Planning
Larimer County Planning Department regulates land use in the unincorporated area of the county (outside of city/town limits), generally referred to as rural lands.
Cities/towns that are located within Larimer County but are not governed by Larimer County include Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park, Berthoud, Wellington, Timnath, and portions of Johnstown and Windsor.
FAQs
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In Larimer County the unincorporated area is all of the land within the county boundary that falls outside of the incorporated boundaries of cities and towns. The incorporated cities and towns in Larimer County include Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park, Berthoud, Wellington, Timnath, and portions of Johnstown and Windsor.
Other communities and neighborhoods in Larimer County that are not incorporated are still known by their place names. These places include communities such as Laporte, Bellvue and Red Feather Lakes. These unincorporated communities do not have their own government organization or political designation like the incorporated cities and towns.
Why does the County have all these land use rules? Why can't I just do what I want with my property?
Federal and State land use laws and regulations aside, the County has established land use regulations based upon the desire of its citizens to manage growth and development in a responsible manner. Larimer County established zoning districts in the early 1960's, followed by a County Master Plan in 1976, 1988, and 1997. Its current County Master Plan (1997), based upon lengthy and considerable public debate and input, sets forth the general principles and strategies to be used by the County to guide growth and development. The Larimer County Land Use Code, developed after the Master Plan was adopted, is intended to implement the adopted Master Plan. The result is a Land Use Code that provides a balance between the rights and responsibilities of property owners in a rapidly growing county.
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Larimer County does not enforce or interpret private covenants. Covenants are a contract or a legally binding promise. If a property is subject to covenants, then the property owner has promised to abide by the terms contained in the covenants. Sometimes covenants are more restrictive than the County's land use regulations. Even though the land use regulations may allow a certain use, private covenants that are in place may not allow that use. Property owners who have questions about what their covenants allow are advised to talk with their homeowner's association (HOA) and to get legal advice as needed.
Contact Us
200 W. Oak Street, Third Floor
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 498-7683
Hours: 8am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday
ON-CALL PLANNER:
(970) 498-7679
Email Planner On Call
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