City of Loveland
Home MenuMetropolitan Districts
A metropolitan district (metro district) is a type of special district that is a quasi-governmental entity with taxing authority that is used to finance necessary public infrastructure and services that the City cannot otherwise provide. To form, they undergo policy review and refinement before City Council approves the district service plan—the governing document that establishes rules by which the district must operate. Infrastructure varies between districts and can include amenities such as parks, trails, green space, pools, and vital infrastructure such as sidewalks, water and sewer lines, and streets. Metro districts also provide diversity of housing and amenities. Some include shopping and retail as part of their diversification.
On April 16, 2024, the City enacted Title 20 of the Loveland Municipal Code through Ordinance No. 6705 to establish oversight and enforcement processes for metropolitan districts in Loveland. In addition to meeting the requirements of Colorado Revised Statutes Title 32, it includes eighteen (18) requirements for metro district service plans . These requirements address matters such as taxation, debt management, transparency, and ongoing municipal oversight to protect residents and maintain alignment with the City's development and operating objectives.
Title 20 is framed to achieve the City’s goals of transparency, sound fiscal policy, and sustainable metro district guidance. We continues to refine applicable policies to ensure all metro districts are financially responsible and allow sustainable growth management for our community.
Prospective Homebuyers
In Colorado, prospective homebuyers should understand that metro districts are special districts that finance public improvements, including infrastructure and amenities. They are funded by higher property taxes within the district, ensuring residents outside the district aren't burdened by these costs.
The State of Colorado Department of Local Affairs created a publication to help prospective homebuyers consider their options: Special Districts: A Brief Review for Homeowners.
Prospective Districts
To form a metro district in Colorado, property owners submit a service plan to the municipality or county for approval, followed by a petition for organization to the district court, and then a successful election to formally establish the district.
As of June 2025, the City of Loveland’s application process remains under review; however, City Council has allowed the application process to proceed under new guidelines. For more information, watch the June 17, 2025 City Council discussion.
Ordinance No. 6769: Metropolitan District Application Policy Additions
- Approving the Amended Model Service Plan & 18-Point Criteria
- Lifting the Suspension on the Processing of Applications for Approval
- Approving a Form Intergovernmental Agreement
To begin the application process in the City of Loveland, schedule a pre-application meeting by contacting the City Finance Department or by calling 970-962-2655.
Metro District Map
To access the metro district map, visit the Loveland Property Report. On the left side menu, choose the "Change View" button. Then select "Metro Districts".
Background
The following is a chronological timeline of City of Loveland efforts to review and update its metro district policy.
2002 - Loveland's first metropolitan district, Van De Water, was approved. It consisted of 333 acres for residential and commercial development.
2002-2015 – Loveland did not have a model service plan. Metro district approval was not guided by a formally adopted policy.
2016 – The City began employing a 12-point service plan. It was not formally adopted.
2018 - The City of Loveland required a disclosure document in the title paperwork for all property sales occurring in a metro district, to make buyers aware of the additional taxes. The City also began using 3rd party financial review for metro districts.
2021-2022 – After community input was collected, a model service plan with a 17-Point criteria rubric was drafted and adopted in 2022.
2023- 2024 – A pause on metro district final approval was enacted from November 2023 through May 2024 to allow the community, City Council and staff to review the service plan. This allows the City of Loveland to review its model service plan terms and application processes in 2025.
2025 - Phase 1 of the City Council's policy refinement was completed with the approval of an Amended Model Service Plan, 18-Point Criteria, and Form Intergovernmental Agreement. Phase 2 Policy Refinement will continue to explore City Policy with opportunities for input by our community and stakeholders.
Important links
Let's Talk Loveland Page on Metro Districts
Amended Model Service Plan (Updated June 2025)
Form Intergovernmental Agreement for Metropolitan District Applicants
Title 20 of the Loveland Municipal Code
Formation and Statutory Responsibilities of Title 32
Colorado Department of Local Affairs Metro District Portal