Larimer County Public Records

Larimer County public records consist of court files, property documents, human services records, and government files maintained by various county offices. The county is committed to providing transparent and timely access to public records under the Colorado Open Records Act. You can request records by contacting the specific office that maintains them. The main courthouse is in Fort Collins and serves Fort Collins, Loveland, and surrounding areas. Different departments handle different record types. Courts keep case files, the Clerk and Recorder maintains property deeds, and Human Services holds assistance program records. Many records are available online at no cost. For records not digitized, submit written requests to the appropriate custodian in Colorado.

Contact for Public Records

The Larimer County public records page provides general information on accessing county records. The county is committed to transparency and timely responses. For general inquiries, call 970-498-7000 or email info@larimer.org. Staff can help direct you to the right office for the records you need in Colorado.

Different offices maintain different types of records. The Clerk and Recorder keeps property records. Courts maintain case files. Human Services has assistance program records. Before making a formal request, check if the information is already available online for free through county databases in Colorado.

Human Services Records

Larimer County Human Services maintains records related to child welfare, adult protective services, and public assistance programs. The Human Services records page explains how to request these files. The office is at 1501 Blue Spruce Drive in Fort Collins. Email RecordsRequests@larimer.org or call 970-498-6444 in Colorado.

Human Services records have strict privacy protections. Most are not public unless you are the subject of the record or have legal authority to access them. Processing time can take up to 30 business days for complex requests. This is longer than the standard three-day response time for other county records.

The first hour of research and retrieval is free. After that, Human Services charges $40 per hour. Physical copies cost $0.25 per page. If the estimated cost exceeds $100, you must pay a $50 deposit before staff begins work. Payment is required before records are released in Colorado.

Some records are exempt from disclosure under state and federal privacy laws. These include most child welfare files, certain medical records, and confidential assistance program information. If the office denies your request, they will cite the specific law that allows them to withhold the records.

Court Records Access

Larimer County is part of the 8th Judicial District. The Larimer County Justice Center is at 201 LaPorte Avenue in Fort Collins. Call 970-494-3508 or 970-494-3509 for general court information. Fax requests to 970-494-3580 or email 08RecordRequest@judicial.state.co.us. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in Colorado.

Court records include civil cases, criminal cases, family law matters, probate files, and small claims. Most court records are public unless sealed by a judge or restricted by law. You can search some records online through third-party vendors like LexisNexis Colorado Courts. These services charge fees for document access in Colorado.

To get copies of court documents, contact the Clerk of Court. Court fees include $5.00 for a name search, $0.75 per page for paper copies, $0.25 per page for e-filed documents, $25 per hour for research, and $20 for certified copies. The first hour of research is free. Processing time depends on the size and complexity of your request in Colorado.

You can also visit the courthouse in person to view records at no cost. The clerk's office can help you locate a case by name or case number. Some records have restricted access due to privacy laws or court orders. Court staff will explain what records are available and how to request them.

Property and Recorded Documents

The Larimer County Clerk and Recorder maintains property records, deeds, liens, mortgages, marriage licenses, and election records. Many property records can be searched online through the county website. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents filed with the county in Colorado.

You can search the database by name, address, or document number. The index is free to view. If you need certified copies, you must order them from the Clerk's office. Recording fees vary by document type. Standard documents cost a set fee per page. Certification adds an extra charge per document.

The Clerk and Recorder also handles marriage licenses and voter registration. Marriage records are public and can be searched at the office. Some voter data has privacy protections under state law, so not all information is available to the public in Colorado.

For CORA requests related to the Clerk and Recorder, submit a written request to the office. Staff can help you find what you need if you're not sure how to search the database. Office locations and hours are listed on the county website.

Response Times and Costs

Larimer County responds to CORA requests within three working days under state law. This timeline starts when the custodian receives your request. If the records are easy to find, you may get them sooner. If the request is large or complex, the county can extend the deadline by seven more days. You'll be notified in writing if an extension is needed in Colorado.

The first hour of research and retrieval is free. After that, most offices charge $40 per hour for research and retrieval. This is close to the state maximum of $41 per hour. Paper copies cost $0.25 per page. Electronic records sent by email are usually free. Certified copies cost extra in Colorado.

If staff determines that your request will take more than an hour, you'll receive a cost estimate before they start work. For requests over $100, some offices require a deposit before beginning. You can then decide whether to proceed, narrow your request, or withdraw it. Payment is required before records are released. Most offices accept checks, money orders, or credit cards.

Some records are exempt from disclosure under state law. These include personnel files, ongoing investigations, certain medical records, attorney work product, and trade secrets. If the county denies your request, they will cite the specific exemption that applies. You can appeal a denial or file a lawsuit if you believe the denial was improper under Colorado law.

Cities in Larimer County

Larimer County includes several cities and towns. Each city has its own municipal government and may maintain separate records. For city-specific records, contact the city clerk or city attorney's office. For county records that cover all areas, use the county offices listed above in Colorado.

Nearby Counties

If you need records from surrounding areas, check the pages for nearby counties. Each has its own offices and procedures for public records requests in Colorado.