Larimer County, CO Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Larimer County, CO, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Fort Collins allowed hours
- 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
- County allowed hours
- 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
- County day noise cap
- 80 db(A)
- Muffler required
- Yes, all motorized equipment
- Night construction
- Prohibited without permit
Summary
Construction tools are exempt only 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. in Fort Collins (all equipment muffled). Unincorporated Larimer County bars construction/demolition 7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m. and caps daytime construction noise at 80 db(A).
Any tools or equipment used in construction, drilling, earthmoving, excavating, or demolition, provided that all motorized equipment used in such activity is equipped with functioning mufflers, and further provided that such work takes place between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Full Breakdown
Fort Collins Municipal Code § 20-25(6) exempts construction, drilling, earthmoving, excavating and demolition from the noise limits only when all motorized equipment has functioning mufflers and work occurs between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Outside those hours construction noise is unlawful. In unincorporated Larimer County, Ordinance 97-03 caps construction/demolition noise at 80 db(A) (7 a.m.–7 p.m.) and 75 db(A) at night, and prohibits such activity between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. absent county authorization.
Violations & Fines
County: $30 first offense, $60 second within 30 days, $300 each thereafter. Fort Collins: summons under § 20-29 with penalty per § 1-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can crews work before 7 a.m. in Fort Collins?
Does the county allow evening construction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Larimer County
How Larimer County compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Larimer County to another location·View the Colorado noise ordinances overview
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