Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial recommendations are independent of these relationships.
Colorado · Northern Colorado · Rocky Mountain Front Range · #175 Most Populous County in the US
Larimer County, Colorado
Fort Collins - Colorado State University, New Belgium Brewing, the Cache la Poudre Wild and Scenic River, and the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. One of Colorado's most celebrated college towns, consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the nation. Property tax, courts, public records, probate, and senior services for Larimer County residents.
Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial recommendations are independent of these relationships.
What do you need to do?
Tell us your goal and we'll guide you step-by-step to the right office, forms, and official resources.
Larimer County's assessment ratio means effective tax rates are low — but incorrect appraisals still cost money. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Shelter Info: Multiple shelter locations; Larimer County Fairgrounds (Loveland); contact OEM; Red Cross Colorado
FEMA Region: Region 8
Notes: Northern Front Range county adjacent to Wyoming; Fort Collins is county seat and Colorado’s fourth-largest city; wildfire risk (EXTREME – 2020 Cameron Peak Fire was the largest wildfire in Colorado history – 208,913 acres; the East Troublesome Fire across the Continental Divide threatened Larimer County communities; 2012 High Park Fire; ongoing catastrophic risk in the mountain communities – Estes Park, Glen Haven, Red Feather Lakes; 2013 Big Thompson Canyon flood killed 8 and caused catastrophic damage to the canyon corridor); flooding (Big Thompson River – the 1976 Big Thompson Canyon flood killed 143 people – one of Colorado’s deadliest natural disasters; 2013 floods also struck; the canyon remains one of Colorado’s most flood-vulnerable corridors); avalanche risk in Rocky Mountain NP and northern mountains; Colorado State University (Fort Collins – one of Colorado’s great universities)
Roads & Utilities
ROADS & TRANSPORTATION
County Roads: Larimer County Engineering – (970) 498-5700
Transit: Transfort (Fort Collins city transit) – (970) 221-6620 | ridetransfort.com; Loveland transit; FLEX Regional Bus (Fort Collins to Loveland – (970) 221-6620); CDOT Bustang; Greyhound; Rocky Mountain National Park shuttles
Airport: Fort Collins/Loveland Airport (FNL – United service to Denver hub); Denver International Airport accessible (60 miles south on I-25)
Notes: I-25 (north-south – the main Front Range corridor; Colorado’s border with Wyoming is about 50 miles north of Fort Collins); US-34 (the Big Thompson Canyon route – connects I-25 to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain NP; extremely scenic but flood-prone canyon corridor); US-287 (north through Fort Collins to Wyoming); SR-14 (connects Fort Collins to Walden through Poudre Canyon – spectacular scenic byway); Old Town Fort Collins is a beloved Colorado downtown; CSU drives Fort Collins’ culture
Business & Permits
BUILDING & PERMITS
Office: Larimer County Planning – (970) 498-7680 | larimer.gov/planning
Services: Unincorporated county permits; Fort Collins (one of Colorado’s most active and progressive building departments – separate), Loveland (active – separate), Estes Park, Windsor (portions), Berthoud, Timnath, Wellington, LaPorte, Bellevue separate
Notes: Larimer County is one of Colorado’s most active building counties; Fort Collins’ growth has been significant; Loveland has major commercial and industrial development; Timnath and Windsor are among the fastest-growing small cities in Colorado; wildfire-resistant construction requirements in mountain areas; CSU campus expansion; renewable energy manufacturing (Broadcom, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and major employers in Fort Collins drive tech-related development)
Veterans Services
VETERANS SERVICES
Office: Larimer County Veterans Services – (970) 498-7351
VA Medical: VA Denver (accessible via I-25 – about 60 miles); Fort Collins VA CBOC – (970) 224-1550 (important local outpatient access); Cheyenne VAMC (Wyoming – accessible for northern Larimer County)
Services: Full range; Fort Collins CBOC is a major local VA outpatient facility; Colorado DVA programs; CSU veteran student support
Notes: Fort Collins CBOC serves a large veteran population in northern Colorado; Denver VA accessible via I-25; CSU has outstanding veteran student programs and the Student Veteran Services office; Larimer County has a large veteran community including many military retirees; active VSO chapter network
Libraries
LIBRARIES
System: Larimer County Libraries (Poudre River Public Library District) – (970) 221-6740 | poudrelibraries.org (serves Fort Collins and adjacent areas); Loveland Public Library (separate); Estes Valley Public Library (separate – excellent mountain library); Berthoud Community Library
Services: Books, e-books, public computers, Wi-Fi, genealogy, Colorado history, maker spaces (FabLab – Fort Collins), children’s programs; CSU Morgan Library supplements
