Building Services

Commercial Buildings

Class A:  Authorized to construct, demolish or deconstruct any building or structure in the city that is regulated under the building code, including all work authorized by license types below this level.

• To qualify, the applicant must have constructed or acted principally in the role of supervisor for the construction of three (3) entire buildings, each of which must have exceeded five (5) stores in height and occupancy classification other than Group R.

Class A(DR):  Authorized to add additions to and/or make repairs and/or restoration to structural damage to any building or structure in the City regulated under the building code, including all work authorized by damage repair and restoration license types below this level.

• To qualify, the applicant must have performed or acted principally in the role of supervisor for the significant structural repair construction on three (3) buildings, each of which must have exceeded five (5) stories in height and occupancy classifications other than Group R.

Class B:  Authorized to construct, demolish or deconstruct any building or structure in the City regulated under the building code up to and including five (5) stories in height, and including all work authorized by license types below this level.

• To qualify, the applicant must have constructed or acted principally in the role of supervisor for the construction of three (3) entire buildings of occupancy classifications other than Group R, each  must have exceeded 20,000 sq. ft. in floor area and/or have been 3-stories in height.

Class B(DR):  Authorized to add additions to and/or make repairs and/or restoration to structural damage to any building or structure in the City regulated under the building code up to and including five(5) stories in height, including all work authorized by damage repair and restoration license types below this level.

• To qualify, the applicant must have performed or acted principally in the role of supervisor for the significant structural repair construction on three (3) buildings of occupancy classifications other than Group R, each of which must have exceeded 20,000 square feet in floor area and/or three (3) stories in height.

Class C1:  Authorized to construct or demolish any building or structure in the City that is regulated under the building code and which does not exceed 20,000 square feet in floor area and/or three (3) stories in height, including all work authorized by license types below this level.

• To qualify, the applicant must have constructed or acted principally in the role of supervisor for the construction of three (3) entire buildings of occupancy classifications other than Group R, up to 20,000 square feet in floor area and/or up to three stories in height.

Class C1(DR):  Authorized to add additions to and/or make repairs or restoration to structural damage to any building or structure in the City regulated under the building code that does not exceed 20,000 square feet in floor area and/or three (3) stories in height, including all work authorized by damage repair and restoration license types below this level.

• To qualify, the applicant must have performed or acted principally in the role of supervisor for the significant structural repair construction on three (3) buildings of occupancy classifications other than Group R, up to 20,000 square feet in floor area and/or up to three stories in height.

Class C2:  Authorized to construct or demolish any building or structure in the City classified by the building code as Type V construction and a Group R or a Group U, Division 1 occupancy which does not exceed three (3) stories in height, including all work authorized by license types below this level, and including other ancillary Type V buildings or structures that are associated with a particular multi-family housing project, such as management offices, community and recreation buildings, maintenance buildings and similar uses.

• To qualify, the applicant must have constructed or acted principally in the role of supervisor for the construction of three (3) entire buildings classified as Type V construction and of Group R occupancy. At least one (1) such building described herein shall not be less than three (3) stories in height as defined in the building code.

Class C2(DR):  Authorized to make repairs or restoration to structural damage to any building or structure in the City classified by the building code as Type V construction and Group R or Group U, Division 1 occupancy which does not exceed three (3) stories in height, including all work authorized by damage repair and restoration licensed types below this level.

• To qualify, the applicant must have performed or acted principally in the role of supervisor for the significant structural repair construction of three (3) buildings classified as Type V construction and of Group R occupancy.

Class E (Commercial):  Authorized to perform any nonstructural alteration work to any building or structure in the City, including all work authorized by license types below this level.

• To qualify, the applicant must have constructed or acted principally in the role of supervisor for the nonstructural alteration of three (3) entire projects, each of which shall be nonresidential in use. Each such project shall exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.) in total construction value and at least one (1) such project shall exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.) in total construction value.

Residential only

Class D1:  Authorized to construct, demolish or deconstruct any building or structure in the City classified by the building code as a Group R, Division 3 occupancy housing not more than two (2) dwelling units, or a Group U, Division 1 occupancy, or townhouses (aka single-family attached) as regulated by the International Residential Code, including all work authorized by residential licenses types below this level.

• To qualify, the applicant must have constructed or acted principally in the role of supervisor for the construction of three (3) entire buildings classified as R-3 occupancies (single-family or townhomes).

