Backyard Boost adds affordable housing options
A new program specifically designed to lower the upfront cost of building Accessory Living Areas, sometimes referred to as Accessory Dwelling Units, is available in unincorporated Larimer County.
The Backyard Boost Program, supported and funded by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs [DOLA], is being offered in exchange for a commitment to build an affordable living area, or ALA.
The program is being funded through a $140,000 appropriation from DOLA with Larimer County matching funds.
Larimer County is the first Colorado county to opt into Colorado's HB1152, recently passed by the Colorado General Assembly, designed to increase the number of ALAs in unincorporated Larimer County and achieve its 2022 voter-approved Proposition 123 affordable housing goals. Larimer County was also the first county selected by DOLA for funding the Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant Program.
The program has been launched through collaboration between Larimer County Community Development and the Larimer County Office of Housing Stability.
Larimer County’s recent Housing Needs Assessment identified our region's affordable housing challenges from high construction and land costs, coupled with affordable housing options for those families below 50% of the Area Median Income.
The program gives financial incentives and technical support for building ALAs. Eligible projects include units built within or attached to an existing primary structure, as well as detached units.
Participating homeowners agree to rent the ALA to a tenant who will occupy their unit as their primary residence at an affordable rate [to be determined by the Colorado Housing Finance Authority each year] for a period of 36 months. In return, Larimer County will credit specific development fees directly at permit issuance.
By waiving eligible building permit fees, Larimer County is empowering local homeowners to add long-term value to their properties while simultaneously creating stable, high-quality, and affordable rental housing for our community.
Homeowners who become landlords will be able to work with Housing Partners of Larimer for resources and support.
An ALA Toolkit and a free ALA Workshop and Resource Fair that provides essential information on ALAs and the Backyard Boost Program are available for community members interested in participating in the program. Participants must register online in advance to attend.
The Resource Fair is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Aug. 20, 2026, in the First-Floor Hearing Room of the Larimer County Administration Building, 200 W. Oak St., Fort Collins. A second workshop in October will be added with a time and location to be announced soon.
Interested? For more information, click the The Backyard Boost link. You can also contact the Larimer County On-Call Planner at 970-498-7679.
