City of Loveland
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Water discoloration or turbid water is caused by the stirring of sediment in the water line. Fire hydrant flushing, fire fighting activities, water line breaks or operational maintenance where changes in water pressure or flow of water within the distribution system occur can cause water discoloration. While it may not be aesthetically pleasing, the discoloration is not harmful.
LWP's water meets or exceeds all state and federal standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act. To learn more about Loveland's water quality, you may review the annual Water Quality Report.
- The Loveland Police Department offers Vacation Home Checks provided by the Loveland Senior Police Volunteers (LSPV). LSPV members provide free home checks during vacations for anyone living within Loveland city limits. LSPV members will check to see if everything looks okay based on information provided by the homeowner. Home checks during long-term absences may also be arranged. To request the service, contact the police department at 962-2246.
No, Loveland Water and Power's drinking water does not require a filtration system. Our water meets or exceeds all state and federal standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Our customers may install a filtration system at their discretion, based on their preferences. To learn more about Loveland's water quality, you may review the annual Water Quality Report.
No, water softeners aren't necessary for Loveland Water and Power customers.
Our water is considered soft in comparison to other water systems, but the hardness and softness of water is a spectrum, and water softeners may still be purchased based on customer preference.
Water hardness is measured monthly and may be reviewed in our Monthly Drinking Water Analysis.
LWP performs and posts publicly a Monthly Drinking Water Analysis.
Find answers to the most common water quality questions by using the Water Quality Troubleshooting Guide.
For additional testing please, contact an independent drinking water laboratory. Decisions regarding whether to perform additional testing, and through which company, are the customers responsibility. A list of certified testers is available on the Colorado Department of Health and Environment website.
Chlorine is added to our water to disinfect and prevent bacteria from growing. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) set maximum and minimum limits on the amount of chlorine allowed in drinking water. Loveland Water and Power's chlorine level is within those required limits.
To help reduce the chlorine taste and/or smell use a simple point of use carbon filter, chill the water or allow the water to sit for a few hours and the chlorine will dissipate.
White or fizzy water is due to air bubbles in the water. These air bubbles may be caused by temperature or water pressure differences in in the water lines. Air bubbles are harmless and will mostly likely clear within a few minutes by allowing the water to sit.
This is most likely due to mildew or bacterial growth in the appliance and is not a result of the water quality. Refer to your owner’s manual for proper maintenance and cleaning of the appliance.
This is most likely caused by a non-harmful airborne bacteria that grows on moist surfaces and is not a result of water quality. To prevent bacteria growth, clean and dry surfaces frequently.
A musty or earthy taste and/or odor may be caused by an algae bloom in the Green Ridge Glade Reservoir. Algae blooms are not uncommon in Loveland during the summer months and are temporary. Algae releases taste and odor compounds that are normally absorbed by carbon during the water treatment process. During an algae bloom, or increase in algae, taste and odor compounds can make it through the treatment process. While it may not be aesthetically pleasing, it is not harmful.
To help reduce the taste and/or smell, chill the water for a few hours or filter your water with a simple point of use carbon filter.
In late 2016, Loveland Water and Power performed an Algae Mitigation Assessment and implemented several strategies to help reduce algae related taste and odor.
No. While algae may reside in the Green Ridge Glade Reservoir, any algae material is removed during the water treatment process and does not remain in the drinking water at your tap.
Algae releases taste and odor compounds that are normally absorbed by carbon during the water treatment process. During and algae bloom, or increase in algae, taste and odor compounds can make it through the treatment process. While it may not be aesthetically pleasing, it is not harmful.
In late 2016, Loveland Water and Power performed an Algae Mitigation Assessment. As a result of the mitigation study, we implemented several strategies to help reduce algae related taste and odor.
- We installed four SolarBee mixers in Green Ridge Glade Reservoir. A fifth was installed summer 2017.
- In 2017, Water Quality staff completed a powdered activated carbon optimization study to improve in plant taste and odor removal.
- Water Quality staff increased taste and odor monitoring at the intake structure to the Loveland Water Treatment Plant.
- We've contracted with a lake management company to apply algaecide to Green Ridge Glade Reservoir in the event of an unforeseen bloom.
While these strategies will reduce the intensity and duration of taste and odor events, the possibility of future taste and odor events has not been fully eliminated.
Although it is not recommended to use for laundry due to possible staining of clothes, the water is still drinkable and can be used for normal activities such as showering, flushing toilets, washing dishes, etc.
If you experience staining of laundry due to discolored water, do not let the laundry dry. Wash the laundry using a rust removal product or contact LWP to receive a cleaning product that will help remove the stains. Do not use chlorine bleach.
LWP's water meets or exceeds all state and federal standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act. If you have additional questions, please contact 970-962-3721.
To learn more about Loveland's water quality, you may review the annual Water Quality Report.
- Hazardous wastes are any solid, liquid, or contained gaseous materials which are no longer used and that exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: IGNITABILE, CORROSIVE, REACTIVE, TOXIC.
- Read the product labels and/or Material Safety Data Sheets. If a product has one or more of the following characteristics (i.e., ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic), then it is considered hazardous.
- Any user who discharges hazardous waste into the sewer system must notify the City, the EPA Regional Waste Management Division Director, and State hazardous waste authorities, in writing, of a substance which, if otherwise disposed of, would be a hazardous waste under 40 CFR Part 261.
- Obtain a copy of the Hazardous Waste Notification form. Once you have filled out the information on the form, send it to the Pretreatment Coordinator at 920 South Boise Avenue, Loveland, CO 80537. Remember to send a copy of the information to the EPA and State of Colorado.
- The cities originator/ACH debit blocker number is 8846000609.
Yes, Loveland water does contain fluoride. Fluoride is both added and naturally occurring in Loveland's water.
In 1952, Loveland City Council ordered fluoridation levels be maintained “to proper amounts as recommended by health and dental authorities,” and Water Division staff has adhered to that guideline since then.
On November 19, 2014, the Loveland Utilities Commission recommended that the current practice of fluoridating the City’s drinking water continue in support of the original City Council decision made in 1952. This recommendation followed public comment, staff information and technical information received from a number of sources.
View LWP's annual Water Quality Report to view the concentration of fluoride.
I sold and will deliver an item to someone that is claiming they are not located in the city limits of Loveland but has a Loveland address. How can I find out if this is true?
The sales tax page on the City of Loveland has a tab titled “Address Locator”. You can enter the street number and name and receive information that will determine if this address is within the city limits and subject to City of Loveland sales tax.- No, the City of Loveland does not have a business license. If you are selling tangible personal property you will need to obtain a City of Loveland sales tax license.
What is the difference between the Loveland Historic Preservation Commission and the Loveland Historical Society?
While the Loveland Historic Preservation Commission and the Loveland Historical Society both work to help preserve our City's history, they have different missions and goals and work in different ways. The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is an official body recognized by the City of Loveland that serves to advise City Council on matters related to the preservation of our historic buildings and sites. To learn more about the difference between these organizations, download this Informational Flyer.- Yes, sales tax licenses are valid from January 1st to December 31st of each year.
- Yes, there is a $20.00 non-refundable annual renewal fee due by December 31st.
Staff from the Community & Strategic Planning Department can answer any questions that you have about the review process, information needed for the demolition permit, landmark designation, or any other historic preservation related questions. You can speak directly to Community & Strategic Planning Staff by visiting the Planning Window on the 3rd floor of the City Annex building. You can also e-mail or call:
Bethany Clark Karl Barton (970) 962-2745 (970) 962-2721 clarkbe@ci.loveland.co.us bartok@ci.loveland.co.us Yes. New additions to historic homes are quite common, and are a perfectly acceptable method for helping a historic property owner meet today’s needs for more living space. A common misconception about new additions to historic buildings is that they should be constructed to be exactly identical to the original structure. New additions should be constructed in a manner that is sensitive to the scale and mass of the original structure, and with complimentary building materials, but not identical. It is important that the original structure can be easily distinguished from the new construction, and many inexpensive architectural design concepts and techniques are available to accomplish this desired trait.
Owners must apply to the HPC to move or demolish a structure, or to make any alterations to the exterior. You will need to fill out an Application for an Alteration Certificate if you plan major exterior alterations, repairs, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or new construction. These alterations will be evaluated using the Historic Residential Design Guidelines and a flexible set of standards and guidelines. The HPC has no oversight over changes to the interior, simple repairs, routine maintenance, landscaping, low fences or walls, or painting.
Do I have to restore my property to its original condition if I designate it as a historic landmark?
No, there is no obligation to restore or rehabilitate your property if it has been designated as a historic landmark. However, when renovation or rehabilitation activities are voluntarily undertaken by the owner, historic standards need to be followed to ensure that care is taken to avoid damage or destruction of the very elements that make the property historic.
Historic salvage is the process of disassembling a structure with the intent to save materials slated for the landfill which could be used again in other historic homes or projects. Older buildings often have unique exterior and interior details that differentiate them from other houses or buildings. Old doors, windows, wooden furniture, stair banisters, cabinets, doorknobs, ceramic tiles, clawfoot tubs, mantels, woodwork, porch railing and spindles, and many other materials can be sold to an architectural salvage company for resale to other homeowners wishing to restore their historic home or building. These architectural salvage companies are a vital resource for historic building owners to obtain historic materials that are no longer being manufactured today. In addition to providing resources for other homeowners, salvaging historic materials reduces the amount of waste going into a landfill and supports the City’s objective of recycling. The HPC has a list of architectural salvage companies that can be made available to you.
No. The HPC does not have the authority to deny a demolition permit. However, in some cases, the HPC may feel that the property proposed for demolition is too valuable a resource to lose. In these situations, the HPC will work with the property owner to highlight the building’s importance and seek nomination for designation as a historic landmark. If the owner is not interested in designating the property, the HPC may wish to explore the possibility of relocating the structure or providing an opportunity for salvaging historic materials from the building.
The list of monetary benefits far exceeds the obligations. The regulations over a designated property are often not as stringent as regulations in traditional HOAs. With a landmark designation comes recognition, protection, permanence, stability, potential for grant funds and zero interest loans, tax credits, increased property value, neighborhood renewal and pride of ownership.
Tax credits encourage the renovation and reuse of older buildings by directly reducing the amount of tax a property owner owes. Renovation activities can include façade restoration, masonry cleaning, repointing and repair, roofing and flashing, doors and windows, and many others. For example, if a property owner applies for the State of Colorado 20% Tax Credit for a $45,000 project, it would reduce the amount of taxes owed to the State by $9,000. If that property owner doesn’t owe $9,000 in State income tax in one year, then the tax credit can be spread out over a period of up to 10 years. All properties that have been listed on the Loveland Historic Register qualify for the State tax credits, and any income-generating property on the Register can qualify for Federal tax credits.- No. Designation of a property as a historic landmark is voluntary and requires the consent of the owner. The property can be nominated by the HPC or City Council, but the owner's consent is required before the nomination is heard by City Council.
As per Chapter 15.56.170 of the Loveland Municipal Code, the HPC has 15 days to review the application. However, the HPC typically does not take more than 1 week to review the application, provided that the application is complete and has all necessary information.
If you have a property that was identified in the Loveland Historic Preservation Survey, your property will receive special attention when you are proposing to do work through the building division. Any partial demolition, full demolition, or relocation permits will be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) to ensure that Loveland does not lose any invaluable historic treasures.
The Historic Preservation Ordinance allows the HPC to review all demolition and relocation permits for properties that are included in the Loveland Historic Survey in order to safeguard the City’s historic and cultural heritage, as embodied and reflected in its historic resources. This review period gives the HPC the chance to determine if the building or structure should be nominated for designation as a historic landmark, or if the proposed work will reduce its eligibility status.. The review also gives the HPC the opportunity to work with property owners to educate them about their historic property, inform them about the benefits of designating their property as a historic landmark, and act as a resource to property owners.
- Yes. New additions to historic homes are quite common, and are a perfectly acceptable method for helping a historic property owner meet today’s need for more living space. However, a common misconception about new additions to historic buildings is that they should be constructed to be exactly identical to the original structure. New additions, according to the Standards for Rehabilitation, should be constructed in a manner that is sensitive to the scale and mass of the original structure, and with complimentary building materials, but not identical. It is important that the original structure can be easily distinguished from the new construction, and many inexpensive architectural design concepts and techniques are available to accomplish this desired trait.
- A district is a geographically defined area with a concentration of buildings, structures or objects unified by past events, physical characteristics, architectural design, or common building materials. Properties whose owners chose not to join a Loveland Historic District are excluded from the district.
You must apply to the Historic Preservation Commission to move or demolish a structure, or to make any alterations to the exterior. Apply to the Commission for an Alteration Certificate if you plan any exterior alterations, repairs, rehabilitation, reconstruction or new construction. These alterations will be evaluated using the Historic Residential Design Guidelines.
The Commission has no oversight over simple repairs, routine maintenance, landscaping, low fences or walls, painting, or interior modifications. If you are unsure, simply contact the Community and Strategic Planning Division to determine if an Alteration Certificate is required. Even if you do not require an Alteration Certificate, staff is happy to provide you with information on best practices for maintaining the architecture and materials of your home.
There is no obligation to restore or rehabilitate your property if it is designated as a local landmark.
Basically, personal taste dictates what color you can paint your historic property. Loveland’s Historic Preservation Ordinance does not regulate color choices. If you choose, most major paint manufacturers have historic paint palettes available. Historic preservation requirements are often less stringent than most covenants and restrictions in contemporary housing developments.
The following resources can help you select a paint color that matches the historic character of your home:
National Trust for Historic Preservation - Historic Paint Colors -
Valspar - In partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation®, Valspar® offers a palette of over 250 colors documented from historic places across the country and representing American colors from a variety of periods and styles.
Bungalow Colors by Robert Schweitzer also has several pages with exterior paint palettes- The list of benefits far exceeds the obligations. With a landmark designation comes recognition, protection, permanence, stability, potential for grant funds and zero interest loans, State and Federal income tax credits, increased property value, neighborhood renewal and pride of ownership. For more information on income tax credits contact Community and Strategic Planning Staff, or visit our Benefits of Historic Preservation page.
- Loveland's historic preservation program has been approved for a unique status granted by the National Park Service and the Colorado State Historic Preservation Office. To maintain this status, the City of Loveland's historic preservation program follows the Sec. of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. These standards promote a process to return historic properties into a state of usefulness that meet today's needs, through repair or alteration, while preserving features of the property which are significant to its historic, architectural, and cultural values. Historic preservation commissions and planning commissions across the United States have adopted the Standards for Rehabilitation. An illustrated guide is available at http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/standguide/ (click on "Rehabilitating.")
- The Loveland Historic Register is a prestigious list of properties within the municipal limits that have been designated as landmarks by the City Council because they exhibit unique architectural, social, cultural, geographic, or environmental significance. Properties on the Loveland Historic Register are eligible for preservation incentives, provided any changes made to them comply with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
Requesting a landmark designation from the City of Loveland is voluntary, and is referred to as a “nomination”. Designation is a four (4) step process, which takes between 60-90 days.
Step 1: Pre-application conference with the Community and Strategic Planning Staff to determine the property's significance and discuss the designation process. Staff will outline the privileges and obligations of a local designation.
Step 2: Complete the Application for Designation of a Historic Landmark and deliver it to the Community and Strategic Planning Office.
Step 3: Upon confirming that the application form is complete, Staff will publish notification, schedule a public hearing with the Historic Preservation Commission, and post the property with a sign indicating that the property has been nominated to become a landmark on the Loveland Historic Register.
Step 4: At a public hearing, the Historic Preservation Commission will review the application and determine if the criteria for designation have been met. If the Historic Preservation Commission recommends a landmark designation, then a public hearing will be scheduled with the City Council for a final decision and approval of an ordinance to designate the property as a local landmark.
- To qualify as a landmark on the Loveland Historic Register, a building or site must be at least 50-years old, and meet one or more criteria for architectural, social/cultural, or geographic/environmental significance. These criteria can be found in the Historic Preservation Ordinance, Section 15.56.100.
- A sewer surcharge is a mechanism to recover costs incurred when treating high strength waste discharged by some industrial and commercial users to the wastewater system. These additional funds are needed to cover the cost of operations and maintenance at the treatment plant.
- A letter explaining the program will be sent to the premise of each affected business before the billing changes are implemented.
- No. As an enterprise fund, the City’s utility system does not receive tax dollars. The utility is self-supporting and paid for by user fees and charges. Utility Operations makes every attempt to be as equitable as possible by charging customers according to the cost to provide the service they receive. In this case, operations and maintenance costs were used to determine the cost of treating the higher strength waste produced by some customers.
- If you feel the information the City used to calculate your surcharge fee is inaccurate, there is a rate review process that can be initiated by you. This process includes you filing an application for review and having analytical tests performed to have the actual discharge strength determined. The surcharge will be adjusted to whatever the results of the tests show, whether higher or lower.
- If you feel the information the City used to calculate your surcharge fee is inaccurate, there is a rate review process that can be initiated by you. This process includes you filing an application for review and having analytical tests performed to have the actual discharge strength determined. The surcharge will be adjusted to whatever the results of the tests show, whether higher or lower.
- Sewer surcharge is based on the number of metered gallons of water consumed monthly; savings can be realized by conserving water.
- Processes used to reduce, eliminate, or alter the nature of wastewater pollutants from non-domestic sources before they are discharged into the City sewer system.
- Questions regarding the sewer surcharge program may be directed to the City of Loveland's Pretreatment Coordinator at 200 North Wilson Avenue, Loveland, Colorado 80537; by calling 962-3719, or by email.
- The Pretreatment Program makes every effort to maintain working partnerships with the City's regulated industries, valuing information and compliance over enforcement as the best way to achieve mutually beneficial economic and environmental goals. However, if an industry remains non-compliant, that industry will be subject to enforcement action.
- No. The City may regulate individual or specific businesses based on the wastewater they discharge. Significant Industrial Users (SIUs) are always regulated and are issued a discharge permit that has specific discharge, monitoring, and reporting requirements.
- The term Significant Industrial User as defined by the EPA means:
All industrial users subject to Categorical Pretreatment Standards under 40 CFR 403.6 and 40 CFR chapter I, subchapter N;
Any other industrial user that discharges an average of 25,000 gallons per day or more of process wastewater; contributes a process waste stream which makes up 5 percent or more of the average dry weather hydraulic or organic capacity of the treatment plant; or
Is designated as a SIU by the City on the basis that the industrial user has a reasonable potential for adversely affecting the operation of the City's wastewater treatment plant.
- An industrial user is any non-residential user that discharges non-domestic wastewater to the City of Loveland’s sanitary sewer system.
Call Utility Billing at 970-962-2111 to request printed usage history on your account. History is also available online. To view your account online, click here to register.
- Call Utility Billing at 970-962-2111 to request printed usage history on your account. History is also available online. To view your account online, click here to register.
A grease trap is a device usually found inside a facility.
A grease interceptor is typically located underground, outside of the facility.
YES! Grease in a warm liquid may not appear harmful. But, as the liquid cools, the grease congeals and causes restrictions in the sanitary sewer collection line, lead to sewer backups, create operational problems in the pumping stations and at the City’s wastewater treatment plant.
- Due to the variety of food service establishments and grease removal device size the cleaning frequency varies. Typically, an interior grease trap requires daily to weekly cleaning while an exterior grease interceptor may require cleaning every 90 days.
If the grease removal device (trap or interceptor) is not maintained regularly it will not provide the necessary grease removal. It is important to have your grease removal device pumped out regularly and send in the required Maintenance Log Form. It is your responsibility to ensure proper measures are in place to comply with city codes and standards. The City has a responsibility to prevent grease related problems.
If you don’t stick to the maintenance schedule for your device, the following negative consequences could result:
- Your grease removal device will develop a noticeable septic smell, that will offend your customers;
- Bugs could start to breed in there, and crawl up the drain into your kitchen;
- Your grease removal device will become ineffective, and result in a sewer blockage either in your sewer line and/or the city sewer main;
- You will be in violation of city code and risk an enforcement action.