Class D2:  Authorized to construct, demolish or deconstruct residential garages of Group U, Division 1 occupancies up to one thousand (1,000) square feet; construct, demolish or deconstruct additions to detached single-family dwellings not exceeding one thousand (1,000) square feet in total floor area; perform any structural alterations or repairs to any building or structure in the City classified by the building code as a Group R, Division 3 occupancy housing not more than two (2) dwelling units, or a Group U, Division 1 occupancy; and construct or repair exterior decks of any size associated with single-family and/or multi-family projects, including all work authorized by residential license types below this level.

• To qualify, the applicant must have constructed or acted principally in the role of supervisor for the construction of three (3) completed projects classified as additions or significant structural alterations to R-3 occupancies (single-family or townhomes) or Group U, Division 1 occupancies.

Class D(DR):  Authorized to add additions to and/or make repairs or restoration to structural damage to any building or structure in the City regulated under the building code as a Group R, Division 3 occupancy housing not more than two (2) dwelling units, or a Group U, Division 1 occupancy or townhome (aka single-family attached) as regulated by the International Residential Code.

• To qualify, the applicant must have performed or acted principally in the role of supervisor for the significant structural repair construction on three (3) buildings of Type V construction classified as R-3 Occupancy (single-family or townhome).

Class E (residential):  Authorized to perform any nonstructural alteration work to any residential building or structure in the City regulated under the International Residential Code, including single-family, duplex and townhomes (aka attached single-family), including all work authorized by the Class MM (Miscellaneous and Minor Structures) license below.

• To qualify, the applicant must have constructed or acted principally in the role of supervisor for the nonstructural alteration of three (3) entire residential projects. Each such project must have exceeded fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.) in total construction value and at least one (1) such project must have exceeded thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.) in total construction value.

Class MM (Miscellaneous and Minor Structures):  Authorized to construct, demolish or deconstruct the following projects associated with detached single-family dwellings: detached structures such as shelters, storage sheds, playhouses, greenhouses and gazebos, unenclosed structures such as open carports, patio covers, open porches and decks. All such projects shall be limited to one-story buildings.

• To qualify, the applicant must have constructed or acted principally in the role of supervisor for the construction of three (3) entire projects, such as storage sheds, playhouses, greenhouses, gazebos, and unenclosed structures such as carports and patio covers, open porches and decks, each of which must have been associated with a detached single-family dwelling.

To qualify:  A specialized trade contractor license or certificate, an applicant must document no less than three (3) completed projects which demonstrate that the applicant possesses supervision experience in the specialized trade applicable to the particular license or contractor supervisor certificate sought. One of the 3 projects needs to demonstrate that the applicant possesses at least two (2) years of supervision experience.

Awnings:  Authorized to erect and attach awnings to buildings as regulated under the building code, including such awnings incorporating signage or graphics requiring  a sign permit from the City.

Demolition:  A demolition contractor is authorized to dismantle or raze entire buildings and other structures regulated by the building code, excluding such work as partial or interior demolition work associated with alteration.

Fire Alarm Systems:  Authorized to install, test, maintain and service fire alarms as specified in the applicable provision of the National Fire Alarm Code, NFPA 72, and the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, including the related wiring supplying not more than fifty (50) volts that does not require a state electrical license.  Any person engaged in such business activities must obtain an Alarm Systems Specialized Contractor's license.

Fire Sprinkler System:  Authorized to install automatic fire suppression systems, including standpipes that use pressurized water as the primary extinguishing agent, and which are designed to protect entire buildings, rooms or areas and processes, other than residential fire sprinkler systems regulated under the City fire code.

Fireplace Appliances:  Authorized to install non-portable listed manufactured fuel-burning fireplace appliances and associated chimneys or vents as regulated under the mechanical code adopted by the City, excluding equipment for industrial processes or for providing primary space heating, ventilation, cooling or water heating; and excluding any building modifications, alterations or additions.

Flammable Fuel Facilities:  Authorized to install, alter or remove tanks, piping and dispensing equipment for petroleum fuels or other fuels as regulated by the City fire code, including related electrical wiring supplying not more than fifty (50) volts.

Gas Piping:  A Gas Piping contractor license holder is authorized to install piping and fittings for supplying fuel-gas, and the replacement of water heaters as regulated under the mechanical code adopted by the City, when such water heater replacement does not involve alteration of water supply piping or appliance venting.

