[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6344169,"mediaKeyId","2251115-0250f511430207619871ccfd965e9c1f","parentId",2251115,"title","Council approves land-use changes to align ADU and parking rules with state law after debate; amendment passes 5-2","audioSeconds",935,"startMs",6437000,"endMs",7372000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2251115-0250f511430207619871ccfd965e9c1f&start=6437&end=7372","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2251115-0250f511430207619871ccfd965e9c1f/thumbnail_6437000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6344169/Fort-Collins-City/Larimer-County/Colorado/Council-approves-land-use-changes-to-align-ADU-and-parking-rules-with-state-law-after-debate-amendment-passes-5-2","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6344169-f3e43acf54d3209f40231ae645cbf562/orig.mp4?Expires=1771107728&Signature=Icqe4vRc~Cs7DxY1JRRE02YXnUSuq4minrVbHNL4J0oRE9CwVQ6oD~50G8-mW5ks~MBOdYpZ~XrYlMBSM0hLBhVJojGOG4woQtq8Yj5RI9uTSInAumoX0X45z0kGRxKzk4OksVszw1fHLK1Ubu3rox3qdBs3wdg5cXEqUhcWxN0LrzVyb8k9zcKicoyLez1WCD~5Vjq9q8w9B9I9Ug~ExYO95p1MvMRD~DkUfW5vO1TFKKW5TzzdRi1D1g1f2YPbbOeZmXPwo5tDAlkqi4wKhi1eBaG-E7KyqdWjrFj7OnQjigfOiiqHZ-CqnsnBEDeCgwbxnHzyu0v8mqdl8YP27Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Fort Collins, CO","date","2025-02-04T00:00:00Z","article","Fort Collins City Council on Tuesday approved amendments to the Land Use Code to align local rules with two Colorado House bills that change rules for accessory dwelling units and parking for multi‑dwelling developments. After debate and an amendment addressing definitions and clarity, the ordinance passed on second reading by a 5-2 vote.

The second-reading package clarified several definitions, including explicit language that a single-unit dwelling may include an attached ADU and that detached ADUs are permitted as described in the new section 3.1.9. Council also removed proposed language that would have automatically classified accessory buildings with water or sewer as ADUs pending a broader discussion of fees and capital expansion impacts.

Public comment on the item included objections that the state bills and the city's proposed code changes moved too quickly and might shift costs and service burdens to neighboring property owners. Rich Stave, a resident who spoke during the public comment period, characterized the state provisions as creating unclear responsibilities for utilities, emergency services and insurance and said the local implementation was premature.

\"There isn't a fair reporting mechanism. And there's no relevant, timely, transparent data that supports any of this,\" Stave said, urging the council to delay implementation.

City planning staff told council the section regarding water and sewer hookups was removed from the ordinance at this time because charging ADU fees tied to water/sewer installation could impose an unintended burden on small accessory projects such as a studio or garage conversion. Staff said they plan to return to council in a future work session to examine distinctions between accessory buildings with plumbing and true ADUs and to consider whether fee or code changes are needed.

Councilmember Olson said the change reflects a desire to avoid unintended consequences for homeowners who install small accessory plumbing features for nonresidential uses. Several council members asked staff to bring forward proposed tree-protection and landscape-inspection adjustments and to ensure any future ADU fee proposals are transparent about capital expansion charges.

The council adopted the ordinance with the following roll-call result on the amendment motion: yes votes from Arndt, Canonico, Pat Yandi, Pina Taro and Francis; no votes from Olsen and Gutowski (motion passed 5-2). The ordinance implements state-required changes to permit ADUs up to 750 square feet and clarifies code language to reflect state statutory requirements.

Staff indicated they will present the policy and code-user feedback at a March work session and return to council with any recommended policy changes, including tree-protection and mitigation policies, in the second quarter.

Votes and next steps: Council adopted the ordinance as amended on second reading (5-2). Staff will follow up with a March work session to discuss code-user feedback and a later session on tree preservation and mitigation policy.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fort Collins City Council Regular Meeting 2/4/25","oneSentenceSummary","Fort Collins City Council approved amendments to the Land Use Code on second reading to align accessory dwelling unit and multi-dwelling parking rules with state law, passing the measure 5-2 after councilmembers removed a provision tying water/sewer hookups automatically to ADU classification.","taxTitle","Fort Collins City, Larimer County, Colorado","taxId",5777,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6344174,"Fort Collins council advances ordinance to align local code with state plastic pollution law after extensive public comment",5977,421000,6398000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2251115-0250f511430207619871ccfd965e9c1f&start=421&end=6398","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2251115-0250f511430207619871ccfd965e9c1f/thumbnail_421000.jpg","/articles/6344174/Fort-Collins-City/Larimer-County/Colorado/Fort-Collins-council-advances-ordinance-to-align-local-code-with-state-plastic-pollution-law-after-extensive-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6344174-941b79d393f5fb4f958f865b497bb416/orig.mp4?Expires=1771107728&Signature=oyItWLA3907UeOyCDhle7-zssK4VUiggg-Ppiof86ljPUsle2Pta5RKk2wMtlJ0BIaeeCAK8Pz8MZG3v6B~PutE0qgYV1aPX3wi~i7oFlzoyn~AuHUbJmH~HK8Y6ya-2UjQukE18dOa0c04cKLaHnOLD9EsJdY5Ln1HPK6L03qN-et4Xc0Yo0uerMmSOL~VZDwv7OtTbcD9EVx0cDUmo-OmSzKWLxgQtlbd89SE3~jtKcp7DPxvIs5qBjM4qdM92F48G6FpC1yKM14M458FZ-yfTOrpxcHAvqfa6DDRNnc6u63YzIV40QIKByymP81HnV~PqHdlxEvx0R8~oWaEFwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fort Collins City Council on Tuesday adopted on first reading an ordinance updating Chapter 12 of the municipal code to align the city with Colorado's Plastic Pollution Reduction Act and to expand the city's disposable bag rules.

