Frequent Questions

Larry O. Baker, a property owner of well over 25 years has compiled a summary of information he is frequently asked by new owners.

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Rome wasn’t built in a day, or a cabin on a weekend. Hired help is hard to find in the mountains as well as in the city; seems no one wants to work. I first started weekends with my family in 1969. Fifty years later I have most of the necessities for even a long weekend at the cabin. (Larry O. Baker)

Several vendors in Fairplay have a free Construction Guide that list many vendors, how to build a home in Park county, contractor information, checklists, permit guides and many more “how to’s”.

WATER - The most critical item in life.

The Well House

The well house is located on Meadow Dr., just a bit South of Hilltop Rd. in a shed.

There is a combo lock on the door. If you do not know the combination, please reach out to a BOD member.

The well pump, filters, and fuel are maintained with your SVPOA dues. The well depth is approximately 150 ft.

Instructions for use are posted on the wall above the generator. Once the generator is running, there is a switch on the North side of the shed to activate the pump. If it hasn’t been used in a while, you may need to let the water run a minute to clear out sediment.

When complete, turn off the outside switch and the generator.

There is a 500 gallon water trailer available for use. Several landowners and most of the BOD are familiar with it and can assist you.

Some of the cabins have large water storage tanks, campers generally have 20-40 gallon tanks. A 40-gallon potable water storage container filled from the well can supply enough water for an individual an entire summer. Some use a 40 gallon thank to fill from the well, and a little 12volt pump I use to transfer the water to a camper.

Water in Winter

For part-time / summer residents, it is not recommended to store water during the winter. At over 10k elevation, it can get extremely cold. Always winterize your camper, cabin, non-year-round-home. Make sure to drain all lines and all tanks before cold weather hits, generally end of Sept thru end of March. This isn’t the rule, cold snaps can happen any time starting early September and into May. A 5-gallon water jug will last a weekend for 2 people 2 days. (2 gallons p/person p/day)

Personal Household Well

Some property owners have chosen to have a well put in, Park county does require a permit.

The cost is approximately $15-20 a foot. There are sulfur pockets around and wells require solid stainless steel casing between 20-60 feet, the contractor would define if this is required.

The SVPOA well was drilled by Allen Drilling in Fairplay over 20 years ago.

Electricity - A convenient thing to have.

Solar is preferred, especially due to lack of existing power lines and cost. Several owners have large panel arrays with a bank of batteries that power heaters, water heaters, refrigerators and lights. The typical well pump requires 3000 watts peak.

Many others utilize a 20-amp panel connected to a couple RV/Marine deep cycle batteries. Both require a “charge controller”, make sure to get one rated for very cold temperatures and mount it inside or in a box to keep it out of the elements.

Human Waste Disposal - Oh the joys of sh….

For those living the camper life, it is always so much fun emptying the tanks. You can haul your camper down to the local dump station or can get a portable container that also requires hauling to a dump station. Neither is convenient or fun. Digging your own outhouse is an option that involves some manual labor to dig it deep, 6 ft in depth and 3.5 ft wide. Some have said it is illegal, but I cannot find any reference in Park County or Colorado laws. If you go this route, do not throw paper products into the pit. Paper products are what cause it to smell (worse) and fills up faster, requiring a new pit be dug and moving the structure. Alternately, a composting toilet, or composting system for larger multi-bath properties is a great option. These can be pricey. Stop by the McGraws if you would like more information on this. An incinerating toilet also is available, these can be very toasty on the tush when kept “on”. Also can be pricey. Several owners have septic systems. Park County laws require permits, engineering reports, inspections, the works! But is the most convenient method. Keep in mind the placement if you are on a smaller lot, there are set-back restrictions from property lines. And you want good flow, a flat lot requires a pump to get the sh… uphill. For those new to septic, no TP or use biodegradable, no egg shells, no coffee grounds, no grease. There are more things to keep out of it to keep it healthy, but those are the top 5 no-no’s.

Propane - It’s not just for cooking.

A by-product of refining and gas processing and clean burning. Propane can power a stove, furnace, refrigerator and water heater along with your gas grill. Depending on your use, a 30-40 lb tank can last an entire summer. Keep in mind, propane burns hotter than natural gas, when use with an appliance, make sure the appliance has the correct “kit” converting it to propane use. Some owners have larger 250-gallon tanks. These can be rented or purchased through a dealer. Do not buy one second hand, they must be certified and / or refurbished every few years. A little trick to see how full your propane tank is; pour warm water over the tank, run your along the side. When your hand reaches a cool spot, this is the level. Keep in mind, a full tank is never completely full, propane is a liquid and requires an air pocket to create the gas.

Wildlife - The pro’s and con’s

Sportsmans Valley is home to deer, elk, moose, bear, coyotes, bobcats, some have said lynx. If you see a lynx, GET PICTURES! We also are home to mice, ground squirrels, wood rats, weasels and other ground dwellers. The best way to get rid of mice indoors is to never let them get in. There are many poisons on the market, but everything you feed a rodent could end up in the belly of your pet or another carnivore. Snap traps or humane trap and release traps work well with peanut butter. If you do the humane release traps, release them as far away from yours and everyone else’s property. Preferably over on the National Forest. :)

Weasels are your friend, they love rodents.

Please do not harass the wildlife, moose can be very aggressive. Their hooves and antlers can do some damage to you, your pets and your life.

Take your trash with you when you leave, trash is a prime attractant for bear. When going outside after dark (or even mid day), check first. Nothing worse than heading to an outhouse occupied by a bear.

List of Contractors:

Allen Drilling = 719-836-2672 -- 651 US Hwy 285, Fairplay, CO 80440

(SVPOA, Fischer, Smith, Curtis)

R&R Roofing & Siding = 303-838-7270 -- Baily, CO

(Baker)

Freelance Foundations Inc. = 719-836-0230 -- Fairplay, CO

(Baker)

Spann Industries LLC = Jason Spann 303-646-7270 -- Como, CO

Jason does: Septic systems, drywall, dirt work, well repair, stove installations, etc.

(Baker, Fischer, Karn, Minish, Strick, Rogers, and more)

Bailey Propane = 303-838-5411 -- Bailey, CO

Propane delivery, tank installation.

(multiple)

Truck-in-4U = 970-3904630 -- Fairplay, CO

Rock for yards and roads. Cost is approximately $300.00 per truck load plus the cost of rock.

NAZ Solar Electric https://www.solar-electric.com

(Baker, Fischer, Karn)