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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 your commitment to the program for three years. Once those 36 months are up, the agreement expires and the restriction is lifted from your property.
Ready to Apply? Follow These Steps:
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Ensure your property is located within unincorporated Larimer County and meets local zoning requirements for an Accessory Living Area (ALA).
Step 2: Submit Your ALA Building Application
You will need to submit your design plans, building permit application, and site plan in person to Larimer County’s Building Division. Access the required application forms to complete your building permit application. Building permits cannot be applied for online and must be submitted via hard copy. During the application process, indicate your intent to apply for the Backyard Boost Fee Waiver.
Step 3: Submit Backyard Boost Application & Meet with the Housing Liaison
Submit your Backyard Boost application and meet with the Housing Liaison to execute your formal affordability agreement (a temporary deed restriction).
Step 4: Fees Waived & Permit Issued
Your eligible building, planning, and use tax fees will be waived. Once you pay any remaining non-waived fees (such as impact fees), your official building permit will be issued so construction can begin.
Step 5: Construction Begins
Proceed with your ALA construction. Provide the Housing Liaison with an executed lease agreement or an official acknowledgment of rental form.
Step 6: Certificate of Occupancy & Move-In
Once final building inspections are passed and the lease documentation is filed, your Certificate of Occupancy (CO) will be issued, and your new tenant can officially move in!
Submit your Backyard Boost Application
Resources
- Learn more in our comprehensive ALA Toolkit!
- New to being a Landlord? Learn about Housing Partners of Larimer.
FAQs
- Does my ALA need to be rented affordably forever?
- No, the program only requires you to rent it at an affordable rate for 36 months
- How do I know if I’m charging an affordable rent?
- We’ll do that work for you. The County will calculate a maximum monthly rent on a yearly basis. To give you an idea of what rent could be, the 2025 max rent for a studio was $1,341.
- I am planning on renting my ALA to a family member… can I still participate?
- In most cases, yes!
Questions or Need Assistance?
We are here to help you navigate the process from design to tenancy.
Contact: Building Division, Jen Fling
Phone: 970-498-7717
Email: [email protected]
Contact: On-Call Planner
Phone: 970-498-7679
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Housing Liaison, Lexi Valenti
Phone: (970) 498-7379
Email: [email protected]
