Land Use Code#

In development review, Environmental Planning reviews projects according to the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code Article 5.10.1 and Article 5.6.  The intent of Article 5.10.1 is to require preparation of landscape and tree protection plans that ensure significant canopy cover is created, diversified and maintained so that all associated social and environmental benefits are maximized to the extent reasonably feasible. Article 5.6 ensures that when a property is developed consistent with its zoning designation, the site will protect the natural habitats and features both on the site and in the vicinity of the site.

• Please see Article 5, Section 5.10.1, Landscaping and Tree Protection of the Land Use Code.
• Please see Article 5, Section 5.6, Environmental Site Suitability of the Land Use Code.

Frequently Asked Questions#

• Why does this property need a Natural Habitat Buffer Zone?

Buffer zones surrounding natural habitats and features protect the ecological character of natural habitats and features from the impacts of the ongoing activity associated with the development. The project shall be designed to preserve or enhance the ecological character or function and wildlife use of the natural habitat or feature and to minimize or adequately mitigate the foreseeable impacts of development.

The general buffer zone distance is established according to the buffer zone table in the Fort Collins Land Use Code Article 5, Section 5.6.1.

• Do I need an Ecological Characterization Study (ECS) for this development?

An ECS is required by City of Fort Collins Land Use Code (LUC) Article 5, Section 5.6.1 if a proposed development site is within 500 feet of LUC defined natural habitats and features. 

• What happens if there are prairie dogs on my property or a development site?

In Fort Collins, prairie dog colonies one acre or greater in size are considered special habitat features.  In addition, the Land Use Code requires that any prairie dogs inhabiting a site must be protected or humanely eradicated prior to development activities [LUC 5.6.1(N)(6)]. Mitigation options are based from onsite assessment and include but are not limited to: trap and donate or fumigation. The Prairie Dog Management Flowchart shows what can occur on a site that is less than one acre, and the options for prairie dog management for a site greater than an acre that is planned for development.

• How is prairie dog recolonization managed on a site?

When all prairie dog removal activities are complete, typically a silt fence is used to prevent recolonization immediately before and during construction. Once construction is complete and there is activity on the site, prairie dog recolonization is less likely.  However if there is recolonization on a development site, mitigation efforts will be discussed with City of Fort Collins Environmental Planning and will be referenced in a Prairie Dog Management Plan for the site.