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Exterior and Miscellaneous Permits#

Yes, building permit is required unless specifically exempt

Work Exempt from Permit

  • Can I do the work myself? 
    • Homeowners may perform work on their primary primary residence only, if it is a single family detached home. 
    • Commercial building owners may perform work on their buildings if the total amount of work is less than $2,000 and does not include any structural. 
  • 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

Contractor Licensing

  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

Fire review and permit fees

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:

  1. Food or drink service, preparation, handling, or processing (Bars, Breweries, Distilleries, Restaurants, Commercial Commissary Kitchens, Food Manufacturing/Packaging, Grocery Stores) 
  2. Daycare
  3. Schools
  4. Healthcare Facilities
  5. Public recreational facilities (Pools)
  6. Institutions (Nursing home, Assisted Living, Rehab Centers, Hospitals)
  7. 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:

www.larimer.org/health

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:

www.fcgov.com/zoning

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:

floodplains@fcgov.com

Phone: 970-416-2632
Historic 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

 

Get info guides and checklists, permit applications, and resources specific to your project type using the table below:

Plans should be submitted in PDF format only. Each PDF needs to be named correctly

Other Resources:

I've successfully submitted my permit, what happens next?

  • The design, plans and documents you submitted will be checked before the permit is issued and construction begins. 

*****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? Reviews address code at the design phase which reduces costly re-construction and failed inspections by reviewing for compliance prior to construction. 

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 or start from the beginning? 

No, your permit has not been denied. This just means that:

  1. A reviewer may need additional information, clarification, or has questions about your project. 
  2. Or a specific drawing, critical detail, page or form may be missing from the submittal.
  3. Or plans do not comply with codes/requirements and need to be revised to show compliance. 

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 items. You may contact the reviewer directly for questions about their timeline.

screen shot of citizen access showing how to view the project workflow and see status and comments from different departments

Permit Status

  1. Use the Citizen Portal
  2. Under the Building category, select 'Search permits' (see photo above)
  3. Enter the address, permit number or stock plan number (i.e. B180xxxx or SP0xxxx), scroll down to click on 'Search'
  4. Select the permit/project from the list.
  5. Click 'Record Info' for drop down list of options (top left corner)
  6. 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
  7. Click the grey triangle/arrow next to each task to view holds/comments from each reviewer.

Permit Status

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

  • Awning
  • Carport 
  • Deck
  • Fence 
  • Patio Cover
  • Pergola
  • Retaining Wall
  • Shade Sail
  • Swimming Pool Residential
  • Sales Trailer

5

9

  • Residential Solar

7

14

  • Flagpole Commercial
  • Solar Commercial
  • Swimming Pool (commercial)
  • Wireless Telecommunication Antenna 

7

21

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

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

How to download the approved plans

Citizen Access Portal

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: 

Inspections

What to submit#

1. Download the approved, or the most current document set from citizen access that needs to be revised.

2. Only revise document sets that are being altered/changed.

3. Retain red-line comments/mark-ups that were added by City of Fort Collins if present.

4. Replace, add, or delete sheets where needed in the set.

  • Replaced and added sheets cannot have working comments from the applicant/design team (new sheets must be flattened)

5. Cloud/bubble/delta and/or clearly indicated what is changing on the new pages.

6. Rename the plan set with the next version number. (view citizen access to see what the next version needs to be. If most current set is v2, then submit as v3).

  • Name each document correctly:  Instructions
    • Example:  Plans - 1234 Example Street - v3
    • Example: Mech Docs - 1234 Example Street - v3
    • Example: Site Plan - 1234 Example Street - v3

7. Fill out the Revision Form.  Re-name the form:

  • Letter - The Project Address – v1 (example: Letter - 1234 Example Street - v1)

9. E-mail revision form and revised documents to buildingservices@fcgov.com

10. A $50-200 fee will be assessed by plan review based on the revision and project type.

Cloud/Bubble changes on plans#

Cost of applicant initiated revisions (post building plan review)

Revision size

Description

Cost

Small

Minor layout revisions (less than 25% of the floor area is affected)Change in window type/size

Minor Structural revisions (changing a beam size, connections etc. where 25% or less of the structural design is changing)

Solar revisions (wiring/connection changes, panel layout, full solar redesign (adding battery backup interface, automatic transfer switch).