HVAC:  Authorized to install environmental non-portable heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and the related piping, ducts, venting, appliances, controls and electrical wiring (supplying not more than fifty [50] volts) therefor as regulated under the mechanical code adopted by the City, excluding all other electrical and plumbing work requiring a state license. Categories of HVAC licenses are:

• HVAC (Residential) Authorized to install environmental non-portable heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and the related piping, ducts, venting, appliances, controls and electrical wiring (supplying not more than fifty [50] volts) therefore as regulated under the mechanical code adopted by the City, excluding all other electrical and plumbing work requiring a state license. If commercial retro-fits are to be done with this license, you must submit 2 commercial project verification forms with your required submittal paperwork.
• HVAC (Commercial) Authorized to install environmental non-portable heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and the related piping, ducts, venting, appliances, controls and electrical wiring (supplying not more than [50] volts) in commercial and residential projects as regulated under the mechanical code adopted by the City, excluding all other electrical and plumbing work requiring a state license. Two of the project verification forms submitted for this license must be new commercial HVAC installation.
• HVAC (Repair/Replacement) Authorized to repair or replace residential environmental non-portable heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and the related piping ducts, venting, appliance, controls and electrical wiring (supplying not more than fifty [50] volts) therefore as regulated under the mechanical code adopted by the City, excluding all other electrical and plumbing work required a state license.

Roofing:  Authorized to apply nonstructural roof covering and materials as regulated by the building code including the replacement or repair of sheathing on existing roofs.

• Roofing (Pitched Roofs) Authorized to apply nonstructural roof covering and materials to a minimum 2:12 pitch/slope roofs as regulated by the building code including the replacement or repair of sheathing on existing roofs. This license does not allow work on flat/low slope roof systems.
• Roofing Plus (Pitched and Flat Roofs) Authorized to apply nonstructural roof covering and materials as regulated by the building code including the replacement or repair of sheathing on existing roofs (to include flat/low slope roof systems). Without sufficient documentation of work experience, the license can be limited to flat/low slope roof systems.

Refrigeration:  Authorized to install non-portable evaporative, absorption and mechanically operated refrigeration equipment, including piping, vessels, controls and electrical wiring (supplying not more than fifty [50] volts) therefor as regulated under the mechanical code adopted by the City, excluding all other electrical and plumbing work requiring a state license

Signs:  Authorized to install and erect permanent signs requiring a sign permit from the City, excluding electrical work regulated by the City electrical code requiring a state license.

Solar Energy:

• Solar Water Systems:  Authorized to install solar water heat collectors, storage tanks and related piping, related electrical wiring supplying not more than fifty (50) volts and nonpotable water piping, excluding all other electrical and plumbing work requiring a state license.
• Solar Photovoltaic Systems:  Authorized to install photovoltaic collectors, storage containers, related electrical wiring supplying not more than (50) volts, excluding all other electrical and work requiring a state license.

Wood Frame Construction (Framing):  Authorized to construct Type IV and Type V structural framing systems as regulated under the building code, including the application of sheathing and siding.

WTS:  Authorized to install outdoor wireless telecommunication systems, including related equipment, towers, antennas and the construction of unoccupied minor related buildings housing only equipment, and associated cables and electrical wiring supplying not more than fifty (50) volts that does not require a state electrical license.

A general contractor license or specialized trade contractor license MUST be obtained by any person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, other organization, or any combination thereof, that provides or oversees/ manages/supervises any construction, demolition or specialized trade work or services which are outlined in this site, and for which a fixed fee, trade-in-kind, or other compensation is received. Failure to obtain the required license prior to engaging in contracting will result in the assessment of a penalty fee equal to the current license fee ($200).

Overall management and general oversight of a construction project in Fort Collins is the role of the "License Holder". The license holder, in turn, must provide direct on-site supervision on a regular basis through a qualified person designated as a "Construction Supervisor". The license holder may also be designated as the construction supervisor, as long as that person performs direct on-site construction supervision as noted herein, and meets the qualifications, including passing the required written exam.

A construction supervisor must be working exclusively for the license holder for the express purpose of providing direct, personal and ongoing on-site construction supervision. Such person must also be one or more of the following:

• A person with substantial ownership in the company;
• A company officer; or
• A company employee expressly hired to supervise construction projects.

Only those persons who possess a current supervisor certificate qualify as a construction supervisor in Fort Collins. A supervisor certificate can only be obtained by passing a written examination administered by the ICC and by meeting the specific experience requirements detailed further in this site. At least one supervisor must be designated and approved for each license obtained.

No permits will be issued to a contractor who does not possess a current license sufficient in scope for the proposed project, or at any time that a license holder does not have an approved construction supervisor designated.

No unlicensed person may act as a general contractor or as a specialized trade contractor, or personally perform construction work or a specialized trade unless they are:

• A homeowner performing construction on his/her own personal residence;
• A volunteer under the continuous supervision of an approved construction supervisor or homeowner;
• An employee of a current license holder (must be on payroll and meet the City, State and Federal test for an employee); or
• An exempt specialized trade subcontractor that has been registered with the City as defined in this packet.