- Not at first. The City is interested in compliance rather than collecting fines. Establishment’s showing little or no effort to correct a problem in maintaining their device could be issued a Notice of Violation and fine
- NO. The use of hot water or chemicals, bacteria, enzymes, or other products to emulsify fats, oil, and grease prior to discharging wastewater into the sewer is prohibited.
Various factors must be considered when sizing the trap or interceptor: location of the facility, type of food served, number of meals served, equipment discharge volumes, potential expansion, menu changes, and cleaning frequency.
The device must provide adequate residence time and a quiescent environment so that the wastewater has time to cool allowing time for the grease to rise to the surface where it accumulates until the device is cleaned.
An establishment that introduces fats, oil, or grease into the sewage system in is required to install a grease trap or grease interceptor.
Grease traps are required for small volume establishments such as: fast food (deli, subs) with limited menus, minimum dishwashing, and/or minimal seating capacity. Grease interceptors are required for large volume establishments such as: restaurants, grocery stores, fast food, hospitals, or school kitchens.
- No. Sorry but the IT Department is only designed to serve the technology needs of City Departments.
A claim for refund form needs to be filled out along with documentation as to the reason for the refund. Refunds will only be paid to the person who remitted the tax.
The statue of limitations for refunds varies depending upon the circumstances of the sale; typically a refund cannot be issued three years after tax was originally paid.
Refunds cannot be taken on future return filings unless the refund has been approved by the sales tax department.
No, the City does not require a license to have a garage sale and sales tax is not collected on garage sale items.
A max of three garage sales are allowed per address per calendar year.
- Yes, 3% sales tax needs to be remitted on the sale of all the tangible personal property. Please see Sales Business Assests and/or Equipment.
- Notify the sales tax office in writing of your changes.
Notify the sales tax office in writing and file a final return even if there are zero sales to report, the sales office must still receive this final return.
If you are selling your business, the City of Loveland requires that a 3% sales tax be remitted for tangible personal property assets acquired with the purchase or transfer of possession of the business based on the purchase price paid, within (20) days of purchase. For more information, go to the Sale of Business Assets and/or Equipment page.
- Yes, the lodging tax rate is 3.0%.
Prior to January 1, 2024 food for home consumption was taxed at 3%.
By a substantial margin, Loveland voters approved ballot measure 300, a proposal to eliminate food for home consumption from the City's sales tax collections. This exemption will start January 1, 2024.
The January 2024 return that is due February 20, 2024 will be the first return to have this deduction.
The City of Loveland will adopt the Colorado Department of Revenue’s food for home consumption exemption as it is currently written. Please review Colorado’s C.R.S 39-26-707 and FYI Sales 4 for detailed information.
- Yes, the City of Loveland does have use tax on motor vehicles.
- Yes, the City of Loveland does have use tax on construction materials. Click here for more information.
- Tax returns postmarked after the due date will be considered late. Penalties and interest will apply and the vendor’s fee is disallowed.
- The return will be due on the first business day following a weekend or holiday.
- Yes, a tax return still needs to be filed even if no sales are due for the reporting period. Failure to file a return will result in an assessment notice.
- Failure to file notices are mailed on the 5th business day of every month. If you received a notice the sales tax office did not receive your return. There are many reasons why this might occur. The notice and return could have crossed in the mail, the return was filed with no sales tax license number, or the return is lost in the mail. If you receive this notice, simply file the missing return.
- As a Home Rule City under the Colorado Constitution, the City of Loveland has the authority to collect its own taxes. The 3.0% sales tax that you collect for the City of Loveland must be remitted directly to the City of Loveland. The combined rate for the state and county tax is 3.7%, which is remitted directly to the Colorado Department of Revenue.
- Vendors submit sales tax returns according to the reporting period assigned to them when licenses are issued. Vendors may remit tax monthly, quarterly or annually depending on the amount collected. Each return is completed and returned to the City with the proper remittance on or before the 20th day of the month following the reporting period. Tax returns that are mailed must be postmarked on or before the 20th day of the month. If the 20th day falls on a weekend or holiday the return is due on the next business day.
Every vendor that is engaged in business in the City must charge and collect City of Loveland sales tax on the purchase price, sales price paid or charged for tangible personal property and certain taxable services when purchased, leased, rented or sold at retail within the City.
Any excess sales tax collections that a business collects must be remitted to the City. If, on a taxable sale, no sales tax was collected or an improper percentage was collected, the proper tax must still be remitted to the City. - No, the City of Loveland does not have a vendor's fee.
- Sales tax is a transaction tax upon all sales, purchases, and leases of tangible personal property and taxable services sold at retail or leased by persons engaged in business in the City of Loveland. Sales tax is collected by the vendor or lessor and remitted to the City.
- The City of Loveland requires that you obtain a Home Occupational Permit if you are doing business out of your residence. Please contact the City of Loveland Planning department for more information (970) 962.2523.
- There is a $20.00 non-refundable fee for a sales tax license.
- The City of Loveland does not register trade names. Trade name registrations are handled through the Colorado Secretary of State.
Yes, the State requires a license for each physical location. Please contact the Department of Revenue directly or visit their website at www.taxcolorado.com.
- It is recommended that you contact the following departments to verify if you need a license or permit.
Building Division (970) 962.2504
City Clerks Office (970) 962.2000
Contractors License (970) 962.2505
Fire Prevention (970) 962.2536
Planning/Zoning Division (970) 962.2523
Police Department (970) 962.2523 - No, a service only business is not required to have a sales tax license.
The City of Loveland requires that any entity doing business within the city limits obtain a City of Loveland sales tax license. This includes businesses making retail sales, leases, or rentals of tangible personal property. A business with more than one location needs to obtain a separate sales tax license for each entity.
You are considered engaged in business if you:- Directly, indirectly or by a subsidiary maintain a building, store, office, salesroom, warehouse or other place of business within the City of Loveland.
- Send one or more employees, agents or commissioned sales persons into the City of Loveland to solicit business or to install, assemble, repair, service or assist in the use of it’s products, or for demonstration purposes.
- Maintains one or more employees, agents or commissioned sales person on duty at a location within the City of Loveland.
- Own, lease, rent or otherwise exercises control over real or personal property within the City of Loveland.
- Makes a delivery into the City of Loveland.
- Yes, click here to file online.
- Yes, click here to apply online.
There are two possible rates, depending on the location of the sale:
6.70% for all locations that are not located in the Promenade Shops at Centerra, Centerra Metropolitan District or the Centerra Motorplex.City of Loveland 3.0%
State of Colorado 2.9%
Larimer County 0.80%
Total 6.70%
7.823% for sales only made in (brick and mortar store) the Promenade Shops at Centerra, Centerra Metropolitan District and the Centerra Motorplex.
Purchase Price 00.00
PIF 0.0125000
RSF 0.0100000
Subtotal 00.00
City of Loveland 1.75%
State of Colorado 2.9%
Larimer County 0.80%
Total 7.823%
Because the PIF and RSF are taxable they become a part of the purchase price and cannot be added in to the tax rates which results in a formula of 7.823%.The Museum is available for public and private rental needs.
Click here for more information about the space available, fees and who to contact to reserve the room.
The Rialto Theater is available for private rentals for a variety of events.
For more information, please call Jan Sawyer, Theater Manager (970) 962-2421 or email at:
sawyej@ci.loveland.co.usThe Rialto Theater welcomes performing groups. For more information and details, please contact Jan Sawyer, Theater Manager at (970) 962-2421 or by email: sawyej@ci.loveland.co.us
Click here to get specific facility rental details and fees.
The Loveland Museum/Gallery welcomes local and regional artists to exhibit in our three galleries. Specific criteria must be met and can be obtained by contacting our Art Curator, Maureen Corey at (970) 962-2483 or by email: coreym@ci.loveland.co.us
The Loveland Museum/Gallery is unable to provide appraisals of the monetary value of materials offered as gifts, brought in for identification, or submitted for any purpose.
Accurate appraisals require expert knowledge of prices, which comes from observing the market closely and continually. Curators, who are not in the business of daily buying and selling, are not necessarily conversant with prices on the current market.Appraisers can be located by checking the telephone directory under headings such as "Appraisers" or by doing an internet search.
If an error on a previous return was made, file an amended return for that period. Clearly state the date of the return you are amending on the top of the return you are filing. Fill out the return with the correct figures for that period.
If the amended return results in an overpayment, you will need to fill out a claim for refund form.
If you did not pay enough for the period, the additional taxes must be remitted on the amended return. Penalties and interest may apply.
To register for a class at the Loveland Museum/Gallery, please call (970) 962-2410 during regular hours to pay with a credit card. To pay with cash or a check, please stop by the Museum's front desk.
Please register for classes at least one week prior to the class date to ensure your place.
Museum Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 am - 5 pm
Thursday: 10 am - 7 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday: 12 pm - 4 pm
Second Friday of Each Month: 6 pm - 9 pm
Closed Mondays- You may find the fees for the Batting Cages listed here on the Batting Cages web page or listed in the latest copy of the Activity Guide.
The Barnes Complex Batting Cages are northern Colorado’s most complete outdoor batting cage facility. It features seven stations that house both slow pitch and fast pitch softball & baseball pitching machines.
- The Barnes Complex Batting Cages are located at the east side of Fairgrounds Park
405 S. Cleveland - Loveland, Colorado 80537
(entrance from South Cleveland for ball fields and Batting Cages)
Program Supervisor: (970) 962-2417
Field Reservations: (970) 962-2445
•Barnes Complex at Fairgrounds Park Map [PDF]
•Barnes Complex Rules & Regulations [PDF] - Hours may vary, depending on staffing and weather. Please see the Activity Guide for the current schedule or view the Barnes Batting Cage page.
Simply call the course of your choice, and speak to the Golf representatives at that course for more information.
The Olde Course at Loveland: (970) 667-5256
Mariana Butte: (970) 667-8308
Cattail Creek: (970) 663-5310
You can also submit a Tournament Request online and someone can assist you!
All three Loveland golf courses offer various leagues at their specific locations. Reach out to the Pro Shops at each course for more information and league availability.
All lessons offered at Loveland courses go through Jax Jones Golf Academy.
JJGA has classes, lessons, and clinics available year round, from one-on-one private lessons to group programs for all levels of golfing ability. So if you are looking at getting into the game, or you just want to polish up a few skills, JJGA has you covered!
If you are just getting into the game, we recommend that you start out at Cattail Creek Golf Course. This 9-hole, Par 3 course is the perfect gateway between the range and a full-size golf course. While not easy, the course has shorter-length holes that can be friendlier to a beginner, and the course can be walked without too much effort.
Cattail Creek is also home to the Mini-Course, which is played with specialty equipment that encourages the same skills and rules that you use on the real course. To make the transition to real equipment even easier, Cattail Creek offers a 3-hole rate so you can get a taste of the real thing without having to commit to a full 9-hole round.
Still looking to just practice the basics? All three Loveland courses have a full-size driving range and practice putting green. Additionally, The Olde Course at Loveland offers two practice chipping greens to help polish up that short game.
The Loveland golf courses are here to assist you with your journey towards enjoying a lifetime of golf whether you’re a youngster or just a young at heart. You can find the following at all three of the golf courses: Mariana Butte, The Olde Course at Loveland and Cattail Creek.
- Group or private lesson instruction for various levels from the "I’ve never held a club before" to the "could you just help me with this one thing".
- Practice areas that allow you to try out your skills before getting on the actual course. These areas can include putting greens, driving ranges and chipping areas.
- Set of clubs that you can rent for your golf round - saving you an upfront investment until you’re ready. Cattail Creek even offers free rentals, just ask the Pro Shop when you arrive.
- When you are ready to make your golf club purchase, our Pro Shops can help you find the best equipment for you!
All of the courses are set up with multiple colored courses or “teeing” areas.
As a beginner do not be afraid to play from the forward tees – usually colored yellow and red. Golf is way more enjoyable when you play from the tees that fit your current abilities instead of struggling through playing from the extended yardage tees. If you and your group are struggling to keep up with pace of play, you are always welcome to move up to a closer tee.
We ask that all golfers report to the pro shop at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled time. This allows plenty of time for check-in, perhaps a little warm up on the range, and then arrival at the 1st tee.
You can register for the tee time system by going to our Online Booking Portal.
You don't need to have an account to view open tee times, but you will need to register to reserve one. The below videos can help guide you through the process of making a tee time reservation, and where to make an account, if you need assistance!
Normal Tee Times: Golfers are able to make a tee time 8 days in advance starting at 8:00 p.m. online or through the automated phone system; in addition, the Pro Shops will be happy to assist you with your tee time reservation within 7 days.
Pre-Reserved Tee Times: You can also pre-reserve tee times 21 days in advance by paying an additional nominal fee per player. This service is perfect when you want to arrange a guaranteed tee time for those out of town guests, bachelor round, or work-holiday.
Pre-reserved tee times can only be made over the phone, and payment for the pre-reservation must be made at the time the reservation is made.
Cancelling/Modifying Your Tee Time: If you need to cancel or modify your tee time, please do so an hour in advance of your reserved tee time. Failure to cancel or modify your tee time in time may result in your account being flagged with a no-show. Multiple no-shows may result in additional fees or other tee time restrictions. By canceling or modifying your time, you show respect to the golf course staff and your fellow golfers and help to keep golf fees down. For more information on Golf Loveland's No-Show Policy, see here.
There are two easy methods to make a tee time for any of the three Loveland courses:
1)Visit our online tee time portal here.
2) Call or visit the Pro Shops directly:
- Mariana Butte (970) 667-8308
- Cattail Creek (970) 663-5310
- The Olde Course at Loveland (970) 667-5256
All three courses have expected pace of play times.
Mariana Butte Golf Course: 4 Hours, 35 minutes for 18 holes.
The Olde Course at Loveland: 4 Hours, 20 minutes for 18 holes.
Cattail Creek Golf Course: 1 Hour, 45 minutes for 9 holes.
If you have any additional questions about pace of play, feel free to reach out to the appropriate Pro Shop for more information!
- The Parks & Recreation Foundation works with the Parks & Recreation Department to allow Memorial Plaques, Memorial Benches, and Memorial Trees to be donated and placed in our Parks. Please follow the link to the proper information within our pages: Donations
- The Scholarship Program is run by the Parks & Recreation Foundation. It is explained best by following this link: Scholarships
- Yes. Credit cards, cash and checks are accepted as payment.
- The Burial Park / Cemetery is open for visitors from sunrise to sunset.
- Please contact the monument company that installed your foundation to see if warranty service is available. If the cemetery poured your foundation, the City will warrant the cement work for five years.
- Yes, as noted in the Cemetery Rules and Regulations. Personal plantings are the responsibility of the lot owner.
- Yes! We provide a chapel tent at all services unless high winds create a hazard.
- At the Burial Park / Cemetery, perpetual care includes general care and preservation of the interment sites and landscapes, grounds, walks, roadways, and structures (so the grounds shall remain and be reasonably cared for as cemetery grounds forever). Perpetual care does not include care of monuments, foundations, or personal plantings.
- The cemetery is over 118 years old, and has been operated and maintained by the City since 1919.
- Yes. You may select from a wide range of interment sites, ranging from traditional lots to cremains sites or above ground columbarium niches.
- Tournament information may be found on our website HERE. You may also wish to call the Adult Athletics Coordinator at (970) 962-2444.
- The City of Loveland Parks & Recreation Department works with various athletics organizations in Loveland to optimize the recreation facility usage, and offer the community the best options!
You may find a listing of the other City affiliated organizations on our web site HERE. The City of Loveland has weather cancellation lines which offer the latest on schedules/cancellations for athletics in the parks, etc. The recordings on the weather cancellation line are updated a half-hour before your game is schdeduled to begin.
Please call the following numbers:
ADULT ATHLETICS (970) 962-2388 and press option 3, then 1.
YOUTH ATHLETICS (970) 962-2386 and press option 2, then 2.- Please call Utility Billing Office at
.970.962.2111 - Please contact Utility Billing at
for more information or to request a disconnect of service.970.962.2111 - Adjacent to the Osborn Park location, at 1615 4th Street SE.
Take Boise to 4th Street SE and turn west. The pool will be on your right hand side.
For further information about Winona Pool, please see the web page HERE. - No, there are not grills accessible to patrons at the pool.
However, there are concessions available during normal operating hours of the pool, and you are welcome to bring along your own coolers or snack items as well.
NO ALCOHOL will be permitted at the facility.
For more information about Winona Outdoor Pool, please visit the web page HERE. Lake Loveland Swim Beach is open during the summer months when the water levels are at a safe capacity for swimming within the predetermined, roped off area.
The hours are 10:30A - 5:30P with guard staff on duty. No swimming will be allowed when the water level is not at a safe depth, or if there are no lifeguards on duty. During drought conditions, please observe the signs, and do not attempt to swim there when closures are posted.
- Swimming is permitted at Lake Loveland Swim Beach within areas designated by ropes and buoys only. Individuals swimming or wading outside of designated areas are at risk of receiving a citation for trespassing. Children under 6 years of age must be directly supervised by an adult (16 years +).
- The City of Loveland Parks and Recreation Department offers an Environmental Education Program, and accepts volunteers to assist with the program. There are also volunteer opportunities with the Trail Host Program. To learn more, visit the Volunteer Opportunities & Environmental Education web page HERE.
- Please contact the Open Lands/Natural Areas division at: (970) 962-2726 or (970) 962-2725 and speak to one of our representatives.
- The Open Lands and Natural Areas Division of the Parks & Recreation Department preserves open space and natural areas by working with willing landowners to acquire property through simple purchases, conservation easements, and donations.
Please follow this link for more information: Open Lands/Natural Areas Who handles reservations for Boyd Lake, Carter Lake, Pinewood Reservoir, Lon Hagler, Lone Tree, and Boedecker Lake?
These areas are not handled by the City Parks & Recreation Department.
Below are the contact numbers for those areas:
Boyd Lake State Park can be reached at (970) 669-1739.
Carter Lake and Pinewood Reservoir are handled by Larimer County Parks and Open Lands at (970) 679-4570.
Lon Hagler, Lone Tree, and Boedecker are managed by the Division of Wildlife and the State of Colorado. For further information about State Wildlife areas, please call 472-4300.- Boat registrations are handled by the State of Colorado through the office at Boyd Lake State Park. More information can be obtained by calling their office at (970) 669-1739.
The Parks & Recreation Department can take reservations for the Norma & Lynn Hammond Amphitheater at North Lake Park. Please come to the Parks and Recreation Administration Office to complete your reservation at 500 E. Third Street, Suite 200 - Loveland, CO
The Facilities Department can take a reservation for the Foote Lagoon Amphitheater, the Library rooms, and the Pulliam Community Building. Please call to set up your reservation at (970) 962-2738.
Yes, under normal conditions, charcoal may be used in any grills at the park.
You may also bring along your own propane grill, as long as you take it with you when you leave, and only use it on a paved/concrete surface.See below for further details in case of a fire ban:
A. Due to a STATE FIRE RESTRICTION or BAN:
ALL charcoal fires, or open fires of any kind may be banned in the public areas and park areas of Loveland if there is a State Fire Ban put in place by Governor's mandate. This includes use of the established park shelter grills. However, portable propane gas grills or electric grills are allowed to be used in this case. Tiki torches, Candles, or Log fires are banned at all times.
A. Due to a COUNTY FIRE RESTRICTION or BAN:
For further information about Larimer County Fire Restrictions or Bans, please visit their website here: http://www.co.larimer.co.us/- Yes, as long as it remains on the pavement/concrete surface. You cannot drive it out to the shelter area. If there is a fire ban in effect, all roasters or barbecues must be propane or electric powered ONLY. You must also take the cooker with you at the end of your reservation, so please allow time for it to cool!
Shelter reservations can be made up to one year in advance, and must be made at least seven days in advance of your reservation date. You may make reservations ONLINE, or in person at the Parks & Recreation Administration Office - 500 E. Third Street, Suite 200 - Loveland, Colorado.
