Urban Agriculture#
What can I raise or grow in Fort Collins?
Check out our short guide to what you can grow or raise in our community
Opt Out of West Nile Virus Spraying
Are you a business interested in opting out of the spraying operations for West Nile Virus?
Request an Application.
In 2011, City Plan, our community's comprehensive plan, was updated and contained four goals related to local food production. Since that plan was updated, staff has been working to align our policies and regulations with the goals outlined in our comprehensive plan. We have updated our Land Use Code to permit urban agriculture in all zone districts, allow farmers markets in more zone districts, and allow a greater number and types of animals to be raised (see "What have we already accomplished" below).
What Have We Accomplished Already?#
In July of 2013, the City adopted the first phase of Land Use and City Code changes to implement City Plan. The adopted Land Use Code changes include:
- Establishing an urban agriculture licensing system allowing urban agriculture in all zone districts and
- Allowing farmers markets in more zone districts.
- In collaboration with Colorado State University Extension, the City of Fort Collins has prepared an informational brochure for anyone interested in High Tunnel structures
Adopted City Code changes include:
- Scaling the number of allowable chickens based on lot size,
- Allowing ducks to be raised,
- Allowing two dwarf or pygmy goats per household for milk production, and
- Updating the beekeeping ordinance to reflect current best practices.
Please note that the Larimer Humane Society administers the licensing and enforcement of animals within City limits. If you are looking for a license to raise poultry or goats, please visit their website.
In March of 2014, Council adopted regulations that exempted hoop houses from building permit requirements. Hoop houses are year-round growing structures that use a semi-flexible, plastic frame covered by a flexible polyethylene film without mechanical or electric utilities. If a hoop house is located on a site that requires an urban agriculture license, then the location of the hoop house must be included with the license application (a separate permit is not needed). If an inflexible frame is used for year-round growing and is over 120 square feet in size or 8 feet tall, then contact Building Services (970-221-6760) for a building permit.
Downloads
- Urban Agriculture License Application
- Backyard Goats Draft Meeting Agenda
- Council Packet from May 14 Work Session
- Summary of Proposed Changes
- Survey Results
- Summary of Proposed Changes
- Survey Results At-A-Glance
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Open House Summary
- Online Survey Summary
- Hoop House Focus Group Meeting Notes and Research Matrix
- Farm Animals Focus Group Meeting Notes
- Growing In A High Tunnel Informational Brochure
Further Resources:
How Do I Get Involved?#
The City of Fort Collins is collaborating with the Northern Colorado Local Food Cluster on future efforts related to providing a healthy, resilient local food system. To join the Local Food Cluster's email list, please send an email to nocofoodcluster@gmail.com.
The Gardens on Spring Creek is one example of a local community garden.
In 2008, the City permitted up to six chickens per lot within city limits.
Past Events & Outreach#
October 28, 2013 – Free Class on Licensing & Raising Goats
Do you want to raise goats within our city limits? On Monday, October 28, 2013, in the Community Room at 215 N. Mason St, representatives from the City, Larimer Humane Society, and Colorado State University reviewed the City's standards and what is needed to obtain a license to raise a goat as well as best practices for raising goats in an urban environment. In July of 2013, the City of Fort Collins adopted standards allowing for two miniature goats per lot. For more information, please see the video.
October 17, 2013 - Hoop House Focus Group
City staff met with individuals who had expressed an interest in working on the proposed code changes related to hoop houses. Please see the notes from this meeting and staff's research on this issue.
September 24, 2013 - Farm Animals Focus Group
City staff met with individuals who had expressed an interest in working on the proposed code changes related to farm animals. Please see the notes from this meeting and staff's research on this issue.
July 16, 2013 - City Council Second Reading
City staff presented the urban agriculture code changes to Council and the changes were adopted on First Reading. Please see the complete packet (Item 26) provided to City Council.
July 2, 2013 - City Council First Reading
On January 31 in Community Room 1 at the Old Town Library, staff discussed the proposed Land Use Code changes and gave presentations on the code changes at 5 and 6 p.m.
May 14, 2013 - Council Work Session
Staff presented the urban agriculture code changes to Council and receive their feedback on the process and the changes themselves. We expect a formal hearing before Council. Please refer to the City Council Work Session packet.
January 31, 2013 - Open House
On January 31 in Community Room 1 at the Old Town Library, staff discussed the proposed Land Use Code changes and gave presentations on the code changes at 5 and 6 p.m.
Open House Presentation - Lindsay ExOpen House BoardsMeeting Notes
Summer and Fall 2012 – Online Survey
Over 610 individuals responded to our survey on the City’s urban agriculture Land Use Code change efforts. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to provide feedback. Please view the full survey results or the survey results at-a-glance.
July 24, 2012 - Stakeholders Discussion
City staff met with 10 community members to discuss their perspectives on the proposed Land Use Code update. The meeting was advertised on Facebook, Twitter, the project’s website and announcements were sent to the City’s Homeowners Association list, and the alumni from the CityWorks 101 program.
Presentation by Be Local Northern Colorado (Hill Grimmett) – Urban Agriculture and EconomicsCity of Fort Collins (Lindsay Ex) – Urban Agriculture Practices and How the City Supports Urban AgricultureMeeting Notes
June 19, 2012 - Interested Citizens Kick-off
Interested citizens, farmers, and City staff (25 present) discussed the existing urban agricultural practices and what practices folks desire to implement in Fort Collins. The meeting was announced to all known farming and affiliated organizations with the local, agricultural community and were asked to share the meeting information with anyone else who might be interested in attending.
What Is Urban Agriculture?#
According to the American Planning Association, urban agriculture entails the production of food for personal consumption, education, donation, or sale and includes associated physical and organizational infrastructure, policies, and programs within urban, suburban, and rural built environments.
Contact#
Current Planning | 970-416-4311 | currentplanning@fcgov.com