U +2

U+2 KNOW THE FACTS Did you know that in the City of Fort Collins no more than three unrelated individuals may live together? Prior to signing a lease, it is important to know the facts behind the occupancy ordinance and how it may have an impact on you.

Some facts… • Occupancy in a residential dwelling unit (single-family, duplex, and apartments) is restricted to: • One family and not more than one additional unrelated person, or • Two adults (and their dependents) and not more than one additional person. • “Family” means any number of persons who are related by blood, marriage, adoption, guardianship or other duly authorized custodial relationship, who live together as a single housekeeping unit and share common living, sleeping, cooking and eating facilities.

Helpful examples… Allowed: three unrelated friends Allowed: two siblings and one friend Allowed: three unrelated friends and guests who stay 30 nights or less in a 12-month period Not allowed: four unrelated friends Not allowed: two siblings and their 2 friends Not allowed: three unrelated friends and guests who stay more than 30 nights in a 12-month period (anyone who spends more than 30 nights in a dwelling unit in a 12-month period is an occupant)

There are exceptions… A frequently asked question that students have is whether there are any places that allow for more than three unrelated people to live. The answer is yes! There are options in the City that allow for extra occupancy. Visit offcampuslife. colostate.edu and you will find the “Extra Occupancy” list on the homepage. Some apartment complexes are also exempt to this rule, and you can find those on Off-Campus Life’s apartment complex list.

A little history… Since the 1960s, Fort Collins has enforced occupancy restrictions. The City addresses occupancy to help ensure health and safety of residents, and to help protect the quality and character of neighborhoods.

Proactive Enforcement… Since January 2016, the City started a pilot program in the Avery Park neighborhood, enforcing the ordinance on a proactive basis. This means the City regularly inspects the Avery Park area, no formal complaint needed, and identifies potential violations. The Avery Park pilot area has been defined as the section of the City bordered by Shields Street on the east, Prospect Road on the south, Taft Hill Road on the west, and Elizabeth Street on the north.

Need more information… If you are looking for a little more detail to this law, please visit fcgov.com (just type “occupancy” into the search tab) or contact Neighborhood Services at (970) 224-6046.