Residential and Commercial Alterations#
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Yes, most work requires a building permit, but some work is exempt.
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Can I do the work myself?
- Homeowners may perform work on their primary residence only, if it is a single family detached home.
- Owners of commercial buildings and single-family attached homes may perform work on their buildings if the total amount of work is less than $2,000 and does not include any structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing work.
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Can I hire someone?
- All contractors and subcontractors hired to perform work must be licensed with the City of Fort Collins for the type work being done. This is verified prior to permit issuance. To confirm that your contractor/subcontractor are licensed and up to date contact: contractor_licensing@fcgov.com
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Can I do the work myself?
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Description Contact Development Review A development review process may be required prior to submitting for a building permit for:
- New buildings
- Additions
- Change of use to land
- Change of use to buildings
Website:
www.fcgov.com/developmentreview
Email:
drcoord@fcgov.com
Phone: 970-221-6689
Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) PFA is a multi -jurisdictional Fire Department. Separate and additional online submittals are required for most commercial and multi-family projects.
1. A submittal will be required for fire code review for all new construction and most commercial tenant finish projects.
2. A separate and additional submittal will be required for any fire systems installations or alterations i.e. sprinkler, fire alarm, hood and duct, etc.
3. When required, City of Fort Collins Building permits will not be issued without PFA issued permits and/or approvals and sign-off.
Website:
www.poudre-fire.org/online-services/contractors-plan-reviews-and-permits
Phone: 970-416-2892
Larimer County Health Department Larimer County Health Department is a multi-jurisdictional Health Department. Separate and additional submittals are required for:
- Food or drink service, preparation, handling, or processing (Bars, Breweries, Distilleries, Restaurants, Commercial Commissary Kitchens, Food Manufacturing/Packaging, Grocery Stores)
- Daycare
- Schools
- Healthcare Facilities
- Public recreational facilities (Pools)
- Institutions (Nursing home, Assisted Living, Rehab Centers, Hospitals)
- Individual sewage disposal systems (septic and potable water wells).
When required, City of Fort Collins Building permits will not be issued without LCHD approval.
Website:
Email:
EH@larimer.org
Phone: 970-498-6775
Zoning Change of use or exterior modifications (including: facade, parking, landscaping, signage, or other changes visible to the public) may require a permit Website:
Email:
zoning@fcgov.com
Phone: 970-416-2745
Floodplain Is your building located in a flood plain?
Buildings and alterations to buildings located in with a floodplain have specific requirements and limitations.
Website:
www.fcgov.com/utilities/what-we-do/stormwater/flooding/floodplain-maps-documents
Email:
Phone: 970-416-2632Historic Preservation Is your building historically designated? Or, need a commercial/multi-family permit for a building over 50 years old?
Exterior alterations (including siding and windows) on historically-designated property and commercial/multi-family permits require review by Historic Preservation Services. Check out the incentives available for projects in Fort Collins. Not sure if replacing materials is cheaper than repairing what you have? Check out the cost calculator tool.
Website:
www.fcgov.com/historicpreservation
Email:
preservation@fcgov.com
Phone: 970-224-6078
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Get info guides and checklists, permit applications, and resources specific to your project type:
Project Info:
Resources:
Plans should be submitted in PDF format only. Each PDF needs to be named correctly.
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I've successfully submitted my permit, what happens next? The design, plans and documents submitted will be reviewed.
*****No work can begin until the applicant has received a copy of the building permit and approved plans. (Reviewers add red-lines and conditional comments to the plans that you will need for construction).********
Why Review? Review at the design phase reduces costly re-construction and failed inspections.
Who Reviews? The project is reviewed by many City Departments for compliance with building codes, land use code, zoning, historic, flood plain, and other project specific requirements.
I received an e-mail that a "Resubmittal is Requested," does that mean I have to submit for a new permit?
No, this just means that a reviewer may need additional information, or revised plans/documents. (The permit has not been denied, but corrected documents may need to be re-submitted under the same permit).
How do I resubmit my plans/documents?
Follow the resubmittal instructions in the email you received. New documents should be named v2 (v=version #=round of review).
How long will it take to process a resubmittal?
