New Buildings and Additions#
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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 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.
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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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Use the table below to get info guides and checklists, permit applications, and resources specific to your project type.
Plans should be submitted in PDF format only. Each PDF needs to be named correctly.
Other Resources:
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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:
- A reviewer may need additional information, clarification, or has questions about your project.
- Or a specific drawing, critical detail, page or form may be missing from the submittal.
- 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 navigate to the workflow and few department comments]()
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
- Pole Barn (commercial and residential)
- New Residential Secondary Building
- Wireless Telecommunication Facility
- New Residential Building with Habitable Space
- New Commercial Secondary Building
- Shed
5
9
- Residential Addition
- Single Family Detached
- New Manufactured Home Commercial
- Stock Plans
7
21
- Single Family Attached (Townhome)
- Two Family Duplex
- Commercial addition
7
28
- New Commercial, Industrial or Mixed-Use Building
- New Multi-Family
7
35
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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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If a project does not show as "completed" in citizen access, it means that it is not finished.
- You may need to schedule an inspection or turn in a document to a specific department.
Permit submittal requirements by building and project type#
Type a building type/description into the search box to find submittal information. Search Here:#
| Project Type | Submittal Requirements | Permit Fees | Submit |
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Accessory building with residential habitable (living) space Examples:
For converting existing building to living space click HERE
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Submit the following:
Mechanical Design Form+ Manual JDS (load calcs) required for new mechanical heating/cooling systems. Construction Waste Management Plan For all new buildings |
See section below table to calculate fees |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Addition (Residential) Enlarging, expanding, or adding enclosed area to an existing building. Examples:
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Addition Information and checklist Mechanical Design Form + Manual JDS (load calcs) required when a new or a second mechanical system is proposed for primary heat (vs. supplementary heat to the existing system). Example of a completely new system: furnace and all connected ductwork, mini-split system used for primary heat. Energy Compliance Form When heated Construction Waste Management Plan For additions over 2,500 square feet |
See section below table to calculate fees |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Addition (Commercial) Enlarging, expanding, or adding enclosed area to an existing building. Examples:
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Commercial submittal guide/checklist Energy Code Compliance form - New Commercial Construction Waste Management plan
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See section below table to calculate fees |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Duplex Two-family dwellings (Conversion) Convert a Single Family House into a Two-Family Dwelling (Adding a dwelling unit) |
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See section below table to calculate fees |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Duplex / Two-family dwellings
Two attached dwelling units both located on a single lot / parcel |
Submittal Guide/Checklist: New Residential Construction Outdoor Area Calculation – Residential Water Supply Requirement A Demolition Permit is required when demolishing an existing structure. |
See section below table to calculate fees |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Commercial Building |
Commercial submittal guide/checklist Energy Code Compliance form - New Commercial Construction Waste Management plan Fort Collins Loveland Water district review |
See section below table to calculate fees |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Garage (Residential Detached) For Commercial Garage, see: 'Commercial Building' For an attached garage, see: 'Addition'
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See section below table to calculate fees |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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House (single family detached)
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Submittal Guide/Checklist: New Residential Construction (NEW!) A Demolition Permit is required when demolishing an existing structure. |
See section below table to calculate fees |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Manufactured Home |
See section below table to calculate fees |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Multi-Family Building
3 or more dwellings attached to each other and located on a single lot.
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Multi-family Submittal Guide/Checklist Energy Code Compliance form - for 3 stories max Energy Code Compliance - for more than 3 stories. Construction Waste Management plan |
See section below table to calculate fees |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Pole Barn If living space is included see: "New accessory building with residential habitable (living) space." |
Submit the following:
Energy Compliance Form When heated |
See section below table to calculate fees |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Shed (Residential or Commercial)
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Energy Compliance Form When heated Construction Waste Management Plan For all new buildings |
See section below table to calculate fees |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Single Family Attached (Townhome)
A single-family dwelling unit constructed as part of a group of two or more attached individual dwelling units, each of which is separated from the other from the foundation to the roof and is located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, which parcel is deeded exclusively for such single-family dwelling |
Submittal Guide/Checklist: New Residential Construction Outdoor Area Calculation – Residential Water Supply Requirement A Demolition Permit is required when demolishing an existing structure. |
See section below table to calculate fees |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Wireless Telecommunication Facility
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Submit the following:
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See section below table to calculate fees |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
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Can't find what you are looking for? |
Residential and Commercial Alterations
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See section below table to calculate fees |
E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com |
Permit Fee Calculation (NEW! Starting 01/01/2024)#
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Step 1: Identify the Occupancy Type (see description below)
Step 2: Calculated the cost per square foot for each occupancy type.
Step 3: Add the total cost per square foot for each occupancy type. Take 35% of total amount to calculate the plan check fee to be collected at time of permit submittal.
The remaining 65% of the total cost per square foot is the building permit fee and will be collected at the time of permit issuance.
Step 4: See the sales and use tax calculator below for use tax calculation – total labor and materials.
New Construction Permit Fees Occupancy Category Fee rate per square foot A (Assembly) $0.40 B (Business) $0.50 E (education/schools) we do regulate private schools $0.50 F (Factory) $0.35 I (Institutional) $0.50 M (Mercantile) $0.40 R-1 (Hotel) $0.35 R-2 (Apartment) $0.35 R-3 (Single Family Detached/Duplex) $0.65 R-4 (Assisted Living) $0.55 S (Storage) $0.40 U (Utility) $0.40 H High hazard $0.60 Core and Shell Buildings (no designated occupancies at time of construction)
$0.45 Footing and Foundation Permit Fees.
Footing and Foundation permits are optional and not available for additions, - New Buildings Only
Project Type
Footing and Foundation Permit Fee
Single Family Detached House
$150
Single Family Attached (Townhome)
$150
Duplex (Two Family)
$200
New Manufactured Home
$150
Commercial Addition
$500
New Com-Ind Mixed Use Building (commercial/industrial/mixed use)
$500
Multi-family
$1000
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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)…
- $330.57
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) - 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) - 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