We would suggest that you make your reservations as soon as possible, as the park shelter reservations fill up early in the year.
Please see: Park Gazebos/Shelters/Pavilions for more information about which park areas are reservable, etc.
Yes, you may purchase an Alcohol Permit for your special event at the Parks & Recreation Administrative Office - 500 E Third Street, Suite 200 - Loveland, CO.
Alcohol Permits are only available in conjunction with a gazebo/shelter/pavilion reservation, and expire on the day of the reservation (upon completion of your event). They are an added cost of $50 for the permit, plus a $50 deposit.
Yes, your dog is welcome at the park as long as it stays on a leash, and under human control at all times. You must also pick up after any messes made. No digging is allowed. Dogs are NOT allowed to swim in the lake or ponds at the parks, or to enter the Barnes Complex (softball fields or batting cages) at Fairgrounds Park.
There is also an off-leash Dog Park area now available at the Fairgrounds Park location for dogs of all sizes! There is even an area specific to smaller/shy dogs. Please refer to further information regarding the Dog Park on the Fairgrounds Park web page HERE.
Reservations are not required, and gazebos/shelters/pavilions may be used on a first-come, first-served basis if they are not already reserved. However, a reservation is suggested if you want to be assured a spot for your special event, and if you want access to electricity. If a reservation is made, the reservation will be posted in the area on the date of the reservation. You may also call to check on availability (during regular office hours) at: (970)962-2727.
You may make a reservation at least seven days in advance of your event by using the ONLINE reservation system, or in person at the Parks & Recreation Administration Office - 500 E. Third Street, Suite 200 - Loveland, Colorado
Please visit the Parks Reservation Spaces page for more information.
No vehicles are permitted on the turf or sidewalks at any time. Our park gazebos/shelters/pavilions are wheelchair accessible from the parking areas.
In the case of reservations at Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park Area #2, the dirt parking lot at the top of the park is your designated parking area. It has a dirt path which leads down to the grassy reservation area, and it is not suggested for wheelchairs. Instead, you may need to drive down into the main parking lot to let off anyone who needs wheelchair access on the sidewalks. Then, you must go back up and park in the dirt parking lot set aside for your reservation.
A large group is usually defined as over 200 people, which is the maximum allowance for a reservation area at the largest pavilions in Fairgrounds Park. Most other parks are limited to 50 people or less. There are a few that allow 70-150 people if there is ample parking and restrooms available during your desired reservation period.
If you have over 200 people that you would like at your event, please visit the Large Group Reservations page for more information.
Additional approval/permits may be required from the Police Department, depending on your group size and planned uses.
You may also want to look into use of one of the amphitheater areas, which can accomodate up to 300 people with no added permit process/costs. These areas do not provide chairs & tables, but you are welcome to bring in your own for your event.
The two amphitheater areas are:
- Foote Lagoon Amphitheater
- Norma & Lynn Hammond Amphitheater at North Lake Park
- The Chilson Recreation Center and Chilson Senior Center have rooms available for special event rentals. Availability and price vary for each event. Please contact the Facility Coordinator at (970)962-2503 or (970) 962-2383 for further information, or view more online HERE.
- There are always many pieces of equipment and machines to utilize at the Chilson Recreation Center! Check out the latest listing HERE.
The Chilson Recreation Center offers FREE one-time equipment orientations to show people how to use the equipment properly.
There are also Personal Training, and Personalized Exercise Programs (body fat, fitness profiles, and exercise plans) available for those that want to focus on specific areas of fitness.
For those with special/adaptive needs, please contact the Adaptive Recreation Coordinator at (970)962-2462.
For more information, please view the Chilson Recreation Center web pages HERE.
The Chilson Recreation Center has the following payment options available:
- Daily Entry Fees
- 10-visit Punch Passes
- Extended Use Passes for Residents (EUP)
- Extended Use Passes for Non-Residents (EUP)
- Senior Activity Cards (SAC)
The rates for these payment options vary by age group, and are broken down for you on the Chilson Recreation Center Hours & Fees web page HERE.
The Chilson Recreation and Senior Centers have regular hours of operation listed on the Hours & Fees web page HERE.
There are also Holiday Hours which are observed during specific holidays annually. They are generally advertised on the Hours & Fees web page, and in the Leisure Times Activity Guide each season. Please see the most recent Leisure Times Activity Guide HERE.
The online registration feature for the Parks & Recreation Department is called WebTrac.
You may use it to register for most classes or activities that are offered through the Chilson Recreation Center. You may access WebTrac HERE.
Why are there age requirements, prerequisites, or maximums for some of the classes at the Chilson Recreation Center?
Many of our classes or activities have age restrictions or limitations due to safety and class structure issues. Those age restrictions or limitations cannot be overridden in most cases.
However, if you would like to inquire about a specific class, or speak to a Coordinator for a specific area of interest, please visit the Chilson Recreation Center web pages for further contact information HERE.
- You may view the Activity Guide for further information as to what is offered through the Chilson Recreation Center HERE.
To download an electronic version of the Activity Guide, or view all pickup locations, please visit the Activity Guide web page HERE.
The Activity Guide is distributed seasonally through the direct mail to households within the region which have participated in an activity in the past year. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please call the Chilson Recreation Center at (970) 962-2383 or the Parks & Recreation Administration Office at (970) 962-2727.
The Activity Guide can also be picked up during normal hours of operation at the following locations:
- Chilson Recreation Center - 700 E. Fourth Street - Loveland
- Parks & Recreation Administration Office - 500 E. Third Street Suite 200 - Loveland
The trail system completion is dependant on many factors.
Many trail sections are dependant upon new development, and are subject to completion of these subdivisions before the trail can be finished.
Please contact our Open Lands/Trails Manager, Marilyn Hilgenberg, at (970) 962-2443 for further information about Recreation Trail questions.
You may also view available information for the Recreational Trail on the web pages HERE.
The City receives funding from the Colorado State Lottery, which it uses for the construction of the recreation trail system. Capital Expansion Fees are also collected on new homes to supplement trail acquisition and development.
Please view the Parks & Recreation Department's Recreational Trail web pages HERE.
The City of Loveland Recreational Trail System is ever-changing and growing. There are many sections of the trail which are being built over long periods of time. Those sections of trail are opened as quickly as possible, and are then added to the total distance calculations. The trail will eventually complete a circle around Loveland of approximately 20 miles.
Please call Marilyn Hilgenberg, Open Lands/Trails Manager, at (970) 962-2443 for further information about Recreational Trail.
You may also visit the Recreational Trail web pages HERE.
- There are currently many miles of trail. This number is constantly changing, as we new sections of trail are completed. Please refer to the Recreational Trails web pages for more information HERE.
The markers along the trail denote each quarter-mile distance.
Please visit the Recreational Trail web pages for further information HERE.
The City of Loveland Recreational Trail System maps are currently printed and distributed through the Parks & Recreation Department and the Public Works/Traffic Department.
You may pick up a printed copy at the following locations:
- Parks & Recreation Administration Office - 500 E Third Street, Suite 200 - Loveland, CO 80537
- Loveland Bike & Pedestrian Facilities - 105 West Fifth Street - Loveland, CO 80537
- The Chilson Recreation Center - 700 East Fourth Street - Loveland, CO 80537
-
Bicycle shops in Loveland
You may also visit the Parks & Recreation Recreational Trail web pages for further information, or view the Recreational Trail Map (PDF) ONLINE HERE.
Yes. We offer a team tennis program in the summer which provides children ages 8 – 18 an opportunity to compete in recreational, non-sanctioned matches against others of their same age and ability.
We partner with the Williams Tennis School to offer tennis programs. Please visit their website HERE.
We work with Williams Tennis School to offer a variety of classes for children ages 4-adult for all ability levels, beginner through intermediate.
Please visit the Williams Tennis School website for more about Youth Tennis opportunities in Loveland HERE.
Tennis courts are located at the following parks for public use:
The courts may be used at any time that they are not reserved for league play or a special event.
For more information about tennis courts in Loveland, please visit the Tennis & Pickleball page.
The VOA Meal Program serves lunch Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 12:00 noon.
There is a suggested donation of $2.50 per person, and is for people aged 60+ (and their spouses).
The menu is printed in the Saturday Reporter Herald newspaper, and reservations must be made in advance by calling (970)472-9630 by 1:00pm the previous day. Check-in time is 11:30-11:45am.Please visit the Chilson Senior Center web pages for VOA Lunch location details HERE.
No, the Chilson Senior Center is a multi-purpose senior center which offers many activities to the senior community.
Please visit the Chilson Senior Center web pages HERE.
AMI is a technology solution that allows us to read your utility meters remotely without having to physical access the meter located at your property ' which boosts efficiency and reliability for everyone involved.
Technically, AMI is a system of meters, communications networks and software that allows for the wireless delivery of utility usage information and service alerts directly to Loveland Water and Power (LWP). AMI technology automatically collects consumption data from electric and water meters and transfers this data over a secure network to a central database. The collected data is used for billing, analyzing usage trends, providing customers with 15-minute or hourly interval usage information and enabling advanced outage and leak notifications.
Seniors can purchase a Senior Activity Card (SAC) at the age of 62 or over.
The SAC will allow the senior who purchases it discounted rates, and priority registration to any of the activities at the Chilson Recreation/Senior Center. However, once the initial priority registration period for SAC holders has passed, ANYONE may register for senior classes or activities.
You do not need a SAC to participate in any of the activities at the Senior Center. If a fee is involved, you would pay the fee of a non-SAC holder to participate if you do not have an SAC.
Learn more by visiting the Chilson Senior Center web pages HERE.
- The AMI project refers to Loveland Water and Power's city-wide deployment of AMI, beginning in 2024. The project will involve installing advanced meters on every Loveland property, to support our long-term operations as a utility.
There are numerous activities which are run through the Chilson Senior Center.
Please refer to the Activity Guide. Please download a copy HERE or call (970)962-2423 for further information.
- Utilities throughout the US and abroad have been using AMI technology for decades, and have found that AMI improves efficiency, provides more accurate meter readings, allows customers to have more control over their utility use and establishes a foundation for smarter grid management ' a necessary step for our utility as we continue into a future requiring even stronger resource management. AMI is now considered the de facto future operating structure of all modern utilities.
Here are AMI's primary benefits to customers:
Convenience
Customers can expect fewer visits from utility personnel since all routine meter reading activities will be done remotely.
Speed and accuracy
AMI meters are extremely accurate and make our billing process much more efficient. Near real-time meter alerts will allow us to immediately identify issues, like leaks and outages, and respond to customer concerns more quickly
Enhanced customer service
Our staff will be able to answer customer questions more effectively with the increased insights that AMI provides.
New insights into utility usage
Our customers will be able to actively monitor their water and energy usage online, using an online portal showing detailed information about utility consumption.
Greater environmental stewardship
Remote meter reading means fewer trucks on the road, reducing emissions and benefiting the environment. In addition, AMI's data will allow us to make even smarter decisions about energy allocation as we continue shifting our energy production to 100% carbon-free energy sources.
The Bureau of Justice Statistics provides a source for local crime rate information. This site will allow you to conduct a side by side comparison of cities based on one year of data, single agency trends, or trends in one variable.
Local crime information is also available from CrimeMapping. This site allows you to search by either a location or a specific agency.
- Nothing. The AMI project is being funded by normal LWP operating budgets.
- If a VIN check is needed, the following handle these for a fee:
- Colorado State Patrol (970) 224-3027, make an appointment online
- Fort Collins Police Department (970) 221-6540, by appointment only
- Larimer County Sheriff's Department (970) 498-5100, Monday through Friday, 9-11am and 2-4pm
- Colorado State University Police (970) 491-6425, by appointment only
- Car dealerships
- Licensed diesel emissions inspection stations
- An advanced meter allows for two-way communication on a city-wide network - meaning, your meter shares information with LWP, and LWP can access information from your meter, all remotely. Technically, meters communicate with nearby two-way field collector radios and send data back to a central database. Advanced meters collect usage data in increments: water meters collect hourly usage data and electric meters collect 15-minute usage data. Data is uploaded to the customer accounts daily.
- The District Attorney's Bad Check Restitution Program accepts bad checks up to $1,500.00. Bad checks in excess of $1,500.00 should be submitted to the Loveland Police Department for investigation of criminal charges per the Loveland Police Department Fraudulent Check guidelines.
- No. Advanced metering has been around since the 1970s, and in the 2010s became a utility standard nationally. Loveland is joining more than 80% of American cities in deploying AMI.
- Call the Larimer County Clerk at 970-679-4521 or visit them at 200 Peridot Ave, (1st Street & Denver Avenue), Loveland.
- Yes. As our AMI system is developed, you'll have access to more detailed information about your water and power usage patterns through an online portal. Additional functionality will be added as we continually improve the system - all designed to help you to have a better understanding of your usage patterns so you can make better choices about how you use your utilities.
- Yes. Energy use and meter health data transmitted from the advanced meter through the AMI system is fully encrypted and only associated to customer accounts in a secure billing system. Account information is never transmitted through the AMI communications network.
- Payment for parking tickets issued by the Loveland Police Department can be paid at the Loveland Municipal Court, 810 E. 10th Street, Loveland CO 80537.
- Requests for expungements and the sealing of a record are handled through the District Court of Larimer County. If you need additional information on either of these processes, you will need to contact the Clerk of the Larimer District Court at 970-498-7000.
Will the electronic box on the meter device interfere with other electronic equipment in my home or office?
No. The radio transmission operates in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations to avoid interference with other electronic devices.- It depends on the type of activity. Reports of deaths and missing persons are considered permanent records and are kept indefinitely. Offense activity is kept for 10 years plus the current year. Traffic citations and traffic accidents are also kept for 10 years plus the current year.
Seasons Matter—Every summer, Loveland residents fire up their sprinkler systems and without thinking about how much irrigation contributes to their utility bill. Northern Colorado residents spend about half of their annual water usage on outside plants in the spring and summer. Check out the Residential and Business Water Efficiency Programs to help reduce your summer water usage.
What happens when you encounter an unexpected increase in water usage in your home or business? The culprit could be a leaky pipe.
- No. Our access stops at the meter.
In the majority of Loveland homes, the divide between Customer and City responsibility is marked by the water meter. Your water meter is usually located under a meter pit lid. Meter lids are usually in your front lawn and about the size of a salad plate.
If the leak is inside your property on the downstream side of the meter pit lid, the leak is your responsibility. If the leak is on the upstream side of the meter, the leak is the responsibility of Loveland Water and Power (LWP).
My Meter is Inside my House
Some customers have their water meter located inside their home—usually in the basement. For that small group of customers, responsibility for leaks begins at the curb stop. The Curb stop has a cast iron top that is about 4” in diameter. In the center of the top is a five-sided nut and will often be located in the front yard. If the leak is inside your property on the downstream side of the curb stop, the leak is your responsibility. If the leak is on the upstream side of the curb stop towards the water main, the leak is the responsibility of Loveland Water and Power. LWP will also repair and maintain the meter inside your home. Please call and schedule an appointment for service on inside meters. If you are unsure if your meter is inside, look in your basement for a City of Loveland water meter or call Water Metering at 970-962-3721.
Leaks and Backups in Wastewater lines
For outgoing waste water, the divide between customer and City responsibility is marked by the connection to the large wastewater main pipe. Customers are responsible for the connection that leads up to the main pipe. LWP maintains the sewer main pipelines. Visit the F.O.G. section of this FAQ to learn more about how to prevent common clogs in wastewater lines.
Would someone be able to gain access to their electric meter using WiFi, ZigBee, or Bluetooth protocols?
Meters do not have radios that communicate on the frequencies or protocols utilized by WiFi, ZigBee, or Bluetooth.- Every advanced meter has a unique identifier number that's transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique number is paired to your account record electronically to ensure that your account history is updated utilizing your usage data only.
- Concealed weapon permits are issued through the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office. For additional information on this process, contact the Sheriff’s Department at 970-498-5100.
LWP will help you identify who is responsible for a leak. LWP meter crews will perform a leak check to see if your meter is reading usage even when you think your water is off. If the leak is a City responsibility, crews will repair the pipes. If the leak is on the customer side, you should contact a plumber to locate and repair the leak.
Suspected leaks: Contact Water Metering at 970-962-3721
Emergencies:
Report a Water/Sewer Break During Business Hours: 970-962-3720
Report a Water/Sewer Break After Hours and Holidays: 970-962-3456
If LWP discovers a significant leak, crews will order an emergency shut-off. If the leak is the responsibility of the City, crews will repair the infrastructure and your water will be restored quickly. If the leak is the customer responsibility, you will need to call a plumber and may request the water be turned back on when the leak is repaired.
You may request an emergency shutoff to perform necessary repairs. Do not access meter pits or vaults. LWP crews are trained to safely access and adjust equipment in meter pits to prevent damage or leaks.
Report a Water/Sewer Break During Business Hours: 970-962-3720
Report a Water/Sewer Break After Hours and Holidays: 970-962-3456
- When someone attempts to modify the hardware, the meters are equipped with a “Tilt/Tamper” alarm that is immediately sent to the Utility to notify them of illegal activity.
- Please call the Records Unit at 970-962-2267. Records is open Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm and can provide the officer's information to you.
- Our hotline for reporting narcotic information is: 970-962-2678.
Whether big or small, leaks cause damage and leave you with unexpected expense. If you encounter a leak in your water connection, you are required to repair it within 30 days. If the leak is not repaired in a timely manner, your water service may be discontinued in accordance with Municipal Code 13.04.170 - Wasting water.
- Tampering with or removing a meter or service entrance equipment is dangerous and should not be attempted. Even if someone gained access to the meter, meters themselves cannot send commands to any other meter or device that communicates on the AMI network; all commands must be sent through the AMI headend system. Anyone gaining physical access to the meter still would not be able to attempt to send commands to other meters due to the security encryption on every communication made across the AMI system (meters, Gateways, Fiber, City Firewall, AMI Headend).
No. The Center for Disease Control (CDC), Federal Communication Commission (FCC), and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment have all determined that advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is safe for use in and near homes. Research has shown that even Wi-Fi routers emit significantly more RF emissions than advanced meters!
Here's how the radio frequency (RF) levels compare to other common household devices:
Leak is a ”Customer Responsibility”
Billing adjustments cannot be afforded for leaks on the customer side. Please repair leaks quickly to avoid excessive charges.
Leak is a “City Responsibility”
If the leak is found on the City side and repaired by city crews, contact Utility Billing at 970-962-2111 for a billing credit based on the estimated amount water loss. If you are a wastewater customer, your Winter Quarter Average (WQA) may also be adjusted appropriately. Learn more about the WQA in the “How is my utility bill calculated” section of the FAQ.
The Loveland Police Department allows citizens to accompany uniformed patrol officers during the course of their assigned duties. This perspective provides the citizens with an opportunity to see police officer work first hand. There is an age restriction for the ride-along but it is subject to the on-duty supervisor’s discretion. The subject must be at least 14 years of age. All riders must sign a waiver and any rider under the age of 18 must have their waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. Riders are limited to two rides per year.
The Ride Along Request Form can be brought in to the Police Department Records Section, faxed, or emailed (contact information at the top of the form.) Signatures are required on pages 1 and 3 for all riders, and page 4 for riders under age 18. For more information, please call 970-962-2267.
The City is providing four acres of land that will provide 54 units of housing for homeless Loveland residents with the highest needs. Archdiocesan Housing will break ground on this housing – the St. Valentine Apartments – in 2022. Specific timing is to be determined.
If you are experiencing financial hardship due to a water line repair, please refer to the Utility Financial Assistance Programs section of this FAQ to see if you qualify for community financial aid.
- Adult records of arrest are generally considered public records and are available through a criminal history request. To obtain this documentation concerning an individual’s arrest history, you will need to provide the Loveland Police Department with the individual’s full name and date of birth. Only adult arrests and all traffic infractions occurring in the Loveland Police Department jurisdiction will be listed. There is a cost of $10.00. Requests are accepted via mail (include a check for $10.00 and a self-addressed stamped envelope) or at the Records Unit counter Monday - Friday between 8am and 5 PM. Requests via FAX are not processed. Please allow three business days for mail in requests to be processed.
