Rules for Common Projects

Do I need a permit to install a fence?

• No permit required for fences 6 feet tall or shorter.
• Permit required for fences taller than 6 feet.

What are the height and placement requirements?

• Front yard: Fences must be no taller than 4 feet.
• Side yard: Fences must be no taller than 4 feet if located in the front yard; no taller than 6 feet if located in the rear yard.
• Rear yard: Fences must be no taller than 6 feet.
• Visual clearance triangle: Fences must be no taller than 42 inches. If over 32 inches, they must be constructed of split rail with a minimum dimension of 12 inches between horizontal members.
• Proximity to property lines:
  • Fences must be on private property and no closer than 2 feet to a public sidewalk.
  • Fences must be no closer than 3 feet to a lot line along an alley where an alley-accessed garage door is set back at least 20 feet from the lot line.
  • Fences must be no closer than 8 feet to a lot line along an alley where an alley-accessed garage door is set back less than 20 feet from the lot line.

Are there other restrictions?

• Fences and walls are prohibited within access and drainage easements.
• Electric fences are prohibited in all zoning districts.
• Barbed wire fences are prohibited in all zoning districts except in the Employment District (E) and Industrial District (I) zones, which limit their use. Check your property's zoning here.
• In newer housing developments, restrictions regarding the size, type, style or location of a fence may exist through subdivision covenants or other private agreements.

How do I find my property line?

To determine the exact location of your property line you must have your property surveyed by a private land surveyor. For assistance regarding the general location of property lines, please call the City's Technical Services at 970-221-6588.

Where can I find more information?

For detailed zoning requirements and regulations, refer to Article 4, Section 4.3.5(C) of the Land Use Code.

For additional information or assistance, please contact City Zoning at 970-416-2745 or via email at zoning@fortcollins.gov.

See Building Permits

Parkway strips (the area between sidewalk and curb, also called tree lawns, grass strips, nature strips, etc.) are owned by the City, but maintained by adjoining property owners. Fort Collins offers a Parkway Landscape Amendment process, free of charge, for residents who want to improve these strips (e.g. remove turf grass, address weeds, add new plantings).

To apply, property owners submit a landscape plan (showing dimensions, locations, plant species, etc.), an irrigation plan and tree protection notes meeting minimum requirements (e.g. at planting maturity, at least 50% of the strip must be live plants; rock or non-living ground cover details; etc.).

See Zoning Permits to Apply

A home occupation is a business that operates from a home in Fort Collins.

Home occupations can take many forms, but they can't include:

• Group homes
• Health care facilities (such as nursing homes)
• Restaurants
• Tourist homes, short-term rentals, or bed and breakfasts
• Animal hospitals

Home occupations are allowed in all zoning districts. However, some neighborhoods—like subdivisions or condominiums—may have private covenants that limit or prohibit home businesses. To check if your neighborhood has restrictions, contact your homeowners association or the Larimer County Clerk and Recorder at 970-498-7860.

These rules are designed to reduce impacts on nearby neighbors:

• No more than 50% of the home may be used for the business.
• Only one non-resident employee may work at the home.
• Retail sales are allowed only if they're directly related to the services provided.
• No exterior storage is allowed, including in detached buildings or garages. Storage must be inside the main home or an attached garage.
• Off-street parking may be required for the business.
• The business must not produce noticeable noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odor, heat or glare beyond the property line.
• Signs are limited to two square feet for homes on local or collector streets, and four square feet for homes on arterial streets.

For full details, see Land Use Code Article 4, Section 4.3.1(G).

See Zoning Permits to Apply

See Business Portal for More Information

Urban agriculture (such as small-scale urban farms) is permitted in all zone districts for licensed properties. Get a license here.

Backyard gardens aren't considered urban agriculture and aren't regulated. Backyard gardeners may raise poultry, ducks and two dwarf or pygmy goats per household.

See Municipal Code Chapter 4 – Animals and Insects for more information.

