New permit exemptions added for plumbing fixtures#

New local amendments went into effect 2/16/2024 which allows for replacement of plumbing fixtures without a permit. Specifically: 

"The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the repair and replacement of garbage disposal units and dishwashers directly connected to the sanitary sewer system, including the necessary replacement of all tail pipes and traps, or the repair, maintenance, and replacement of of sinks, faucets, drains, showers, tubs, and toilets, provided such repairs do not involve the replacement or rearrangement of valves or pipes."

NOTE: Moving, replacing and rearranging of pipes and valves still requires a permit. 

• https://www.fcgov.com/building/codes
• https://www.fcgov.com/building/permit-exempt

Fee changes in 2024#

1. City and county sales tax calculators have been updated online:
   • Prior: 4.65% (on half the total construction value)
   • New as of 1/1/2024: 5.15% (on half the total construction value)
2. Electric underground secondary service for single family houses: 
   • Prior: $2030.00
   • New as of 1/1/2024: $2054.00
3. Temporary pedestal service (per detached single family residence):
   1. Prior: $305.57
   2. New as of 1/1/2024: $330.45

For questions about these fee changes, please contact the appropriate departments:

Electric fees:  Light & Power / (970) 221-6700 / electricprojectengineering@fcgov.com

Sales tax: https://www.fcgov.com/salestax/tax-rates.php / 970-221-6780 / salestax@fcgov.com 

Expanded permitting options#

The intent of these additions are to add flexibility to and streamline the permitting process for installation of multiple appliances at the same address. 

APPLIANCES

Current process: A building permit is required for each appliance.  

New option: One building permit can be issued for multiple appliance installations/replacements at the same address. 

Considerations: 

• Mechanical and plumbing equipment shall be issued separate permits.  
• Furnace (single or multiple) and A/C (single or multiple) can be issued on one mechanical permit.
• Water Heater (single or multiple) can be issued on one plumbing permit. 
• Fees: $65 fee per appliance will be assessed. 

Expanded permitting options#

The intent of these additions are to add flexibility to and streamline the permitting process for alterations in multi-family building units.

MULTI-FAMILY ALTERATIONS

Current process: A building permit is required for each individual unit.  

New option: One building permit can be issued per multi-family building for any scope of work.  

Considerations:  

• Submitted plans must reflect all unit types and complete scope.  
• Description of work must include all affected units. If all units are not affected, individual unit numbers must be provided. 
• If a development has multiple buildings, one permit must be obtained for each building.
• Inspection scheduling: One inspection per trade and per building shall be used as needed.
  • Inspection scheduling comments must include units to be inspected. 
  • Inspection result comments shall be used to track progress of work. 
• The permit will not be completed/closed until all units and scope of work have passed necessary inspections and all final documents have been received. 
• Permit fees are unchanged and continue to be valuation based.

Note: Condos and other individually owned units must obtain one permit per unit. 

2023 NEC goes into effect#

The 2023 NEC has been adopted by the State of Colorado and goes into effect August 1st 2023 both at the state and local level in Fort Collins. 

New! Graywater Provisions#

Greywater for toilet flushing only, now allowed in Fort Collins!

• See if your address is within the permitted area for graywater use:
  • Graywater Map
• Design Criteria 
• Submit for a graywater permit