To obtain a statewide criminal history, go to the Colorado Bureau of Investigations website. Here's a short video showing you what to expect during your installation:
- The Home Utility Report is an educational tool that we provide to help residents understand and reduce their water and energy bills. Reducing water and energy use helps us defer costly infrastructure projects, saving all utility customers money over the long run.
Refrigerators
- Old refrigerators and freezers are notoriously inefficient. Depending on the age of your refrigerator, upgrading to an energy star unit can save hundreds of dollars per year in energy costs. To check the estimated savings for upgrading, visit the Energy Star Flip Your Fridge Calculator.
- If you have a second refrigerator or a standalone freezer, consider removing the second unit or using it only seasonally to save on your bill.
- LWP offers free recycling and a $35 rebate to help you replace your old unit with a newer, more efficient oneDishwashers
- Try not to run your dishwasher until you have a full load of dishes.Washer/Dryer
- Try setting your washer to cold wash to save the energy used to heat water
- Try not to run your washer until you have a full load of laundry
-Air-dry your clothes when possibleIncreased Usage
- Customers often find that even efficient appliances can yield a high bill when family comes to visit or during a “stay-cation.” The number of people in your home and the amount you use your appliances will add up over time. Consider spending time outside when you can and turning off electronics when not in use.Energy Vampires
- Even when you are not currently using an appliance, any electronic device in your home will use a small amount of energy if it is plugged in.
- Unplug known energy vampires such as TVs, computers, coffee makers, cellphone chargers, and even treadmills when not in use
- Power strips allow you to turn off groups of electronics at a time and many also protect against electrical surges.
- Smart plugs can be a convenient solution to energy vampires. Check out the smart plugs and power strips available to LWP customers at the Efficiency Works Store.
- Consider Upgrading
- Older appliances are often more inefficient than their newer counterparts.
- Look for the Energy Star and Watersense labels on new appliances.
- If you are in the market for an upgrade, visit the LWP rebates section to assure you get the most out of your purchase.See for yourself: Watt reader kits are available to check out for free at the Loveland Public Library to help you check the power consumption of various appliances and devices in your home.
Loveland Water and Power offers rebates on many popular efficiency measures including:
- Energy-efficient air conditioners, mini-splits, and furnaces
- Water heaters
- Windows
- Thermostats
- LED and night sky lighting
- High-efficiency toilets
- Smart irrigation controllers
We do not offer rebates on: solar installations, turf removal and astroturf, stoves, sprinkler heads, dishwashers, or clothes dryers.
- Learn more about public Electric Vehicle Charging in Loveland
Loveland Water and Power offers free sprinkler assessments during the summer season in partnership with Resource Central. Consultations last about 90 minutes and can help you save thousands of gallons of water each year and keep your lawn healthy.
Consultations last about 90 minutes and include:
- A visual inspection to pinpoint any problems in your sprinkler system
- Tests to measure the precipitation rate of your sprinkler system
- Tests to determine how evenly the water is covering the intended area
- Soil sample to determine root depth and soil type
Learn more about Slow The Flow and other Water Efficiency Programs.
Schedule (or get on the waitlist) online: Resourcecentral.org/sprinkler or by calling (303) 999-3824
LWP currently offers three options to explore your unique home energy usage via Home Energy Assessments. Assessments are highly recommended if you have an interest in reducing your bill or being more environmentally friendly. Audits are tailored to provide you specific guidance based on your home, needs, and budget.
Efficiency Works Homes
Home Assessments conducted by Efficiency Works Homes are the most robust option for energy efficiency. Assessments include:
- Whole-house visual inspection
- Blower door test
- Infrared camera scan
- FREE installation of energy and water saving products include LED lighting, faucet aerators, low flow shower heads, and more!
Learn more at Efficiencyworks.org/homes
Larimer County Conservation Corps
From December to May, Loveland Water and Power customers can also participate in a free home efficiency assessment through Larimer County Conservation Corps. During the assessment a team of Corpsmembers will:
- Conduct a basic inspection of your home’s insulation, appliances, windows, toilets, and heating/cooling system
- Install appropriate efficiency measures based on your home’s needs. These products may include LED light bulbs, water conserving shower-heads and aerators, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, clotheslines and high-efficiency toilets
- Educate you about water and energy efficiency practices and services
Learn more and sign up online or by calling (970) 498-6660
Self-conducted assessments through your Home Utility Report portal
If you prefer to Do-It-Yourself, updating your Home Energy Profile will unlock a personalized home energy report with custom tips to reduce energy usage in your home. Visit the Home Utility Reports section of this FAQ to learn more.
How is the City monitoring health/safety of open lands and parks outside of actual unauthorized campsites?
It is a standard process for the City’s Parks & Recreation team to visit Loveland’s open lands and park spaces every week for clean-up and general maintenance. This clean-up – in addition to the extra visits from our encampment team – help us monitor the health and safety of our open lands and parks, but we are unable to monitor these spaces at all times. If you see something that seems out of place or that could be a health or safety risk, report it to the Loveland Police Department Non-Emergency line by calling 970.667.2151.
- Learn more about power outages and outage preparedness
- Rooftop solar projects must be approved by Loveland Water and Power before they are connected to the Loveland grid. Visit the rooftop solar page to see detailed requirements and procedures to assure your home solar is installed safely.
- House of Neighborly Service (HNS)Administers the Help a Neighbor in Distress (HAND) Program
- The Family Center/ La Familia: Partners with Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC)
- Larimer County Department of Human Services: Aid to Needy Disabled (AND), Old Age Pension (OAP), Public Benefits, Low Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
- Disabled Resource Services (DRS)
- Partnership for Age-Friendly Communities (PAFC): Emergency Grant for Older adults (Age 60+)
- Immanuel Lutheran Church and School: A family Place, Emergency Fund offered to families in needIf you represent an agency that provides financial assistance and would like your agency added to this list, please contact LWP Customer Relations
- Please visit the Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling page for a full list of program requirements
- The gray device attached to your AC unit is a Digital Cycling Units (DCU). It was part of a program called "Partnering with Power". The DCU used to receive radio signal from the utility and cycle on and off your air conditioner. This program is no longer active, and the units do not work anymore. The DCU can no longer send or receive signals.
F.O.G stands for Fats, Oils and Grease. Everyone has likely inadvertently put a little F.O.G. down the drain, but out of sight should absolutely not be out of mind when it comes to your drains. Fats, Oils and Grease are found in meat, fish, butter, cooking oil, mayonnaise, dressing, gravy, sauces and food scraps. F.O.G. can cause big problems and commonly occurs around the holidays when people are preparing large meals.
- Putting F.O.G. down your drain increases the need for sewer maintenance and repairs resulting in higher utility costs and even regulatory fines.
- F.O.G. can clog pipes, resulting in costly sewer repair bills.
You have a stake in the sewer line that runs from your home or business to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Every effort you take to reduce unwanted pollutants in the sewer benefits you and the City of Loveland economically and environmentally.
- If you received a pink copy of your ticket issued by the Loveland Police Department or the Humane Society, the ticket was directed to the Loveland Municipal Court. Municipal Court appearances are held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 810 E. 10th Street, Loveland, CO 80537. The Municipal Court handles the following functions: cashier, scheduling and collections. Certain municipal traffic violations require a court appearance so you may wish to call the Court for additional information on your ticket. The City Prosecutor's office is located at 810 E. 10th Street. For more information call 970-962-2482.
Penalty assessment traffic fines may be paid in person Monday through Friday at the Municipal Court office. Fines may also be mailed and must be post marked prior to scheduled court appearance.
If you received a blue copy of your ticket from the Loveland Police Department your ticket was directed to the Larimer County Court. Your required court appearance will be through Larimer County Court in Fort Collins. For information on County tickets please call County Court at 970-494-3500. - LWP uses tools like Home Utility Reports to achieve meaningful savings, which can help delay expansion and keep costs low. Reports like this are used by utilities all over the country and research shows that they are a cost-effective way to help customers reduce their water and energy use.
The City has explored closing sites heavily impacted by encampments, but City officials have determined that it is important to further evaluate the impacts of any related policy decision before closing sites for all public access.
On May 3, 2022, Loveland City Council directed City Manager Steve Adams to draft an ordinance that would allow the city to remove encampments from public property as soon as possible. City staff will work to write this ordinance to be presented at an upcoming City Council meeting, but coordinating the logistics will take longer. Those details will be updated when we have them.
Yes, you'll be notified prior to your meter installation. If you have an email on file with us, you’ll receive an email 2-3 weeks before our installers are in your area. We’ll also deploy yard signs in your neighborhood 2-3 weeks before meter exchanges begin. If the contact information on your utility account needs updating, give us a call at 970-962-2111.
- Absolutely not! The DCU's are no longer receiving any signal.
Garden-in-a-Box kits are a selection of professionally designed perennial gardens that help you save water and beautify your landscape. These xeric (low-water) garden kits include starter plants, a plant and care guide, and plant by number maps, making this perfect for all gardening levels. In partnership with Resource Central, LWP offers a limited number of $25 discounts to water customers. Gardens start at $79 and are competitively priced.
- Discounts are offered in the Spring and Fall annually. You can sign up for the early notification list as early as January.
- Learn more about Garden-in-a-Box and other Water Efficiency Programs.
- Order online: ResourceCentral.org/Gardens or by calling: (303) 999-3820 x222
Loveland Water and Power offers rebates on a variety of home improvements. These upgrades must be completed by an approved contractor in order to qualify for a rebate. Approved contractors can be found at effficiencyworks.org. Some rebate-eligible upgrades include:
- Air Conditioners
- Furnace
- Water Heater
- Windows
Comprehensive list of eligible upgrades and rebate requirements found at efficiencyworks.org/Homes.
- Similar Homes are identified by physical proximity as well as similar home attributes such as square footage and age of property. We compare ~100 homes to yours within a 5 mile radius that are within 200 sq ft of size as yours.
- Efficient Neighbors are homes that are the top 15th percentile of most efficient homes compared to similar neighbors.
- It's important to us to give you a report that is valid and meaningful. We compare your household to other real households in Loveland. To provide valid comparisons, we choose specific homes with characteristics that typically lead to similar energy needs such as those of a similar size, age, and heating/cooling system. You can improve the accuracy of your comparison by creating an account and taking the online Home Assessment.
- To find out information on unpaid tickets you will need to call either the Loveland Municipal Court or the Larimer County Court depending on the type of violation you received. The Loveland Municipal Court number is 970-962-2482. The phone number for the Larimer County Court - Loveland Branch is 970-622-2100.
- Schedule your free pick-up online or by calling 970-962-3000. Please review the pick-up requirements before calling or scheduling online.
- Learn more about pretreatment
To participate in an Efficiency Works Home Energy Assessment, you must:
- Be a Loveland Water and Power residential electric customer.
- Be home while the assessment is completed
- Occupy a single-family detached home or an attached townhouse (up to a four-plex). Multi-family homes are not included.
An assessment is sometimes required to qualify for home upgrade rebates. Visit the "Rebates" Section of this Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about rebates.
Decisions regarding whether to install solar panels, and through which company, are the customer's responsibility. Loveland Water and Power recommends consulting with an expert third-party before making investment decisions for your home.
- Learn more about rooftop solar rates
- Learn more about interconnection requirements
- Learn more about the Greenswitch program
A Sprinkler permit is required if you are planning to install a new sprinkler system, repair, expand or modify your present sprinkler system, you must meet the requirements of the Loveland Municipal Code and the Colorado Cross-Connection laws. Permits are free and required for all homeowners and contractors.
Property owners can perform normal maintenance activities on their sprinkler systems including replacing sprinkler heads or repairing a leak without obtaining a permit.
The sprinkler permit application can be found on the cross-connection webpage
Front Range summers get hot! But you can beat the heat with a few simple tricks:
- Turn your thermostat up before you leave. LWP offers rebates on smart thermostats to make this even easier.
- If you use window A/C units, make sure they are qualified to cool the room size they are in and be sure to turn them off when you leave the room.
- Close blinds and curtains during the day to keep the sun out.
- Turn on ceiling fans in rooms that are occupied to help them feel cooler
- Avoid using the oven, which heats up your home, and cook outside instead.
- Water your lawn more efficiently by adopting a cycle and soak watering schedule or signing up for a free sprinkler consultationEvery house is different and you may have unique ways to save on your bill. Visit lovelandwaterandpower.org/HUR to take the home assessment and get a customized Home Utility Report online.
- Resource Central is an award-winning nonprofit in Boulder, Colorado, that helps municipalities and water districts achieve their water conservation goals. Working in collaboration with more than 40 water providers, their conservation programs have helped Colorado families save over a billion gallons of water since 1976.
Resource Central has been a beloved long-time partner for Loveland Water and Power (LWP). They coordinate the Garden In A Box kit sales, Slow the Flow complimentary irrigation audits and seasonal waterwise webinars that cover a variety of current outdoor conservation topics, all of which benefit Loveland customers. So it was very natural for LWP to partner with them again to implement the Lawn Replacement program for the 2023 pilot season.
In summer 2023, Loveland Water and Power's submission for a grant to help local governments increase community access to turf removal programs was approved by the Colorado Water Conservation Board. This allows us to use that funding toward 2024 projects and triple the amount of projects from the 2023 season. What is the City doing about the trash, debris, drug paraphernalia, open flames, and human waste surrounding camps that is unsanitary and visually unpleasant to see?
Our Encampment Cleanup Team is monitoring all camps on a weekly basis, with 3 to 4 different visits by various staff members every week. This process includes:- Handing out large, heavy-duty trash bags and bio bags to campers for trash and human waste.
- Monitoring sites and flagging dangerous materials like drug paraphernalia and fire-starting equipment for removal and ensuring that campers remove them.
The City also provides large dumpsters and port-a-potties near these camps to help manage waste. Our trained contractor goes through the trash every week to count and properly dispose of needles and other dangerous items.
It is also important to remember that trash, debris and drug paraphernalia might exist in public places even where there are not unauthorized encampments. Our Parks & Recreation crews actively monitor and regularly remove trash from all of our City-managed spaces to help keep our parks and open spaces clean. If there is trash or debris that is possibly hazardous, the City will schedule it to be picked up by its hazard waste contactor.- The City has selected SiteWise, a Denver-based utility solutions provider, to support with the city-wide meter exchange. SiteWise installation crews will be trained by Loveland Water and Power and will handle meter exchanges during our AMI deployment.
- F.O.G. repels water. Using hot water or soap will not remove F.O.G. When the solution contacts the cooler underground piping, F.O.G. can stick to pipes and cause a blockage.
Loveland Water and Power offers a $35 rebate to electric customers who recycle their old refrigerators and freezers through the free recycling program.
LWP offers rebates on select washing machine models at select retailers. View current offerings.
Visit the backflow page to learn more about backflow and required backflow assemblies on new and existing sprinkler systems.
- Many Lawn Replacement participants belong to HOAs which have approved their lawn projects. HOAs are often happy to sign off because this program encourages transitions of hard to maintain areas or unused lawn spaces to vibrant waterwise landscaping using conservation professionals.
Additionally, on May 17, 2023, Governor Jared Polis also signed SB23-178 into law to help remove barriers to waterwise landscaping in HOA communities. This legislation states that HOAs shall not prohibit the use of “xeriscape, non-vegetative turf grass, or drought-tolerant vegetative landscapes” but may still designate design or aesthetic guidelines.
Still, we encourage hopeful applicants to discuss their plans with their HOAs prior to moving forward with any project. - An A/C technician can take the DCU off for you. The device does nothing right now, so it's fine to just leave it as well.
- Very likely no. Senate Bill 19-181 did not provide local governments with the explicit authority to ban oil and gas development. When the bill was being debated, the bill’s sponsors stated that it was not the intent of the legislation to ban oil and gas development. While Senate Bill 19-181 has not been litigated, past court decisions have disapproved of oil and gas development bans. Senate Bill 19-181 gave local governments broad new authority to regulate and restrict oil and gas development to protect public health and safety and the environment. Numerous local governments have implemented short-term moratoriums to allow for a "time out" to write and implement oil and gas regulations. However, no local governments in Colorado have banned oil and gas development.
LWP does not endorse or recommend any particular solar company. Decisions regarding whether to obtain this service, and through which company, are the customer's responsibility.
- Learn more about rooftop solar rates
- Learn more about interconnection requirements
- Learn more about the Greenswitch program
Can you restrict camps from being close to restrooms, playgrounds and trails, so the public can continue to utilize Loveland’s parks, trails and open lands?
With a focus on public health, safety, mitigating unreasonable risk of fire, and preservation of public and private property, Loveland City Council passed an emergency unauthorized encampment ban on May 17, 2022 that allows the City to move anyone camping illegally on public property.
To fully enforce the ban, the City needs to offer overnight shelter space and temporary storage for valuables to anyone that will need to move. Individuals living in unauthorized encampments can choose to relocate to shelter, or they can choose to find somewhere else to go, otherwise risking citations or even arrest.
Loveland did not have a year-round shelter space or storage before the ban and has been working on the following to make this possible. We are updating the public on this process weekly at lovgov.org/homelessness.If your electric and water meters are outside your home or business, no, you don't need to be home.
If one or more of your meters are inside, yes, an adult age 18 or older will need to be present.
- Learn more about High Strength Sewer Charges
- View Rates, Charges and Fees
Loveland Police Department has developed policies and procedures regarding the release of reports that are in compliance with both legislative and case law, balancing public disclosure with privacy rights. Colorado state law and the Loveland Police Department regulates who may receive copies of cases depending on a variety of circumstances such as (but not limited to) the type of report, status of the investigation, involvement in the report, and ages of individuals involved in the report. In some instances your copy of the report may have certain information blacked out depending on the disposition of the case or the persons involved.
Copies of police reports are generally available three working days after the incident has been reported and most reports are free of charge. If a report is older than 5 years, three business days may be required to process the request.
To request a copy of a police report you need to provide any pertinent information including names, dates, locations and case number if known. You may request this information by completing this form Records Request and either fax or mail it. Please be sure to sign your name in the signature field and include the date.- Fax the request form to the Records Section at 970-962-2916.
- Mail the request form to the Loveland Police Department Records Section at 810 E. 10th St., Ste. 100, Loveland, CO 80537. Be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Visit the Loveland Police Department at 810 E. 10th St. between 8AM and 5PM Monday through Friday.
If you mail or fax your request, it takes approximately 3 business days from receipt of request to process the report. If you come to the Loveland Police Department your request can often be processed within 15 minutes of arrival.
Please note that names, addresses, telephone numbers and any other information contained in any police report may not be used for the purposes of soliciting business for pecuniary gain. CRS 24-72-305.5
If you have additional questions on obtaining copies of police reports, please call 970-962-2267. If you get voicemail, please leave your name, phone number and brief message and a Records Clerk will return your call.- Scrape all food waste into a lined garbage can. Putting food wastes down the drain increases the oxygen needed to treat wastewater.
- Keep a strainer in your sink to capture residual solids. Minimize the use of the kitchen garbage disposal. This step will also help prevent backups, save water and save you money.
- Use a paper towel to wipe oil and grease from pots, pans and utensils.
- Place waste oil and solidified grease into a suitable container after it has cooled to be disposed of in the trash.
- Recycle cooking oil (e.g., from turkey fryer) at the City’s Recycling Center.
- LWP has a six-year vegetation management-control cycle. We inspect the system annually and make adjustments where necessary to keep secondary and primary lines clear of any obstructions.
- Rebates are credited to your utility bill approximately 6-8 weeks after your unit is retrieved. Please note that your rebate may be reduced if crews were unable to pick up your unit after two attempts. View the full pick-up requirements for more information.
We do take some special circumstances into account to make sure you have the best and fairest information possible. But there are reasons we can't take all special circumstances into account.
We can only compare your usage based on what we know about you and your neighbors.
