Fort Collins Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in Fort Collins
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Fort Collins — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
Fort Collins Land Use Code rewrite — Phase 1 (Ordinance 056, 2024)(2024)
On May 7, 2024 the Fort Collins City Council adopted Phase 1 of a comprehensive Land Use Code rewrite (Ordinance No. 056, 2024), which took effect May 17, 2024. Phase 1 focused on housing-related updates — broadening permitted housing types in residential districts and modernizing dimensional standards. A separate Transitional Land Use Code remains available on Municode for projects submitted before May 17, 2024.
Source · library.municode.comU+2 occupancy rule repealed (Ordinance 081, 2024)(2024)
On July 2, 2024 the Fort Collins City Council adopted Ordinance No. 081, 2024 repealing the long-standing 'U+2' occupancy rule that limited dwellings to no more than three unrelated occupants. The change removed a Fort Collins-specific occupancy limit that had been in place for nearly two decades and was widely cited as a barrier to student and workforce housing near CSU.
Source · fcgov.comHB24-1152 statewide ADU mandate — Fort Collins is a Subject Jurisdiction(2024)
Colorado HB24-1152 (signed May 13, 2024) requires Subject Jurisdictions — including Fort Collins — to allow one ADU per single-unit detached residential lot through an administrative approval process, eliminate owner-occupancy mandates, and remove additional parking requirements. The compliance deadline was June 30, 2025. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs maintains the official Subject Jurisdiction list.
Source · leg.colorado.govHB24-1313 Transit-Oriented Communities designation(2024)
Colorado HB24-1313 (Housing in Transit-Oriented Communities) requires qualifying jurisdictions along the Front Range to designate Transit Centers that allow a minimum density of 15 dwelling units per acre near high-frequency transit. Fort Collins qualifies based on population and the MAX BRT line on the Mason Corridor, and must submit a Housing Opportunity Goal report by December 31, 2026.
Source · leg.colorado.gov
Key Zoning Facts
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Fort Collins
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Colorado
- Building Code: 2021 IBC (locally adopted)
- State ADU Override: Yes (Colorado HB24-1152 (2024) requires Subject Jurisdictions (including Fort Collins) to allow one ADU per single-unit detached residential lot; compliance deadline June 30, 2025.)
County — Larimer County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 9,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 28 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- 4,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Fort Collins
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 20 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- No additional parking required
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required
- Permit Timeline
- 4-6 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Fort Collins are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Fort Collins permit fees →Official Sources
City-specific