Larimer County, CO Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Weed-height rule
- None in unincorporated county
- Noxious weeds
- Required control under state Act
- Governing statute
- C.R.S. 35-5.5 (Noxious Weed Act)
- Dumping/rubbish
- Prohibited on vacant lots
- Fort Collins undeveloped limit
- 12 inches
Summary
Larimer County has no property-maintenance code setting weed height or upkeep standards for vacant lots, but noxious weeds must be managed under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act and dumped rubbish is prohibited.
The County does not have a property maintenance code. Due to several factors including the agricultural nature of the County, there are no regulations as to how high weeds grow, or if a lawn is mowed.
Full Breakdown
Because of the county's rural, agricultural character, there is no ordinance dictating how tall grass or weeds may grow on a vacant parcel. However, the Larimer County Weed District enforces the Colorado Noxious Weed Act (C.R.S. Title 35, Art. 5.5) on unincorporated land, requiring owners to control state- and county-listed noxious species. Accumulated rubbish, junk, or illegal dumping on a vacant lot is separately actionable under the Rubbish Ordinance. Fort Collins caps undeveloped-lot vegetation at 12 inches under its city nuisance code.
Violations & Fines
Noxious-weed violations bring a written notice and possible county-performed abatement billed to the owner; rubbish on a lot follows the 30-day Notice-of-Violation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the county make me mow a vacant lot?
Can I be cited for a lot inside city limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Larimer County
Compare Larimer County to another location·View the Colorado property maintenance overview
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