We base your comparison on reliable data that is gathered for households in your area. However, a variety of lifestyle choices and household changes don’t have a system of record. For example, we don’t have a way of knowing if you have guests visiting, work from home regularly, or just bought new windows. For this reason, we base your comparison on the major, known factors that drive energy/water consumption. If you would like to improve the accuracy of your report, complete an online Home Assessment.Some attributes are not a good basis for comparison.
For example, you might wonder why we don’t compare your home to only homes of a similar age. Similarly aged homes don’t necessarily have similar energy needs. Older homes may typically be less efficient, but they are also more likely to have been renovated. New homes may be more efficient in some ways, but they may have more features that use energy
(jetted spas, heated floors, central AC, and other, similar, types of features).We want the comparison to be meaningful.
We hope that the similar home comparison can offer valuable information and context about your home’s energy use so that you can save energy and money.Even without taking into account everything that's special about your circumstances, the program can still be a useful informational tool and allow for measurement of your own performance over time.
Utility equipment in your yard or the easement near your home can include transformers, electric utility boxes and cable, fire hydrants, meter pits, meter readouts and manholes. These guidelines help ensure the safety of crews, eliminate delays when restoring service during outages and ensure emergency personal have quick access to fire hydrants.
Electrical Equipment
- Look up before you plant trees. Do not plant trees next to or under overhead power lines. The little tree you're planting today could eventually grow into the lines, creating a safety hazard for our maintenance crews. Plus, fallen limbs are a leading cause of power outages.Leave 5-foot clearances on the side and back of electric utility boxes and at least 10-foot clearance in front of electric utility box doors.
- Do not paint transformers or other electrical equipment. Contact Loveland Water and Power if equipment needs attention.
- Keep shrubs trimmed and landscaping materials at a minimum to allow visibility to electric crews.
Fire Hydrants
- Leave a 3-foot clearance around fire hydrants.
- 15-foot clearance above hydrant.
- 18-inches of vertical clearance from the hydrant’s base to the center of the large cap. This allows crews to quickly connect fire hoses and/or conduct maintenance.
- Keep trees 10-feet from hydrants and bushes 5-feet from hydrants.
Keep shrubs trimmed and landscaping materials at a minimum to allow visibility to utility crews and emergency personnel - Never paint a fire hydrant.
- Do not obstruct the view of the hydrant from the street in any direction.
Meters and Meter Pits
Leave a 1-foot clear semi-circle around meter pits and manholes and clearance completely open to sidewalks or curbs.
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- Keep shrubs trimmed and landscaping materials at a minimum to allow visibility to meter readouts, meter pits and manholes. Please do not fence in your electric meter or build structures over manholes and water meters.
Resource Central is an award-winning nonprofit in Boulder, Colorado, that helps municipalities and water districts achieve their water conservation goals. Working in collaboration with more than 40 water providers, their conservation programs have helped Colorado families save over a billion gallons of water since 1976.
Resource Central has been a beloved long-time partner for Loveland Water and Power (LWP). We've actually partnered with them for 17 years to provide Loveland Water and Power customers with discounted waterwise gardens.They also coordinate the Slow the Flow complimentary irrigation audits, the Lawn Replacement waterwise landscaping program, and seasonal waterwise webinars that cover a variety of current outdoor conservation topics, all of which benefit Loveland customers.
LWP encourages customers to clear trees from the electric service wire entering your home to prevent individual outages. Keeping the service wire clear of trees is the responsibility of the customer. To promote safety during tree trimming we will disconnect your service during normal business hours at no charge. Call
(970) 962-3581 at least 24 hours in advance to schedule.To report trees in the secondary distribution lines or primary distribution lines call
(970) 962-3581 . When you call, be prepared to give your name, address, telephone number so that we may contact you if necessary to assist us in locating the fixture for repair.Balancing comfort the comfort of your home with your monthly utility bill may seem like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Some recommendations for colder weather include:
- Turn your thermostat down before you leave. LWP offers rebates on smart thermostats to make this even easier.
- Keep your home at the lowest temperature you can comfortably tolerate. That might mean bundling up a little while you're inside, but turning the heat down even a few degrees can mean big savings.
- Open blinds and curtains during the day to take advantage of natural heat from the sun.
- Seal gaps in doors and windows to keep cold air out.
- If you use space heaters, make sure they are qualified to heat the room size they are in and be sure to turn them off when you leave the room.Every house is different and you may have unique ways to save on your bill. Visit lovelandwaterandpower.org/HUR to take the home assessment and get a customized Home Utility Report online.
- If you represent a business, visit the Pretreatment page to learn more about F.O.G. regulations
- HOAs are not currently eligible for the Lawn Replacement program, but we still have resources for HOAs to take advantage of. Check out our HOA resource page for programs and water-efficiency tips they can use to save.
- Many Garden In A Box participants belong to HOAs which have approved their gardens. HOAs are often happy to sign off because this program encourages transitions of hard to maintain areas or unused lawn spaces to vibrant waterwise landscaping using professional designs.
Additionally, on May 17, 2023, Governor Jared Polis also signed SB23-178 into law to help remove barriers to waterwise landscaping in HOA communities. This legislation states that HOAs shall not prohibit the use of “xeriscape, non-vegetative turf grass, or drought-tolerant vegetative landscapes” but may still designate design or aesthetic guidelines.
Still, we encourage hopeful applicants to discuss their plans with their HOAs prior to moving forward with any project. With a focus on public health, safety, mitigating unreasonable risk of fire, and preservation of public and private property, Loveland City Council passed an emergency unauthorized encampment ban on May 17, 2022 that allows the City to move anyone camping illegally on public property.
To fully enforce the ban, the City needs to offer overnight shelter space and temporary storage for valuables to anyone that will need to move. Individuals living in unauthorized encampments can choose to relocate to shelter, or they can choose to find somewhere else to go, otherwise risking citations or even arrest.
Loveland did not have a year-round shelter space or storage before the ban and has been working on the following to make this possible. We are updating the public on this process weekly at lovgov.org/homelessness.- Sometimes your home just needs a tune-up from an expert. Visit our Water Efficiency and Energy Efficiency pages to learn more about the free/reduced cost programs LWP offers to improve the efficiency of your home.
- Learn more about hazardous waste regulations
- Loveland Water and Power offers rebates on high efficiency toilets for homes built before 1994. Toilets must be 1.1. gallons per flush or less and rebates can be submitted online by uploading a copy of your receipt.
Dual flush toilets must have an average of 1.1 gallons per flush or less. To get the average of a dual flush toilet, multiply the lower flush by 2, add the higher flush, and then divide that combined number by 3.
View rebate requirements.
- To obtain adult fingerprinting for purposes other than criminal or immigration please call 970-217-1209. Fingerprinting is done at the Loveland Police Department by an independent professional by appointment only and there is a fee.
- Please take the DCU to the Loveland recycling center and have it recycled for free. Take it to the electronics section.
Since ECMC has tightened its rules on setbacks, which rules (city or state) take precedence if permits were applied for today?
An oil and gas company must comply with local and state regulations by receiving state and local permits (the City of Loveland has a local permit requirement). ECMC has clarified that its rules and conditions are considered the minimum standard. Local governments may enact regulations as long as they meet or are stricter than the state's minimum requirements.- It will be placed in a bin at the Loveland Recycling Center. When enough units have been collected All Recycling will pick them up and take to their facility in Denver
- Metals, plastics and glass are recycled
- What little remains will be sent to a landfill
Each home situation is unique and increased usage could be caused by a host of factors in your home--from appliances to weather. Some common reasons for why your bill may be higher than previously include:
- The billing period is longer--a bill spanning 32 days will be larger than one that's only 28 days. You can check the billing period length on your bill.
- Weather--Both hot and cold weather can cause higher utility use depending on the appliances and HVAC setup of your home. Visit the "Summer Tips" and "Winter Tips" section of this FAQ for general information or sign up online to perform an online Home Assessment to get personalized information on ways to save energy and water in your home during any season.
- Special Circumstances--The Home Utility Report can account for things like the age and size of your home, but it cannot track when you have guests visiting, if you work from home or just bought new windows. This is meant to be an educational tool, but it's not a full house assessment.
- Visit the "Why is my bill higher than expected" section of the FAQ's page to see some common culprits for higher bills in your home.
- Check out the efficiency programs page to see rebates and services LWP offers to help you save money on your bill.
- In some cases, we may need to briefly interrupt service during your new meter installation.
- HOAs are not currently eligible for the Garden In A Box program, but we still have resources for HOAs to take advantage of. Check out our HOA resource page for programs and water-efficiency tips they can use to save.
- If you represent a business, visit the Pretreatment page to learn more about F.O.G. regulations
- The Loveland Police Department contracts with the Larimer County Humane Society for all issues related to animal control. Their phone number is: 970-226-3647.
Power
- Base charge – A flat fee applied each month, this covers the cost of infrastructure (substations, transformers, utility poles, lines, meters, etc.) that connects electricity to your home. It also includes utility business such as administration, customer service and meter reading.
- Consumption charge – Billed in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and based on the electricity consumed, including the cost of wholesale electricity and distribution system maintenance. Summer seasonal rates apply in the July, August and September bills.
- PILT (Payment-in-lieu of taxes) – City ordinance requires LWP to pay a portion (7 percent) of its revenues to the City of Loveland general fund.
- What are seasonal rates? The cost to produce, transmit and distribute electricity changes based on how much of the system is used to keep up with demand. When more people use energy or water at the same time, more infrastructure and resources are put to use, which can increase the cost. To account for these increased costs, Loveland Water and Power uses seasonal rates. Costs decrease during cooler months when electric demand is low and increase in the summer months when demand is high.
Water
- Base charge – A flat fee applied each month, this covers the cost of infrastructure (treatment plants, pipes, pumps, meters, etc.) that deliver water to your home. It also includes utility business such as administration, customer service and meter reading.
- Use fee – Billed in 1,000 gallon increments and based on water consumed, this covers the cost of source water, treatment and distribution maintenance.
Wastewater
- Base charge – A flat fee applied each month, this covers the cost of infrastructure (treatment plants, pipes, pumps, environmental compliance, etc.) that transports wastewater from your home. It also includes utility business such as administration, customer service and billing.
- Volume charge – Determined by your winter quarter average, this covers the cost of wastewater collection and processing.
- What is a winter quarter average? Wastewater charges are determined by the actual amount of water used as shown on your December, January and February utility bills (known as your winter quarter average). Between March and November, the winter quarter average is applied unless water use is lower than the winter quarter average. Then, you are billed for the lower amount. The three winter months were chosen so customers would not be charged for using treated water to irrigate their lawns or wash their cars. Water used outdoors does not go to the wastewater treatment plant, instead the water goes into the storm drainage system. If you water your lawn during the winter, the water used is included in your average.
- Not to be confused with stormwater
- Irrigating your lawn can often consume 50% of a household’s water, doubling or tripling your consumption from May-October.
A single 100 sq ft. of xeric garden saves over 7,300 gallons of water over the lifetime of the garden compared to traditional Kentucky Bluegrass.
We estimate annual savings of around 10-12 gallons per square foot of lawn removed. If the homeless can camp on open lands without penalty, why can’t I take my tent and camp at City parks and natural areas?
Camping, except for those individuals who do not have another housing option, is still prohibited on City Parks and Open Lands.
With a focus on public health, safety, mitigating unreasonable risk of fire, and preservation of public and private property, Loveland City Council passed an emergency unauthorized encampment ban on May 17, 2022 that allows the City to move anyone camping illegally on public property.
To fully enforce the ban, the City needs to offer overnight shelter space and temporary storage for valuables to anyone that will need to move. Individuals living in unauthorized encampments can choose to relocate to shelter, or they can choose to find somewhere else to go, otherwise risking citations or even arrest.
Loveland did not have a year-round shelter space or storage before the ban and has been working on the following to make this possible. We are updating the public on this process weekly at lovgov.org/homelessness.You are welcome to log into your Home Utility Report profile online and take the Home Energy Assessment. Not only will that improve the accuracy of your report--it will also provide you a personalized look at your energy/water usage and give you tips and tricks to save on your bill.
If you are still seeing above average usage, check out the "Home Efficiency Assessments" portion of this FAQ. A home assessment is the best way to receive personalized, specific information about your home and usage. You'll receive info on free and discounted ways to save in your home.
Please note that as appliances and homes become more efficient, the overall average household will become more efficient over time. That means that if you haven't made changes to your home or habits in some time, your ranking may go down. Don’t' worry! We are here to help you save with our Efficiency Programs.
- Visit the online Home Utility Reports webpage
- Next to the words "Don’t have online account?” click "Register"
- You will need:
- Your account number as it appears on your bill or HUR (NO SPACES)
- Your name
- To create a password
- Here you can:
- View your energy/water usage
- Take the Home Energy Assessment. Not only will that update your home profile--it will also provide you a personalized look at your water/energy usage and give you tips and tricks to save on your bill.
- Create a custom savings plan.
- Sign up for paperless reports or just view your report online.
- Earn rewards for creating an account, taking the Home Energy Assessment, and completing items in your action plan.
Loveland Water and Power offers rebates on Energy Star certified smart thermostats. Rebate applications may be submitted online or you can get an instant rebate by purchasing a thermostat directly through the Efficiency Works Store. View the comprehensive list of eligible products and rebate requirements.
- An electrical surge is a short duration, high-energy impulse that is impressed on the normal electrical power system whenever there is a sudden change in the electrical circuit. Surges can originate from a variety of sources, both internal and external to a facility. The most obvious source is from lightning, but surges can also come from normal utility switching operations. Surges may even come from within a building or facility from equipment that turns on and off intermittently such as air conditioners, motors/pumps, or elevators.
When oil and gas regulations change at the local level, or at the state level, which standards are used to review and approve project applications?
The application is reviewed using the approved local and state regulations in place at the time the initial application was submitted. Regulations implemented after an application for an oil and gas project is received may not apply to that specific project, but could be considered in the application process.- There are no plans to continue this program.
- If you witness road rage please note the description of the vehicle(s) involved, the direction of travel and a description of the driver(s) if possible. If you have a cellular telephone please pull to a safe area and dial *DUI or *CSP to report the incident to the local law enforcement authorities.
By utilizing properly installed surge protection to prevent damage, especially to sensitive electronic components.
For equipment such as computers or network servers, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can offer protection from low service voltage or outages and can help eliminate or reduce the loss of important data. These systems, usually composed of batteries and voltage monitoring, are designed to provide short-term power in the event of an outage and allow for a more graceful shutdown for sensitive equipment. A UPS does not provide long-term power but helps minimize immediate losses due to a power outage. UPS systems range from single-point backup devices serving a computer to large battery banks for industrial facilities.
- A single 100 sq ft. of xeric garden saves over 7,300 gallons of water over the lifetime of the garden compared to traditional Kentucky Bluegrass.
- Learn more about the Hydrozone Program
- Once your application has been submitted, Resource Central will reach out to schedule a phone consultation to go over additional details of your project. Your application is not fully approved until you complete the phone consultation and return a signed contract.
If you haven’t received confirmation of your submission or want to check the status of your submission, contact Resource Central’s Turf Replacement Team or call 303-999-3820 extension 221. If well platforms are moved slightly outside city limits, what controls would the City of Loveland have over horizontal drilling occurring under properties within city limits?
None. Senate Bill 19-181 is very clear that ECMC, not local governments, has jurisdiction over what are referred to as downhole impacts. Local governments have co-authority with the ECMC over surface impacts of the oil and gas industry within city limits.Since these numbers are averages, they are not at an exact percentage. The break down is roughly:
- Homes receiving “Good”–top 15%
- Homes receiving “More savings possible” –middle 55%
- Homes receiving “Above typical use” –bottom 30%
If you believe your report may be inaccurate, please complete an online home assessment. Not only will that improve the accuracy of your report--it will also provide you a personalized look at your energy/water usage and give you tips and tricks to save on your bill.
If you are still seeing above average usage, check out the "Home Efficiency Assessments" portion of this FAQ. A home assessment is the best way to receive personalized, specific information about your home and usage. You'll receive info on free and discounted ways to save in your home.
Please note that as appliances and homes become more efficient, the overall average household will become more efficient over time. That means that if you haven't made changes to your home or habits in some time, your ranking may go down. Don’t' worry! We are here to help you save with our Efficiency Programs.
What are the current utility rates?
View the full schedule of Rates, Charges and Fees
What are this year's rate changes?
Loveland Water and Power(LWP) announces upcoming residential rate changes in the newsletter that comes with your bill—usually around November. Keep an eye out for this newsletter to see the simple explanation, including the dollars and cents that apply to an average household. If you missed it, you can view all of the City Update newsletters online at lovgov.org/CityUpdate
How are rate changes determined?
LWP is committed to keeping utility costs low and reliability high for all customers. As a non-profit utility, rate dollars are directly reinvested to maintain high-quality services. LWP rates are drafted alongside expert rate consultants every three years. Rates are approved by the Loveland Utilities Commission (LUC) and then City Council before they are set in stone.
You can see the proposal for each change by examining the relevant LUC meeting packet. Annual rate proposals can often be found in the September LUC packet of the year prior. Click on “LUC Packet” to see what LUC was given when making this decision.
Additionally, you can read the approved meeting minutes or listen to the audio recording of that LUC session from the calendar entry page.
- Loveland Water and Power offers rebates on WaterSense labeled Wi-Fi irrigation controllers for customers who have had a Slow the Flow irrigation consultation in the last two years (2018, 2019, or 2020). The rebate application can be submitted online with a copy of your receipt. View rebate requirements.
- Learn more about Residential Energy Efficiency Programs
- Learn more about Business Energy Efficiency Programs
- You'll receive a door hanger notifying you when an advanced meter has been installed.
- A police investigation cannot be completed as the vehicles and accident scene are gone. Accidents in which the drivers leave the scene are primarily a civil matter of financial liability. However, if you exchanged information with the other driver(s) and later found the information you were given was false, we might want to have an officer speak with you.
If you need a report for insurance purposes or another reason, a cold accident report can be completed. This report indicates that no investigation was completed. In order to complete a cold accident report, you will need to come to the Loveland Police Department Records Section and complete the form.
Please note that the announcement of an accident alert made in Larimer County does not pertain to accidents occurring within the jurisdiction of the Loveland Police Department. The spring garden sale usually begins March 1st and popular gardens can often sell out within the first couple weeks. Garden kits have been known to sell out completely by early April, so it's important to act quickly when sales are advertised, or sign up for the newsletter to get upcoming sale reminders.
Typically, Resource Central will offer a fall garden sale in mid-summer which allows customers to take advantage of the remaining planting season by focusing on perennial plants which will survive though the winter and give customers a head start for the next spring.Utility discounts from Loveland Water and Power are offered on a first come, first serve basis and may not remain available for all customer purchases.
- Resource Central will accept a few applications beyond the number of spots available for a season in case earlier applications are disqualified or cancelled. In this scenario you’re welcome to apply for the “cancellation list” and will be notified at any point in the season if a spot becomes available for your project.
If Resource Central is no longer accepting applications, you may join the email interest list* to be notified when the next round of applications will open. You may also find it useful to continue with a do-it-yourself project** using tips and resources from our outdoor water efficiency page or by purchasing a discounted Garden In A Box.
*The interest list does not hold a spot for potential participants, it is only a contact list that will be notified first when an application period re-opens.
**Do-it-yourself projects do not qualify for discounts with the Lawn Replacement program. However please review our Programs and Rebates pages for possible benefits. - LED Bulbs - Loveland Water and Power offers instant rebates on LED lightbulbs through the Efficiency Works Store. We offer an assortment of shapes, lighting shades, and dimmable bulbs.
- Night Sky Fixtures - Loveland Water and Power offers rebates of on Energy Star certified, fully integrated LED night sky lighting fixtures. Rebate applications can be submitted online. View rebate requirements.