Hoop Houses and High Tunnels

• Hoop houses (semi-flexible structures with polyethylene covers) are exempt from building permits if included in an urban agriculture license.
• Inflexible frames over 120 square feet or 8 feet tall require a building permit.
• These structures allow year-round cultivation and protect crops from weather extremes.
• Building codes are being updated at the end of 2025 to ensure our urban farmers are able to build standard hoop houses and membrane structures.

Farmers Markets

• The City has expanded allowable locations for farmers markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) pick-up locations to support urban agriculture and local food distribution.

Significant changes were made to these policies in July 2024, per Colorado House Bill HB24-1007. 

The City of Fort Collins has fully aligned with HB24-1007 by eliminating familial-based occupancy restrictions and removing related permits and forms.

Options include:

• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): A small, self-contained unit on the same lot as a larger home. Can be attached or detached. Allowed in many districts but must meet setbacks, parking, utility, fire and stormwater rules.
• Second detached house: Allowed in certain commercial and residential districts with density limits.
• Duplex: Two units in one building, side-by-side or stacked. Allowed in many zone districts, including LMN, MMN, CC, CCR, CL, NC, HC, E and parts of RUL and RF.
• Rowhouse (two-unit): Two side-by-side units with shared walls. Allowed in LMN, MMN, Old Town, Downtown and several commercial districts.
• See Land Use Code Article 2, Zone Districts and Article 3, Building Types for more details.

Costs and process:

• Adding a second unit may involve significant fees similar to building a new house.
• Fire and building code upgrades may be required.
• Conceptual Design Review meetings are available to get early feedback.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small home or apartment located on the same property as a larger home, duplex or triplex.

An ADU:

• Includes everything needed for independent living, such as a kitchen, bathroom and living area.
• Shares the same lot as another home, duplex or triplex.
• Is usually smaller than the main home and often located behind it.
• Can be attached to the main building or detached.
• Cannot be used as a short-term rental.

Learn More

Short-term rentals (STRs) are homes—or parts of a home—rented for fewer than 30 days at a time.

There are two types of STRs:

• Primary STRs: The owner lives in the home.
• Non-primary STRs: The owner lives elsewhere.

Each type is allowed only in certain areas of Fort Collins.

All STRs must provide off-street parking for guests: one parking space for every two bedrooms rented. Bicycle parking isn't required but encouraged.

Learn More

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and accessory buildings built after Jan. 1, 2024, cannot be used as short-term rentals.

Setbacks regulate how close a structure can be built to a property line. They provide privacy, light, air and access for fire and utility services.

Key points:

• Each zone district has specific minimum front, side and rear setbacks.
• Subdivision plats may add further restrictions.
• Easements (for utilities or drainage) may prevent building even if setbacks allow it.
• Find any additional easements or setback restrictions on your subdivision plat:
  • Use FCMaps to find the name of a subdivision.
  • Find vested rights for properties in a subdivision.
• Additional setbacks may be imposed for natural resource protections, protections on newly-built residential uses in industrial areas, stormwater protections, utility easements and more.

Accurate measurement is critical. A private surveyor can help confirm compliance.

Setbacks by City Zone

You can check your property's zone here.

Find a summary of setbacks by zone district below. 

Find setbacks in the Land Use Code in Article 2, Zone Districts.

RUL — Rural Lands District

• Setbacks: Front 60–80 feet, Rear 50 feet, Side 50 feet

UE — Urban Estate District

• Setbacks: Front 30 feet (20 feet pre-1997), Rear 25 feet (15 feet pre-1997), Side 20 feet (5 feet pre-1997)

RF — Residential Foothills District

• Setbacks: Front 60 feet, Rear 50 feet, Side 50 feet

RL — Low Density Residential District

• Setbacks: Front 20 feet; Rear 15 feet (no alley)/5 feet (alley); Side 5 feet interior/15 feet corner

MH — Manufactured Housing District

• Setbacks: Front 15 feet, Rear 10 feet, Side 10 feet; separation 10 feet between units, 3 feet to accessory

