Building Permit Process#
Do I need a Permit?#
Most work requires a building permit, but there are some exceptions.
- COVID-19: Building Serviceshighlight_off
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Updates
In response to National, State, and Local Declarations of Emergency, we are temporarily changing how we provide our services. For more information on the City's coronavirus response, visit fcgov.com/coronavirus.
Development Review Center is open in a limited capacity committed to providing customer service:
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 9am-12 noon; 1-4 p.m. (closed 12-1pm).
Special Instructions:
- Virtual services are available, and we encourage you to use them if possible.
- NEW: please schedule an appointment for all in-person services (due to rising Coronavirus cases and limited on-site staff). Appointments can be scheduled by contacting a department from the contact list below. For Appointments:
- Enter the building using doors on College Avenue.
- Visitors are asked to follow directional signs posted inside.
- Visitors must wear a mask over the nose and mouth.
Contact List:
- Building Permits | BuildingServices@fcgov.com ">BuildingServices@fcgov.com or 970-221-6760
- Submit permits by e-mail
- 30 min in-person permit application appointments can be scheduled (see hours and instructions above).
- Building Code Plan Review | buildingdocs@fcgov.com or 970-416-2757
- Zoning | zoning@fcgov.com or 970-416-2745
- Development Review Coordinators | drcoord@fcgov.com or 970-221-6689
- Historic Preservation | preservation@fcgov.com
- Planning | planning@fcgov.com or 970-416-4311
- Contractor Licensing | please submit electronically to contractor_licensing@fcgov.com; payment will be collected over the phone at the time of processing
Virtual/Remote Services:
- Step 1: Preparehighlight_off
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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 Permithighlight_off
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Step 2: Submit for permit#
- E-mail the permit submittal to: BuildingServices@fcgov.com .
- Projects will be checked for completeness and, uploaded into the permit system and routed for review.
- Electronic Submittal Instructions
281 N. College
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-416-2740
Poudre Fire Authority Review
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 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 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.
- Step 3: Review Processhighlight_off
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Step 3: Review Process#
![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 preservation@fcgov.com
- Step 4: Permit Issuancehighlight_off
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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 Inspectionshighlight_off
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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 Closeouthighlight_off
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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