At the last count, there are between 125-150 homeless individuals in Loveland. To fully enforce the emergency unauthorized encampment ban passed by City Council on May 17, the City needs to offer overnight shelter space and temporary storage for valuables to anyone that will need to move. Individuals living in unauthorized encampments can choose to relocate to shelter, or they can choose to find somewhere else to go, otherwise risking citations or even arrest.
Loveland did not have a year-round shelter space or storage before the ban and has been working on the following to make this possible. We are updating the public on this process weekly at lovgov.org/homelessness.
- The State of Colorado, in accordance with the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act, requires every drinking water supplier to publish an annual document known as a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), more commonly known as a Water Quality Report. These reports provide detailed information about the quality of water delivered to the public.
- Any revenue generated by a local government from oil and gas would be through property tax revenue. Property tax revenue is based on the location of the wellhead. That means that if oil and gas development is producing minerals within one jurisdiction (say, the City of Loveland), but the wellhead is in another jurisdiction (such as Larimer County), then the wellhead's location would get the tax revenue.
Reports are created and printed separately from where the Utility Bills are printed. The logistics for getting the two paired together is not possible at this time. Additionally, adding the Home Utility Report to the Utility Bill, which already includes the City Update, would increase the weight of the mailing over 1oz and increase the cost of postage.
- Yes! The rewards you earn by logging on to your online Home Utility Report are real points that you can redeem for gift cards. You can earn rewards by creating an online account, taking the Home Energy Assessment, completing items in your action plan, and logging in to your account each month.
There are a few different ways to accomplish this.
+ Call the Professional Standards Unit at 970-962-2834;
+ Visit the Police Department and speak to the on-duty shift Supervisor;
+ Visit the Police Department and request a "Complaint Packet." There is also the option of having the information mailed, if needed.
+ Fill out and submit this online form.
- If you've created an account and started a rebate application, your information should be saved in the portal. Please call Efficiency Works at 877-981-1888 for help with your application.
- You can join the email interest list to be notified when the application process re-opens.
- You can join the newsletter list to be notified of upcoming sales or topics of interest.
- Learn more about Residential Water Efficiency Programs
- Learn more about Business Water Efficiency Programs
What do I do if I have questions about the AMI equipment change, or have received a notice to schedule an appointment?
If you have questions about your AMI installation, contact Lynn Valdez at 970-962-3541 or lynn.valdez@cityofloveland.org.What is the anticipated length of time to process an oil and gas application under the City's current code using the fast track process?
It is important to know that the City requires any oil and gas application within city limits to also be approved by the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), formally known as the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC). That process can affect the timing of Loveland’s application review process. The Track 2 process requiring Director of Development Services approval could take approximately 4-6 months. The Track 2 approval process for the CE pad, which is the first oil and gas development application under the City’s UDC, took more than year including public input, the Development Review process and alignment with the state’s approval process. As Loveland’s first application with the enhanced guidelines, it was important to take time and ensure the process was thorough and transparent.- With a focus on public health, safety, mitigating unreasonable risk of fire, and preservation of public and private property, Loveland City Council passed an emergency unauthorized encampment ban on May 17, 2022 that allows the City to move anyone camping illegally on public property.
To fully enforce the ban, the City needs to offer overnight shelter space and temporary storage for valuables to anyone that will need to move. Individuals living in unauthorized encampments can choose to relocate to shelter, or they can choose to find somewhere else to go, otherwise risking citations or even arrest.
Loveland did not have a year-round shelter space or storage before the ban and has been working on the following to make this possible. Beyond achieving regulatory compliance, CCRs provide water customers with detailed information about drinking water quality, results of laboratory testing and other items of interest. As the name implies, we are hopeful the transparency in these reports raises consumer confidence in the quality of their drinking water.
- Waterwise landscaping requires much less watering than traditional lawn grasses such as Kentucky Bluegrass, and can involve incorporating hardscape (like rock). It’s highly recommended to convert or adapt your irrigation system to match the future needs of your lawn. Homeowners or landscape professionals are both capable of completing this final step to ensure water savings.
That said, there’s no irrigation system requirement to the Lawn Replacement Program, and you’re still welcome to participate if you aren’t converting your irrigation system, or don’t have an irrigation system at all.
Website with helpful information
Video on converting a sprinkler system to drip
Rebates on outdoor water saving equipment There are not requirements to replace existing sprinkler heads with a drip system.
However, waterwise landscaping requires much less watering than traditional lawn grasses or non-waterwise plants. It's highly recommended to convert or adapt your irrigation system to match the future needs of your garden. Homeowners or landscape professionals are both capable of converting regular sprinkler heads to a drip system.
Website with helpful information
Video on converting a sprinkler system to drip
Rebates on outdoor water saving equipmentAm I required by LWP to have insurance on my water and/or wastewater service lines?
LWP periodically receives phone calls from customers who are concerned about letters they have received from insurance companies offering coverage for customer-owned water lines.
LWP does not require customers to carry this insurance, and it does not endorse or recommend any particular insurance company. Decisions regarding whether to obtain this insurance, and through which company, are the customers responsibility.
- If you have any problems after your installation, contact us right away.
What is the anticipated length of time to process an oil and gas application under the City's current code without the fast track process?
It is important to know that the City requires any oil and gas application within city limits to also be approved by the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), formally known as the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC). That process can affect the timing of Loveland’s application review process. Typically, the Track 3 process requiring Planning Commission approval (mentioned in the Local Regulations section) would take six months for staff review, staff report preparation, and public notice before the application could be ready for a public hearing before the Planning Commission. An additional three months may be needed to prepare the application and staff report for an appeal to City Council.The Consumer Confidence Report, or Water Quality Report, includes facts about:
- The sources of your water
- How we work to protect watersheds from which our raw water flows
- How your water is tested, treated and purified
- Specific results of our water quality testing program
- Other related information
- Refrigerator and freezer recycling rebates are processed monthly. You can expect to see a $35 credit on one of your next two utility bills following your refrigerator pickup. Rebates cannot be issued in the form of a check.
Rebates on devices such as air conditioners, furnaces, windows, as well as thermostats, toilets and other products are processed through Efficiency Works. You can expect to receive a check in the mail within 8 weeks of the approval of your rebate.
- Once the City's approval process is complete, an application would continue through the ECMC (formerly known as the COGCC) for state approval before receiving a permit to begin operations. If the state approves the application, then the applicant would need to submit a permit through the City of Loveland’s Development Center and begin the process of working through other planning and building requirements to move a project forward.
To opt out of receiving a new advanced electric meter from Loveland Water and Power, simply fill out our online opt-out application.
Good news - Loveland water consistently meets or exceeds all state and federal drinking water quality standards. In some cases, Loveland water is even higher quality than bottled water sources. Read the most current Drinking Water Quality report.
For a previous version of the report or to request a hard copy call us at 970-962-3000.
This number changes at any given time, but from April – December 2021, 51 camps were documented in Loveland. An estimated 90% of these encampments are on or near the Big Thompson River and in some of the City’s open spaces and parks.
With a focus on public health, safety, mitigating unreasonable risk of fire, and preservation of public and private property, Loveland City Council passed an emergency unauthorized encampment ban on May 17, 2022 that allows the City to move anyone camping illegally on public property.
At City Council's direction, City staff is focused on the moving unauthorized encampments in the King's Crossing area first.
To fully enforce the ban, the City needs to offer overnight shelter space and temporary storage for valuables to anyone that will need to move. Individuals living in unauthorized encampments can choose to relocate to shelter, or they can choose to find somewhere else to go, otherwise risking citations or even arrest.
Loveland did not have a year-round shelter space or storage before the ban and has been working on the following to make this possible. We are updating the public on this process weekly at lovgov.org/homelessness.Garden In A Box welcomes many repeat customers each year. It's common for customers to slowly transition areas of their lawn over several years to manage financial costs, spread out labor commitments, or because they realize how much they love the program and their gardens after the first year.
Consider checking out some of our resources on the outdoor water efficiency page where you can get do-it-yourself ideas for lawn removal, plant selection and xeriscaping principles.
Garden In A Box kits are also available through the Lawn Replacement program if customers are interested in receiving assistance in transitioning additional grass areas to a waterwise garden.
- If the scope of your project is larger than the project area with the Lawn Replacement program, then consider checking out some of our resources on the outdoor water efficiency page where you can get do-it-yourself ideas for lawn removal, plant selection and xeriscaping principles.
We also understand that some transitions are years in the making and are happy to help customers who are making a long-term commitment a couple hundred square feet at a time. You’re welcome to apply to the Lawn Replacement Program for consecutive years but can’t apply for multi-year projects or be guaranteed a future spot in the program. You can apply with a project idea which includes do-it-yourself elements and can then choose the discount that works best with that project – i.e.
- if you want to receive a discount on lawn removal, but you’re interested in replacing that space with landscaping other than a Garden In A Box;
- or if you’re already working on larger/alternate lawn removal projects with landscape professionals or removing lawn on their own, you could apply to only receive complimentary Garden In A Box kits.
However, projects must be approved ahead of time and completed in the same year to receive discounts or complimentary gardens.
There are no retroactive benefits or financial rebates available if you’ve transitioned landscaping without receiving a written project approval from Resource Central. You can review our Programs and Rebates pages for possible benefits. Our outdoor water efficiency page also has lots of useful resources for do-it-yourself projects.Your Home Utility Report is created just for you and is meant to provide you with useful insights and tips for reducing your water and/or energy use. This report is a research-backed tool to help you learn about your usage and save on your utility bill. As a community, Loveland uses tools like this to achieve meaningful savings, which can help delay expansion and keep costs low.
To improve the accuracy of your report and further customize your Loveland Water and Power savings plan, visit the Home Utility Reports website
For further questions, please contact Utility Billing at 970-962-2111.
01. Downtown residents have been experiencing issues related to homelessness for a while now and the City/LPD hasn’t done anything about it. How can we believe this will get better with a shelter downtown?
The safety of our residents is important to both the City and the Loveland Police Department and we recognize that it can be discouraging when you call to report something and a desired resolution can’t be reached. Many times, this is because there isn’t enough evidence to follow-up on a reported crime, or due to the level of the crime. LPD has also been understaffed, which has impacted the ability to have more foot and bike patrols in the downtown area this past year. LPD is using overtime officers for additional foot patrol downtown on Friday and Saturday nights. So far in 2022, LPD has tracked 3,818 calls including calls from citizens, officer-reported or follow-up calls within the downtown area from 1st Street to 7th Street and Madison Avenue to Grant Avenue. These calls, offenses and crimes all have varying levels of what LPD can and cannot enforce. The top 11 types of calls LPD has responded to are:
- Abandoned Vehicle = 341
- Extra Patrol = 316
- Welfare Check = 196
- Suspicious Circumstance = 187
- Assist Citizen = 153
- Transient = 150
- Assist Business = 117
- Disturbance = 105
- Mental Health = 62
- Alarm = 57
- Disorderly Conduct = 17
LPD is working on several improvements that should make a positive difference for the downtown community now and when a robust shelter option is in place.
- LPD has hired 7-8 new mid-level officers who will be done with training in October. This additional headcount for LPD can help increase foot and bike patrols downtown.
- LPD is looking to create a community engagement division in 2023 (pending budget approval) that would increase the number of officers trained to handle homelessness-related issues. These officers would be part of the City’s Response Team and assist in the interaction between downtown residents and businesses and individuals experiencing homelessness in Loveland.
We want to remind the public these calls require different approaches than regular LPD calls. We also need the public to help by reporting things when they see them. The best ways to report crimes, including trespassing is to call LPD’s non-emergent number at 970-667-2151, or for emergencies dial 911.
- If you see an unauthorized encampment on public property (trails, open spaces, parks, etc.), you can report it by submitting details through the form at lovgov.org/homelessness, or by contacting the City’s Office of Communication and Engagement (OCE@CityofLoveland.org, 970-962-2302). If you see an encampment, or something that could be dangerous, please do not approach or touch an encampment or anything that could be dangerous in public property. If you see anything dangerous that is not an encampment, please call the Loveland Police Department’s non-emergent line at 970-667-2151. Please know that City Council has put a priority on encampments in the King’s Crossing area so that will be the main focus until that area has been cleared.
01. The encampment ban will get camps out of open lands, trails and parks, but why are you moving everyone to a place near one of the most popular parks?
We recognize that there is no perfect place for a shelter option, but based on search criteria and immediately available spaces, the S. Railroad Ave. site is the most viable option to move as quickly as possible at the direction of the City Council. We also know that many of the city’s homeless individuals already have encampments there, and access services available to them. As one example, The Loveland Resource Center space at 137 S. Lincoln Ave. has been a day center for homeless individuals for the last 12 years, although it was previously called 137 Connection and managed by the House of Neighborly Services. It has also served as the City’s emergency winter shelter since 2019 and was our nightly winter shelter from November 2021 – March 2022. Our ability to better enforce and move encampments, additional security and rules for the shelter space and planned increased LPD foot and bike patrol downtown should help.01. We need data and answers – How is the City verifying who is in encampments and who is going to shelter?
We recognize the public’s interest in detailed data on the individuals living in encampments and moving to shelter; however, being homeless is not a crime and homeless individuals are not legally required to provide personal details, IDs, etc. to City staff or law enforcement officers unless they are committing a crime.
We do not currently require our Encampment Team to ask for any demographic data when we issue vacate notices and manage the actual removal, as the goal is to keep the situation as safe and seamless as possible for everyone. It is also difficult for this team to verify demographic information provided by campers even if asked.
Individuals accessing shelter and services at the Loveland Resource Center or at the S. Railroad site will need to provide information to the Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) data management platform, which is also used to support PIT counts and is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HMIS wasn’t readily available to Loveland previously since it lacked a shelter. As the LRC and S. Railroad site continue to operate, Loveland will be able to gain a better understanding of who is in the community and can use that to better address homeless in Loveland. HMIS data can include name, date of birth, gender, race, ethnicity, veteran status, homeless situation/housing situation information, disabling conditions, physical or developmental disabilities, chronic health conditions, location data and more.
The following data and qualitative information about homeless individuals in the city as well as the region, help us understand what is happening.
- Data: The City of Loveland is part of the Northern Colorado Continuum of Care (NCCC). This is a regional planning body that also includes the City of Fort Collins, the City of Greeley, Larimer County and Weld County, coordinates housing and services funding for homeless individuals and families. Data is available in two ways: 1) a Homeless Point in Time Count (PIT Count), which is a federally mandated count (via the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act) of individuals experiencing homelessness on any given night in a community, and 2) Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) data, which is compiled and managed by a third-party. HMIS data can be collected at day centers and shelters, so Loveland data through HMIS is currently limited. However, PIT County data has given us some insight into what Loveland is experiencing with homelessness. PIT count takes place during the last 10 calendar days of January. Every year, a count of homeless individuals and families in shelters is completed. Every other year, in addition to the sheltered count, a count of unsheltered homeless individuals is completed. Due to the transient nature of the population and the large geographic area of the Northern Colorado region, it is extremely difficult to capture all homeless individuals and families. Because of this, the 2022 PIT Count is considered an underrepresentation of homelessness in Northern Colorado.
- Insights from the 2022 PIT Count revealed the following:
- In Loveland, 169 homeless individuals were counted on a single night in January 2022. Of that number, 53 individuals were sheltered (anyone staying in a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter), and 116 were unsheltered (anyone staying in a public or private place, like an unauthorized encampment, car, bus station, etc.).
- Larimer County data shows that 34% of individuals experiencing homelessness are considered to be chronically homeless (living unsheltered and/or in an emergency shelter for a year or more, or having four or more episodes of homelessness totaling 12+ months in a three-year period AND having a disabling condition).
- In Larimer County, 55.4% of homeless individuals do not have substance use disorders or serious mental illness, 44.6% do.
- Insights from the 2022 PIT Count revealed the following:
Historically, Loveland has not participated in collecting data in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Homeward Alliance, as part of the lead agency on homelessness, is working with Loveland agencies, including the newly formed Loveland Resource Center to begin collecting additional data points to have a better understanding on homelessness in Loveland.
- Data: The City of Loveland is part of the Northern Colorado Continuum of Care (NCCC). This is a regional planning body that also includes the City of Fort Collins, the City of Greeley, Larimer County and Weld County, coordinates housing and services funding for homeless individuals and families. Data is available in two ways: 1) a Homeless Point in Time Count (PIT Count), which is a federally mandated count (via the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act) of individuals experiencing homelessness on any given night in a community, and 2) Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) data, which is compiled and managed by a third-party. HMIS data can be collected at day centers and shelters, so Loveland data through HMIS is currently limited. However, PIT County data has given us some insight into what Loveland is experiencing with homelessness. PIT count takes place during the last 10 calendar days of January. Every year, a count of homeless individuals and families in shelters is completed. Every other year, in addition to the sheltered count, a count of unsheltered homeless individuals is completed. Due to the transient nature of the population and the large geographic area of the Northern Colorado region, it is extremely difficult to capture all homeless individuals and families. Because of this, the 2022 PIT Count is considered an underrepresentation of homelessness in Northern Colorado.
- Urban renewal projects are tools used by municipalities to address blighted conditions with planning and public improvements, encouraging the development of housing, industrial, retail and other land uses. Regardless of the land use, all successful urban renewal projects increase assessed values within an urban renewal area.
An urban renewal area is an area within Loveland that is targeted for revitalization and redevelopment. The process of creating an urban renewal area is governed by state law and requires public participation and input, as well as careful consideration of the economic, social and environmental impacts of the proposed urban renewal area.
The process generally involves:
- A study and analysis to determine the economic and physical conditions of the proposed urban renewal area, including a conditions survey and impact report.
- Development of a draft plan to outline goals and strategies, including the type of development and improvements to be made, the timeline as well as the method of financing to be used.
- Receiving public input from residents, businesses and other stakeholders, the plan is either adopted or rejected. If the plan is approved, it can then be adopted.
- Simply put, an urban renewal plan is a plan to prevent and eliminate slum and blight in specific areas within the URA boundaries. This plan needs to align with the municipality’s comprehensive plan and outlines: goals, boundaries, blighted area factors, activities and undertakings and financing. An urban renewal plan aims to reduce or eliminate “blighting” conditions and encourage urban development.
Tax increment financing (TIF) is a tool of urban renewal that allows an urban renewal authority to leverage future increased sales and property taxes to help finance urban renewal projects.
When an urban renewal plan is adopted, a tax base for that area is established and the existing taxing agencies (like the county, metropolitan districts, schools and more) would continue to receive the tax base during the renewal period (a maximum of 25 years).
As public improvements are constructed and private investment takes place, property taxes increase. The difference between the base rate established prior and the property tax collected on the new values is the increment amount. This increment is used to repay debt incurred to fund the public infrastructure improvements for the project site.
After the renewal period, the public entities which receive taxes will then receive revenue based on the new, higher property valuations (not the base set previously).
- Loveland City Council voted 8-1 to pass an emergency unauthorized encampment ban on May 17, 2022, that allows the City to prohibit anyone camping illegally on public property. According to case law from the Martin v. Boise 9th Circuit Court landmark decision (and decisions in Fort Collins and Denver citing the same case), in order to enforce the emergency ordinance, the City needs to offer overnight shelter space and temporary storage for valuables to anyone that we require to move. Campers who refuse shelter offered by the City are subject to citation or arrest. Council directed the City to focus first on the King’s Crossing area to support nearby businesses being impacted by encampments, and to move as quickly as possible.
01. Why are you considering the S. Railroad site for temporary overnight shelter? What other sites did you consider for shelter?
The City considered numerous potential sites for this shelter in all Wards across the City based on zoning, site prep requirements, scalability, proximity to schools/neighborhoods, access to services, availability/ownership, and access to public transit (bus service). The City’s review of site locations includes discussion and consideration of the following:
- All City-owned property which includes over 50 parcels of land. All property within the river corridor was eliminated as the City cannot develop in the floodplain for human safety concerns.
- All available private property that was for lease or sale at the time; however, no site met all of the criteria listed above.
- Property outside of city limits was not looked at due to County zoning codes.
