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Building Services

Building Services

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Building Permit Process: 6 Steps#

Step 1: Preparehighlight_off
  • What do I need to do first? 
  • Do I need a permit?
    • Yes in most cases.
    • Some work is exempt 
  • How much will a permit cost?
    • Some permits have flat fees, others are based on the valuation of the project.
    • Permit Fees
  • Can multiple structures be submitted on one permit? 
    • Each independent structure requires a separate permit which simplifies the inspection process.
  • Can multiple units in a building be submitted on a single permit? 
    • Only one address can be assigned to a permit. Each address should have a separate permit unless units are being combined and assigned a new address. 

Step 2: Submit for Permithighlight_off
  • What format is needed for submittal documents? 
  • What do I need to submit?
  • How do I submit for permit?
  • I Emailed my submittal. What happens next?
    • Projects will be checked for completeness. 
      • If submittals are incomplete you will be contacted to provide additional information. 
      • Complete submittals are uploaded into the permit system and routed for review (see next step). 
  • Can I start my project as soon as my permit is submitted?
    • No. Once your permit is issued and approved, work can start (see step 4). The permit applicant will receive an e-mail when the permit is ready. 
  • Where are you located?
    • 281 N. College 
    • Fort Collins, CO 80524
    • 970-416-2740

Permit Fees

Step 3: Review Processhighlight_off

Why Review? Most projects require a review, which reduces costly re-construction 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, and project specific requirements.

How will I know when the review is complete? The permit applicant will receive an email indicating either: corrections needed (Resubmittal Requested) or that the review is complete (see step 4)

How do I check a permit status?#

How do I check a permit status?

Permit Status

  1. Use the Citizen Portal
  2. Under “Building”, click on Search permits (see photo above)
  3. Enter the address, permit number, or stock plan number (i.e. B180xxxx or SP0xxxx), scroll down, click on Search.
  4. Scroll down, click on the triangle on the left side of Workflow Status to expand the drop down to view completed and uncompleted reviews/tasks. 
  5. Click on the left plus symbol for each individual department/task to view comments and status. 

Check the Status of a Permit

Step 4: Permit Issuancehighlight_off

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 Inspectionshighlight_off
  • When can I start building?
  • What if I want or need to change my design during construction? 
    • If you need to revise your plans due to significant changes (new layout, altered scope, etc.), submit a revised set of plans as an addendum for review. 

Building Inspections

Step 6: Project Closeouthighlight_off

Step 6: Project Closeout#

How do I complete and close out a project, receive a Letter of Completion, or Certificated of occupancy?

1. All inspections must be completed, and passed.

2.  Check the permit status to see if any final documents need to be submitted.

3. When submitting final documents, use: Public Records Naming for Final Docs.

3. Use the Project Closeout Guide contact list  to send required documents to the correct location. 

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

F&F Policy

COVID-19: Building Serviceshighlight_off