OT-A — Old Town District, Low

• Setbacks: Front 15 feet; Side 5 feet interior/9 feet street; Rear 15 feet no alley/5 feet alley

OT-B — Old Town District, Medium

• Setbacks: Front 15 feet; Side 5 feet/9 feet; Rear 15 feet/5 feet (alley)

OT-C — Old Town District, High

• Setbacks: Front 15 feet; Side 5 feet/9 feet; Rear 15 feet/5 feet

LMN — Low Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood

• Setbacks: Front 9–15 feet; Side 5 feet; Rear 8 feet

MMN — Medium Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood

• Setbacks: Front 9–15 feet; Side 5 feet; Rear 8 feet

HMN — High Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood

• Setbacks: Front 9–15 feet; Side 5 feet; Rear 8 feet

RC - River Corridor

• Setbacks: At least 50 feet from all streets; no development within 300 feet of the bank of the Cache la Poudre River

D - Downtown

• Setbacks: Varies based on one of the three assigned frontage types: Storefront, mixed-use or Green Edge. See Land Use Code Article 2, Zone Districts for more details.

Commercial Districts

• Allowed building types: Same as CC
• Max height: 4 stories; 6 with affordable bonus
• Min density: 5 units/acre

In Fort Collins, commercial districts use build-to lines instead of traditional setbacks.

Build-to Lines

A build-to line is the required distance between a building and the public right-of-way (the edge of the street or sidewalk).

• On smaller streets (such as those with on-street parking or fewer than four lanes), buildings must be 15 feet or less from the right-of-way.
• On larger streets (such as four-lane arterials without on-street parking), buildings must be at least 10 feet and no more than 25 feet from the right-of-way.
• For exceptions and full details, see Land Use Code Article 7, Definitions.

Contextual Build-to Lines

A contextual build-to line allows a new building to align with the existing buildings on the same street. This helps maintain a consistent streetscape.

Parking areas should not be placed between the building and the street.

See Land Use Code Article 7, Definitions for details.

Vested Plats and Site Plans

Vested plats and site plans are especially important in commercial districts. They may include additional easements or setback requirements.

To find this information:

1. Use FCMaps to look up your subdivision name.
2. Check for any vested rights or additional restrictions for your property.

Commercial District Types

Commercial districts that use these build-to concepts include:

• NC – Neighborhood Commercial
• CC – Community Commercial
• CCN – Community Commercial, North College
• CCR – Community Commercial, Poudre River
• CG – General Commercial
• CS – Service Commercial
• CL – Limited Commercial

Employment and Industrial Districts

These districts also follow the build-to and contextual build-to concepts. Buildings are encouraged to have a main entrance that faces and opens directly onto the sidewalk to create a more walkable, people-friendly environment.

However, some exceptions apply for:

• Plazas and courtyards
• Campus-style or office park developments

For full details, see:

• Land Use Code Article 2 – Zone Districts 
• Land Use Code Article 7 – Rules of Measurement and Definitions 

These rules apply to the following districts:

• HC – Harmony Corridor
• E – Employment District
• I – Industrial District

All new signs require a permit. Standards regulate size, height, lighting and placement for safety and neighborhood compatibility.

Do I need a permit to display a banner?

Yes, a permit is required before hanging a banner. Permits are free and must be obtained from the City of Fort Collins prior to installation.

How long can I display a banner?

• Established businesses: Up to 40 days per calendar year.
• Feather flags: Up to 20 days per calendar year.

These days can be used intermittently throughout the year or all at once.

What are "banner days"?

"Banner days" refer to the total number of days a business is allowed to display banners or pennants within a calendar year. Once the allotted days are used, no additional banners can be displayed until the following year.

What are the size and location requirements for banners?

