Commonly Used Planning Standards#
If you would like to develop a property, our Planners will help you ensure that it is built in compliance with the Land Use Code.
NEW: Resources on ADUs
If you are considering building an ADU on your property, please visit our ADU resource page to learn more.
Getting Started#
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Subdivision Plats#
Your subdivision plat may contain rules in addition to what the Land Use Code says. These could include standards for what types of land uses are allowed, what your set backs are, any utility easements, or other rules.
Zoning Map#
Ever wonder why gas stations aren't located in neighborhoods of single family homes? Why water treatment facilities are located far from restaurants?
We ensure compatibility between different land uses. Different types of land uses can be permitted in different zone districts.
Zoning Look-up#
Each property in the City of Fort Collins is assigned a Zone District.
What is Development Review?#
Applications to change land uses or build new projects on a property are reviewed by multiple departments within the City.
Commonly Used Planning Standards#
There are many, many standards in the Land Use Code. Please see below for information on some standards we commonly hear questions about.
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Two Dwelling Units on a Property#
Interested in building a duplex or accessory dwelling unit (ADU)?
Extra Occupancy#
Our occupancy rules allow up to 3 unrelated adults to live together in one dwelling unit. Property owners may apply to house more than 3 unrelated adults in some cases.
NOTE: There will be significant changes to these policies starting on July 1, 2024. You can learn about these changes at the link below.
Urban Agriculture#
Urban agriculture is permitted in all zone districts. Urban agriculture is a farm in an urban setting, and does not include backyard gardening.
Wireless Communication Facilities#
Interested in building a telecommunication facility in Fort Collins?
All Land Uses#
See our Zoning Matrix to find which land uses are allowed in which zone districts. This document is a summary only; for the fullest, most accurate list, please check the Land Use Code.
The Table of Primary Uses (formerly know as the Zoning Matrix) allows you to see what uses are allowed in your zone district and where a specific land use can be permitted. The Table of Primary Uses starts on the fourth page of Article 4 of the Land Use Code.
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Landscaping#
The City of Fort Collins has many standards about landscaping on development projects. These include tree plantings, screening requirements, plants in parking lot perimeters and interiors, plants around commercial buildings, and more. Standards include irrigation restrictions and we strongly encourage the use of native and other drought-adapted plants.
Lighting Standards#
Our innovative lighting standards protect the natural environment and human health from artificial lighting, while still promoting nighttime safety and commerce.
Parking requirements for residential developments#
For detached houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, and multi-family housing, the City of Fort Collins requires parking to be provided on the property.
Parking requirements for non-residential developments#
For any institutional, commercial or industrial property, the City of Fort Collins requires parking to be provided on the property.
Trash & Recycling Enclosures#
The City of Fort Collins requires trash and recycling containers to be screened and enclosed.
Applications and Process#
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Zoning Applications#
For your smaller-scale projects, including:
- Signs
- Minor Amendments
- Zoning Verification Letters
Development Review Applications#
For your larger-scale projects, you will begin with a pre-submittal meeting:
- Conceptual Design Review meetings - for smaller, less fleshed-out ideas
- Preliminary Design Review meetings - for larger, more detailed preliminary plans
Building Permit Applications#
Applications for construction and alterations to existing buildings
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What is Development Review?#
Need a little help to understand our Development Review Process?
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Development Review Fees#
Development Review applications will be accepted with a fee.
Related Resources#
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Zoning Regulations#
For smaller-scale projects, learn about topics including:
- Home Businesses/ Home Occupations
- Signs
- Fences and Walls
- Minor Amendments
- Parkway Amendments & Xeriscaping
Environmental Planning Regulations#
For information on:
- Natural Habitat Buffer Zones
- Conserving wildlife, including migratory birds and prairie dogs
- Oil & Gas well regulations
- 1041 regulations
Resources on ADUs#
If you are considering building an ADU on your property, please visit our ADU resource page to learn more.
Frequently Asked Question#
See a list of our frequently asked questions to learn more about a topic.
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Other departments that review developments:#
- Economic Health
- Engineering
- Environmental Planning
- Environmental Services
- Floodplain
- Forestry
- GIS & addressing
- Historic Preservation
- Light & Power
- Natural Areas
- Parks Planning
- City Planning
- Poudre Fire Authority
- Sales Tax
- Social Sustainability
- Stormwater
- Technical Services
- Traffic Operations
- Transportation Planning
- Utilities
- Water Conservation
- Waste Water Engineering
- Zoning
We're Here to Help#
Need answers to other questions?