Outdoor music and events fall under the same § 20-23 dB(A) limits (55 day / 50 night in residential zones). Fort Collins lets a stationary source apply for a variance under § 20-27, but capped so noise over 8 hours never exceeds 90 dB.
There is no blanket exemption for outdoor concerts, patios or backyard events; sound is measured against the § 20-23 zone limits at the receiving property line. For a planned event, Fort Collins § 20-27 allows the operator of a stationary noise source to apply to the Code Compliance Inspector for a time-limited variance (up to one year), but under no circumstances may a variance exceeding eight hours allow noise above 90 decibels. Church bells and chimes during religious services are exempt (§ 20-25(5)). In unincorporated Larimer County the residential 55/50 db(A) limits govern outdoor amplified events.
Operating without meeting limits or a granted variance draws a Fort Collins summons (§ 20-29); county events face $30/$60/$300 escalating fines.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Larimer County.
See how Fort Collins's outdoor music rules stack up against other locations.
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