Larimer County Moves from State Dial to Local Larimer Dial#
The State Dial 3.0 evolved to local control starting Friday, April 16th, 2021.
Two important statewide measures will remain in place:
- A statewide mask mandate
- Capacity limits for indoor gatherings
Please watch for updates on the CDPH webpage.
What the Local Larimer County Dial means for Business, Gatherings, Events, and Activities
April 16, 2021 - The Larimer County Department of Health & Environment (LCDHE) issued a new local public health order to help guide the county through the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and toward a full reopening. For the most part, the order aligns local restrictions with what was Level Blue of Colorado’s Dial 3.0. This means that most Larimer County businesses will now have fewer restrictions and increased capacity limits to operate under.
Business, Nonprofit, & Employee Guide for Planning & Responding to Coronavirus
In challenging moments, we encourage our community to adapt their support of local businesses (examples include being mindful of social distancing, pick up and go, purchase gift cards, and shop online). We need to remember to show kindness and support to our neighbors and local businesses to the best of our ability, as these connections have a major impact on the vitality of our community.
We will continue to share new City information. Please email the Economic Health Office at business@fcgov.com with any business related questions.
Helpful resources to check out NOW:
- NoCoRecovers.com - a single source of up-to-date information on potential funding resources available to support the business, nonprofit, & workforce community of Northern Colorado
- ForFortCollins.com | Reopen Strong, Reopen Safe - a hub of education, marketing materials, and information to help the Fort Collins business and nonprofit community reopen. You'll be able to tell Fort Collins how you are #ForFortCollins – use the Social Post Creator to generate customized #ForFortCollins and #ForFoCo social media posts! All you have to do is customize, download and post to share how you and other customers are #ForFortCollins.
- Before You Re-Open for Businesshighlight_off
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The State Dial 3.0 evolved to local control starting Friday, April 16th, 2021.
Two important statewide measures will remain in place:
- A statewide mask mandate
- Capacity limits for indoor gatherings
Please watch for updates on the CDPH webpage.
What the Local Larimer County Dial means for Business, Gatherings, Events, and Activities
April 16, 2021 - The Larimer County Department of Health & Environment (LCDHE) issued a new local public health order to help guide the county through the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and toward a full reopening. For the most part, the order aligns local restrictions with what was Level Blue of Colorado’s Dial 3.0. This means that most Larimer County businesses will now have fewer restrictions and increased capacity limits to operate under.
The Larimer County Health Department will be working with businesses to work through the new capacity limitations. Please contact the Health Department through one of these options:
- Call the Joint Information Center: 970-498-5500 (open Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm)
- Text us questions: 970-999-1770
- Email us: Submit your general questions and concerns about the COVID-19 Dial 2.0 and reopening guidance here.
To provide updates on this situation and answer your questions the Larimer County Health Department hosts weekly question and answer sessions every Thursday at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom. To help make this session as informative and helpful as possible, please submit your questions in advance.
Fort Collins
- ForFortCollins.com - a hub of education, marketing materials, and information to help the Fort Collins business and nonprofit community reopen.
- Sign up your business to be apart of the Support Fort Collins Business, a tool that maps out businesses offering online sales, gift cards, delivery, take-out, and other specials.
- Looking for face coverings, cleaning, and safety supplies for your business?
- Visit NoCoSafetySupply.com, a marketplace for small business safety gear. Post what you have or what you need to keep northern Colorado employees and workplaces safe.
- City Leniencies - COVID-19highlight_off
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City Leniencies - COVID-19#
City Zoning suspends permitting for some temporary signs placed by essential businesses during the coronavirus outbreak.
- Contact Zoning for additional information at zoning@fcgov.com or (970) 416-2745
Utility CARES Act Assistance - The Dec. 28 deadline to apply for CARES Act assistance has passed. However, Utilities is exploring the potential for additional funding from state and federal sources. We will hold applications submitted after Dec. 28 until we can confirm whether or not funds are available.
- Important Water Quality Message - If you have questions about building flushing practices or your water quality in general before reopening your building, please email UtilitiesCustomerAccounts@fcgov.com or call 970-416-4268. For more information, please visit Fort Collins Utilities COVID-19 Updates.
- Colorado Face Covering Orderhighlight_off
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Face Covering Order - Downloadable Mask Signage#
The State's order requires people in Colorado who are 11 years and older to wear a covering over their noses and mouths:
- When entering or moving within any public indoor space.
- While using or waiting to use public (buses, light-rail) or non-personal (taxis, car services, ride-shares) transportation services.
People who do not have to wear a mask include:
- People who are 10 years old and younger.
- People who cannot medically tolerate a face covering.
- Children ages 2 and under should NOT wear masks or cloth face coverings.
Businesses must:
- Refuse service to people who are not wearing masks.
- Post signs at entrances that instruct customers they must wear a mask when entering or moving around inside the business.
NoCo Safety Supply - Looking for face coverings, cleaning, and safety supplies for your business?
- Visit NoCoSafetySupply.com, a marketplace for small business safety gear. Post what you have or what you need to keep northern Colorado employees and workplaces safe.
- Expanded Outdoor Dining During COVID-19highlight_off
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The City of Fort Collins is launching temporary outdoor dining expansions for restaurant and bars, which temporarily allows restaurants, bars, and retail businesses to expand their business footprint onto the public rights-of-way. Businesses must apply for, and be approved to use additional public space.
Overview:
- Fort Collins has created a temporary program to expand options for restaurants and bars to operate in outdoor patio settings adjacent to their businesses.
- The intent of the program is to allow for greater social distancing and safety for bar and restaurant‐goers when public health orders allow restaurants and bars to resume sit‐down service.
- To gauge interest, Fort Collins has created an application for businesses for the City to review.
- Final rules and regulations are in development. Under this program, Fort Collins would consider allowing businesses to expand existing patio space or establish new outdoor areas, potentially including parking lots, sidewalks, street parking spaces, and possibly closing select streets to expand outdoor operating areas. The City would maintain ADA access at all times.
Requirements:
- All outdoor seating must be spaced at least six feet apart.
- It is strongly encouraged to test workforce for COVID-19.
- Use single-use paper menus, condiments, etc.
- Provide easily accessible sanitizing options for patrons and employees.
- It is strongly encouraged to implement contact-less ordering and payment processes.
- All restaurants are encouraged to use a reservation system to prevent capacity issues and patrons from congregating while waiting for service.
- Facial coverings must be worn by all staff members.
- Request facial covering of customers when not eating or drinking (i.e., walking past other tables to be seated and/or using restroom).
- Floor markings for traffic control and waiting queue space is highly recommended.
- Limit contact with dining guests by reducing the number of visits wait staff make to each table.
- Maintain ADA access at all times in the public right-of-way.
Find a list of Frequently Asked Questions here.
Outdoor Winter Dining: As winter is approaching, and outdoor dining becomes chillier, we expect tents and heaters to be added to both permanent and temporary outdoor dining spaces.
- To add heaters to your spaces please fill out a PFA permit here: https://www.poudre-fire.org/online-services/contractors-plan-reviews-and-permits/ast-ust-permit-application
- For tents over 400 square feet, or general tent questions, please contact Justin Moinester justin.moinester@poudre-fire.org.
Review the Winter Outdoor Dining Guidance.
Alcohol Sales Guidance - To-Go & Last Call:
- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) based on the Governor’s Executive Order D2020-199 are as such regarding alcohol. County guidance. State guidance.
- Bars may conduct take-out service.
- Bars that have adapted to operate like a restaurant may continue in-person service.
- Alcohol sales, including take-out alcohol orders, are dependent on county dial level (Larimer County is currently operating in Level Orange):
- Level Green: Alcohol sales MUST conclude by the county’s local last call time.
- Level Blue: Alcohol sales MUST conclude by 12 a.m.
- Level Yellow: Alcohol sales MUST conclude by 11 p.m.
- Level Orange: Alcohol sales MUST conclude by 10 p.m.
- Level Red: On premise Alcohol sales MUST conclude by 8 p.m. Sales for takeout alcohol may continue till 10pm.
- Level Purple: No on-premise alcohol sales.
- Join the #ForFortCollins Campaignhighlight_off
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Supporting Fort Collins Business - #ForFortCollins#
Tell the Community how you are #ForFortCollins - Use the ForFortCollins Social Post Creator to generate customized #ForFortCollins and #ForFoCo social media posts! All you have to do is customize, download and post to share how you can be #ForFortCollins.
For Businesses:
Check out these tools and resources created to help you gain support from loyal customers and community members while ensuring their health and safety through physical distancing.
For the Community:
Attention community champions: Fort Collins is counting on you! Check out these marketing resources to guide you while you rally behind local business owners and organizations, so they can come back stronger than before!
Visit ForFortCollins.com to learn more ways to help your favorite local businesses!
- NoCo Recovers - One-stop Shop for Business Recovery Informationhighlight_off
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NoCo Recovers - One-stop Shop for Business Recovery Information#
The new NoCo Recovers website is a one-stop shop for business recovery information in Northern Colorado. NoCoRecovers.com provides a single source of up-to-date information on potential funding resources available to support Northern Colorado's business community, including regular updates on the CARES Act's Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The website also features a COVID-19 Business Resource Hub, where businesses can easily sort through resources based on industry, geography and type of need.
Have Questions About Which Licenses & Permits You Need for Your Business?
Our Business Licenses & Permits FAQ's will help guide you through required licenses and permits to operate your business based on industry type.

