Larimer County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Larimer County?

Public records in Larimer County are official documents and information maintained by county government agencies that are accessible to the public. These records include property documents, court records, marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, voter registration information, and various other official documents. The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) governs access to these records, ensuring transparency in government operations while balancing privacy concerns.

Larimer County maintains these records through various departments, including the Clerk and Recorder's Office, the Assessor's Office, and the Sheriff's Office. These records serve as official documentation of government activities, property ownership, vital statistics, and other matters of public interest.

Larimer County Clerk and Recorder's Office: 200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521

Is Larimer County an Open Records County?

Yes, Larimer County is an open records county. It operates under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), which establishes the public's right to access government records. The county is committed to transparency and provides multiple avenues for citizens to access public information.

Larimer County has established specific procedures for requesting and obtaining public records. The county maintains a dedicated public records request system and provides guidance on how to submit requests properly. While most records are accessible, certain exemptions exist to protect privacy, security, and confidential information.

Larimer County Public Affairs Office: 200 W. Oak Street, Suite 2300, Fort Collins, CO 80521

How Do I Find Public Records in Larimer County in 2025

To find public records in Larimer County in 2025, you have several options:

Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official website. The Landmark Web Official Records Search portal allows you to search for property records, marriage licenses, and other official documents.
CORA Requests: For records not readily available online, you can submit a Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) request. This can be done through the county's website or by submitting a request form to the appropriate department.
Visit County Offices: You can visit the relevant county office in person to request records. The Clerk and Recorder's Office handles many public records, including property documents and marriage licenses.
Email or Phone Requests: Some records can be requested via email or phone, depending on the department and type of record.
Third-Party Services: Various third-party websites aggregate public records, though these may charge fees and might not have the most current information.

Larimer County Justice Center: 201 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Larimer County?

The cost to obtain public records in Larimer County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

Standard paper copies typically cost $0.25 per page
Research and retrieval fees may be charged at a rate of $33.58 per hour after the first hour (which is free)
Electronic records may have different fee structures
Certified copies of vital records (birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses) have specific fees:
- Birth and death certificates: $20 for the first copy, $13 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
- Marriage licenses: $10 for a certified copy

The county may waive fees if the request is determined to be in the public interest. All fees must be paid before records are released, and the county accepts various payment methods including credit cards, checks, and cash.

Larimer County Treasurer's Office: 200 W. Oak Street, Floor 2, Fort Collins, CO 80521

Does Larimer County Have Free Public Records?

Larimer County does provide some public records for free, particularly those available online through self-service portals. However, not all records are available without cost:

The first hour of research and retrieval time for any record request is provided at no charge
Basic online searches through the county's web portals are generally free
Viewing records in person may be free, though copying fees will apply
Some basic property information can be accessed online without fees
The county's GIS mapping system provides free access to certain property and geographic data

For more extensive searches, certified copies, or records requiring significant staff time to compile, fees will typically apply as outlined in the county's fee schedule.

Larimer County Assessor's Office: 200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521

Who Can Request Public Records In Larimer County?

In Larimer County, public records are generally available to anyone who requests them, regardless of citizenship, residency, or purpose. The Colorado Open Records Act establishes that:

Any person can request access to public records
Requesters do not need to provide identification in most cases
Requesters do not need to explain why they want the records
Non-residents and businesses can request records
Media organizations have the same access rights as individuals
Government agencies from other jurisdictions can request records

While the requester's identity is generally not relevant to processing a request, certain specialized records may have restrictions based on the requester's relationship to the record or legal standing.

Larimer County Sheriff's Office: 2501 Midpoint Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525

What Records Are Confidential In Larimer County?

Despite Larimer County's commitment to transparency, certain records remain confidential under state and federal laws:

Medical and health records protected under HIPAA
Personnel files and personal information of county employees
Juvenile criminal records
Ongoing criminal investigation records
Records that would compromise security measures
Social Security numbers and personal financial information
Certain victim information in criminal cases
Records related to executive sessions of government bodies
Attorney-client privileged communications
Trade secrets and proprietary business information
Certain educational records protected under FERPA
Records specifically exempted by Colorado statutes

The county must balance public access with privacy protections and security concerns when determining which records to release.

Larimer County Department of Human Services: 1501 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80524

Lookup Public Records in Larimer County

For comprehensive access to Larimer County public records, the following resources are available:

Public Records Portal - The official county website for accessing various public records including property records and voter registration information.
Landmark Web Official Records Search - Search for official property and legal documents in the county's database.
Public Information & Records Page - Information on making open records requests under the Colorado Open Records Act.
Clerk and Recorder's Office - Services related to recording documents, marriage licenses, and vehicle licensing.
Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) Request Form - The official form for requesting public records under CORA.

These resources provide various ways to access the public records you need, whether online or through official county offices.