Franktown, Colorado Real Estate: Acreage, Wells & Septic in Douglas County
Giles Team helps people buy and sell homes and acreage in Franktown, Colorado. We're McLean and Ginger Giles, a husband-and-wife team with Coldwell Banker Realty. Franktown is rural Douglas County: most homes sit on acreage with private wells and septic systems, and we explain what that means before you buy or sell.
Where is Franktown, Colorado?
- Franktown is an unincorporated community in Douglas County, governed by the county. It's a census-designated place with its own post office, ZIP code 80116.
- Colorado State Highways 83 (Parker Road) and 86 both run through Franktown. Highway 86 heads west to Castle Rock and east to Elizabeth and Kiowa in Elbert County.
- In a straight line, Franktown is about 7 miles from downtown Castle Rock, about 7 miles from Parker and about 7 miles from Elizabeth. Drive times depend on the route.
- Castlewood Canyon State Park is just south of town on Highway 83, with hiking, rock climbing, picnicking and birding.
Is Franktown in Douglas County or Elbert County?
Franktown is in Douglas County. Elizabeth, a few miles east on Highway 86, is in Elbert County. The county line matters: zoning, animal limits, septic permits and school districts all follow the county.
| Franktown | Elizabeth | |
|---|---|---|
| County | Douglas | Elbert |
| Government | Unincorporated; Douglas County | Incorporated town |
| Septic Use Permit at sale | Douglas County Health Department | Elbert County Public Health |
| Zoning and animal rules | Douglas County Zoning Resolution | Elbert County Zoning Regulations |
| Public schools | Douglas County School District (RE-1) | Elizabeth School District |
| Well permits | Colorado Division of Water Resources (same in both) | |
What kind of property is in Franktown?
Most Franktown homes are on acreage rather than city lots. Expect private wells, septic systems, outbuildings, and in many areas room for horses, subject to zoning and covenants. Douglas County's rural zone districts include Estate Residential, Rural Residential and Agricultural One (A-1, the county's 35-acre agricultural district).
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How do wells work in Franktown?
The Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR) issues well permits, and each permit lists what the water can be used for. A household-use-only well is for ordinary household use inside a single-family home and can't be used for irrigation. Many wells in the area draw from the Denver Basin aquifers, which have their own DWR rules. Look up the permit with DWR's Well Permit Search before you write an offer.
What septic rules apply when a Franktown home sells?
- Douglas County requires a septic Use Permit when a home with a septic system is sold. The seller gets it before the sale.
- The inspection is done by a NAWT-certified Use Permit inspector and includes time-stamped photos of the system.
- Deficient items must be repaired, with proof, before the Douglas County Health Department issues the permit.
Sellers: book the inspection when you decide to sell, not after you're under contract.
Can I keep horses in Franktown?
Often, depending on zoning, lot size and covenants. Under Douglas County zoning, one horse is one animal unit.
- Rural Residential (RR) lots of 4.5 to 8.9 acres: one animal unit per half acre, including up to two boarded horses.
- Agricultural One (A-1): no limit on horses the landowner owns; on 35 acres or more, four boarded horses are allowed, with more possible through administrative review.
- Subdivision covenants can be stricter than zoning. Read both.
Where else in Douglas County do you help with acreage?
Beyond Franktown, we work with acreage around Castle Rock, Parker, Castle Pines and Sedalia, an unincorporated community in Douglas County on U.S. Route 85, northwest of Castle Rock. East across the county line, see our Elbert County page.
Tips for buying acreage in Franktown
- Read the well permit and ask for well records and any water tests.
- Confirm the zoning and covenants before you plan on animals, a shop or a business.
- Check road access and who maintains the road.
- Build well, septic and survey review into your contract deadlines. Ginger, a licensed attorney and Realtor, keeps those dates straight.
Tips for selling acreage in Franktown
- Start the septic Use Permit early.
- Gather well permit, well service records and any outbuilding permits.
- Show the land, not just the house. We use professional photography, video and drone footage.
- Price from comparable rural sales. McLean knows construction and condition, so the price reflects what's really there.
Franktown questions we hear often
Is Franktown a town?
Franktown is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Douglas County. Douglas County governs it.
What ZIP code is Franktown?
80116.
Which school district serves Franktown?
Douglas County School District (RE-1). Franktown Elementary is on Highway 83. Check the district's boundary tool for any specific address.
Do I need a septic inspection to sell in Franktown?
Yes. Douglas County requires a septic Use Permit, from a NAWT-certified inspection, before a home with a septic system is sold.
Talk to the Giles Team about Franktown
Call or text (720) 593-2378, email team@gilesteam.com, or send us a message. More detail: Douglas & Elbert County Acreage Guide.
Giles Team | Coldwell Banker Realty South Metro · 6501 E Belleview Ave, Suite 500, Englewood, CO 80111 · (720) 593-2378 · team@gilesteam.com
McLean Giles, Colorado license FA.100052648 · Ginger Giles, Colorado license FA.100052642
Checked against county, state and school district sources in October 2026. Rules change; confirm for any specific property.