Resubmittals have priority and are typically assigned a two week max turn around after submitted for building code review. You may contact the building code reviewer directly for questions about their timeline.
![screen shot from citizen access showing how to navigate to the workflow and view comments from different departments]()
Permit Status:
- Use the Citizen Portal
- Under the Building category, select 'Search permits' (see photo above)
- Enter the address, permit number or stock plan number (i.e. B180xxxx or SP0xxxx), scroll down to click on 'Search'
- Select the permit/project from the list.
- Click 'Record Info' for drop down list of options (top left corner)
- Select 'Workflow Tasks'
- No icon = task has not been activated/routed yet (not complete)
- Hourglass = not completed, in process, or additional items are needed from the applicant.
- Green check mark = completed task
- Click the grey triangle/arrow next to each task to view holds/comments from each reviewer.
Building and Zoning Review Times
This chart provides target review dates for Zoning (Land Use Code Compliance review) and Building Code review. For most permit types Zoning (Land Use Code Compliance) will activate and open up the workflow of the permit and start the review time for building and all departments.
- Target dates are subject to change due to workload.
- Times are given in calendar days.
Project Type
Zoning Review Time
Building Code Review Time
- Egress Windows
0
5
- Residential Remodel
7
14
- Sales Office (for model homes/ developments)
- Commercial Remodel (Tenant Finish)
7
21
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After the submittal is accepted, an email will be sent to the applicant per the building permit application for payment of the plan check fee and permit activation.
All remaining fees will be paid at time of permit issuance. See below for payment methods and transaction fees.
Payment Method Permit Fee Range Transaction Fee Debit / Credit Card (no amount limit)
$0.00 $2,500
2.00% + $0.25 flat fee
$2,500.01 and above
2.75%
eCheck ($150,000 limit)
Any amount up to $150,000
$0.50 flat fee
Check (drop checks in the blue drop box on the Northwest side of the building - 281 N. College Ave. Box is checked several times each business day)
Any amount
Free
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Work can start when the applicant has received a copy of the building permit and approved plans. Reviewers add red-lines and conditional comments to the plans that you will need for construction.
How to create an account on Citizen Access
- Homeowners: You will receive an e-mail with instructions to link your address to your Citizen Access account.
- Contractors: How to link your City of Fort Collins License to your account
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The type and quantity of inspections are project specific.
- Example: A new patio cover may have electrical, or may not. If a patio cover does have electrical, then a rough electric and final electric inspection would be needed for that project.
Learn about inspection types and how to schedule them here:
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If your design needs to change due to unexpected field conditions, owner changes, or other reasons, (after plans have been reviewed), submit a revision.
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1. Check the permit status: www.fcgov.com/CitizenAccess
- Search permits / Record Info / workflow tasks / click on the small '+' to expand/view individual hold comments.
2. Plan time to send in final documents (some departments have a long lead times).
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Project Closeout Guide
- contact list
- lead times
- Building docs:
3. All inspections must be passed.
4. All departments/tasks must be signed off.
5. Most projects will receive a Letter of Completion or Certificate of Occupancy which can be downloaded from Citizen Access when the project is fully completed.
6. Uncompleted permits will expire. Expired permits become an open violation on the property.
Permit submittal requirements by project type.#
Type a project name/description into the search box to find submittal information. Search Here:#
| Project Type | Requirements | Fees | Submit |
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Adding dwelling units to an existing house Convert a Single Family House into a Two-Family Duplex or multi-unit building |
Find info HERE |
Find info HERE |
Find info HERE |
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Graywater Treatment works
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Use Calculator Below |
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Remodel (Residential) Examples:
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Submit existing and proposed plans. Electronic submittal instructions Mechanical Design Form and Manual JDS+ Manual JDS (load calcs) required when a completely new or second mechanical system is proposed for primary heat (vs. supplementary heat to an existing system). (Example of a completely new system: furnace and all connected ductwork, mini-split system used for primary heat) Energy Compliance Form If area is to become heated (garage/attic conversion) A Structural Engineer's letter or details may be required for structural work including new beams, and foundation alterations. Construction Waste Management Plan for remodels over 2,500 square feet |
Use Calculator Below |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Remodel (Multifamily) Examples:
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Submit existing and proposed plans for any layout changes. List all units that are within scope on application. A Structural Engineer's letter or stamped plans may be required for structural work. Electronic submittal instructions Construction Waste Management Plan for remodels over 2,500 square feet |
Use Calculator Below |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Remodel (Commercial)
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Submittal Guide/Checklist (commercial remodel/tenant finish) Technical Design Assistance Mini Grant Program for small businesses |
Use Calculator Below |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Sales Office in a Model Home
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Submit the following:
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Use Calculator Below |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Window and Door Fenestration
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Window and Door Fenestration Guide Emergency Escape and Rescue Window Guide A Structural Engineer's letter or details is required for all foundation alterations/cut ins, and for all commercial projects involving structural work.
