Tower Sites

The State Land Board will consider ground leases for tower sites when the use does not conflict with other existing or future uses and and impacts to natural values on the property can be minimized.  The State Land Board currently leases tower sites for weather station monitoring, emergency response, commercial cell, mobile radio service, point-to-point, television and navigation.  Current leases (Portfolio Map) include contract terms ranging from 5 to 10 years, with extensions.

The State Land Board's GIS Map Server can be used to located state trust land.

Tower site lease applications require the payment of a $500 application fee.  Annual rental charges are based on the tower site location and purpose.  See the State Land Board’s Fees & Payment Considerations schedule for details.

Typical tower leases are for 5 years.  Extension options are often included in the lease.

A pre-application consultation with the Tower Site Manager is required.  Prior to the meeting, the applicant should prepare a map that shows the general location of the proposed tower site and the route by which the applicant intends to gain access. 

Following the pre-application consultation the applicant can submit an application for a Temporary Access Permit that will allow surveyors or other consultants required to complete due diligence to access the property.  The temporary access permit request must be sent to the appropriate District Office with a copy to the Tower Site Manager.  There are specific requirements for the Land Survey which must be met.

Once a survey has been completed, the applicant can submit the survey and the Tower Site Application along with any other required documents to the Tower Site Manager.  Tower Site applications require Board approval. Once a complete application has been received by the State Land Board the process for obtaining the tower site lease will generally take 60 days.

1. $500 Application Fee 
2. The following documents may be submitted in digital or paper format.
   1. Complete Application Form
   2. Survey
   3. ESRI compatible shape files (with projection data) 
   4. Metes and Bounds description (in MS WORD format if submitted a digital format) 
3. Applications, supporting documentation, and rental payments can be submitted through the State Land Board’s Customer Portal.  Customers interested in using this online portal should call 303-866-3454 x3315 to set up an online account.

Yes, both are required for tower site leases.  See the State Land Board’s Bonding FAQs for more information or contact the Tower Site Manager for details on specific requirements associated with performance bonds and insurance coverage.

Yes, the State Land Board has its own standard lease form.

If a lease-holder wishes to extend the lease, they must submit an application for renewal at least six months prior to the expiration date of the lease.  Renewal applications are processed in the same manner as initial applications. 

If the tower site lessee does not wish to renew or continue the lease, they must notify the Board in writing at least six months prior to the expiration date of the lease.  Such notice shall address how and when all equipment will be removed and the premises restored to the original condition.

If the lessee fails to notify the Board of their intent to either renew the lease or surrender the lease within the final six months of the lease term, all improvements on the leased premises will be deemed abandoned and may, at the Board’s option, be removed by the Board at the Tower Site holder’s expense, retained by the Board, or sold by the Board with all proceeds going to the Board.

Yes, there is a Tower Site leasing policy adopted by the Board for this type of leasing.  Please note, other Board policies may be applicable as well.

See the State Land Board’s Fees & Payment Considerations schedule for details.

Unless subject to an exemption, the tower site application and any information provided to the State are subject to public release through the Colorado Open Records Act, § 24-72-201, C.R.S., et seq.