What to do if your Buena Vista visiting application is denied
A denied visiting application is frustrating — but many denials are fixable. The key is figuring out whether you can correct the issue and resubmit, or whether you need to request reconsideration from the warden.
Paperwork problems are one of the most common fixable reasons for denial. Buena Vista requires a copy of a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID, and the address on that ID must match what you wrote on your application. If you were denied because your ID was missing, expired, or the addresses didn't match, you can usually correct the issue and resubmit.
Note: If you have an active felony or misdemeanor warrant, you won’t be placed on an offender’s visiting list and you’ll be denied in-person, non-contact, and video visitation.
Some denials aren't about missing paperwork - they're about eligibility. Former DOC employees or contract workers generally won't be approved for visitation unless they were immediate family before the person's incarceration or parole supervision. If you fall into that category, you can request visiting access after seven years have passed since your last date of employment by submitting a request through the administrative head or designee.
Not sure why you were denied? Call the Buena Vista Correctional Complex switchboard at 719-395-2404. Ask what you need to correct - or what restriction applies - before sending in another packet.
- Pinpoint what caused the denial - If the reason is something you can prove is no longer valid (like a missing or outdated document), you can move forward with a corrected resubmission.
- Make sure your ID is valid and readable - Include a copy of a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID.
- Double-check the address match - The address on your photo ID must match the address you put on the visiting application, or the application may be denied.
- Complete a new application packet - Fill it out completely so you’re not resubmitting the same problem.
- Send the corrected application with the required documents - Submit the completed application (with your ID copy and any corrected information) by mail or by email.
- ✓ Mail: BVCC, P.O. Box 2017, Buena Vista, CO 81211
- ✓ Email: doc_bvcc_visiting@state.co.us
Resubmitting works when you can fix the issue and prove the denial reason no longer applies. But if the reason is still in effect, your next option is requesting reconsideration from the warden. This is also the route if you believe a restriction was applied in error, or if you're asking for an exception - like when an active warrant or employment restriction means a straight resubmission won't help.
- Write a clear reconsideration letter - Explain why you believe you should be approved and include all information you want considered.
- Attach supporting documents - Include anything that backs up your request.
- Address it to the warden - Send it to BVCC Warden Bryan Coleman.
- Mail it to the facility - Use: P.O. Box 2017, Buena Vista, CO 81211.
If your denial is tied to an active felony or misdemeanor warrant, resubmitting won't change anything. You won't be placed on the visiting list, and you'll be denied in-person, non-contact, and video visitation. Employment restrictions work similarly: former DOC employees or contract workers who weren't immediate family before incarceration or parole supervision generally won't be approved until seven years have passed since their last date of employment.
Next step: If a warrant is the issue, you’ll need to resolve that outside the facility before visiting access is possible; if it’s an employment restriction, you may need to wait until the seven-year mark and then request access. For questions about your status or what to submit, contact the BVCC switchboard at 719-395-2404.
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