Notes: Poudre River Public Library District is an excellent system; the Fort Collins libraries reflect the city’s progressive, university, and tech culture; FabLab maker space has sophisticated digital fabrication equipment; Estes Valley Library is a beloved mountain community library with outstanding collections for a small library; CSU Morgan Library is outstanding for academic research; the collections document Colorado State University’s century-long leadership in agricultural and natural resource education and research
Parks & Recreation
PARKS & RECREATION
County Parks: Larimer County Natural Resources – (970) 498-7000 | larimer.gov/naturalresources; Carter Lake (boating; camping; sailing; fishing – one of the finest Front Range reservoirs); Horsetooth Reservoir (Fort Collins – boating; swimming; climbing; camping; the iconic Horsetooth Rock above the reservoir is a Fort Collins landmark); Rimrock Open Area; Devil’s Backbone Open Space (Loveland – dramatic hogback formation with excellent trails; very popular)
State Parks: State Forest State Park (Jackson County but accessible from Fort Collins); Lory State Park (Fort Collins – excellent Front Range trails in the foothills; mountain biking; hiking; adjacent to Horsetooth Reservoir)
Federal: Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park entrance – Trail Ridge Road; elk herds; Longs Peak – the only 14er in RMNP; Bear Lake; Emerald Lake; Alberta Falls; one of the most visited NPS units in the US); Poudre Canyon (Cache la Poudre Wild and Scenic River – one of Colorado’s finest whitewater and fishing rivers; the only federally designated Wild and Scenic River entirely within Colorado; spectacular red rock canyon); Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests; Indian Peaks Wilderness
Notable: Old Town Fort Collins (one of Colorado’s finest historic downtown areas; a walking-scale commercial district with independent shops, restaurants, galleries, and the New Belgium Brewery and Odell Brewing – Fort Collins is one of America’s premier craft beer cities); Colorado State University campus (the agricultural college’s beautiful campus with Oval and Morgan Library; the CSU Canvas stadium is a major new venue); New Belgium Brewing (Fort Collins – one of the pioneers of American craft beer; Fat Tire Amber Ale launched the craft beer revolution; the brewery offers tours and is one of Colorado’s most visited breweries); Horsetooth Rock (visible from much of Fort Collins – a distinctive sandstone formation on the foothills above the reservoir and city); Estes Park (charming mountain resort town and gateway to RMNP; Stanley Hotel (the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining” – a magnificent 1909 Victorian hotel with a distinctive white facade overlooking Estes Park; King stayed here in the fall of 1974 and the hotel’s personality inspired the Overlook Hotel)
Notes: Fort Collins is one of Colorado’s most livable and beloved cities; Old Town’s vibrant pedestrian-scale commercial district surrounded by craft breweries has made it a national model for downtown revitalization; the Cache la Poudre River Canyon is extraordinary – the only federally designated Wild and Scenic River in Colorado; the canyon scenery (red rock walls, clear rushing water, excellent whitewater) rivals any in the state; Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road (crossing above 12,000 ft) is one of America’s great road experiences; the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is a genuine historic landmark with a remarkable history; Horsetooth Reservoir and the adjacent foothills provide spectacular outdoor recreation remarkably close to Fort Collins; CSU’s prominence in agricultural science, veterinary medicine, and natural resources gives Fort Collins a distinctive intellectual character
GIS & Maps
GIS & MAPS
GIS Portal: Larimer County GIS – larimer.gov/gis; Fort Collins GIS (open data); USGS earthquake monitoring; Rocky Mountain NP maps; Cameron Peak Fire damage maps; Poudre Canyon flood maps; oil and gas well mapping
Notes: Excellent GIS system; Cameron Peak Fire damage and reforestation tracking; Big Thompson and Poudre Canyon flood hazard maps; RMNP trail and reservation system mapping; oil and gas well density mapping in eastern county; Horsetooth and Carter Lake reservoir monitoring
Animal Services
ANIMAL SERVICES
Shelter: Larimer Humane Society – (970) 226-3647 | larimerhumane.org (one of Colorado’s finest humane societies); Fort Collins Animal Services; Estes Park animal services
Notes: Larimer Humane Society is an excellent organization with strong adoption and community programs; Rocky Mountain NP’s elk herd (which regularly comes into Estes Park during fall rut – the bull elk bugling in downtown Estes Park is one of Colorado’s most accessible and spectacular wildlife experiences) is managed by NPS; mountain lion encounters in Fort Collins foothills communities are increasing; black bear management in Estes Park and mountain communities; the RMNP elk management program (which involves hazing elk off roads and managing the herd’s impact on aspen regeneration) is ongoing
