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 historyphysical characteristicsand valuation of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative source of information regarding land and structures situated in Larimer CountyColorado. The maintenance of these records falls under the jurisdiction of several county departmentsprimarily:
Larimer County Assessor's Office
200 W. Oak StreetFort CollinsCO 80521
(970) 498-7050
Larimer County Assessor
Larimer County Clerk and Recorder
200 W. Oak StreetFort CollinsCO 80521
(970) 498-7860
Larimer County Clerk and Recorder
Property records typically encompass a wide range of documentsincluding 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 valuationsalong with ownership informationform 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 recordsincluding 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 accessiblecertain limitations may apply:
- Personal identification information may be redacted to protect privacy
- Records related to certain protected individuals (e.g.law enforcement officersjudges) 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 officesincluding:
Larimer County Treasurer's Office
200 W. Oak StreetFort CollinsCO 80521
(970) 498-7020
Larimer County Treasurer
Public counter hours for most Larimer County offices are Monday through Friday8:00 AM to 4:30 PMexcluding county-observed holidays. Certain records may also be accessed online through the county's digital portalswhich 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 searchindividuals may utilize the following approaches:
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Online Property Search Portal: The Larimer County Assessor Property Search system allows users to query records by owner nameproperty addressor parcel number. This system has been enhanced for 2025 with improved search algorithms and mobile compatibility.
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Landmark Web System: For recorded documents such as deeds and mortgagesthe Larimer County Official Records platform provides comprehensive search capabilities. Users may search by grantor/grantee namesrecording datesor document types.
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Geographic Information System (GIS): The Larimer County Land Information Portal offers spatial search capabilitiesallowing users to locate properties on interactive maps and access associated record information.
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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 searchesusers 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. § 30-10-401the Clerk and Recorder is responsible for maintaining and providing access to recorded documents affecting real property. Search results are limited to 500 properties per queryso 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 convenient24-hour access to public records without requiring in-person visits to county offices.
The primary online resources for accessing Larimer County property records include:
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Assessor's Property Search: The Larimer County Assessor Property Search provides detailed information on property characteristicsownershipand valuation. Users can search by addressowner nameor parcel number to access assessment dataproperty classificationsand tax information.
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Landmark Web: The Larimer County Official Records system contains digitized documents recorded with the Clerk and Recorderincluding deedsmortgagesliensand easements. This platform allows for document searches by namerecording dateor document type.
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Property Tax Portal: The Larimer County Treasurer's Property Tax Search enables users to access tax payment historiescurrent tax obligationsand payment options for specific properties.
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Land Information Portal: The Larimer County Land Information Portal combines GIS mapping with property dataallowing users to visualize property boundarieszoning designationsand access linked property records.
To effectively utilize these online resourcesusers 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 overnightso 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 recordsthough 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:
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Basic Online Searches: The Larimer County Assessor Property Search and Larimer County Land Information Portal offer complimentary access to fundamental property informationincluding ownership detailsproperty characteristicsand assessed values.
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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.
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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. § 30-1-103which 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 hardshipsfee 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 ownerspotential buyersand other stakeholders.
A standard Larimer County property record typically includes:
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Ownership Information:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Previous ownership history
- Deed references and recording dates
- Type of ownership (individualjointtrustcorporate)
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Property Characteristics:
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description
- Property address
- Lot size and acreage
- Building specifications (square footagenumber of roomsconstruction type)
- Year built and significant improvements
- Zoning classification
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Valuation Data:
- Current assessed value
- Market value determination
- Assessment history
- Property tax classification
- Exemption status (if applicable)
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Tax Information:
- Current tax obligations
- Payment history
- Mill levy rates
- Special assessments or districts
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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 lawsspecifically 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 typesensuring 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:
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Deed Records: Permanently maintained in their original form or as digital archives. These documents establish ownership and are never destroyed.
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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.
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Building Permits and Inspection Records: Retained for the life of the structure plus 3 years. For demolished structuresrecords are kept for 7 years after demolition.
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Plat Maps and Surveys: Permanently maintained as they establish legal boundaries and subdivisions.
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Property Valuation Worksheets: Retained for a minimum of 7 years after the assessment year.
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Tax Liens and Judgments: Maintained until satisfied or expiredplus an additional 7 years for historical reference.
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Special Assessment Records: Kept until the assessment is paid in fullplus 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 searchinterested parties should:
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Search Recorded Documents: The Larimer County Official Records system contains recorded liens including mechanics liensjudgment liensand federal tax liens. Users can search by property owner nameproperty addressor parcel number.
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Check Tax Records: The Larimer County Treasurer's Property Tax Search will reveal any delinquent property taxeswhich constitute a first-priority lien against the property. Tax liens take precedence over most other encumbrances.
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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.
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Examine Special Assessment Records: Special improvement districtswater and sewer authoritiesand homeowners associations may file liens for unpaid assessments. These records are typically found through the Clerk and Recorder's office.
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Request a Title Search: Professional title companies can conduct comprehensive lien searches for a feeproviding 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. § 38-35-109liens must be properly recorded to provide constructive notice to the public. The priority of liens generally follows the "first in timefirst in right" principlewith 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 rightsresponsibilitiesand restrictions within the county's jurisdiction. These rules are derived from Colorado state statutescounty ordinancesand established legal precedents.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Disclosure Requirements: Property owners must disclose known material defects when selling propertyas mandated by C.R.S. § 38-35.7-101. This includes structural issuesenvironmental hazardsand boundary disputes.
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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 yearestablishing the owner of record for tax liability purposes.
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Land Use Regulations: Property owners must comply with zoning ordinancesbuilding codesand land use restrictions established by Larimer County and applicable municipal governments. These regulations control permissible property uses and development standards.
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Adverse Possession: Under C.R.S. § 38-41-101a person who occupies another's property openlynotoriouslyand continuously for 18 years may claim ownership through adverse possessionthough the burden of proof is substantial.
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Easement Rights: Property owners must respect recorded easements that grant others specific rights to use portions of their propertysuch as utility corridors or access routes.
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Water Rights: In Colorado's prior appropriation systemwater rights are separate from land ownership and are governed by the principle of "first in timefirst in right" as codified in C.R.S. § 37-92-101 et seq.
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Boundary Dispute Resolution: When property boundaries are contestedowners must follow established legal procedures for resolutionpotentially including survey verificationmediationor litigation.
The Colorado Division of Property Taxation provides guidance on property ownership regulations at the state levelwhile local implementation is managed through Larimer County departments.
Lookup Property Records in Larimer County
Search Larimer County property assessments
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