Laporte, CO

Larimer County calls ADUs 'Accessory Living Areas' (ALAs) and regulates them under Section 4.3.10 of the Land Use Code. As of June 30, 2025, applicants no longer must complete a separate planning approval before applying for a building permit, aligning with Colorado HB24-1152. One ALA is permitted per single-unit dwelling lot, with one additional off-street parking space, an exterior exit not through the garage, and structural plans stamped by a Colorado-licensed Professional Engineer (high wind/snow loads).

Larimer County requires a Short-Term Rental (STR) license before any property in unincorporated Larimer County can be advertised or rented for stays under 30 days. In Estes Valley residential zone districts (EV-E, EV-E-1, EV-R, EV-RE, EV-RE-1, EV-RM), licenses are capped at 208 with a waitlist. Occupancy is limited to 2 per bedroom plus 2 per additional sleeping area, capped at 10 people. Beginning January 1, 2026, a $250 renewal fee applies every 2 years. Authorized under C.R.S. 30-15-401(1)(j.7) (HB23-1287).

Unincorporated Larimer County requires every short-term rental to provide a minimum of two on-site parking spaces paved with concrete, asphalt, or similar material. Lots of two acres or less are limited to four vehicles. On-street parking and parking on neighboring properties are prohibited.

Unincorporated Larimer County caps short-term rental occupancy at two guests per bedroom plus two per additional sleeping area, with an absolute maximum of 10 guests who must be one party. CO HB24-1007 prohibits relationship-based caps. Code enforced under the Land Use Code STR provisions.

Unincorporated Larimer County STR operators collect Colorado state sales tax (2.9%) plus Larimer County sales tax (1.05%) on stays under 30 days. The county STR license renewal fee is $250 every two years effective January 1, 2026. Additional county lodging tax may apply.

Larimer County enforces residential pool barrier rules through the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) and 2024 IRC Appendix G, adopted with local amendments effective in 2025-2026. Barriers must be at least 48 inches above grade with the bottom no more than 2 inches above non-solid surfaces or 4 inches above solid surfaces. Barriers apply to any pool, spa, or hot tub deeper than 24 inches. Construction-phase fencing of at least 4 feet is required from excavation until the permanent barrier is complete.

Only Colorado 'permissible fireworks' under C.R.S. 12-28-101(8) - sparklers, ground spinners, fountains, and snakes - are legal statewide. All aerials, firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, and audible explosives are illegal. Larimer County has extreme wildfire risk after the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire (Colorado's largest wildfire on record) and East Troublesome Fire. The Larimer County Sheriff routinely imposes Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions under C.R.S. 30-15-401(1)(n.7) that ban all fireworks countywide; restrictions are now zoned by elevation (below 6,000 ft, 6,000-9,000 ft, above 9,000 ft).

Larimer County Ordinance 11122002O001 (Code Chapter 6) requires dogs to be on a leash no more than 6 feet long when off the owner's property, or confined by a fence. Dogs over 4 months must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed annually. Larimer Humane Society enforces at 970-226-3647.

Unincorporated Larimer County allows residential fences up to 6 feet without a building permit. Fences over 7 feet with a solid wind-impermeable surface require a building permit, fences in road setbacks cap at 8 feet, and the maximum residential fence height is 9 feet under the Land Use Code.

Larimer County Ordinance 97-03 (codified at Code §30-155) limits residential noise to 55 dB(A) from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and 50 dB(A) from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM in unincorporated areas. A 10 dB(A) bonus is allowed for up to 15 minutes per hour during the day under CRS §25-12-103.

Larimer County has been an NFIP-participating community since 1974 and administers floodplain regulations under Article 12 of the Land Use Code. A Floodplain Development Permit (FDP) is required before any development in regulated floodplains, including the FEMA Floodplain, Best Available Floodplain, Municipal Floodplain, Poudre GMA Floodplain, and County Flood-Prone Areas. Substantial improvement (50% of market value) triggers full compliance. New construction in the floodway is prohibited. Big Thompson and Cache la Poudre corridors carry the highest risk after the 1976 and 2013 floods.