Ultimately, there is no perfect site available, and the City’s old wastewater treatment plant site (now called the S. Railroad site) was the one final property available within the short timeline requested by City Council that met all of the following criteria:
- Proximity to support services (Loveland Resource Center, Loveland Community Kitchen, Library, Salvation Army, Sunrise Medical Clinic)
- Ability to scale/size the shelter as needed for use, including expansion as needed
- Safety/security of the public and for campers
- Relative distance from neighborhoods and schools
- Appropriate zoning
- Proximity to public transit
This shelter site will be required to abide by all development criteria needed for a temporary permit through the City’s Building Code. At the July 26 Special City Council meeting, council’s general consensus and guidance supported that the City move forward with this site, while no vote was officially taken. Staff committed to a neighborhood meeting and a larger public meeting about the proposed site and overall process.
We have received several questions specifically related to other sites around the City including near the Police and Courts building, the old Albertson’s Building on U.S. 34, the old Loveland Ford Building on U.S. 34 and locations far from downtown, but along a bus route. The site near the Police and Courts building, where the new St. Valentine Apartments are located, was considered, however, a current Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Larimer County does not allow for a shelter to be built on that property. Both the old Albertson’s Building and the old Ford Building are privately owned buildings and not zoned appropriately for shelter. The City explored sites outside of downtown and across the City, but zoning, time needed for site preparation and bus access issues made other sites not viable for this project within a short timeframe.
- All City of Loveland parks, open spaces and trails currently include ‘no overnight camping’ rules on their entrance signage. The City is looking into other signage in these areas to better reinforce the issue. However, until the City has a reliable shelter space available, the City has not been enforcing this prohibition consistent with the City’s newly adopted ordinance. In other words, additional signage to this effect does not impact the City’s ability to enforce the new ordinance.
02. How are you limiting who can come to use Loveland’s shelter space? Can we ensure that those are the ones removed from encampments?
The City is establishing shelter rules and guidelines based on best practices from other shelter providers that recommend lower barrier practices for shelter entry, such as not restricting admission into shelter because of the use of alcohol, drugs, lack of income, criminal history, or because the person has a pet, as well as practices that are inclusive and non-discriminatory. This is because getting into shelter can have a positive impact on an individual's ability to access life-saving shelter services and get them off the streets, off of trails, and out of parks and open spaces. The shelter and day center will be open to anyone who is either homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless, regardless of age or income. Anyone that the City requires to move from an encampment will be guaranteed a spot.- Unauthorized camping on private property is considered trespassing unless the property owner has given an individual permission to camp on their land. Property owners that experience trespassing on their property can call the Loveland Police Department’s non-emergency line at 970-667-2151.
Conditions used to determine if an area is blighted are determined by Colorado State Statutes (CRS § 31-25-103) as 11 individual factors. The statute describes a variety of urban problems ranging from physical deterioration of buildings and the environment to health and economic problems. Generally, blighting factors are conditions which arrest sound development, and a particular area is considered to be "blighted area" if it is found to exhibit four or more of the 11 blighting factors.
A conditions survey (typically performed by a consultant) is needed to analyze an area for the presence of these factors. The City makes a finding of blight based on this outside expert report.
02. How will this serve the contributing citizens of downtown Loveland? How do the taxpayers benefit? What are the pros vs. the cons?
The City’s goal is to minimize the number of unlawful encampments over time, which will re-open public areas that are designed for use by the general public. Fewer unlawful encampments in and around our City will undoubtedly have a positive effect on our public spaces.02. Other than this encampment ban, what has the City of Loveland been doing to address the homeless situation across the City?
There are eight focus areas of the City’s 2020 Strategic Plan and addressing homelessness falls into the category of Livability. This states that “in our community, all people have shelter, and all people have access to opportunities and experiences that enrich their lives.” City Council study sessions on homelessness were held in October 2011 and in 2016. In April of 2018, City Council started to prioritize homelessness when they asked for a citywide strategic plan. Work on the plan began in Fall 2018 by commissioning a study through Burnes Center on Poverty and Homelessness. This effort formally initiated the City’s work on creating and implementing a Homeless Strategic Plan. The City selected Homeward Alliance for this work in 2021, and the plan is now in progress. Council and staff action specifically on homeless sheltering and encampments has been happening since 2019. A Council Rule of 4 item directed staff to consider an inclement weather policy for the homeless. As a result, the City created an emergency winter shelter policy in January 2020. In October 2021, council approved a nightly winter shelter to run from November to March annually. City staff began its encampment cleanup program in 2019 (find additional information in the January 2022 issue of City Update). Accstudyording to staff notes, council started actively engaging in the encampment conversation specifically in March/April 2022 before authorizing an emergency ordinance to create an unauthorized encampment ban.- An urban renewal project is the same as an urban renewal plan.
- Urban renewal laws exist at federal and state levels. The urban renewal law in Colorado is defined in Colorado State Statute (CRS § 31-25-101 et seq.).
At the July 26 City Council meeting, council was in favor of proceeding with a tent/modular campus option. This means that modular or trailer units will be used for restrooms, showers, and administrative offices, while high-grade humanitarian 16’x16’ GP Tents (similar to the ones that FEMA uses) will be used to house individuals.
The S. Railroad site will start with six humanitarian tents, and per City of Loveland’s Building Code, each tent can accommodate five beds. That means that the shelter site will be able to accommodate 30 people to start. The tent option allows us to scale up if needed to add more tents. Remember, as part of the ordinance, Loveland must offer shelter and reasonable storage to any individual that is moved through the unauthorized encampment ban process, so we will need to provide adequate shelter space for as long as we have the ban.
Currently, there are no other plans for shelter beyond the S. Railroad site. The S. Railroad site was designed to be temporary for up to two years and can be activated within 30 to 45 days to continue enforcing the unauthorized encampment ban.
The full ordinance authorizing the emergency unauthorized encampment ban is on our homelessness webpage, lovgov.org/homelessness, but in short, the City Council determined that an emergency ordinance was necessary on this issue to mitigate unreasonable risk of fire and preservation of public and private property across the City. The ultimate goal is to ensure public health and safety for our community.
Neither the City Charter nor state law requires City Council to seek a public vote on the enactment of an emergency ordinance. According to the City of Loveland Charter, an emergency ordinance shall require the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the entire Council and may be introduced and finally adopted at any regular or special meeting, shall require only one (1) reading, and shall not require publication prior to final adoption.
02. Why isn’t the Loveland Police Department arresting those involved in violent, illegal activities in these unauthorized encampments?
LPD investigates all reported crimes and will take appropriate enforcement action as probable cause is developed. The legislature has changed several laws which affect the ability of Law Enforcement to take people into custody and to jail physically.- The Barnes Softball Complex is owned and managed by the City’s Parks & Recreation Department and they will continue to communicate details about this to anyone considering the fields for an upcoming tournament. Loveland hosted the annual Sparkler Tournament this past year and the number of encampments in and around the area did cause some feedback from attendees. With those encampments cleaned up, the tournament experience will likely be better, even with a shelter at the S. Railroad location.
Colorado House Bill 10-1107, which was passed in 2010, placed limits on the inclusion of agricultural land within the boundaries of an urban renewal area. After June 1, 2010, agricultural land can be included in an urban renewal area as long as at least one of the following conditions are met:
- Such land is a designated brownfield site.
- Not less than one-half of the total urban renewal area consists of parcels of land containing urban level development, and not less than two-thirds of the total perimeter of the URA is contiguous with urban level development.
- Such land is completely surrounded by municipal boundaries and such land has been completely surrounded by urban level development for three years.
- All taxing authorities levying a tax on such land agree in writing to include the land in an urban renewal area.
- Such land was included within an urban renewal area prior to June 1, 2010.
The number of people living in encampments changes day by day, but the City shows that on August 15, 2022, there were approximately 47 encampments within King’s Crossing, River’s Edge Natural Area, Fairgrounds Park, Cottonwood Run and the Civic Center. It is assumed that each encampment has about 1.5 to 2 people per encampment. City Council has directed we focus on the Kings-Crossing area first. We estimate this area has been impacted by 39 encampment sites as of June 24. The seventh successful clean-up occurred on August 19 that involved 6 sites and 8 campers. Other data associated with King’s Crossing includes:
- Total encampments cleaned to date = 25
- Current number of remaining encampments = 14
- Encampment clean-up efforts will continue to be a challenge until more shelter space comes on-line involving 16x16 humanitarian tents at the Loveland Resource Center
- Total Camper Relocations to date = 31
You can:
- Email OCE@cityofloveland.org;
- Leave a voicemail at 970-962-2302 (OCE);
- Call the Encampment Hotline at 970-962-2150.
- Council has directed that the City focus on encampments first (starting with the King’s Crossing area) to mitigate unreasonable risk of fire and preservation of public and private property across the City and to support nearby businesses and residents impacted by encampments. However, camping within a vehicle is also prohibited under the new ordinance, but has not been a primary focus due to limited City resources at this time.
03. What does the process to approve a new urban renewal plan or project look like and who is involved?
The ultimate decision-making authority for any urban renewal plan within Loveland City Limits is the Loveland City Council. The City’s goal is to be collaborative and to seek feedback and consent from all involved governmental partners throughout this process and consult recommendations by the Planning Commission.
- The process starts with an idea and a project related to the prevention or elimination of slum or blight within the URA boundaries. Developers, City Staff or City Council may propose an idea for an urban renewal project.
- 1.A: Conditions of the area and the project’s impact are determined. The conditions survey (typically performed by a consultant) determines if the area is blighted.
- 1.B: Once the proposed area has been considered blighted, a draft plan is created.
- The project/plan goes under review. The project/plan is presented to City Council and the LURA to begin reviewing the feasibility of the project.
- 2.A: Acting as an advisory board to City Council, the City’s Planning Commission investigates and makes thoughtful recommendations to City Council and City Staff. City Council can either choose to accept, modify or reject these recommendations.
- 2.B: A key role of all entities that levy a mill levy within a proposed urban renewal plan area is to negotiate proposed tax increment agreements with the LURA that will contribute to the development of the plan area consistent with the purposes of the urban renewal law and that benefit the taxing entities as well.
- 2.C: The LURA Board convenes to approve the terms of the proposed project and to approve the shared and pass-through tax increment agreements. This review and approval are vital to the City Council’s decision-making process.
- The project heads toward approval.
- City Council reviews all details of the urban renewal plan. According to state law, City Council must make an independent finding on an urban renewal area plan’s conformance with the City’s comprehensive plan, Create Loveland.
- The process starts with an idea and a project related to the prevention or elimination of slum or blight within the URA boundaries. Developers, City Staff or City Council may propose an idea for an urban renewal project.
- LPD emphasizes extra patrols and problem-oriented policing in the downtown area. As mentioned, LPD is also looking to create a community engagement division in 2023 (pending budget approval) that would increase the number of officers trained to handle homelessness-related issues. These officers would be part of the City’s Response Team and assist in the interaction between downtown residents and businesses and individuals experiencing homelessness in Loveland.
- The City began work on a larger Homelessness Strategic Plan (HSP) with Homeward Alliance in 2021. You can read the RFP details on our webpage at lovgov.org/homelessness. The HSP is the City’s plan to create systems to get people out of homelessness.
- The emergency unauthorized encampment ban is a response to cleaning up the active unauthorized encampments on public property to mitigate unreasonable risk of fire and preservation of public and private property across the City.
- We will have private security officers onsite 24/7; security cameras and a screening fence will surround the shelter as part of our safety and security plan. The fence will not have a secured gate as it is not a lock-down facility. As the Loveland Police Department works to add additional patrol officers, the City is considering temporarily hiring a few security guards for foot patrol around the area. The private onsite security company has been trained on how to work with homeless individuals.
Prior to Feb. 7, 2023, Loveland City Council served as the governing board of the Loveland Urban Renewal Authority. The newly appointed LURA Board of Commissioners consists of 13 commissioners and includes:
- Loveland’s currently seated City Council (one Mayor and eight council members).
- One representative from Larimer County.
- One representative from the two school districts within LURA boundaries (in this case, the districts agreed to an appointment by the Thompson School District).
- One representative from the special districts within the LURA (in this case, the LURA, with broad support from the special districts, designated Thompson Valley High School District as the default LURA special districts representative until coordination occurs among the special districts to select a representative).
- One representative appointed by the Mayor to avoid an even number of commissioners.
Information on who currently represents the LURA Board of Commissioners can be found above in the “About the LURA Board of Commissioners” section.
- Chronic homelessness encompasses those experiencing homelessness for a least a year, or for repeated periods over several years who have a disabling conduction such as a developmental disability, brain injury, severe mental illness, substance abuse disorder, or physical disability that acts as an additional barrier to finding permanent housing. Data from the January 2022 Point in Time (PIT) Count survey shows that about 34% of those experiencing homelessness in the Larimer County are chronically homeless. The most effective intervention to address chronic homelessness is a permanent supportive housing approach, which combines housing subsidies with individual case management and supportive services for residents (National Alliance, 2019). On Oct. 27, 2020, City Council approved the creation of St. Valentine Apartments supportive housing project. The 54-unit supporting housing project is currently being built northeast of the Police and Courts Building on Hayes Avenue and will help those transitioning out of homelessness through affordable housing. Tenants would pay up to 30% of their income or at least $25 per month — as well as by offering case management.
- We give notice on a Friday with the schedule to remove an encampment the following Friday. The ordinance allows us to give as little as 48-hours’ notice under circumstances where there is a serious risk to public safety, health, or welfare, but the current schedule, generally allowing 7 days, allows staff the time to plan properly and ensure that moves go as smoothly as possible for all involved. This pace has been successful but needs to be reviewed to ensure it is scalable when more shelter space is available.
As part of the ordinance, Loveland must offer shelter and storage to any individual that is required to move through the unauthorized encampment ban process, so we will need shelter space for as long as we have the ban. Following City Council’s direction for staff to quickly eliminate unauthorized encampments, the S. Railroad site is the best option because it meets the necessary criteria and provides a timely shelter option. During the July 26 City Council meeting, staff outlined late August/early September as the timeframe to open the site to meet City Council’s direction to move quickly. It is estimated to take 30- 45 days to begin further activation of this site.
This site is zoned for a 6-month administratively approved temporary permit, with the ability to renew the space for 6 months at a time for up to two years, and the use of the humanitarian tents, mobile showers/restrooms, and modular administration buildings on this site were designed to be a temporary shelter option. Anything more permanent would need to be re-considered for long-term feasibility.
- In the event that LURA decides not to approve a Master Financing Agreement, the proposed project would not move forward as proposed or at all.
04. Why are we following legal guidance from Boise v. Martin from the 9th Circuit if we are in the 10th Circuit?
The City of Boise v. Martin case from the 9th Circuit was a landmark decision that held it is cruel and unusual punishment under the 8th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to criminalize the act of sleeping outside when an individual has no other place to go. The Martin case was also cited as reasoning in several recent cases, including critical cases in Denver (Burton) and Fort Collins (Wiemold). The Denver District Court upheld the camping ban in Denver as long as there was a shelter option, and the Colorado Supreme Court refused to hear the case allowing the District Court Ruling to stand.Under previous state law, the governing body of a municipality (in Loveland’s case, City Council) would make a slum or blight determination and the Commissioners would be appointed by the mayor, or the governing body would designate itself as the governing board. In 2002, the City Council designated itself as the LURA.
Legislation passed in 2015 changed how urban renewal authorities were structured. For municipalities with existing urban renewal area (such as Loveland with the LURA), board structure changes were only needed if/when any significant changes were proposed to an existing URA plan, or the creation of a new urban renewal authority plan were proposed.
In cases where restructuring is needed and the governing board designated themselves as the governing board of an urban renewal authority (like in Loveland), Colorado HB15-1348 requires that up to four additional members be appointed to serve on the board: one appointee each from the affected county, school district and special district plus an additional appointee to achieve an odd number of members.
04. Why is it OK to use our tax dollars for this? What will the true costs be? What will you do to make this right for businesses and home owners?
The City Council has the authority to appropriate funds to support the City’s encampment clean-up efforts and initially authorized $500,000 for this effort. The City’s budget office is currently putting those cost estimates together to be discussed at the upcoming City Council Budget Retreat on August 29, 2022. We are narrowly focused on removing unlawful encampments consistent with the direction from the City Council. The City’s goal is to minimize the number of unlawful encampments over time, which will re-open public areas that are designed for use by the general public. Fewer unlawful encampments in and around our City will undoubtedly have a positive effect on our public spaces.”- LPD continues to conduct extra patrols in the areas of potential problems. These extra patrols are documented and are available for the public.
- Commissioners serve five-year terms.
- The City’s encampment team currently doesn’t ask this question when approaching campers about moving due to several factors including legally protected privacy rules, safety and the potential for inaccurate data. However, the Loveland Resource Center and overnight shelter will collect additional data through the HMIS database. This can help better provide housing and services for people experiencing homelessness and provide aggregate data for a community in understanding its homelessness trends.
- Yes. The Martin v. Boise case law is from the 9th Circuit. However, it has been cited in two critical cases from both Denver and Fort Collins, in state court.
- City Council’s approval is required to create a new Urban Renewal Area, so if they do not approve of the plan, the Urban Renewal Area is not created.
The City is establishing shelter rules and guidelines based off of best practices from experienced agencies already providing overnight shelter, including Larimer Catholic Charities and Fort Collins Rescue Mission. These rules and regulations are available on the Shelters webpage.
05. Will having a shelter space attract people from other areas? Will it make Loveland’s homeless problem worse?
From experiences and data that we have specific to Loveland over the past few years, we do not believe that this will be the case. Loveland has never had permanent, year-round shelter space, yet homelessness in Loveland has increased by about 27% from 2019 to 2022 according to the PIT count, not including transitional housing. On the other hand, Fort Collins has a year-round shelter and experienced a decrease in homelessness during the same period of time. The City has heard from some individuals that they came to Loveland because they could camp. With the unauthorized encampment ban process of moving individuals to shelter or having them move on, we believe that homeless individuals who came here because they could camp and do not want shelter may move out of Loveland as long as we have the resources to properly enforce the ban.- That information is not clear. However, the S. Railroad site is not intended to be a permanent location. In addition, many of the individuals who will use the shelter are already using downtown public property – parks, trails, open spaces, etc. for their encampments – and accessing services nearby. With the unauthorized encampment ban in place, the goal is that public spaces will be safer for everyone in the community.
- The time it takes to implement an urban renewal plan is entirely dependent on the scope of the plan and the severity of conditions contributing to “blight.” The tax incentive financing district has a potential life of 25 years.
06. How many of the people who are currently camping were interviewed about whether they would actually go to shelter if we build it?
Formal survey efforts of this nature were not conducted before the City Council enacted the emergency ordinance to create an unauthorized encampment ban. However, based on anecdotal information and conversations held with some homeless individuals in Loveland, we estimate that initial uptake will be slow, and will ramp us as winter comes and as people can rely on the consistency of the shelter.06. It was noted that there are buses dropping homeless people off at I-25 and 34 parking area. Where are they being bused in from?
According to our Visitors Center staff, the center has historically had transient visitors stop into the Visitor Center for information (generally 1-2 per week on average) as they make their way from the Park & Ride bus stop into the Loveland and Northern Colorado area. Most often they stop in to ask where our “shelter” is, ask for directions to our downtown area, or to ask for information about our city bus service. Staff’s standard response prior to the unauthorized encampment ban, has been that Loveland does not have an overnight shelter and to offer a bus pass if needed, and/or a card that lists the social services available within the city of Loveland. Our intention is to be helpful while moving them along in a timely fashion. We are not aware of any other city/community purposefully busing individuals into Loveland.- The City maintains standards for any facility that it operates, including appropriate and safe temperatures, and this shelter is no exception. We need to ensure that no one’s life is at risk when in the shelter. The shelter must be fit for human habitation.
An urban renewal authority in Colorado retains powers authorized in Colorado State Statute (CRS § 31-25-101 et seq.). Generally, this includes all activities relating to the undertaking of urban renewal projects, planning for investment and negotiating with property owners and developers of projects within LURA boundaries. LURA can use its powers to acquire, clear and sell land; issue bonds to fund improvements; and provide tax increment financing to encourage private investment in a designated urban renewal area.