Supporters of stronger local restrictions on single-use plastics filled a significant portion of the public-comment period, asking council to pursue a municipal ban on the sale of single-use plastic water bottles under one gallon and urging broader steps to reduce microplastics and toxic additives. After the comments, the council voted to advance ordinance 13 20 25 on first reading, 7-0, allowing council to consider any follow-up measures in the 10-day window between readings.

The measure before council updates local definitions and compliance steps to match state law and extends the retail categories covered by the city's disposable bag program from 19 large grocers to a much larger set of retailers and restaurants. Environmental services staff said that change will expand the number of businesses subject to retailer education and remittance tracking from a few dozen to several hundred establishments.

Residents who spoke compared single-use plastics to earlier local efforts such as the city's plastic bag ban and urged the council to treat bottled water as the next step. Roxanne Griffin, a member of the FOCO Trash Mob and the Persisters, said the group has collected nearly 600 petition signatures and is asking the city to adopt a \"refills not landfills\" approach.

\"An official commitment by our city's green procurement business practices . . . would be an easy first step,\" Griffin told council. Other speakers cited studies on microplastics in human tissue and argued for policies that would reduce plastic production and sales locally.

City staff said work since last year has included extensive outreach to retailers to secure compliance and to set up reporting that allows the city to confirm remittance and retailer use of funds for education. Amy King, director of environmental services, told council the apparent 100% compliance among the 19 large grocers resulted from months of business outreach and coordination with the sales tax office; she said the city converted a previously contracted position into a city FTE this budget cycle to expand compliance and outreach capacity as the ordinance broadens the covered retailers.

Council members asked for additional detail about how retailer remittances are tracked and how the city will spend restricted revenues from the disposable-bag program; staff agreed to provide a written follow-up. Several council members said they expect further discussion at an April 8 work session on broader waste-reduction strategies, including alternatives to polystyrene and infrastructure for compostable or reusable containers.

The ordinance adopted on first reading does not itself ban single-use bottled water sales; councilmembers and staff clarified that adopting the code updates now makes it possible for council to consider a ban in the legally required interval before second reading. Councilmember Wilson explicitly told public speakers that a successful first reading opens a 10-day window before council can adopt a final ordinance addressing bottled water sales.

Votes and next steps: The council approved the ordinance on first reading, 7-0. Staff said they will return with additional implementation details and that council will consider any local limits that go beyond the state law after the required notice period.

For now, the ordinance instructs staff to align local code language with the state Plastic Pollution Reduction Act and to implement the expanded compliance and reporting framework for retailers; further restrictions, including a possible ban on single-use bottled water, would require subsequent council action following the first-reading step.","After an hour of public testimony from residents and advocates, Fort Collins City Council voted 7-0 on first reading to amend city code to implement the state\u0000s Plastic Pollution Reduction Act, opening the way for later local limits on single-use plastic water bottles and expanded regulations on disposable foodware.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6344160,"Council adopts urban forest strategic plan as component of city plan, votes 6-1",1116,7245000,8361000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2251115-0250f511430207619871ccfd965e9c1f&start=7245&end=8361","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2251115-0250f511430207619871ccfd965e9c1f/thumbnail_7245000.jpg","/articles/6344160/Fort-Collins-City/Larimer-County/Colorado/Council-adopts-urban-forest-strategic-plan-as-component-of-city-plan-votes-6-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6344160-640a0f688a5665852dff4064a38e6c05/orig.mp4?Expires=1771107728&Signature=nLr1V7bwaStyo0-mA9OXF06GQT-l5zSa3QuQbK48e9w0-WnyKqJVNgrUiFt7lAIsrokl7IdPvRTpNr0mdYJqpcNrdccUpabCJS9AMbf2TMPdRpASxUlABB4a5O~2TP7zEzwZIjdU5Lv5xCoBZno7TNnY9ZP~7JuBwdb0rm5VB4oTW6ZfGJBPjLJYL8Qh6NLXe1ZMpC6W-XkQ4wk0s~M6JUTtNhc53GQlHloP-0Bj6FzZYkHFfGk1cUJpv-0KzwjFJWvffs4zfPeY5mW4j3OO7V6kQnP1xPRFUI0c2g41ksumTo5sijNJPsBkM1WRE7YjNz0VXz0yCtQit8OPW8jYNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fort Collins City Council voted 6-1 on Tuesday to adopt the city's Rooted in Community urban forest strategic plan as a component of City Plan, directing staff to continue implementation and to return with additional policy work.