Redevelopment
The Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority is a tool for redevelopment.

Innovation and Climate Economy
Smart City, City as a Platform, Climate Economy and Target industries

Metro Districts
Information and resources about metro districts in Fort Collins

Downtown General Improvement District
A tax district for funding parking, pedestrian, and street beautification improvements.
Local Partners
- Colorado Lending Source
- Downtown Development Authority
- Downtown Fort Collins Creative District
- Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
- Larimer Small Business Development Center
- One NoCo
- Poudre River Public Library Business Center
- Innosphere
- Social & Advisory Group for Entrepreneurs (SAGE)
- SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
- Visit Fort Collins
- Work in Northern Colorado
Local Business Associations
City of Fort Collins
- Business License and Sales Tax License
- Data & Information Requests
- Development Review Guide
- Fort Collins Main Street Loan Program
- GIS Maps
- Home Occupation License
- Purchasing
- Utilities-Commercial
County & State Partners
- Colorado Department of Revenue
- Colorado Minority Business Office
- Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade
- Colorado PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center)
- E-Learning Free Videos to Start & Grow - also translated in Español
- Larimer County Finance Department
- Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation
- Northern Colorado and Greater Wyoming Better Business Bureau
- Small Business Administration: Colorado Office
- Starting a Business in Colorado
Other Programs & Incentives through Larimer County & the State of Colorado