Bathroom and kitchen remodeling in Laporte, where Fort Collins began
Laporte, French for "the door", was first settled in 1828 by French-Canadian trappers on the Cache la Poudre River, served as Larimer County's seat from 1861 and was headquarters for the Overland Trail stage line. Camp Collins was set up there in 1862 to guard the route before it moved downriver and became Fort Collins. Today Laporte is an unincorporated community of 2,409 people (2020) about 6 miles northwest of Fort Collins, with US 287 along its northern edge.
Larimer County permits for a Laporte remodel
Because Laporte has no city government, the Larimer County Building Division issues permits and inspects, using the County's guide to when a permit is required (updated August 7, 2026). The table below sets common remodel tasks side by side with the City of Fort Collins.
County and City, side by side
| Task | Larimer County | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Tile, paint, cabinets, countertops | Exempt | Exempt |
| Drywall and insulation replacement | Exempt (listed) | Ask Building Services |
| Swap a fixture, no valve or pipe change | Like-for-like repair exempt | Exempt |
| Most electrical and plumbing work | Permit | Permit |
| New or replacement water heater | Permit | Ask Building Services |
| Kitchen expansion or room alteration | Permit | Remodel permit |
Larimer County Building Permit Requirements (updated August 7, 2026); City of Fort Collins Building Permits page (read November 5, 2026). 'Ask Building Services' means the City page doesn't list the item either way. Confirm before starting.
Older and rural houses
Laporte has houses from many decades, some on larger lots, and remodels in older ones run into what the walls hide: galvanized supply lines, old tub drains, and, in homes built before 1978, painted surfaces covered by the EPA's lead renovation rule. Colorado's asbestos rules apply to old flooring, drywall texture and pipe insulation; the lead paint and asbestos guide explains both. Homes on a well or a water district should check their own water report before choosing fixtures and glass.
More on bathtub replacement, shower remodel, kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling in Fort Collins. North of Laporte, Wellington has its own Town building department.
