Backyard Boost: ALA Fee Waiver Program

Backyard Boost: ALA Fee Waiver Program

Build an Accessory Living Area. Create Affordable Housing. Save on Fees.

Larimer County’s Backyard Boost program is a local special initiative supported by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). It is designed to lower the upfront cost of building an Accessory Living Area (ALA)—sometimes called an ADU, mother-in-law suite, or carriage house—in exchange for a commitment to create an affordable rental home.

By waiving eligible building permit fees, the County is helping local homeowners add value to their property while creating stable, high-quality, affordable rental housing for our community.

Program Benefits & What Fees are Waived

If your project is approved for the Backyard Boost program, Larimer County will credit the following development fees at permit approval:

  • Permit Fees: Building, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing permits
  • Review Fees: Plan Review and Plot Plan Review
  • Transportation Capital Expansion Fees 
  • Taxes: Applicable Use Taxes

Note: This grant program has limited funding and is structured to support approximately 8 to 10 homeowners on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible projects.

How the Program Works

The Backyard Boost program is built on a simple premise: the County helps lower your startup costs, and you help provide a stable home for someone in our community. To keep the program fair and successful, participating homeowners agree to three straightforward guidelines:

  1. Primary Residence: The ALA must be rented to a tenant who occupies the unit as their primary residence. You are welcome to rent to someone you know or are related to, as long as there is a legally binding lease agreement between you outlining the rent amount for the rental term.
  2. Fair and Predictable Rent: To ensure the ALA stays affordable, rent limits are set annually and per bedroom. These limits are based on local income guidelines for Larimer County (specifically set at 60% of the Area Median Income). Each year, we’ll share the limits with you and you’ll simply send a copy of your current lease agreement to our Housing Liaison to show you are within the local limit.
  3. 36-Month Affordability Agreement: During your permit review, our Housing Liaison will help you set up a simple 36-month affordability agreement. This legal agreement locks in