$50

Medium

Significant residential layout changes (more than 25% of the floor area is affected)

Change of Energy Path (for new construction or additions)

Significant structural revisions (more than 25% of the structural design is changing)

Changes to the Mechanical Design (for new construction or additions)

$100

Large

Significant commercial layout changes (more than 25% of the floor area is affected)

Commercial Change of occupancy or different tenant

Increased Commercial project square footage

Change in a new building or addition size or orientation (only when initiated by the applicant).

$200

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).

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  Requirements Fees Submit

Awning

 

  • Commercial awnings with signage must also submit for a separate sign permit here
  • Submit the following:
    • Site Plan
    • Awning must be designed and stamped/signed by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer.
    • Exterior elevations drawn to scale
    • Manufacturer's technical information for  fabrics, glass and plastics and flame resistance information.  

Owner Authorization

Homeowner Affidavit

 

 

Building Permit Flat Fee: $50 (broken out below)

  • $17.50  plan check fee paid permit submittal.
  • $32.50 Paid at time of permit issuance. 

 

Sales tax: Use calculator below

E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com

Building Permit Application

Submittal and Naming Instructions 

Carport

Permits area required if any of the following conditions exist:

  • Attached to the house/building
  • Or Larger than 120 square feet
  • Or Taller than 8ft
  • Closer than 3ft from property lines

 

Construction Waste Management Plan

Grading Plan Requirements

Residential:         

Carport Guide

Homeowner Affidavit

Pre-Built Structures or Kits may require a letter/details stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer to evaluate structure for local high wind and snow loads.

Commercial:           

Plans must be designed and stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer. 

Owner Authorization

Building Permit Fee: $110 (broken out below)

  • $38.50  plan check fee paid permit submittal.
  • $71.50 Paid at time of permit issuance.

Sales tax: Use calculator below

E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com

Building Permit Application

Submittal and Naming Instructions  

Deck / Stairs / Ramp /Landing

(includes concrete steps/landing/ramps). 

Permits area required if any of the following conditions exist:

  • Attached to the house/building
  • More than 30 inches above grade 
  • Serving the residential front door or a commercial exit/means of egress.
  • Decks more than 200 square feet. 

 

Residential:

Deck Guide/Form (fill out form with submittal)

Homeowner Affidavit

Commercial:
Structural work must be designed and stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer. 

Owner Authorization

 

Building Permit Fee: $110 (broken out below)

  • $38.50  plan check fee paid permit submittal.
  • $71.50 Paid at time of permit issuance.

Sales tax: Use calculator below

E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com

Building Permit Application

Submittal and Naming Instructions  

Flag Poles 

Flag Pole Requirements

Homeowner Affidavit

Owner Authorization

Building Permit Fee: $65 (broken out below)

  • $22.75  plan check fee paid permit submittal.
  • $42.25 Paid at time of permit issuance

Sales tax: Use calculator below

E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com

Building Permit Application

Submittal and Naming Instructions  

Fence (Residential or Commercial)

  • Permits area required for fences Over 6ft tall.

Submit the following:

  • Design/letter and connection/attachment detail by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer for wind resistance in accordance with the front range gust map.
  • Site plan
  • Drawing of fence showing materials (elevation)

Homeowner Affidavit

Owner Authorization

Building Permit Fee: $100 (broken out below)

  • $35.00  plan check fee paid permit submittal.
  • $65.00 Paid at time of permit issuance.