Environmental & Waste
ENVIRONMENTAL / WASTE MANAGEMENT
Solid Waste: Larimer County Solid Waste – (970) 498-5760; Fort Collins city collection (extensive zero-waste programs); Loveland solid waste
Recycling: Fort Collins is a Colorado leader in recycling and sustainability – the city has committed to 100% renewable electricity and aggressive recycling targets; CSU’s sustainability programs; Larimer County recycling events; ColoradoRecycles compliance
Air Quality: Colorado Air Pollution Control Division; Larimer County air quality is generally good but affected by the Front Range oil and gas corridor (ozone from VOC emissions) and wildfire smoke; Fort Collins maintains air quality monitoring
Environmental: Colorado DPHE; CWCB (Colorado Water Conservation Board); Cache la Poudre River Wild and Scenic management (USFS); Colorado State Forest State Park; Rocky Mountain NP; Larimer County Conservation District; oil and gas regulation (COGCC)
Notes: The Cache la Poudre River (Colorado’s only federally designated Wild and Scenic River) flows from Rocky Mountain NP through a spectacular red rock canyon to Fort Collins – its Wild and Scenic designation protects the river from future dams and major development in the canyon; Fort Collins is one of Colorado’s most progressive cities on environmental issues – it has committed to 100% renewable electricity and aggressive climate goals; CSU’s climate science and natural resource programs provide significant environmental research capacity; the Cameron Peak Fire (2020 – largest in Colorado history) burned significant portions of the Poudre watershed creating post-fire erosion and water quality concerns for Fort Collins’ drinking water supply (which comes from the Poudre); the oil and gas development east of Fort Collins (Weld County border area) creates ozone and VOC concerns that are monitored by CDPHE; the Big Thompson Canyon’s 1976 and 2013 flood histories (143 killed in 1976; significant damage in 2013) continue to inform flood preparedness and land use decisions in the canyon corridor
About Larimer County
Larimer County is the northern anchor of Colorado’s Front Range Urban Corridor – the string of cities along the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains from Fort Collins south through Denver to Pueblo. Fort Collins (population ~165,000) is consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the United States – for its combination of outdoor recreation access, a vibrant downtown, Colorado State University’s intellectual energy, a thriving craft beer culture, and a quality of life that has attracted remote workers, retirees, and young professionals from across the country.
Colorado State University (CSU, enrollment ~33,000) is Fort Collins’s defining institution – a land-grant research university with particular national recognition in veterinary medicine (the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital is one of the finest in the country), atmospheric science, engineering, and agriculture. CSU’s economic impact on Larimer County is enormous, and its research programs – particularly in clean energy, water resources, and animal health – attract federal funding and private investment.
Fort Collins is the birthplace of the American craft beer revolution in its modern form. New Belgium Brewing (Fat Tire, Voodoo Ranger) was founded in Fort Collins in 1991 and grew into one of the largest craft breweries in the United States – it became the largest employee-owned brewery in the country before being acquired by Lion Little World Beverages in 2019. Odell Brewing, also founded in Fort Collins in 1989, remains a beloved regional craft brewery. The concentration of breweries along Fort Collins’s Old Town brewery corridor draws beer tourism and supports a distinctive local food and hospitality culture.
Old Town Fort Collins – a walkable historic downtown of 19th and early 20th-century brick commercial buildings – is one of Colorado’s most celebrated urban districts, and was reportedly the inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street, USA (Walt Disney attended school briefly in Marceline, Missouri, but the Fort Collins connection is a persistent local claim with disputed historical support). The Cache la Poudre River – the only designated Wild and Scenic River in Colorado – runs through Fort Collins before descending from Rocky Mountain National Park, providing whitewater recreation, fly fishing, and a natural corridor through the city.
Rocky Mountain National Park – one of the most visited national parks in the United States (over 4 million visitors annually) – straddles the Larimer-Grand County line, with the primary eastern entrance at Estes Park in Larimer County. The Trail Ridge Road (US-34) crosses the park at 12,183 feet – the highest continuous paved road in the United States.
County government is a three-member Board of County Commissioners with a County Manager. Separately elected: Assessor, Clerk and Recorder, Coroner, District Attorney, Sheriff, Surveyor, and Treasurer.
All Services
Browse every category and topic available for this county.