"Use" of another person's license, or work performed under a building owner's permit by an unlicensed person, except as provided for above, is prohibited and may result in civil action or other disciplinary action against the parties involved.

The following are exemptions to the Fort Collins contractor licensing regulations:

1. A building owner and any unpaid volunteers or paid workers employed by said owner who perform only minor alterations and repairs to such building, provided that all such work is under the continuous personal supervision of said owner. For the purposes of this Section, minor alterations and repairs shall not include:
   • Significant structural alterations (except for the repair and replacement of existing window and door headers provided that such repair or replacement does not create larger openings or greater spans for such headers);
   • Alterations to fire-resistive assemblies as defined in the building code;
   • Alterations to or the installation of electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems, except for fixture replacement and emergency repairs, and except as otherwise permitted in this Article;
   • Replacement of more than a total of one (1) square of roofing; or
   • Any nonstructural construction, alterations or repairs to a building or buildings performed by the building owner(s) and which alterations or repairs are otherwise exempted pursuant to this Section and which involve such elements as concrete slab-on-grade floors, masonry walls that are seventy-two (72) inches or less in height, wood or steel frame systems, and wallboard; when the total construction value of all work (including the related work done on the project by licensed specialized trade contractors), within any twelve month period exceeds two thousand dollars ($2,000.) for any one (1) such building or collectively exceeds ten thousand dollars ($10,000.) for all such buildings combined.
2. An owner of a detached single-family dwelling and associated accessory buildings or any unpaid volunteer under the continuous personal supervision of the owner of such buildings who personally performs any construction on the owner's personal residence and associated accessory buildings, provided that the owner commences construction of no more than one (1) such dwelling within any twenty-four month period. In the event such dwelling is destroyed or damaged, reconstruction thereof shall be exempt from the foregoing time period. Prior to performing any such construction, the owner must demonstrate sufficient knowledge and proficiency required to perform said construction as determined by the Building Official.
3. An owner or any unpaid volunteer under the continuous personal supervision of the owner of such building who personally demolishes any detached building housing an R-3 occupancy, as defined in the building code, or any building no larger than one thousand (1,000) square feet.
4. An employee of a contractor who is not otherwise regulated under this Article.
5. A partner, owner, or other company official of a licensed contractor who performs on-site construction under the direction of a qualified supervisor.
6. An exempt specialized trade subcontractor as defined in this Article.
7. Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, other organization or any combination thereof performing specialized construction related to a particular trade which is not otherwise regulated by this Article, including any such trade engaged in one (1) of the following types of construction or installations: plumbing and electrical work (regulated elsewhere in this Code); wallboard; masonry; nonstructural wood frame systems; finish and trim carpentry; nonstructural concrete floors, sidewalks, stairs, landings, and drives; structural and non-structural steel systems; siding; ceramic and synthetic tile; counter surfaces and cabinets; flooring and carpet; wall and ceiling finishes; insulation; glazing; windows and doors and associated hardware; rain gutters; fences; swimming pools and spas; entertainment, data, and communication systems within any building including related wiring supplying not more than fifty (50) volts and which does not require a state electrical license; excavation and grading; landscaping; irrigation systems excluding back-flow prevention devices; sewer lines downstream of any building drain as defined in the Colorado Plumbing Code; elevators and escalators; and radon piping systems.
   Note: Any person personally performing the work listed above can do so without obtaining a contractor's license. However, any person who is paid for arranging for or supervising the overall construction or alteration to a building, including work involving any of the City licensed specialized trades or plumbing or electrical trades regulated by the City building codes is, by definition, a general contractor and must have an appropriate license. General contracting for basement and other interior finish work requires at least a Class D2 or Class E license.
8. Any person who is, without pay or compensation of any kind, performing construction or a specialized trade regulated under this Article and who is supervised directly by a licensed contractor and supervisor as specified in this Article to ensure that such work conforms to the applicable code(s).

Insurance:  

All laws relating to safety of employees and the public shall be observed at all times by any contractor or exempt specialized trade subcontractor. Every such contractor or exempt specialized trade subcontractor shall maintain workers' compensation insurance as required by state law, and general liability insurance in the minimum amounts as follows: one million dollars ($1,000,000) per person, two million dollars ($2,000,000) per accident and two million dollars ($2,000,000) per accident involving public property.

