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Building Permit Process
Do I need a Permit?
Most work requires a building permit, but there are some exceptions.
Development Review Center: Reopening Information
Development Review Center: Reopening Information
In response to National, State, and Local Declarations of Emergency, we are temporarily changing how we provide our services:
Development Review Center will be reopening in a limited capacity Monday - Thursday, 9AM to 4PM.- Virtual Services are still recommended when possible. In-person appointments are highly recommended.
The City remains committed to providing customer service during this time. Customers may contact us M-F 8am-5pm using the following information:
- Building Permitting | YnVpbGRpbmdzZXJ2aWNlc0BmY2dvdi5jb20= or 970-221-6760
- Building Plan Review | YnVpbGRpbmdkb2NzQGZjZ292LmNvbQ== or 970-416-2757
- Zoning | em9uaW5nQGZjZ292LmNvbQ== or 970-416-2745
- Development Review Coordinators | ZHJjb29yZEBmY2dvdi5jb20= or 970-221-6689
- Historic Preservation | cHJlc2VydmF0aW9uQGZjZ292LmNvbQ==
- Planning | cGxhbm5pbmdAZmNnb3YuY29t or 970-416-4311
- Contractor Licensing | please submit electronically to Y29udHJhY3Rvcl9saWNlbnNpbmdAZmNnb3YuY29t; payment will be collected over the phone at the time of processing
For more information on the City's coronavirus response, visit fcgov.com/coronavirus.
Entrance to the building will be from College Avenue, and visitors are asked to follow directional signs posted inside. All virtual services continue to be available, and we encourage you to use them if possible. For in-person service, appointments are recommended as response times may be longer due to reduced staff. All services may not be available in person. Appointments can be scheduled by contacting a department directly. For permits, we will have very specific information about scheduling 30 minute appointments.
- Step 1: Prepare
-
Step 1: Prepare
Use the appropriate submittal guide and checklist your your project type, to determine what information you will need to submit for permit.
- Each independent building structure requires a separate permit for the associated work being done (work in two buildings cannot be submitted on the same building permit).
Development Review
A development review process may be required for new buildings, additions, or change of use to land, or buildings, prior to submitting for a building permit. Call to learn more 970-221-6689
Historic Preservation Review
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.
- Step 2: Submit for Permit
-
Step 2: Submit for permit
- Most project plans will need to be submitted in an electronic PDF format on a USB flash drive/thumb drive. Projects will be checked for completeness and, uploaded into our system and routed for review.
- Residential Alterations and Residential Additions can be submitted in paper format (2 coppies).
281 N. College
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-416-2740
Poudre Fire Authority Review
PFA is a multi -jurisdictional Fire Department. Separate 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 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.
Larimer County Health Department
Larimer County Health Department is a multi-jurisdictional Health Department. Separate 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
- Step 3: Review Process
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Step 3: Review Process
Permit Status
- Most projects require a review, which reduces costly re-construction by reviewing for compliance prior to construction.
- The project is reviewed by many City Departments to ensure compliance with building codes, land use code, and project specific requirements.
- The applicant will receive an email indicating either:
- A re-submittal is requested and corrections are required
- or that the review is complete (see step 4)
Historic Preservation Review
Is your building over 50?
Exterior alterations (including siding and windows) to any building aged 50 or older must be reviewed by Historic Preservation. For more information, please contact:
Cassandra Bumgarner 970-416-4250 cHJlc2VydmF0aW9uQGZjZ292LmNvbQ==
- Step 4: Permit Issuance
-
Step 4: Permit Issuance
After all departments/tasks have been signed off, all fees have been paid, and all contractors have been verified to be locally licensed and insured, the permit will be issued. To confirm that a contractor is locally licensed contact: 970-416-2740
An e-mail will be sent to the permit applicant when the permit is ready to be issued.
- Step 5: Construction and Inspections
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Step 5: Construction and Inspections
After the permit is issued, work can begin.
1. Build to the approved set of plans. Approved plans must be on site for inspection.
3. Schedule Inspections as needed for your project.
4. If you need to revise your plans due to significant changes (changed design, altered scope, etc.), submit a revised set of plans as an addendum for review.
- Step 6: Project Closeout
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Step 6: Project Closeout
To close out a project, receive a Letter of Completion, or Certificated of occupancy:
1. All inspections must be completed, and passed.
2. Some projects require final documents or certificates to be submitted at the end of the project. Check the permit status to see if any final documents are needed for your project.
3. If you have holds for final document, use the Project Closeout Guide
4. Most projects will receive a Letter of Completion or Certificate of Occupancy indicating a completed project.
5. Uncompleted permits will expire. Expired permits become an open violation on the property.
Footing and Foundation Permits
Footing and Foundation permits can be requested at the time of building permit submittal, and can only be issued for:
- New Houses Only (Not for: additions, remodels, detached garages, detached habitable space)
- New Commercial Buildings
- New Multi-Family Buildings