Accessory Rural Occupations

What is a Rural Occupation? 

Accessory rural occupations are jobs or businesses that help support farming and rural areas. They are meant to be small, simple, and not too intense, so they don't interfere with the main activity on the property or disturb the surrounding neighborhood. These businesses should not affect the quality of life, investments, or rural living in nearby areas. If a business doesn't meet these standards, it's not considered an accessory rural occupation. 

Land Use Code
Pre-application Meeting Information
Registration Certificate
Contact Planning

Rural Occupation Classifications

The table below outlines the two different rural occupation classifications, limited and large:

Limited Rural OccupationsLarge Rural Occupations

Lot Size: 
5 acres minimum

Indoor Space:
5,000 square feet total (2,500 square feet per dwelling)

Max Outdoor Space: 
2,500 square feet

Max Vehicle Trips/Day:
10 [1]

Permit Required:
Registration Certificate [2]

Lot Size:
2 acres minimum

Indoor Space: 
10,000 square feet total (2,500 square feet per dwelling)

Max Outdoor Space:
5,000 square feet

Max Vehicle Trips/Day:
20 [1]

Permit Required:
Admin Special Review & Registration Certificate [2]

Notes:
[1] Associated with the rural occupation.  Retail sales events are not included. A vehicle trip is defined as a one-way vehicle movement from origin to destination; therefore, both the entrance and the exit of a vehicle from the site would be counted for a total of two trips. 
[2] Failure to comply with the standards in 3.4.7.C and all representations made in the Rural Occupation Registration Certificate may result in revocation of the use. 

FAQs

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  1. What types of businesses are not permitted as Rural Occupations?

    The following uses are specifically prohibited as rural occupations:

    • lodging facilities
    • adult uses
    • auto body or paint shops
    • assembly uses
    • light or heavy manufacturing uses (except for excavation using agricultural equipment)
    • hazardous material storage and/or processing
    • flea markets
    • general retail
    • junkyards
    • commercial kennels with outdoor use
    • shooting ranges
    • solid waste disposal or transfer centers
    • uses prohibited by state or federal law
    • value-added agriculture
    • uses classified as hazardous waste generators under state or federal legislation
    • outdoor storage of recreational vehicles, boats and other large items
    • retail marijuana establishments
  2. What should I do with the Registration Certificate?

    After verifying that your rural occupation can meet the requirements for a limited rural occupation you should fill out and sign the Registration Certificate. Then email the form to planning@larimer.org or drop it off in person to our office at 200 W Oak Street in Fort Collins (3rd Floor)

  3. I rent my home, can I still do a Rural Occupation?

    Yes, Larimer County regulations allow renters to conduct rural occupations. For limited rural occupations, the property owner will be required to sign the registration certificate. For large rural occupations, the property owner will be required to sign the application form and registration certificate. It is always a good idea to talk to your landlord/the property owner prior to requesting a pre-application meeting. 

  4. What are the standards for Rural Occupations?

    All accessory rural occupations shall meet the following standards from §3.4.7.C of the Land Use Code:   

    1. The following uses are specifically prohibited as accessory rural occupations: lodging facilities, adult uses, auto body or paint shops, assembly uses, light or heavy manufacturing uses (except for excavation using agricultural equipment), hazardous material storage and/or processing, flea markets, general retail, junkyards, commercial kennels with outdoor use, shooting ranges, solid waste disposal or transfer centers, uses prohibited by state or federal law, value-added agriculture, uses classified as hazardous waste generators under state or federal legislation, outdoor storage of recreational vehicles, boats and other large items, and retail marijuana establishments.
    2. Multiple accessory rural occupations or home occupations, or a combination of the two, are allowed on any lot provided that for all totaled together, the requirements for a single accessory rural occupation are not exceeded.
    3. All applicable land use, health, and building codes shall be met, including 7.3s regulations.
    4. The operator of the rural occupation not associated with a dwelling on the property shall be conducted by the owner or lessee of the agricultural use on the property.
    5. The operator of the rural occupation associated with a dwelling unit on the property shall occupy the residential dwelling on the property as their primary dwelling unit.
    6. Retail sales of products clearly incidental, secondary, and ancillary to the accessory rural occupation, including the on-site sales of products produced on the premise, may occur throughout the year.
    7. On-site sales events shall be limited to 30 events in a calendar year.
    8. Customers frequenting the accessory rural occupation by a method other than a motor vehicle shall be considered the same as a vehicle trip and count against the max allowed number of vehicle trips per day. 

    Site standards: 

    a. Noise, fumes, dust, odors, or light generated as a result of the rural occupation shall not exceed the County’s established standards when measured at the property line. Any noise generating activity that exceeds this standard shall be indoors.  

    b. The accessory rural occupation shall not significantly change the character of the lot, single-unit dwelling, or neighborhood.  

    c. All outdoor activity associated with the accessory rural occupation including any storage of vehicles, equipment, or employee parking shall:  

    i. Be at least 100 feet from the property lines.  

    ii. Be effectively buffered to the extent practicable from existing residences on adjacent lots.  

    iii. Setbacks and buffering may be required based on the proposed use and the location of the proposed use on the lot.  

    d. Properties used for rural occupations shall be located outside of Established Growth Management Areas with an adopted Intergovernmental Agreement by the County and a local municipality. 

  5. Where are Rural Occupations allowed?

    On properties zoned FO, A, RR-1, RR-2, O, and IR outside of established Growth Management Areas (GMAs) with an adopted Intergovernmental Agreement by the County and a local municipality.