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Use Calculator Below |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Can't find what you are looking for? |
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Permit Fees#
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Use the permit fee calculator below
The calculator is based on the table below:
- 35% of total fee is paid at time of permit submittal.
- The remaining 65% is paid at the time of permit issuance.
Value of residential/commercial alterations
Fee Scale
Valuation up to:
$2,000
$105
$25,000
$105 for the first $2k, then $15.5 for each $1k after
$50,000
$461.5 for the first $25k, then $10.5 for each $1k after
$100,000
$724 for the first $50k, then $6.5 for each $1k after
$500,000
$1049 for the first $100k, then $60 for each $10k after
Greater than $500,001
$3449 for the first $500k, then $55 for each $10k after
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Fee Type by department Fee Description City and County Sales/Use Tax 5.15% on half of the total construction valuation – view Sales Tax website at https://www.fcgov.com/salestax/tax-rates.php
See sales tax calculator below
Capital Expansion Fees and Larimer County Regional Road Fees Based on square footage of a new building or per dwelling unit for residential. https://www.fcgov.com/finance/capitalexpansion.php
- Community Parkland
- Neighborhood Parkland
- Fire
- General Governmental Services
- Police
Transportation Capital Expansion Fees and Larimer County Regional Road Fees:
Fees are based on type of development, new traffic being added to the transportation system, and last approved use for the site. Development categories are defined by the Institute of Transportation Engineers Trip Generation Manual, not the International Building and Residential Codes. For a detailed listing of fees, please visit: https://www.fcgov.com/engineering/tcef.phpWater & Sewer Fees: Plant Investment Fees and Water Rights -- schedules and further information available by contacting a Utility Rate and Fee Specialist:
(970) 416-4252
utilityfees@fcgov.com
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/plant-investment- development-fees
Stormwater Fee: Plant Investment Fee - For further information contact a Utility Rate and Fee Specialist:
(970) 416-4252
utilityfees@fcgov.com
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/plant-investment- development-feesElectric Underground Secondary Service Charge: - Single Family Residence Elec. Secondary Service (typical) charges may vary depending on service …$2,054.00
- Temporary Pedestal Service - per Single Family Residence (unattached)…$ 330.45
Other development charges may apply.
Additional information and electric development fee calculator:
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/plant-investment-
development-fees/electric-development-fee-estimator
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/rates-fees.php
Contact Light & Power Engineering at:
(970) 221-6700
electricprojectengineering@fcgov.com
Poudre School District Impact Fee (per dwelling unit) - New Single Family Detached, or 2-4 attached dwelling units...$1,710.00
- 5 or more attached dwelling units...$855.00
Thompson School District Impact Fee (per dwelling unit) - New Single Family Detached, or 2-4 attached dwelling units...$1,382.00
- 5 or more attached dwelling units...$946.00
Poudre Fire Authority Permit Fees Fire review and permit fees -
Payment Method Permit Fee Range Transaction Fee Debit / Credit Card (no amount limit)
$0.00 $2,500
2.00% + $0.25 flat fee
$2,500.01 and above
2.75%
eCheck ($150,000 limit)
Any amount up to $150,000
$0.50 flat fee
Check (drop checks in the blue drop box on the Northwest side of the building - 281 N. College Ave. Box is checked several times each business day)
Any amount
Free