Changes approved to county's mineral leasing process

Published on August 13, 2026

Code changes were approved Wednesday by the Weld County Board of Commissioners. They aim to provide greater clarity to the county’s mineral leasing process as well as increase competition for leases. The changes go into effect Aug. 21.

“Our county mineral rights are a valuable revenue source to provide services to our residents,” said Scott James, Weld County Commissioner Chair. “These changes will help us get the most value moving forward."

It’s estimated that Weld County owns mineral rights for approximately 40,000 acres, with just over 20,000 acres under lease and more than 18,000 available.  The changes made to Section 2-2-70 of the Weld County Code create a clearer framework for the county's process.

The changes allow for:

• Greater clarity. The new code eliminates small and large tract distinctions. Additionally, a new board-approved mineral lease form will be used moving forward.

• The establishment of lease bonuses and royalty rates based on current fair market value, using comparable leases, prior auction results, market data, and staff recommendations from Weld County’s Oil and Gas Energy Department (OGED).

• Clearer requirements for bidders, ownership, and lease extensions. Final authority over leases remains with the Weld County Board of Commissioners.

• An outside company to host mineral lease auctions. The county is currently holding a bid process to select a company, and one will be chosen in the coming weeks.

The changes also move the coordination and administration of the mineral leasing process from the Weld County Clerk and Recorder’s Office to the OGED.

"This is a big moment for our department, and we're excited to take it on," OGED Director Brett Cavanagh said. "More importantly, we’re excited to see how these changes prove beneficial.”

Review the code changes (at the bottom of the “Mineral Leasing” webpage.)