this is that anyone in a vehicle could find their destination based from an odometer reading.

Parity (Even/Odd determination) is normally based on compass direction from the center of the street, with addresses on the North or East sides receiving even numbers and those on the South or West receiving odd numbers. However, many streets in the county have been assigned using the Left/Odd and Right/Even methodology. Address Services makes the Even/Odd determination based on Public Safety requirements.

For more information please see the Titled Address Standards 9.08.080: ADDRESS/NUMBERING SYSTEM

5. Can I choose my own Road Name?

Pitkin County encourages property owners to make suggestions for the naming of the new road, as it affects them directly. Please see the Street Naming Resources section for further information.

6. My construction company is building a subdivision in the county. How do the roads being built get assigned names?

Please contact Address Services by email, phone, or New Address Assignment Form to begin the process of address assignment.

7. I am having a house built on my lot. How do I receive an address for my house?

Please fill out a New Address Assignment Request which can be found on the Pitkin County Address Services site.

8. I own a piece of property without a house or building on the lot. Do I need to obtain an address for the property?

No. Normally, no address is needed until a structure foundation is in place. Empty lots will only be assigned an address if requested for legal purposes, such as insurance requirements. 

9. Does my barn/workshop/garage need an address?

Outbuildings are not typically considered addressable structures, but will be reviewed per ordinance and policy to determine if public safety, telephone, utilities, or other reasons cause the outbuilding to require a physical address. Generally only buildings normally occupied by human beings will be assigned addresses.

10. Do I need to display my address? How should I display my address?

Yes. The County ordinance states that every structure with an assigned address must have the address number properly displayed. This ordinance is enforceable by fine. Owners of structures shall display and maintain assigned numbers in a conspicuous place on said structure, in the following manner: 

1. Address Number on the Structure or Residence: The assigned address number shall be displayed at a location on the residence or structure that is easily visible as the structure is approached from the roadway. 

2. Number at the Road Line: Where the residence or structure is over 50 (fifty) feet from the edge of the road right-of-way, the assigned address number shall also be displayed on a noncombustible structure (post, fence, wall, mailbox, etc) at the property line adjacent to the walk or access drive to the residence or structure, in addition to being displayed on the residence or structure itself. 

3. Size, Color and Location of Number: Numbers shall be of a color that contrasts with their background color and shall be a minimum of 4 (four) inches in height. Numbers shall be located to be visible from the road at all times of the year. 

4. Proper Number: Every person whose duty is to display an assigned number shall remove any different number which might be mistaken for, or confused with, the assigned number. 

11. Who do I need to inform of my newly assigned address?

Pitkin County will inform local Public Safety Agencies of the Address Assignment.

For notifying the post office of your new address, see their website: http://faq.usps.com/

It is the responsibility of property owners to notify tenants of said property of any address changes.

You need to notify parties with whom you correspond that your address has changed.

The parties that you should notify may include:
-Utility Companies (Electric / Gas / Sewer / Cable / Satellite TV / Broadband Internet)
-Telephone Company
-Trash Removal Company
-Regular home care service providers (property management, lawn care, snow removal, etc.)
-Alarm Company (home, personal or medical alert system)
-Mortgage Company
-Bank / Credit Union
-Credit Card Companies
-Insurance Companies (auto, home/renters, life, workers comp, etc.)
-Department of Motor Vehicles
-County Clerk and Recorder’s Office / Voter Registration
-County Assessor Office
-Employer
-Schools (for you and/or children)
-Magazines/Newspapers and Periodicals
-Personal and professional clubs, licensing boards, organizations, and memberships
-Financial advisor/investment firms, Accountant, Attorney
-Places of worship
-Friends and family

12. What does it cost?

There is no direct cost to have a road named or an address assigned in Pitkin County. Depending on the specific circumstances of the assignment, either Pitkin County or the property owner may be required to provide signage for a new road.