Land Use Code

What is the Land Use Code?

The Land Use Code (LUC) is the City's set of rules for how land can be used and developed in Fort Collins. It covers things like:

• What types of buildings (homes, shops, offices) are allowed
• How big or tall buildings can be
• How much open space, parking and landscaping is needed
• Definitions and measurement rules
• The process for getting approvals and permits 

View the Land Use Code

You can view the City's current Land Use Code below. These code documents feature illustrated guides that make the code easier to understand and use, turning technical zoning language into clear visuals, diagrams and examples that show how different building types and site standards work in practice.

These documents are provided for printing purposes. For assistance viewing or reading this document, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator via email adacoordinator@fortcollins.gov or phone: 970-416-4254.

• ARTICLE 1 - General Purpose and Provisions(PDF, 332KB)
• ARTICLE 2 - Zone Districts(PDF, 16MB)
• ARTICLE 3 - Building Types(PDF, 22MB)
• ARTICLE 4 - Use Standards(PDF, 1MB)
• ARTICLE 5 - General Development and Site Design(PDF, 6MB)
• ARTICLE 6 - Administration and Procedures(PDF, 1MB)
• ARTICLE 7 - Rules of Measurement and Definitions(PDF, 3MB)

Recent Updates to the Land Use Code

We're currently updating the LUC in phases.

The first update, focused on updates to residential land use, was adopted on May 7, 2024 (effective May 17, 2024).

The current phase of updates focuses on commercial corridors and centers — making things clearer, more flexible and better aligned with community goals. You can share feedback and sign up for updates about this current phase by visiting the link below. 

Videos Explaining What's Changed

To help explain the updates, we’ve created short videos comparing four key topics as presented during the open house to what is now proposed:

1. Commercial Buildings and Site Design Video
2. Types of Development in Transit Areas Video
3. Harmony Corridor and Employment Zoning Video
4. Development Review (Change of Use) Process Changes Video

Previous Land Use Code Updates

The table below shows changes to the Land Use Code made within the last two years. 

Contact us to request records or information prior to that timeframe.