The plan, produced with community engagement and multiple council touchpoints, sets a multiyear strategy to expand tree canopy, plant more trees in the public realm and coordinate planting and maintenance across departments. Staff emphasized the plan's alignment with the city's 2024 strategic priorities and noted community outreach, focus groups and commission briefings that informed the strategy.

City Forester Kendra Boot told council the plan aligns with priorities including climate resilience, active transportation comfort, access to nature in the built environment and cross-department coordination for street-tree planting and maintenance. Staff recommended adopting the plan as a component of City Plan and indicated they would seek a Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation and return for second reading with any P&Z input.

Several councilmembers praised the plan and the work to secure funding for tree planting; staff said budget action this year provides funding to plant 1,000 trees annually subject to future budget review. Some councilmembers and residents asked about stronger near-term protections for large, mature trees and about how the plan would work with street and right-of-way projects. Staff said preservation and mitigation policy options will be part of forthcoming work, with staff expecting a tree-preservation work session in the second quarter.

One councilmember voted against the measure, citing concerns about the process, the level of special-interest involvement, and language that suggests staff will solicit input from frequent code users when testing policy options. That councilmember said relying primarily on code-user feedback risks privileging private development interests over broader community or ecological considerations.

Votes and next steps: The council adopted ordinance number 17 20 25 on first reading (6-1). Staff will seek a Planning & Zoning recommendation (scheduled Feb. 20) and will return to council for second reading with any P&Z feedback; staff also plan a future work session to present tree-protection and mitigation policy options.","Council voted 6-1 to adopt \"Rooted in Community,\" an urban forest strategic plan that sets goals for expanded tree canopy, planting and cross-departmental coordination; staff will follow up with policy work on tree protection and mitigation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6344165,"Council approves funding for final design of West Elizabeth corridor improvements and related public art",79,4568000,4647000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2251115-0250f511430207619871ccfd965e9c1f&start=4568&end=4647","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2251115-0250f511430207619871ccfd965e9c1f/thumbnail_4568000.jpg","/articles/6344165/Fort-Collins-City/Larimer-County/Colorado/Council-approves-funding-for-final-design-of-West-Elizabeth-corridor-improvements-and-related-public-art","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6344165-18a608d9c6a0ceafb5006a60d546b48b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771107728&Signature=mpFoaZ-0hFSBdr5q2BtmKgnhQxVH1p2A1dVfCrGsa1Yjtfv1uDMbmENrz4x8TSylpfX56QSRvf46uOEKv1HtZfoZMT4OFuRRL3AnGG3VZblmH-XER98B3tKlUYBJeb0C85UaxMKwSJSeMdaQnm94OYZJY9xmUx1nfW~lGSGKLS9G15lOG8S0-I64cLS3Mn7T5DRMggWFZ8A8OCiiFuJV-xe1n3R00b3iuXmJUJe2xDrSsT7gaV~vw1xsXR7UEBs1IuMR751S93ydSdb7MKeXtE1jjvulu-WHWlSob3kO~J3bxbup3KIdCAFeqq-RT-YTlDiW8xW2aqQMhHoJmtpKKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fort Collins City Council on Tuesday approved on second reading an ordinance making supplemental appropriations and authorizing transfers to fund final design work for the West Elizabeth corridor and associated public-art elements.

The ordinance (006 20 25 on the agenda) provides funding to complete final design and related art-in-public-places work for the West Elizabeth corridor project. Councilmember Pignataro moved the ordinance; Councilmember Canonico seconded. The roll-call vote was 6-0 in favor.

There was no public comment on the item at the second-reading hearing, and staff provided no additional presentation. The council's action allows staff to move ahead with final design and to authorize transfers needed to complete that phase of the project.

Votes and next steps: Ordinance 006 20 25 passed on second reading 6-0. Staff will continue design work and return as required for any additional appropriations or project approvals.","On second reading the council approved supplemental appropriations and transfers to fund final design of the West Elizabeth corridor and related public art, voting 6-0. Councilmember Pignataro moved the measure with Canonico seconding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves land-use changes to align ADU and parking rules with state law after debate; amendment passes 5-2

Fort Collins council advances ordinance to align local code with state plastic pollution law after extensive public comment

Council adopts urban forest strategic plan as component of city plan, votes 6-1

Council approves funding for final design of West Elizabeth corridor improvements and related public art