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Larimer County launches 'Backyard Boost' ADU fee‑waiver pilot to fund 8–10 deed‑restricted affordable units
Summary
Larimer County will open applications July 1 for 'Backyard Boost,' a two‑year ADU pilot funded by a $105,000 DOLA grant and a $35,000 county match. Participants sign a 36‑month deed restriction and must rent at or below 60% AMI; staff will monitor compliance and evaluate the pilot for future funding.
Larimer County commissioners on June 29 were briefed on Backyard Boost, a new pilot program that waives certain permit fees for homeowners who build or convert accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and agree to a 36‑month deed‑restricted affordability term.
"We received a grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs last year... to create a program for fee waivers for these accessory units in exchange for an affordability restriction on those units," Rebecca, the county’s community development director, told the board. The county opted into the ADU supportive designation that made it eligible for the DOLA grant.
Planner Samantha Lascher outlined program mechanics: eligible waived fees include building, mechanical, plumbing and electrical permit fees, plot-plan and plan-review fees, certain transportation capital expansion fees and use taxes; wildfire site assessment and septic permit fees are examples of fees that are not eligible. Participants must sign and record a 36‑month affordability agreement that acts as a deed restriction.
Staff said rent caps will be set annually using CHFA (Colorado Housing and Finance Authority) or HUD-published amounts and that the program will target households at or below 60% of Area Median Income. "The rent is going to be affordable to someone below 60% AMI," Samantha said. The team estimated average permitting costs at about $9,500 per ADU and hopes to fund between 8 and 10 ADUs with the $140,000 pilot budget (DOLA $105,000; county match $35,000). Applications open July 1 on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Staff also described outreach and supports: a printed ADU toolkit (100 copies) with an accessible online version and Spanish translation in progress; two workshops/resource fairs scheduled for Aug. 20 and Oct. 20; and integration with the Housing Partners of Larimer landlord engagement program to provide pre‑ and post‑construction support and annual compliance checks through the county’s housing liaison.
Commissioners asked how success will be measured and what happens after the three‑year restriction. Staff said pilot metrics will include number of deed‑restricted units created and changes in participants’ understanding of permitting processes measured through pre/post surveys; the pilot uses one‑time grant funding and staff will report lessons learned and options for continuation or alternative incentives after evaluation.
No vote was required; county staff will launch the application portal on July 1 and return to the board with evaluation results and any recommended next steps.