Colorado conducts biennial reappraisals – in odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.). All property values are reset to market value as of June 30 of the year prior to the reappraisal year. The Larimer County Assessor (200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, 970-498-7050) determines all property values.
Residential assessment rate: Colorado’s residential assessment rate has been subject to significant legislative change in recent years. For 2025, the residential assessment rate is 6.765% of actual value (verify with the Assessor – the rate has been adjusted by the Colorado legislature and TABOR-related measures in recent sessions). This rate is applied to actual market value to calculate assessed value, which is then multiplied by the mill levy to calculate the tax bill.
The appeal process:
Step 1 – Assessor review: Contact the Larimer County Assessor’s office for an informal review of your value. Many discrepancies in property characteristics can be resolved at this level.
Step 2 – Board of Equalization (BOE): File an appeal with the Larimer County Board of Equalization by June 9 of the reappraisal year (deadline may vary – confirm current year deadline with the Assessor). The BOE holds hearings and issues written decisions.
Step 3 – Further appeal: If unsatisfied with the BOE, appeal to the Board of Assessment Appeals (BAA) in Denver (within 30 days of BOE notice) or to Larimer County District Court (within 30 days of BOE notice).
Senior Property Tax Exemption: Colorado’s senior exemption is available to homeowners who are:
– Age 65 or older (at least one owner)
– Have continuously occupied the property as their primary residence for at least 10 years
– The exemption reduces the actual value by 50% of the first $200,000 – effectively reducing the taxable value by $100,000. Apply through the Larimer County Assessor.
No Colorado estate tax. No Colorado inheritance tax. Federal estate tax applies above approximately $13.9 million (2025).
OWNWELL CTA: Larimer County reappraises in odd years – 2025 is a reappraisal year. BOE deadline June 9. Senior exemption (65+, 10-year occupancy) is valuable – 50% of first $200K in actual value. Colorado’s residential assessment rate has changed – verify current rate with the Assessor. No CO estate or inheritance tax. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Recommended
Larimer County reappraises in odd years - 2025 is a reappraisal year. BOE deadline June 9. Senior exemption (65+, 10-year occupancy) is valuable - 50% of first $200K in actual value. Colorado's residential assessment rate has changed - verify current rate with the Assessor. No CO estate or inheritance tax. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Courts & Legal
Courts & Legal
The Larimer County District Court at 201 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins (970-494-3500) handles all civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. The Larimer County Clerk and Recorder (200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, 970-498-7860) maintains all land records – deeds, mortgages, and recorded documents – searchable online at larimer.gov. The District Court Clerk maintains all court records.
Colorado probate: the District Court handles all estate administration. Colorado’s simplified small estate affidavit is available for qualifying smaller estates. Colorado recognizes Transfer on Death deeds for real property.
CSU and research community estate planning: Larimer County’s large CSU faculty and research community participates in PERA (Public Employees’ Retirement Association of Colorado) – Colorado’s state pension system – with survivor benefit elections that are irrevocable at retirement. CSU researchers who commercialize intellectual property through the CSU Ventures technology transfer office may hold royalty interests or equity stakes in university spinout companies – these assets require specific estate planning attention.
Craft brewery and small business succession: Fort Collins’s craft brewery ecosystem – including New Belgium’s employee-ownership legacy and dozens of smaller breweries – creates specific succession planning challenges. TTB (federal alcohol licensing) permits do not automatically transfer at death; heirs must apply for new permits while continuing to operate under the deceased’s license during a transition period. Business continuation agreements, buy-sell arrangements, and key man life insurance are essential planning tools for brewery owners.
Outdoor recreation and adventure sports community: Fort Collins’s large outdoor recreation community – cyclists, climbers, trail runners, backcountry skiers – includes a higher-than-average proportion of residents engaged in activities with elevated risk profiles. Current beneficiary designations, updated powers of attorney, and healthcare directives are planning priorities for this demographic.
Senior Services: The Larimer County Office on Aging (970-498-7750) at 1501 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins coordinates senior centers, home-delivered meals, transportation, SHIP Medicare counseling (Colorado’s program), caregiver support, Adult Protective Services, and connections to Colorado Medicaid long-term care programs.
Marriage & Vital Records
Marriage licenses, divorce records, and birth & death certificates are handled by the following office(s):
CLERK & RECORDER (Deeds, Marriage Licenses, Elections)
200 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 498-7870
Genealogy
County-level record sources
Larimer County District Court, both locations (marriage licenses, will and estate case files – see Probate section above)
Local societies
Larimer County Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 270737, Fort Collins, CO 80527-0737 – founded 1974; meets 3rd Saturday monthly at the Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Drive; also holds databases from Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud, and Wellington, plus the Larimer County Clerk’s Office and District Court.