• Maximum size: Each banner can be up to 40 square feet.
• Location: Banners must be displayed on the property of the business and cannot extend into the public right-of-way.
• Street frontage: No more than one banner may be displayed at any one time along or facing each street frontage abutting the parcel on which the establishment is located. Multiple banners per street are allowed as long as the total square footage of all banners does not exceed 40 square feet per street.
• Securing the banner: Banners must be adequately secured to a structure, vehicle or the ground to prevent movement.

What happens if I don't get a permit?

Failure to obtain a permit prior to installation can result in forfeiture of all remaining "banner days" for the rest of the year.

How do I apply for a permit?

Apply Here (See: Sign Permit Applications)

Subdividing splits one property into two or more smaller properties.

Rules:

1. Zone district standards: Minimum lot sizes and widths vary by zone.
   1. Example: Rural Lands (RUL) requires 10 acres and 200 foot minimum width.
   2. Example: Residential Low Density (RL) requires 6,000 square foot minimum lot area and 60 foot width.
   3. See Land Use Code Article 2, Zone Districts for more dimensional rules.
2. Street frontage: All new lots must have direct frontage on a public street. “Flag pole” lots with driveway-only frontage are not allowed.
3. Nonconforming uses: Existing buildings must still meet setbacks and dimensional standards after subdivision.
4. Access: Fire, utility and traffic safety access must be provided.
5. Stormwater: Added impervious surfaces (like driveways) may trigger stormwater requirements.
6. Vested rights: Find any additional easements or setback restrictions on your subdivision plat:
   • Use FCMaps to find the name of a subdivision.
   • Find vested rights for properties in a subdivision.

Process:

• Most subdivisions require a surveyor or engineer to prepare a plat.
• City staff review plats for compliance with the Land Use Code and lot legal descriptions, and alignment with easements before recording with Larimer County.
• A minor subdivision typically takes 2–3 months with several rounds of review, although each application is unique.

See: Development Applications  

All trash and recycling containers must be enclosed and screened from public view.

Enclosure requirements:

• Enclosures must allow access for both pedestrians and trucks.
• They must be built from durable materials.
• Space must be provided for both trash and recycling containers.
• Measures must be taken to protect the ground surface and the enclosure itself to ensure longevity.

For full details, see Land Use Code Section 5.11.1 – Trash and Recycling Enclosures.

If you'd like examples of successful enclosures or additional guidance, contact us.

Fort Collins lighting standards apply to new multi-unit residential and commercial projects, and to changes on existing projects. Detached houses and duplexes are exempt.

Find your Lighting Context Area on FCMaps by turning on the "Lighting Context Area" layer.

Goals:

• Improve safety and security
• Allow more lighting in busy areas like Downtown, less in quiet neighborhoods
• Limit glare, sky glow and spillover light
• Protect ecosystems and human health from excessive artificial light
• Promote energy efficiency

Requirements:

• Restrictions on light trespass beyond property lines
• Maximum lumen allowances by land use and zone context
• Limits on glare, uplight and backlight, with flexibility in active districts
• Maximum color temperature: 3000K
• See Land Use Code Section 5.12.1 for full details; contact us if you'd like to use an Excel-based lighting compliance calculator

Other codes that may apply:

• Building Code: Detached homes and duplexes must use fixtures with a Dark Sky Fixture Seal of Approval; commercial and multi-unit projects must include automatic dimming controls.
• Larimer County Urban Area Standards: Street lighting is regulated by Larimer County.

Residential Developments

Vehicle Parking

• Detached houses, duplexes, 2-unit rowhouses, manufactured homes, fraternity and sorority houses and short-term rentals must provide on-site parking.
• Multi-unit housing (buildings with three or more units) no longer has to provide on-site vehicle parking.
  • This change follows Colorado House Bill 24-1304.
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) also do not require on-site vehicle parking.

Bicycle Parking

• Multi-unit housing must include one bicycle parking space per bedroom.
  • At least 60% of bicycle parking must be:
    • Enclosed (protected from the weather)
    • Secured (protected from theft)
• Other housing types are not required to include bicycle parking, but it is strongly encouraged.

