Accessory Structures in Loveland, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Loveland or are thinking about moving there, accessory structures are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Loveland has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of accessory structures, and some of them might surprise you.

Tiny Homes

Loveland classifies a tiny home pulled on a chassis as a recreational vehicle, not a dwelling. Under Municipal Code § 16.24.020, no one may occupy a parked RV, including such a tiny home, on private property for more than seven days in six months without express city permission.

Key details: Classification: Regulated as a recreational vehicle, not a dwelling. Occupancy limit: 7 days per 6-month period before it's "Residing Therein". Governing chapter: Ch. 16.24, Unlawful Use of Vehicles/Camping Facilities. Enforcement start: Notice and Order to Abate, § 16.44.010. Adopted by: Ordinance No. 6596, § 14, December 6, 2022.

A violation of Chapter 16.24 is a declared public nuisance, subject to a Notice and Order to Abate under § 16.44.010 and, if not corrected within the specified timeframe, a summons into Loveland Municipal Court under § 16.44.040, punishable under the general penalty at § 1.12.010: a fine up to the state-law maximum under C.R.S. § 13-10-113, imprisonment up to 364 days, or both.

Compared to other cities, Loveland takes a harder line on tiny homes. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

ADU Impact Fees

Loveland exempts accessory dwelling units of 900 square feet or less from the city's capital expansion fees, the municipal equivalent of development impact fees. Larger ADUs allowed on Large Suburban, Estate, and Large Estate lots lose that exemption and are billed under the standard fee schedule tied to the principal dwelling.

Key details: Exemption threshold: ADU 900 sq ft or less gross floor area. Governing section: UDC § 18.16.04.03.C. Adopted: Ord. 6445 § 3, eff. 12/29/2020. Large-lot ADUs over cap: Fees charged per § 18.04.07.01.E.4. Unpaid fee consequence: Perpetual lien on real property.

Capital expansion fees that are owed and go unpaid become a perpetual lien on the property under UDC § 18.16.04.04.A, ranking ahead of every other lien except real property taxes. Under § 18.16.04.04.B, the City Clerk certifies delinquent charges to the Larimer County Treasurer, who collects them the same way as property taxes. Separately, § 18.16.04.04.C lets the City withhold or revoke any permit, certificate, or approval from an applicant who is delinquent on capital expansion fees, which can stop a building permit or certificate of occupancy for an ADU that exceeded 900 square feet without paying the assessed fee.

ADU Rules

Loveland's Unified Development Code permits one accessory dwelling unit per single-family detached lot in Larimer County, Colorado, capped at 900 square feet of floor area. The ADU must share the lot with the primary home, have its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom and address, and meet five-foot side and rear setbacks, with no off-street parking required.

Key details: Max ADU size: 900 sq ft floor area (more on large lots). ADUs per lot: One only. Interior side/rear setback: Five feet. Off-street parking: Not required for the ADU. Governing section: UDC § 18.04.07.01.

Building an ADU that exceeds the 900-square-foot cap, lacks a separate entrance, or shares an internal connection to the main house is a UDC violation under § 18.18.02.01, with each day the noncompliant structure stands treated as a separate offense. The Code Enforcement Officer or Building Official can issue a correction order under § 18.18.02.03; ignoring it exposes the owner to a fine or up to one year's imprisonment under § 18.18.03.02, Criminal Penalty.

Shed & Carport Rules

Loveland caps a residential detached garage, carport or storage shed at the greater of 10% of the lot area or 500 square feet under UDC § 18.04.07.02, counted cumulatively with every other accessory structure on the lot. Setbacks run five feet from the interior side and alley, and match or exceed the principal dwelling at the front.

Key details: Max footprint: Greater of 10% lot area or 500 sq ft. Interior side/alley setback: Five feet. Interior rear setback: 5 ft or 1 ft per 4 ft height. Roof/materials: Must match principal building. Metal siding: Restricted absent Director approval.

An oversized shed, one that busts the 10%-of-lot or 500-square-foot footprint cap, or one that encroaches into an easement or sight triangle is a violation of UDC § 18.18.02.01, with each day the structure remains noncompliant counted as a separate offense. The Code Enforcement Officer or Building Official may issue a correction order under § 18.18.02.03; failure to comply can bring a fine or up to one year in jail under § 18.18.03.02.

The Bottom Line

Loveland's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Loveland is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Loveland's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.