Sales tax: Use calculator below

E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com

Building Permit Application

Submittal and Naming Instructions  

Patio Cover 

(or Porch Cover)

Permits area required if any of the following conditions exist:

  • Attached to the house/building
  • Or Larger than 120 square feet
  • Or Taller than 8ft
  • Closer than 3ft from the property line

 

 

Residential:             

Pre-Built Structures or Kits may require a letter/details stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer to evaluate structure for local high wind and snow loads.

Patio Cover Guide/Info

Homeowner Affidavit

Grading Plan Requirements

Commercial:           

Plans must be designed and stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer. Additionally, Submit manufacturer's specs for specialty products such shade sail cloth and plastics when used.

Owner Authorization

Building Permit Fee: $110 (broken out below)

  • $38.50  plan check fee paid permit submittal.
  • $71.50 Paid at time of permit issuance.

Sales tax: Use calculator below

E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com

Building Permit Application

Submittal and Naming Instructions  

Pergola (or Trellis)

Permits area required if any of the following conditions exist:

  • Attached to the house/building
  • Or Larger than 120 square feet
  • Or Taller than 8ft
  • Closer than 3ft from the property line

 

Residential:               

Pre-Built Structures or Kits may require a letter/details stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer to evaluate structure for local high wind and snow loads.

Pergola Guide/Info

Homeowner Affidavit

Commercial:                    Plans must be designed and stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer.

Owner Authorization

Building Permit Fee: $110 (broken out below)

  • $38.50  plan check fee paid permit submittal.
  • $71.50 Paid at time of permit issuance.

Sales tax: Use calculator below

E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com

Building Permit Application

Submittal and Naming Instructions  

Retaining Wall

Must be designed and stamped by an Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer. 

Homeowner Affidavit

Owner Authorization

Building Permit Fee: $100 (broken out below)

  • $35.00  plan check fee paid permit submittal.
  • $65.00 Paid at time of permit issuance.

Sales tax: Use calculator below

E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com

Building Permit Application

Submittal and Naming Instructions  

Sales Trailer

  • For sales office in a model home HERE

No permit is required for temporary construction trailers. 

For Public access commercial trailers submit the following: 

  • Site plan
  • Floor plans 
  • Engineering for wind load and connection details 
  • Accessibility details (restroom facilities, entry, access to the public way)

Building Permit Fee: $85 (broken out below)

  • $29.75  plan check fee paid permit submittal.
  • $55.25 Paid at time of permit issuance.

Sales tax: Use calculator below

E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com

Building Permit Application

Submittal and Naming Instructions  

Shade Sail

Shade Sail Requirements (Updated 8/24/2023)

Homeowner Affidavit

Owner Authorization Form

 

Building Permit  Fee: $110 (broken out below)

  • $38.50  plan check fee paid permit submittal.
  • $71.50 Paid at time of permit issuance.

Sales tax: Use calculator below

E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com

Building Permit Application

Submittal and Naming Instructions  

Solar PV (New Installation)

 

 

Residential Solar PV Guide

Building Permit Fee: $85 (broken out below)

  • $29.75  plan check fee paid permit submittal.
  • $55.25 Paid at time of permit issuance.

Sales tax: Use calculator below

E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com

Solar PV Permit Application

Submittal and Naming Instructions 

 

Solar PV - Energy Storage System (ESS) only

Master Electrician or Homeowner Affidavit

Location and spacing shall comply with 2021 IRC R328 and CBO interpretation.

Separately submit the Utilities Interconnect and Rebate application 

 An additional, separate permit is required by Poudre Fire Authority when exceeding the following ratings:

  • 20 kWh for individual ESS units.
  • 40 kWh aggregate for ESS systems located in utility closets, basements, or storage or utility spaces.
  • 80 kWh aggregate for ESS systems located in attached garages, detached garages/accessory structures, on exterior walls, or outdoors on the ground.