Additional Information

See Land Use Code Section 5.9.1(C) and Section 5.9.1(K) for complete parking requirements.

See Land Use Code Article 7 – Rules of Measurement and Definitions for full bicycle parking specifications.

Non-residential developments

Commercial, institutional and industrial uses must provide both vehicle and bicycle parking. Each land use has specific minimum and maximums.

Examples of vehicle parking standards:

• Fast food restaurants: 7–15 spaces per 1,000 square feet
• Standard restaurants: 5–10 spaces per 1,000 square feet
• Theaters: 1 space per 6–3 seats
• General retail: 2–4 spaces per 1,000 square feet
• Offices: 1–3 spaces per 1,000 square feet (or 0.75 per employee; 4.5 with a garage)
• Hospitals: 0.5–1 space per bed

See Land Use Code Section 5.9.1(K) for full requirements.

Examples of bicycle parking standards:

• Fast food: 1.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet (minimum 4)
• Bars: 1 per 500 square feet (minimum 4)
• Theaters: 1 per 30 seats (minimum 4)
• Retail: 1 per 4,000 square feet (minimum 4; 80% enclosed)
• Offices: 1 per 4,000 square feet (minimum 4; 20% enclosed)
• Lodging: 1 per 4 units (60% enclosed)

See Land Use Code Section 5.9.1(K) for full requirements.

Design requirements:

• Bike parking must be secure, durable and accessible.
• Long-term (enclosed) spaces are required for certain uses.
• Fixed racks must secure both frame and wheels.

See Land Use Code Article 7, Rules of Measurement and Definitions for full requirements.

Landscaping requirements apply to new development and redevelopment projects.

Standards cover:

• Tree planting (street trees, interior and perimeter trees in parking lots)
• Screening requirements (for dumpsters, service areas, mechanical equipment)
• Landscaping around commercial buildings and multi-family housing
• Irrigation rules (restrictions to conserve water)
• Use of native and drought-tolerant plants
• Landscaped buffers and/or screening areas may be required for incompatible land uses and for the protection of natural habitats and features
• Most of our landscaping standards can be found in Land Use Code Section 5.6.1, Natural Habitats and Features and Division 5.10, Landscaping and Tree Protection.

Wireless facilities are regulated by type and zone district.

• New facility, not collocated: Allowed in some districts, subject to Type 1, Type 2 or Basic Development Review (BDR). Not permitted in Downtown River Conservation. Not permitted in most residential or mixed-use districts. See the Accessory Use table in Land Use Code Article 4, Use Standards for more detail. Email planning@fortcollins.gov for assistance if needed.
• New facility, collocated: Allowed in most districts except Downtown River Conservation. See the Accessory Use table in Land Use Code Article 4, Use Standards for more detail. Email planning@fortcollins.gov for assistance if needed.
• Minor Amendments: Required if changes increase tower height, add large cabinets or defeat concealment design. Email zoning@fortcollins.gov for assistance if needed.
• Eligible Facility Requests: Allowed for changes within federal thresholds (including: less than 10% height increase, fewer than 5 new cabinets, no concealment impact). Email zoning@fortcollins.gov for assistance if needed.

Developers must check:

• Facility type
• Zone district rules
• Application process (Type 1, Type 2, Basic Development Review, Minor Amendment or Eligible Facility Request)
• Vested Rights:
• • Find out the name of the subdivision the property is in on FCMaps.
  • Use our public records search to find existing site plans for a subdivision you're interested in.

See: Small Cell Permitting

Large retail establishments are those with more than 25,000 square feet of floor area, including multiple stores in one building, movie theaters and large recreation uses.

Standards include:

• Design, massing and façade requirements
• Pedestrian access and circulation
• Parking and loading design
• Neighborhood compatibility

See Land Use Code Section 5.15.3, Large Retail Establishments for more details.

The Table of Primary Uses in Article 4 of the Land Use Code lists what uses are allowed in each district. Developers should review this table to confirm whether a proposed use is permitted.