Because the LURA Board cannot approve Urban Renewal Plans themselves, they may submit proposed plans or modifications to City Council for final review and approval
- The City would be at risk of a lawsuit or an injunction. In short, the City would be saying that it is not cruel and unusual punishment under the 8th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to criminalize the act of sleeping outside, in public spaces, if the person has no place else to go and may be subject to both legal and financial consequences.
- It is difficult to tell as campers move around, change their appearance, and avoid contact with City staff even without receiving a notice to vacate. City staff doesn’t have the capacity to actively scout new encampments across the city. We do know that 8 new camps have emerged in King’s Crossing as of August 15, 2022, but based on LPD information, they are not ones that have already been removed. We do not yet know if the camps are new or have moved from another area in Loveland as we do not have good data in this area at this time. The Loveland Police Department is part of the encampment notice and clean-up team and they can issue a citation for the first violation of the encampment ban (if someone moves back to an encampment.) Further enforcement action can include additional citations or arrest.
07. Is the City worried about adverse property rights? Are you more worried about court decisions than you are about your residents suing you?
The City is focused on serving the community to the best of our ability while adhering to legal guidance and has attempted to balance the various interests involved under these challenging circumstances.07. It was also noted in the August 10, 2022, Neighborhood Meeting that homeless individuals come to Loveland using the bus system to sell drugs. If this is true where are the drug enforcement people?
The Loveland Police Department and the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force have not received any information about a drug distribution network of this kind taking place.The LRC offers one shower, laundry (two washers and dryers), two restrooms, hygiene products, access to computers, and access to service providers that will provide connection for persons struggling with substance use disorder, assistance with employment services, public benefits; medical, dental, and vision referrals; coordinated entry assessments; housing needs assessments and referrals, mental health services. Some of the service providers will be available every day and others weekly.
The S. Railroad site plans to offer showers and restrooms. The site will work closely with the LRC to ensure that services are available at one or both locations as needed. Any other specific service decisions will be made once the site is activated.
- Yes. There are several nonprofit partners that work with the City to provide job resources to individuals experiencing homelessness. This includes the Larimer County Workforce Center and Homeward Alliance Resource Navigators. These services are currently available at the Loveland Resource Center and the Loveland Public Library.
- When individuals receive notice that their encampment will be removed, they are told that they have the option to move to shelter, or if they don’t want to go to shelter, they must find somewhere else to go. Creating a new unauthorized encampment is not an option. From there, they can still access services within Loveland, or go to the Loveland Resource Center during the day to get help, or they can leave the area. The Loveland Police Department is part of the encampment notice and clean-up team and they can issue a citation for the first violation of the encampment ban. Further enforcement action can include additional citations or arrest.
The encampment ban is an emergency declaration by City Council. The job of the City Manager and City staff is to respond to this direction legally, and as quickly and effectively as possible, following Council’s direction. With that said, there are a lot of moving parts to making this happen, but the priority was to identify an immediate solution for overnight shelter and reasonable storage options for campers so that we could begin the process of cleaning-up encampments in King’s Crossing.
The City cleared its first encampment on June 24, temporarily relocating campers from the encampments to local motels as transitional shelter. This option is needed to move encampments as quickly as possible. The number of encampments and campers moved depends on the number of available rooms every week.
The City is working on two longer-term shelter options – the Loveland Resource Center (LRC), and shelter at the S. Railroad site. Both shelters will add more overnight space allowing us to enforce and mitigate more encampments currently located on public lands.
- The Loveland Resource Center (located at 137 S. Lincoln Ave.) opened in mid-July to provide daytime resources, showers, laundry facilities, etc. to those experiencing homelessness in our community. The center is open M-F 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This day center was previously 137 Connect managed by the House of Neighborly Services and has offered resources to those experiencing homelessness for 12 years. The LRC also offers 22-25 spaces for overnight shelter. There is space behind the LRC to accommodate several humanitarian tents, which may be used temporarily in addition to the proposed S. Railroad site to add more shelter spaces to move encampments faster.
- The S. Railroad site (located at S. Railroad Ave. and SE Third St.) is currently being considered as a longer-term, not permanent, overnight shelter option using a tent/modular approach on City-owned land. This temporary site is still being considered, but if the S. Railroad site is activated, it will serve as the main overnight shelter space, with the LRC serving as overflow space. The humanitarian tents, modulars and trailers used for showers and restrooms are all designed to be removeable.
- Not currently. Best practices in this area are currently being reviewed, but preliminary information shows that programs requiring participants to volunteer or work to obtain services or shelter have reduced participation rate. For example, data collected from the 2019 and 2020 Point in Time homeless counts show that when the House of Neighborly Services doubled volunteer hour requirements for shelter space through its church rotation program and for services through 137 Connection, they saw a 70% reduction in shelter users due to this requirement.
09. What metrics will you be using to measure the success or failure of the unauthorized encampment ban ordinance?
The ordinance was created to mitigate unreasonable risk of fire and preservation of public and private property across the City. The ultimate goal is to ensure public health and safety for our community. Measurements specific to the ban will focus on how quickly and successfully we are at removing unauthorized encampments from public areas and keeping these areas clear of encampments moving forward.10. Will the shelter be staffed by a community outreach, mental health professional, ride service, police?
At this time, the shelter will be staffed by City staff members who are trained to work with homeless individuals. City partners including Homeward Alliance, SummitStone Health Partners, Disabled Resource Services, Salvation Army, Volunteers of America and others will offer services onsite to help individuals gain access to resources and 24/7 security will be onsite (by an outside company) not LPD. However, just like with any other community need, LPD is on standby to assist in case of any issues.- That is the plan for most individuals. Motel rooms would only be issued in certain cases, to ensure equal access to those requiring an accommodation under the ADA. We will plan to continue using motel vouchers for additional winter shelter if needed in cases of extreme, potentially deadly cold weather.
7. Now that the LURA Board has changed, how is the LURA Board’s role different than that of City Council?
The LURA board works with taxing entities represented in the plan area to negotiate Tax Increment sharing through intergovernmental agreement(s). Colorado State Statutes have a mediation process for reaching agreement should the parties not reach agreement themselves (a process whereby a neutral third-party steps in to settle a dispute).
Once the parties agree to the financing terms, the LURA Board provides their recommendation to City Council for final approval.
- Learn more about building benchmarking
Yes, at any time, the current owner may buy more water rights that will equate to an increased water budget and still stay on the program. The new water budget must be at least 25% below the 3 acre-feet per acre requirement for typical Kentucky bluegrass.
Irrigators must meet the requirements of Municipal Code Chapter 18.08 (Landscaping and Buffering) and demonstrate a twenty-five percent reduction in water use from traditional bluegrass landscapes as set forth in Municipal Code Chapter 19.06 (Irrigation).
- Yes, filing your sales tax return through SUTS does not replace local licensing requirements.
Yes, The City of Loveland has tested for Perfluorinated Compounds (PFAS). The monitoring of these compounds has occurred numerous times in recent years, including 2023, and all were found to be absent or are unregulated compounds (the list of compounds can be found below). Loveland’s risk of exposure to these compounds is considered relatively low; There are no large industrial users or chemical manufacturers and there have not been any forest fires that have required the use of compounds that may contain PFAS in the Loveland watershed.
Loveland takes the health and safety of our customers seriously. Results have shown these compounds to not be present or of a concern for our water system. These tests are not currently required by the EPA.
PFAS compounds
EPA Regulated Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) Hexafluoropropylene Oxide (HFPO-DA or GenX) EPA unregulated Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA) Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) N-methylperfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NMeFOSAA) N-ethylperfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA) Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS) 4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA) Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS) Perfluoro (2-ethoxyethane) sulfonic acid (PFEESA) 1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (4:2 FTS) 1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS) 1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorodecane sulfonic acid (8:2 FTS) 9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonan e-1-sulfonic acid 11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecan e-1-sulfonic acid Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid (PFMBA) Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA) - Application: Applicant voluntarily applies to join the Hydrozone Program prior to City approval for the Public Improvement Construction Plans (PICP).
- Submit Plans: Submit plans that meet all program requirements included in Municipal Code Chapter 19.06 and briefly summarized below:
- Landscape Plans – Plant areas grouped by distinct hydrozone categories. Identify location and size of the dedicated irrigation meter.
- Hydrozone Plans – Include a table that lists each hydrozone category, square footage, and maximum gallons required per square foot per year.
- Irrigation Plans – Schematic view of the irrigation system with the size and location of the irrigation meter, location of irrigation automatic controller and automatic rain sensors.
- Soil Amendment Affidavit: Add proper soil amendments*** prior to the planting of the landscaping and submit the soil amendment affidavit.
- Hydrozone Agreement: Complete a hydrozone plan between the City and Applicant/Owner.
- Pay fees: Pay system impact and water rights fees.
Example Hydrozone Plan Table Hydrozone Category Sq. Ft. of Area Max Gallons Required/Sq. Ft. Water Budget High 2,000 X 20 = 40,000 Moderate 100 X 12 = 1,200 Low 1,000 X 3.6 = 3,600 Very Low 50 X 0 = 0
***Amending soils with compost increases the soil’s capacity to hold moisture, which allows for watering to be reduced. Soil amendments are key to successfully staying under the annual water budget.- Community members can apply for Homebound services by contacting Library Outreach. Eligibility requirements are listed on the Homebound page.
- Community members can visit the downloadables help page for tutorial videos that explain how to use the different eReader apps such as Overdrive, Libby, RBDigital, Hoopla, and more. Downloadables coaching may be available from an Adult Services librarian.
Phone: 970-962-2402
Email: reference@cityofloveland.org
- Visit our Lead Reduction Program webpage for more information.
- Place hose over tank opening
- Insert card into slot until it stops ?? unit marked “Water Purchase Center” located to the left of the “Card Revalue Center”
- Insert the card with the gold chip and arrows facing upward
- Do not remove card while container is filling with water
- Remove card only after water needed is dispensed
- Use touch pad to select number of gallons needed. Instructions for operations are written on unit next to the card reader
- A stop button is provided in case you selected more water than is needed
- After dispensing water, remove the card. You will only be charged for the amount of water dispensed
- Community members can propose an event or program by reading through the guidelines on the propose an event page and filling out a submission form. Community members may also give feedback about events or give suggestions for events they would like to see.
- Cards cost $8.00 each and are re-useable
- The prepaid card system only accepts U.S. paper currency in denominations of $1, $5, $10, or $20
- Value can be added to cards anytime by inserting the card in the card reader and inserting in the slot marked “Insert Bills Here”
- Cards are like cash and will not be replaced if lost or stolen
- Card issued has a blue and green City of Loveland logo and a gold chip with arrows printed on it with instructions
- Purchase your card from unit marked “Card Revalue Center”
- Push the $8 flashing button
- Insert cash into slot marked “Insert Bills Here” (bills may be inserted face up or down, in either direction)
- Issued card will appear from the slot located to the left of the slot marked “Insert Bills Here”
- Quickly insert the card into the card reader slot with the gold chip facing upward - insert card into reader until it stops
- Money deposited in excess of cost is added to card by inserting card into card reader - you have 30 seconds to insert the card into the card reader slot to have the excess amount added to the card
- If the card is not inserted within 30 seconds, the money will be lost
- More money can be added to the card by leaving card in the reader and inserting more bills into the slot marked “Insert Bills Here”
- Do not remove card from the slot until the amount added is verified on the readout screen located to the left of the slot
- Visit the computer class events calendar and click on the event name to register.
- To reserve a meeting room at the Library, visit the Meeting Rooms page to see which room fits your needs. Contact information, availability, and amenities for each room is listed. Reserve the meeting room online or with the contact information provided.
There are many ways to talk to a Librarian!
- Chat with us online
- Call us
- Text us
- Visit us in person
- Email us
- Submit a question online
Visit the Ask-a-Librarian page for direct contact information.
- The hydrozone program requires an a hydrozone plan. The plan includes irrigation and planting design that clusters plants with similar water requirements together to help conserve water. A water budget* will be calculated to the specific plants under the hydrozone plan. The landscape design must show at least 25% reduction from the 3 acre-feet of water per acre required to irrigate Kentucky bluegrass. Going forward, if the water budget is exceeded, an annual surcharge will be assessed, which can be very costly. This water budget will be monitored by LWP on an on-going basis.
- Use the “Card Revalue Center”
- Insert card into the card reader slot with gold chip facing upward
- Insert cash into the slot marked “Insert Bills Here”
- Wait until new balance on card is displayed
- Remove card from card reader
- Contact us at 970-962-3000 and we will remove it for you. If you are having your AC serviced and the contractor feels comfortable, they can also remove the device.
- LWP continues to provide the fuse and unmetered electricity for post/porch lights in subdivisions where the electrical design was completed prior to August 4, 1997. LWP maintains the photocell if it is located on the meter housing. The homeowner maintains the photocell if it is on the fixture or post.
No. The City of Loveland has tested for lithium; lithium was found to be absent or non-detectable in both our treated drinking water and source water. We get our water from surface waters such as lakes and rivers. Since lithium is more commonly found in groundwater rather than in surface water, our risk of exposure to lithium is considered low.
We take the health and safety of our customers seriously. Results have shown lithium to not be present or of a concern for our water system. These tests are not currently required by the EPA.
Companies that have independent distributors may elect to collect and remit sales tax on the individual distributor’s behalf. If this is the case, individual distributors are not required to have a sales tax license. If the company has not elected to collect and remit sales taxes, each individual distributor must obtain a city sales tax license, collect and remit all applicable sales taxes. Contact your company to determine the tax method that was chosen.
If your business is seasonal and you make retail sales during only part of each year, you must obtain a standard sales tax license. Examples of seasonal businesses are fruit stands, firework stands, and Christmas tree stands. When you apply for your license, indicate on the sales tax application which months of the year your retail business will be active. The City will expect you to file returns only for those months during which you do business. The return is due on the 20th of the month following the reporting month. If your seasonal business is conducted in several locations, you must have a separate license for each location.
How often you are required to file a sales tax return (monthly, quarterly or annually) depends on your sales volume. If you anticipate having sales of $10,000 or more in a month, you must register to file your sales tax return monthly. If you anticipate having sales of $1,677-$9,999 per month, you may file quarterly. If you anticipate having sales of $1,666 or less per month, you may file annually.
Monthly returns are due by the 20th of the month following the reporting month. For example, the June return is due July 20th. Quarterly returns are due the 20th of the month following the reporting quarter. For example, the first quarter (January-March) is due April 20th. Annual returns are due January 20th. If a due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the return is due on the next business day.
If you use an accounting period other than a calendar month, such as a 13-month filer, you can request permission to file differently than a calendar basis. For permission write to the City of Loveland Sales Tax Office, supplying your filing period beginning and ending dates. After you receive written authorization, the payment and return will be due 20 days after the end of your filing period.
Initial 3-Year Grace Period - Participants are allowed an initial 3-year grace period to establish plantings in which the water budget may be exceeded without penalty.
After the initial 3-year grace period, surcharges are assessed on excess water usage. If the water budget is exceeded by more than 5% for 3 consecutive years, the site will no longer qualify to be on the Hydrozone Program. The difference between the water rights already paid and the amount owed for a standard irrigation meter will be due to LWP by the current owner, which can be very costly.
- If you're redesigning or replacing a landscape that participates in the Hydrozone Program, you may be eligible for a one-year exemption from water surcharge fees. This exemption, subject to approval, will not count toward the three-year limit that could trigger a full water rights payment. To apply submit the exemption form along with details of the new landscape design, receipts for soil amendments and plants, and photos or other evidence supporting your request. Applications are due by July 1 of the year the redesign will take place.
Please note that while you may qualify for a one-year exemption, the irrigation required for the new or redesigned plantings must not exceed your original annual water budget. If the irrigation demand surpasses this budget, you may be responsible for additional water rights payments. - A city, or municipal, budget provides the City with a transparent financial plan that represents the City Council’s priorities and sets out anticipated revenue and expenditures to support day-to-day obligations of the city and provide municipal services over a given time frame.
As a result of a cross connection, under certain circumstances of unequal pressure, a non-drinkable substance could either be pulled or pushed into the drinking water supply.
Backflow can reverse the flow of water or other substances into the public or private water system, resulting in chemicals or contaminants getting into the drinking water. In other words, due to changes in pressure (such as water main breaks or fire-fighting), the water can flow in the opposite direction from what is intended, resulting in the contamination of the City’s water supply mains. This is why the installation, inspection and proper maintenance of backflow prevention assemblies and devices is imperative to the safety of your drinking water.A cross-connection is any connection between a potable (drinking) water supply system and any source of non-potable or non-drinkable liquid, solid, or gas.
- LWP offers bulk potable water, a feature used by a wide variety of customers including residential homeowners with cisterns, ranchers with livestock, and contractors with water tank trucks. The ranch water fill station is located at the City of Loveland's Public Works Administration building on First Street, just east of the intersection of Wilson Avenue and First Street. The fill station has a 2” residential over hang dispensary and a 3" high volume commercial over hang dispensary.
- Use only a 40-watt light bulb in your unmetered post/porch light. Do not use larger wattage light bulbs, plug in power tools or connect Christmas lights to the unmetered post/porch light outlet.
If your light is not working, try replacing the bulb. Test the new light in an indoor socket to be sure that it works. If the post/porch light still does not work, call
(970) 962-2111 to report the problem. You can expect repairs, for which the City is responsible, to be made in two to five working days.There is a live wire that runs from the meter box to the fixture. Call us at
(970) 962-2111 to remove the fuse first so you can safely replace the photocell on your fixture or post. Or, you can hire an electrician to remove the fuse and change the photocell for you.Pickleball courts are located at the following parks for public use:
There are also indoor courts located inside the Chilson Recreation Center.
For more information about pickleball courts in Loveland, please visit the Tennis & Pickleball page.
- Kayaks are currently not allowed on any of Loveland's open space or parks. However, kayaks are allowed at Boyd Lake State Park, Boedecker State Wildlife Area, Carter Lake and the Horsetooth Reservoir, and Pinewood Lake. Fees may apply.
This is a voluntary program available to LWP customers with dedicated irrigation meters for either new landscapes or for retrofitting** existing landscapes.
* Water budgets are calculated from the square footage in each hydrozone category and their corresponding water requirements.
**For retrofitting an existing landscape, contact Nathan Alburn.
- Residential post lights, also called porch/yard lights, turn on at dusk and off at dawn in most Loveland neighborhoods. In 1935, the City of Loveland began using unmetered post/porch lights to provide most residential street lighting. In August 1997, the City discontinued the post light program. All new developments must now have street lighting. If a home is built and the owners want a post/porch light, the homeowner pays for the installation, fixture and electricity.
- All City electric meters are owned, operated, and maintained by our Electric Utility Division. Any costs associated with operating the Electric Utility (i.e. infrastructure, materials, labor, etc.) must be recovered through rates, charges, or fees in order to ensure the utility's continuity of operations. Over time new materials and technologies emerge that enhance safety, reliability, accuracy, or efficiency for the utility; we make strategic decisions to utilize the revenues from rates and fees to invest in upgrades to our system. Typically that transition happens over time and we can operate different generations of equipment or technology at one time without incurring additional costs - however, the AMI system and associated software systems are our new way of collecting energy usage data citywide that will be used to create all customers' bills.The City understands that some customers may have concerns related to this change in technology, and we allow customers to opt out of AMI. However, since a manual meter reading process diverts time, effort, and business processes from our new standard way of collecting energy usage, we must recover those costs. We have a responsibility to our ratepayers to support cost-efficient operation of the utility and, for that reason, the opt-out option requires a monthly manual meter reading fee to recover the labor and equipment costs associated with manually collecting meter reads for those who choose it.
- Yes. Access is still needed; the new meter is LWP property and the Power Division does have to perform maintenance on these meters occasionally. Access to the meter should be less often since meter reading and some forms of troubleshooting can be done remotely.