Zoning

FAQs

1. What is my zoning?

   You can find the zoning for a specific property in the unincorporated area several ways:

   • Find by parcel number - If you have the Assessor's parcel ID number for the property, you can find zoning information by entering that parcel number (with no dashes or hyphens) in the query form (click the button below). Zoning information is only available for properties located in unincorporated Larimer County. If inquiry is for property inside city/town limits, the jurisdiction name and contact phone number will be displayed.
     • If you have an address but no parcel number, go to the Assessor Property Record Search screen to find the parcel ID number for that address.
     • You can find more details about Larimer County's zoning districts on the Zoning Districts page.
   • Find on the zoning map - If you know the general location of the property and can find it on a map, you can view the zoning map on the Zoning Maps page. Please note that this is not an interactive map. If using the map option, we recommend that you verify the zoning of a parcel by contacting the Planning Department at (970) 498-7679 or email us.
   • Contact the Planning Department - To verify the zoning district for a particular property, call the Planning Department at (970) 498-7679 or send an email. Please be prepared to provide an address or parcel number to identify the property.

2. What is the difference between zoning and how the Assessor classifies property?

   These are two different designations, but they are sometimes confused with each other. Each parcel of land in the unincorporated area of Larimer County is zoned. Parcels also have a property tax assessment classification assigned by the County Assessor to classify, assess and value property.

   • Zoning districts are adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. The zoning district determines the uses that are allowed on a property. Article 2.0 of the Larimer County Land Use Code contains the zoning regulations. For more information on zoning districts in unincorporated Larimer County, see the Zoning Districts page. Contact the Larimer County Planning Department at (970) 498-7679 or by email for assistance with your zoning questions.
   • Property tax assessment classifications are determined by the County Assessor's Office based on the actual use that is present on a property. That classification is shown in the Assessor's property records for each parcel. For more information about assessment and valuation of property, contact the County Assessor's Office at (970) 498-7050.

   The property tax assessment classification is not the same as the zoning district for your property. 

3. What things does Larimer County regulate with the zoning district?

   The purpose of zoning districts is to implement the Larimer County Comprehensive Plan, promote compatible land use patterns and establish standards appropriate for each zoning district. Each zoning district spells out the uses allowed on properties within that district, the minimum lot sizes, the maximum density allowed if a property in that district is developed, the building setbacks required from property lines, heights for structures, and accessory uses allowed.

4. What are the building setbacks for my zoning district?

   Each zoning district in the County lists setbacks from streets or roads, side, and rear property lines. Additional setback requirements are found in Article 2.0 of the Land Use Code. 

   Property owners and citizens are advised to contact the County Planning Department for setback information on specific properties due to the many factors and unique situations that affect setbacks. To confirm setbacks on your property call the Planner-on-call at (970) 498-7679 or send an email.

5. What are the uses allowed in my zoning district? Where can I find the regulations for each zoning district?

   Please view the Zoning Districts Table and you will find the what Articles in the Land Use Code can help you with the allowed uses on your property. 

6. Which zoning rules apply if my property is in a special plan area?

   Larimer County has several special area plans that respond to the unique conditions and character of those areas of the county. The zoning regulations in the Land Use Code apply in all of these areas except for the Estes Valley Plan Area. Unincorporated properties within the Estes Valley Planning Area are subject to the Estes Valley Development Code which is administered by the staff at the town of Estes Park. For details on the Estes Valley Development Code, contact staff in the Estes Park Community Development Department at the (970) 577-3720.

7. What are overlay zone districts?

   In addition to the zoning districts that exist for each property in unincorporated Larimer County, there are also overlay zone districts that apply in certain areas. These are described in Article 2.7 of the Land Use Code. Overlay zone districts have development standards and requirements that apply in addition to those of the underlying zone district.

   One of these overlay zone districts is for the official floodplains which designate areas of the County where flooding may occur. The requirements of the floodplain overlay zone districts are intended to reduce flood danger. Contact Larimer County Engineering staff at (970) 498-5700 for more details.

   Other important overlay zone districts designate Growth Management Areas (GMAs) in the areas around the cities of Fort Collins, Loveland, Timnath, Berthoud and Windsor. These overlay districts provide regulations to guide development near the participating communities and help to facilitate cooperative growth management in urbanizing areas of the county. 

   Contact the Planning Department at (970) 498-7679 or by email.

Contact Planning Department

Larimer County Planning Department
200 W. Oak Street, Third Floor, Fort Collins, CO 80521
On-call Planner:
(970) 498-7679
Email Planning Department

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