Building Permit Fee: $65

Sales tax: Use calculator below

 

E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com

Solar PV Permit Application

Submittal and Naming Instructions 

Solar PV (New installation)

Commercial and Multi-family

Submit the following:

  • Site plan 
  • Roof plan (for roof mounted solar)
  • Panel layout
  • Structural engineering for: wind, snow loads, ground attachment details, if roof-mounted, provide roof loading analysis for added weight to existing roofs. Must be stamped and signed by a  Colorado Licensed Engineer. 
  • Engineered electric including a one-line diagram. Stamped and signed by a Colorado Licensed Engineer. 
  • A separate permit must also be submitted to: Poudre Fire Authority

Owner Authorization

Building Permit Fee: $155 (broken out below)

  • $54.25  plan check fee paid permit submittal.
  • $100.75 Paid at time of permit issuance.

Sales tax: Use calculator below

 

E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com

Solar PV Permit Application

Submittal and Naming Instructions  

Solar PV re-installation (commercial and residential)

Reinstallation of existing panels in the same location.

Replacement of identical panels in the same location with no change to system. (for new equipment or system expansion see: New Installs above).

 

  • Before photo of the existing PV system.
  • Roof plan w/panel layout if there are changes to the system. 

Building Permit Fee: $65

Sales tax: Use calculator below

Solar PV Permit Application

Submittal and Naming Instructions  

Swim Spa, Pool, Ponds, hot tubs that are custom or in-ground (Residential)

 

  • Prefabricated or portable, which can contain water more than 24" deep.
  • Manufacturer's specs or custom design details
  • Engineered foundation for in-ground designs
  • Site plan to scale 
  • Safety Barrier /cover details 
  • For ground-mounted, pre-fabricated hot tubs see: Fast Track Permits

International Swimming Pool and Spa Code

Homeowner Affidavit

Building Permit Fee: $110 (broken out below)

  • $38.50  plan check fee paid permit submittal.
  • $71.50 Paid at time of permit issuance.

Sales tax: Use calculator below

E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com

Building Permit Application

Submittal and Naming Instructions  

Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs, Ponds (Commercial)

  • Public or Community/ Neighborhood
  • Prefabricated or portable, which can contain water more than 24" deep.

 

  • Manufacturer's specs or custom design details
  • Engineered structural design
  • Site plan to scale
  • Safety Barrier details or approved cover details
  • Accessibility Details

International Swimming Pool and Spa Code

Owner Authorization 

Building Permit Fee: $220 (broken out below)

  • $77.00  plan check fee paid permit submittal.
  • $143.00 Paid at time of permit issuance.

Sales tax: Use calculator below

 

E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com

Building Permit Application

Submittal and Naming Instructions  

Wireless Telecommunication Antenna

  • adding/altering antenna on an existing facility (on a pole / tower / building)
  • Stamped Engineered structural design (attachments and wind load design).
  • Engineered electric drawings

Owner Authorization or leasing agreement between the the wireless company and the building owner. 

Building Permit Fee: $65 (broken out below)

  • $22.75  plan check fee paid permit submittal.
  • $42.25 Paid at time of permit issuance.

Sales tax: Use calculator below

 

E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com

Building Permit Application

Submittal and Naming Instructions 

Can't Find What You are Looking For?

Fast Track Permits

  • Basement Finish
  • Demolition
  • Electric
  • Fireplace, Fire Pit
  • Lawn Sprinkler, Backflow Preventer
  • Mechanical
  • Mobile Home Set
  • Roofing
  • Water Heater

Residential and Commercial Alterations

  • Residential Remodel (garage or attic conversion, layout changes, kitchen, bath or other remodel, new/replaced windows or doors, egress windows.
  • Commercial Remodel (Tenant Finish, Chance of Occupancy, White Box, other)

New Construction 

  • New accessory building with habitable living space
  • Addition
  • Duplex (two family dwelling)
  • Commercial Building
  • Garage
  • House (single family detached)
  • New Manufactured Home
  • Multi-family Building
  • Pole Barn
  • Shed
  • Single Family Attached (Townhome)

 

 

Sales Tax Calculator#

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