Larimer County, CO Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Larimer County, CO, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- No-permit threshold
- 200 sq ft or less
- Max eave height
- 10 feet
- Utilities
- None allowed to stay exempt
- Fire-rated if near
- Within 3 ft of property line
- Setbacks
- Always required
Summary
In unincorporated Larimer County, a one-story storage shed under 200 sq ft with no utilities needs no building permit, but it must still meet Land Use Code setbacks, floodplain and lot-coverage rules. Bigger sheds or any with utilities need a permit.
No Building Permit is Required When All of the Following Apply... The structure is a one-story, detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse or similar use. The floor area does not exceed 200 sq. ft. There are no utilities added... The maximum eave height is 10 feet.
Full Breakdown
Larimer County's Building Division exempts a shed from a building permit only when it is a one-story detached accessory structure (tool/storage shed, playhouse or similar), the floor area does not exceed 200 sq ft, no utilities are added, no overhang exceeds 24 inches, and the maximum eave height is 10 feet. A permit is required once the shed exceeds 200 sq ft, adds electric/water/gas/heat, or is used commercially. Even permit-exempt sheds must comply with the Land Use Code's setback, floodplain and lot-coverage requirements. A detached structure within 6 feet of a residence or 3 feet of a property line (including overhangs) requires fire-rated construction.
Violations & Fines
Placing a shed in a setback, easement or floodplain, or building an oversized shed without a permit, triggers code compliance action and possible removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small backyard shed?
Do permit-exempt sheds still have to follow setbacks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Larimer County
How Larimer County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Larimer County to another location·View the Colorado accessory structures overview
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