Unincorporated Larimer County does not require a short-term rental to be the owner's primary residence — a standard (unhosted) STR is allowed. Fort Collins, however, distinguishes primary (owner lives there 9+ months) from non-primary STRs, allowing non-primary only in lodging zones.
In the unincorporated county, the Land Use Code permits standard unhosted short-term rentals as well as hosted STRs and B&B Inns, so a home need not be your primary residence to be licensed. Only a hosted STR requires a full-time resident or owner living on-site. The picture differs inside cities: the City of Fort Collins recognizes 'primary' STRs (you personally reside there nine months a year or more) and 'non-primary' STRs, and permits non-primary rentals only in zones that already allow lodging establishments. Always confirm which jurisdiction — county or city — governs your parcel.
Operating a non-primary STR in a Fort Collins zone that only allows primary STRs is a city licensing violation; county enforcement instead targets operating without an approval.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and t...
Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new...
Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nu...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Larimer County.
See how Fort Collins's primary-residence-only rule rules stack up against other locations.
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