Sales/Use Tax License Requirements:  

All contractors are required to obtain a City Sales/Use Tax license prior to working in the City of Fort Collins. There is no charge for this license. Please visit Sales Tax to complete an online application.   A contractor's license application will be considered incomplete if a Sales/Use Tax Business license is not submitted.

Employees:

A current copy of worker's compensation insurance must be submitted to the Building Services department for any contractor with employees working on the job site.

If employee status changes throughout the licensing period, a new Employee Affidavit must be completed and submitted to the Contractor Licensing Department.

Subcontractors and/or independent contractors are required to have their own license with the exception of exempt specialized trade subcontractors (see below).

Exempt Specialized Trade Subcontractors:

Only licensed specialized trade contractors may utilize exempt specialized trade subcontractors. An exempt specialized trade subcontractor is any person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, other organization, or any combination thereof, which:

• Is paid or otherwise compensated to perform construction or a trade for which a specialized trade contractor license is required but does not have such license;
• Is not a payroll employee of a specialized trade contractor; and
• Performs work pursuant to a direct subcontract with a licensed specialized trade contractor.

When such exempt subcontractors are used, the licensed specialized trade contractor is responsible for employing a City approved supervisor who is required to be readily available and present full-time on the project site where such subcontracted work is being performed to ensure that when completed such work fully conforms to applicable code(s).

Each exempt specialized trade subcontractor must be registered with the Building Services Department. See Exempt Specialized Trade Subcontractor registration packet.

All exempt specialized trade subcontractors must provide proof of general liability insurance coverage and, if utilizing payroll employees, proof of worker's compensation insurance coverage for all employees. Exempt specialized trade subcontractors may not be used by any Class A, A(DR), B, B(DR), C-1, C-1(DR), C-2, C-2(DR), D-1, D-2, D-2(DR), E, ER, or MM general contractors.

General Contractor Testing Requirements

Be sure to take the appropriate type of contractor exam for the class of license you wish to obtain. The 2015 International Building Code (IBC) is currently in effect for commercial and multi-family construction. The 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) is currently in effect for single family detached, duplex, and property line-townhomes.

Required Exams for General Contractor Class A, Class A-DR, Class B and Class B-DR:

• ICC National Standard Building Contractor A Exam F11, over the 2015 IBC; and either the ACI 318-08, or 318-11 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete & Commentary or, the 2012 or 2015 ICC Concrete Manual

Required Exams for General Contractor Class C1, Class C1-DR, Class C2, Class C2-DR and Class E:

• ICC National Standard Building Contractor B Exam F12, over the 2015 IBC/2015 IRC; and either the ACI 318-08, or 318-11 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete & Commentary or, the 2012 or 2015 ICC Concrete Manual. The ICC National Standard Building Contractor A Exam F11, would also be accepted for the license categories noted above.

Required Exams for General Contractor Class D1, Class D2, Class D-DR, Class ER & Class MM (Residential Only Licenses):

• ICC National Standard Building Contractor C Exam F13, over the 2015 IRC; and either the ACI 318-08, or 318-11 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete & Commentary or, the 2012 or 2015 ICC Concrete Manual.

The following exam is required for the Specialized Trade Contractor Framing license:

Pending the updated exam to the 2015 IBC, the City of Fort Collins will offer the specialized trade exam for Framing only, over the 2006 IBC and City Amendments to the 2006 IBC

Specialized Trade Solar Energy Exam Requirements:

Exams are included as part of the certification process (proof of individual certification required) for either COSEIA (Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association) or NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). The City of Fort Collins specialized trade Solar Energy exam requirements will be met once the applicant is certified with COSEIA or NABCEP. Contact COSEIA at 303-333-7342 or visit their website for more information regarding the COSEIA certification requirement. Visit NABCEP at http://www.nabcep.org/ 

Specialized Trade Contractor Testing Requirements

Gas Piping:

• ICC National Standard Master Gas Pipe Fitter Exam N33; based on the 2009 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC). The 2012 code version exam is currently not available from ICC, we will accept the 2009 code version of this exam.

HVAC(C), HVAC(R), HVAC(RR) and HVAC Refrigeration:

• ICC National Standard Master Mechanical Exam F29, based on the 2015 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC), and the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC).

Roofing and Roofing +(Plus):

• ICC National Standard Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor Exam F14, based on the 2015 International Building Code (IBC) and 2015 International Plumbing Code (IPC).

No exams are required for the following specialized trade contractor licenses:

• Awnings
• Demolition
• Fire Alarms
• Fireplace
• Fire Sprinkler Systems (requires fire department approval)
• Signs
• Flammable Fuel Facilities (requires fire department approval)
• Wireless Telecommunication Systems (WTS)