Larimer Public Records /Larimer County Property Records

Larimer County Property Records

What Is Larimer County Property Records

Property records in Larimer County constitute official documentation maintained by county government offices that chronicle the ownership history, physical characteristics, and valuation of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative source of information regarding land and structures situated in Larimer County, Colorado. The maintenance of these records falls under the jurisdiction of several county departments, primarily:

Larimer County Assessor's Office
200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 498-7050
Larimer County Assessor

Larimer County Clerk and Recorder
200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 498-7860
Larimer County Clerk and Recorder

Property records typically encompass a wide range of documents, including but not limited to:

Deeds and title transfers
Property tax assessment records
Plat maps and surveys
Building permits and certificates of occupancy
Mortgage and lien information
Property valuation data
Land use designations

Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 39-5-101 et seq., the County Assessor is responsible for determining the value of all taxable real and personal property within the county for property tax purposes. These valuations, along with ownership information, form the core of Larimer County's property records system.

Are Property Records Public Information In Larimer County?

Property records in Larimer County are classified as public information and are accessible to all citizens in accordance with the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), C.R.S. § 24-72-201 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to real property ownership and valuation.

The following property record types are available for public inspection:

Property ownership information
Property tax assessment data
Recorded deeds and easements
Mortgage records
Tax liens and judgments
Plat maps and surveys
Building permits

While most property records are publicly accessible, certain limitations may apply:

Personal identification information may be redacted to protect privacy
Records related to certain protected individuals (e.g., law enforcement officers, judges) may have restricted access
Documents under seal by court order are not available for public inspection
Records containing proprietary business information may have limited accessibility

Members of the public seeking to access property records may do so through various county offices, including:

Larimer County Treasurer's Office
200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 498-7020
Larimer County Treasurer

Public counter hours for most Larimer County offices are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding county-observed holidays. Certain records may also be accessed online through the county's digital portals, which provide 24/7 accessibility.

How To Search Property Records in Larimer County in 2025

Searching property records in Larimer County in 2025 involves several streamlined methods designed to facilitate public access to real estate information. The county has implemented multiple search pathways to accommodate various research needs.

To conduct a property records search, individuals may utilize the following approaches:

Online Property Search Portal: The Larimer County Assessor Property Search system allows users to query records by owner name, property address, or parcel number. This system has been enhanced for 2025 with improved search algorithms and mobile compatibility.
Landmark Web System: For recorded documents such as deeds and mortgages, the Larimer County Official Records platform provides comprehensive search capabilities. Users may search by grantor/grantee names, recording dates, or document types.
Geographic Information System (GIS): The Larimer County Land Information Portal offers spatial search capabilities, allowing users to locate properties on interactive maps and access associated record information.
In-Person Research: Individuals may visit the Larimer County Assessor's Office or Clerk and Recorder's Office during business hours to conduct searches with assistance from county personnel.

When conducting searches, users should be prepared with specific information:

Property address (including city and zip code)
Owner name (current or previous)
Parcel identification number (if known)
Approximate location (for map-based searches)
Date range (for historical document searches)

Pursuant to C.R.S. § 30-10-401, the Clerk and Recorder is responsible for maintaining and providing access to recorded documents affecting real property. Search results are limited to 500 properties per query, so specific search parameters are recommended for optimal results.

How To Find Property Records in Larimer County Online?

Larimer County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms maintained by county departments. These systems provide convenient, 24-hour access to public records without requiring in-person visits to county offices.

The primary online resources for accessing Larimer County property records include:

Assessor's Property Search: The Larimer County Assessor Property Search provides detailed information on property characteristics, ownership, and valuation. Users can search by address, owner name, or parcel number to access assessment data, property classifications, and tax information.
Landmark Web: The Larimer County Official Records system contains digitized documents recorded with the Clerk and Recorder, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. This platform allows for document searches by name, recording date, or document type.
Property Tax Portal: The Larimer County Treasurer's Property Tax Search enables users to access tax payment histories, current tax obligations, and payment options for specific properties.
Land Information Portal: The Larimer County Land Information Portal combines GIS mapping with property data, allowing users to visualize property boundaries, zoning designations, and access linked property records.

To effectively utilize these online resources, users should:

Enable cookies and JavaScript in their web browsers
Have specific search criteria prepared before initiating searches
Be aware that some historical records may not be digitized and might require in-person research
Note that online systems typically update overnight, so the most recent transactions may not appear immediately

In accordance with C.R.S. § 30-10-101 et seq., Larimer County maintains these digital systems to facilitate public access to government records while preserving the integrity and security of the information.

Can You Look Up Larimer County Property Records for Free?

Larimer County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records, though certain specialized services may incur fees. The county's commitment to transparency and public access is reflected in its free basic search capabilities.

Free property record access is available through the following channels:

Basic Online Searches: The Larimer County Assessor Property Search and Larimer County Land Information Portal offer complimentary access to fundamental property information, including ownership details, property characteristics, and assessed values.
Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals available at the Larimer County Assessor's Office and Clerk and Recorder's Office provide free on-site access to property records during regular business hours.
Basic Document Viewing: The Larimer County Official Records system allows free viewing of document indices and basic information about recorded documents.

Services that may incur fees include:

Certified copies of documents ($5-$10 per document)
Bulk data requests or specialized research assistance ($30 per hour after first hour)
Printed maps and large-format documents (fees vary by size)
Expedited processing services

Fee schedules are established pursuant to C.R.S. § 30-1-103, which authorizes counties to charge reasonable fees for services that require additional resources or staff time. The Colorado Division of Property Taxation provides oversight regarding property record fee structures throughout the state.

