Because of its wildfire history (Cameron Peak and High Park fires), Larimer County declares ALL unincorporated land a wildland-urban interface area. New and altered structures countywide must meet wildfire structure-hardening and defensible-space requirements.
The Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code as adopted by Larimer County (effective January 1, 2026) deems the entire unincorporated county a WUI area rather than mapping only isolated pockets. Structures and parcels must be built and maintained per Chapter 4 structure hardening (Class A roofs, ignition-resistant materials, ember-resistant vents) and Chapter 5 site and defensible-space requirements. Owners may request a "ground-truthing" review of their parcel's wildfire hazard. Wildfire hazard maps are posted online. Requirements generally trigger on new construction, or additions and alterations exceeding 500 square feet or affecting 25% or more of walls or roof.
Work not meeting the code can be denied a permit or issued a stop-work order; ongoing maintenance of defensible space is the owner's responsibility.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Larimer County, CO
Larimer County addresses hoarding through its pet-quantity and care standards. Sec. 6-80 requires proper food, water, shelter, and veterinary care, and Sec. ...
Larimer County, CO
Feeding wild ducks and geese is prohibited in unincorporated Larimer County after a written warning. Feeding bears and other wildlife is discouraged, and the...
Larimer County, CO
Larimer County sets no ordinance banning backyard composting, and it is encouraged for waste reduction. It must not become a nuisance. Fort Collins allows ho...
Larimer County, CO
Larimer County sets no specific ban on artificial turf, and Colorado law now protects nonvegetative turf grass from HOA prohibition. Check your city's landsc...
Larimer County, CO
Larimer County does not require native plants, and Colorado law protects your right to xeriscape. Under C.R.S. § 38-33.3-106.5, HOAs cannot ban xeriscape, dr...
Larimer County, CO
Colorado law lets a single-family or small multi-family household collect rooftop rainwater in up to two rain barrels holding no more than 110 gallons combin...
See how Larimer County's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
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