Estes Park Genealogical Society, Estes Park, CO
Fort Collins Historical Society, Fort Collins, CO
Probate & Estate
Losing someone and having to deal with courts and paperwork at the same time is hard. This section won’t make that easier, but it should tell you what to expect, what it costs, and where to go – so at least you’re not walking in blind.
Where to go
Larimer County has two courthouse locations – file in whichever is more convenient.
Larimer County Justice Center – 201 LaPorte Avenue, Suite 100, Fort Collins, CO 80521. (970) 494-3500. Loveland County Court – 810 E. 10th Street, Suite 110, Loveland, CO 80537. (970) 622-2100. Hours (both): Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Step 1: figure out which path applies
Colorado follows the Uniform Probate Code, one of the more streamlined, less court-intensive systems in the country.
Small Estate Affidavit (personal property) – for estates where personal property totals less than roughly $86,000 (twice the “exempt property” amount under C.R.S. § 15-11-403, which adjusts annually for inflation – always confirm the current year’s figure with the court). Available starting 10 days after the death. No court filing required; present the affidavit (Form JDF 999) directly to whoever holds the property.
Summary Administration for small real property – a separate, roughly parallel threshold applies to real property equity. This route does require a court filing.
Informal Probate – the standard path for most estates with a will or clear heirs and no disputes. Handled largely by the court Registrar with minimal hearings.
Formal Probate – required for contested wills, disputed appointments, or complicated estates.
If using the small estate affidavit (personal property)
Wait at least 10 days after the death.
Confirm the fair market value of the decedent’s property (less liens) doesn’t exceed the current statutory threshold, and that no probate has already been opened.
Complete Form JDF 999, Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit.
Present it, along with a certified death certificate, to the bank or institution holding the property – no court filing needed.
If filing for informal or formal probate
File the appropriate application with the Larimer County District Court, at either location: Form JDF 910 (with a will) or JDF 908 (without one). For formal probate, file JDF 920 or the intestate equivalent. Filing fee is $199.
The court (or Registrar, for informal cases) appoints a personal representative and issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
In informal probate, the personal representative then manages the estate largely independently.
Creditors have 4 months from first publication of notice to file claims.
The estate closes once debts are paid and assets are distributed.
What it costs
Small estate affidavit: no court filing fee.
Informal or formal probate filing fee: $199.
Personal representative compensation: “reasonable compensation” – no fixed statutory percentage.
No Colorado state estate tax or inheritance tax.
Probate filings, estate administration, and guardianship matters are handled by the following office(s):
Public Safety & Arrests
Arrest records, inmate search, and law enforcement services are handled by the following office(s):
SHERIFF
2501 Midpoint Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 498-5100
Elections & Voting
Voter registration, polling locations, and elections information are handled by the following office(s):
CLERK & RECORDER (Deeds, Marriage Licenses, Elections)
200 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 498-7870
Health & Human Services
Offices & Contacts
Health services, social services, and assistance programs are handled by the following office(s):
Health Dept
(970) 498-6700
Human Services
(970) 498-6300
CO Benefits / PEAK
(800) 536-5298
Public Health Information
PUBLIC HEALTH
Office: Larimer County Department of Health and Environment – (970) 498-6700 | larimer.gov/health
Services: Comprehensive county health department; immunizations; WIC; STI/HIV testing; behavioral health; environmental health; restaurant inspections; wildfire smoke health monitoring; air quality monitoring (oil and gas corridor)
Hospital: UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies (Loveland – Level II trauma; major regional hospital); Poudre Valley Hospital (Fort Collins – UCHealth; Level II trauma; outstanding community hospital); Banner Fort Collins Medical Center; Estes Park Health (Estes Park – excellent mountain community hospital)
Notes: Larimer County has exceptional healthcare infrastructure; UCHealth’s two hospitals (Poudre Valley and Medical Center of the Rockies) provide comprehensive regional coverage; Estes Park Health serves the mountain community; behavioral health is in high demand; oil and gas development in the eastern portion creates air quality health concerns (ozone from VOC emissions); CSU’s veterinary health programs contribute to regional One Health expertise; wildfire smoke health monitoring is a significant public health function given Cameron Peak’s scale
Editorial independence: CountyOffices maintains strict editorial independence from our affiliate partners. Our content is researched from official government sources. Affiliate relationships do not influence our recommendations or the information we publish.
Recommended for Colorado
Ownwell
Property tax appeal service. Contingency fee - no savings, no charge.