For individuals with financial hardships, fee waivers may be available upon demonstration of need and completion of the appropriate application process through the specific county department.

What's Included in a Larimer County Property Record?

Larimer County property records contain comprehensive information about real estate parcels within county boundaries. These records serve multiple governmental functions and provide valuable data to property owners, potential buyers, and other stakeholders.

A standard Larimer County property record typically includes:

Ownership Information:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Previous ownership history
- Deed references and recording dates
- Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, corporate)
Property Characteristics:
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description
- Property address
- Lot size and acreage
- Building specifications (square footage, number of rooms, construction type)
- Year built and significant improvements
- Zoning classification
Valuation Data:
- Current assessed value
- Market value determination
- Assessment history
- Property tax classification
- Exemption status (if applicable)
Tax Information:
- Current tax obligations
- Payment history
- Mill levy rates
- Special assessments or districts
Additional Documents:
- Recorded easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants and restrictions
- Mortgage information
- Tax liens or judgments
- Plat maps and surveys

The Larimer County Assessor maintains property characteristics and valuation information in accordance with Colorado property tax laws, specifically C.R.S. § 39-1-101 et seq. The Colorado Department of Revenue - Taxation provides oversight regarding property tax administration throughout the state.

How Long Does Larimer County Keep Property Records?

Larimer County maintains property records in perpetuity for most document types, ensuring a continuous chain of title and property history. The retention schedules for these records are governed by Colorado state law and county retention policies.

The following retention periods apply to various property record types:

Deed Records: Permanently maintained in their original form or as digital archives. These documents establish ownership and are never destroyed.
Property Tax Records: Assessment rolls and tax records are retained permanently as they document the fiscal history of properties. Current working files are maintained for a minimum of 10 years.
Building Permits and Inspection Records: Retained for the life of the structure plus 3 years. For demolished structures, records are kept for 7 years after demolition.
Plat Maps and Surveys: Permanently maintained as they establish legal boundaries and subdivisions.
Property Valuation Worksheets: Retained for a minimum of 7 years after the assessment year.
Tax Liens and Judgments: Maintained until satisfied or expired, plus an additional 7 years for historical reference.
Special Assessment Records: Kept until the assessment is paid in full, plus 10 years.

Historical property records dating back to the county's establishment in 1861 are preserved through various means:

Microfilm archives for older documents
Digital conversion of paper records
Climate-controlled storage for original documents
Backup systems for electronic records

The Colorado State Treasurer and state archives provide guidance on record retention requirements. Records management practices comply with C.R.S. § 24-80-101 et seq., which governs the preservation of public records throughout Colorado.

How To Find Liens on Property In Larimer County?

Identifying liens on property in Larimer County requires searching specific record types maintained by various county departments. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied before clear title can be transferred.

To conduct a comprehensive lien search, interested parties should:

Search Recorded Documents: The Larimer County Official Records system contains recorded liens including mechanics liens, judgment liens, and federal tax liens. Users can search by property owner name, property address, or parcel number.
Check Tax Records: The Larimer County Treasurer's Property Tax Search will reveal any delinquent property taxes, which constitute a first-priority lien against the property. Tax liens take precedence over most other encumbrances.
Review Court Records: The Colorado Judicial Branch - Larimer County maintains records of judgments that may become liens against real property. Court judgments must be properly recorded with the Clerk and Recorder to become effective liens.
Examine Special Assessment Records: Special improvement districts, water and sewer authorities, and homeowners associations may file liens for unpaid assessments. These records are typically found through the Clerk and Recorder's office.
Request a Title Search: Professional title companies can conduct comprehensive lien searches for a fee, providing greater assurance that all encumbrances have been identified.

Common types of liens found in Larimer County include:

Property tax liens
Mechanics liens (for unpaid construction work)
Judgment liens from court cases
Federal and state tax liens
Homeowners association liens
Child support liens
Special assessment liens

Pursuant to C.R.S. § 38-35-109, liens must be properly recorded to provide constructive notice to the public. The priority of liens generally follows the "first in time, first in right" principle, with certain statutory exceptions for tax liens.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Larimer County?

The Property Owner Rule in Larimer County refers to a set of regulations and procedures that govern property ownership rights, responsibilities, and restrictions within the county's jurisdiction. These rules are derived from Colorado state statutes, county ordinances, and established legal precedents.

Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:

Disclosure Requirements: Property owners must disclose known material defects when selling property, as mandated by C.R.S. § 38-35.7-101. This includes structural issues, environmental hazards, and boundary disputes.
Property Tax Obligations: Owners are responsible for timely payment of property taxes as assessed by the Larimer County Assessor. The tax lien date is January 1 of each year, establishing the owner of record for tax liability purposes.
Land Use Regulations: Property owners must comply with zoning ordinances, building codes, and land use restrictions established by Larimer County and applicable municipal governments. These regulations control permissible property uses and development standards.
Adverse Possession: Under C.R.S. § 38-41-101, a person who occupies another's property openly, notoriously, and continuously for 18 years may claim ownership through adverse possession, though the burden of proof is substantial.
Easement Rights: Property owners must respect recorded easements that grant others specific rights to use portions of their property, such as utility corridors or access routes.
Water Rights: In Colorado's prior appropriation system, water rights are separate from land ownership and are governed by the principle of "first in time, first in right" as codified in C.R.S. § 37-92-101 et seq.
Boundary Dispute Resolution: When property boundaries are contested, owners must follow established legal procedures for resolution, potentially including survey verification, mediation, or litigation.

The Colorado Division of Property Taxation provides guidance on property ownership regulations at the state level, while local implementation is managed through Larimer County departments.

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