New Construction || Building Services

New Buildings and Additions#

Yes, most work requires a building permit, but some work is exempt.

Can I do the work myself?
- Homeowners may perform work on their primary primary residence only, if it is a single family detached home.
- Commercial building owners may perform work on their buildings if the total amount of work is less than $2,000 and does not include any structural.
Can I hire someone?
- All contractors and subcontractors hired to perform work must be licensed with the City of Fort Collins for the type work being done. This is verified prior to permit issuance. To confirm that your contractor/subcontractor are licensed and up to date contact: contractor_licensing@fcgov.com

	Description	Contact
Development Review	A development review process may be required *prior to submitting for a building permit* for: New buildings Additions Change of use to land Change of use to buildings	Website: www.fcgov.com/developmentreview Email: drcoord@fcgov.com Phone: 970-221-6689
Poudre Fire Authority (PFA)	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 commercial 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.	Website: www.poudre-fire.org/online-services/contractors-plan-reviews-and-permits Phone: 970-416-2892
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.	Website: www.larimer.org/health Email: EH@larimer.org Phone: 970-498-6775
Zoning	Change of use or exterior modifications (including: facade, parking, landscaping, signage, or other changes visible to the public) may require a permit	Website: www.fcgov.com/zoning Email: zoning@fcgov.com Phone: 970-416-2745
Floodplain	Is your building located in a flood plain? Buildings and alterations to buildings located in with a floodplain have specific requirements and limitations.	Website: www.fcgov.com/utilities/what-we-do/stormwater/flooding/floodplain-maps-documents Email: floodplains@fcgov.com Phone: 970-416-2632
Historic Preservation	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.	Website: www.fcgov.com/historicpreservation Email: preservation@fcgov.com Phone: 970-224-6078

Use the table below to get info guides and checklists, permit applications, and resources specific to your project type.

Plans should be submitted in PDF format only. Each PDF needs to be named correctly.

Other Resources:

I've successfully submitted my permit, what happens next?

The design, plans and documents you submitted will be checked before the permit is issued and construction begins.

*****No work can begin until the applicant has received a copy of the building permit and approved plans. (Reviewers add red-lines and conditional comments to the plans that you will need for construction).********

Why Review? Reviews address code at the design phase which reduces costly re-construction and failed inspections 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, zoning, historic, flood plain, and other project specific requirements.

I received an e-mail that a "Resubmittal is Requested," does that mean I have to submit for a new permit or start from the beginning?

No, your permit has not been denied. This just means that:

A reviewer may need additional information, clarification, or has questions about your project.
Or a specific drawing, critical detail, page or form may be missing from the submittal.
Or plans do not comply with codes/requirements and need to be revised to show compliance.

How do I resubmit my plans/documents?

Follow the resubmittal instructions in the email you received. New documents should be named v2 (v=version #=round of review).

How long will it take to process a resubmittal?

Resubmittals have priority and are typically assigned a two week max turn around after submitted for building code items. You may contact the reviewer directly for questions about their timeline.

screen shot of citizen access showing how to navigate to the workflow and few department comments

Permit Status

Use the Citizen Portal
Under the Building category, select 'Search permits' (see photo above)
Enter the address, permit number or stock plan number (i.e. B180xxxx or SP0xxxx), scroll down to click on 'Search'
Select the permit/project from the list.
Click 'Record Info' for drop down list of options (top left corner)
Select 'Workflow Tasks'
- No icon = task has not been activated/routed yet (not complete)
- Hourglass = not completed, in process, or additional items are needed from the applicant.
- Green check mark = completed task
Click the grey triangle/arrow next to each task to view holds/comments from each reviewer.

Permit Status

Building and Zoning Review Times
This chart provides target review dates for Zoning (Land Use Code Compliance review) and Building Code review. For most permit types Zoning (Land Use Code Compliance) will activate and open up the workflow of the permit and start the review time for building and all departments. Target dates are subject to change due to workload. Times are given in calendar days.
Project Type	Zoning Review Time	Building Code Review Time
Pole Barn (commercial and residential) New Residential Secondary Building Wireless Telecommunication Facility New Residential Building with Habitable Space New Commercial Secondary Building Shed	5	9
Residential Addition Single Family Detached New Manufactured Home Commercial Stock Plans	7	21
Single Family Attached (Townhome) Two Family Duplex Commercial addition	7	28
New Commercial, Industrial or Mixed-Use Building New Multi-Family	7	35

After the submittal is accepted, an email will be sent to the applicant per the building permit application for payment of the plan check fee and permit activation.

All remaining fees will be paid at time of permit issuance. See below for payment methods and transaction fees.

Payment Method	Permit Fee Range	Transaction Fee
Debit / Credit Card (no amount limit)	$0.00 $2,500	2.00% + $0.25 flat fee
Debit / Credit Card (no amount limit)	$2,500.01 and above	2.75%
eCheck ($150,000 limit)	Any amount up to $150,000	$0.50 flat fee
Check (drop checks in the blue drop box on the Northwest side of the building - 281 N. College Ave. Box is checked several times each business day)	Any amount	Free

Work can start when the applicant has received a copy of the building permit and approved plans. Reviewers add red-lines and conditional comments to the plans that you will need for construction.

How to create an account on Citizen Access

Homeowners: You will receive an e-mail with instructions to link your address to your Citizen Access account.
Contractors: How to link your City of Fort Collins License to your account

How to download the approved plans

Citizen Access Portal

The type and quantity of inspections are project specific.

Example: A new patio cover may have electrical, or may not. If a patio cover does have electrical, then a rough electric and final electric inspection would be needed for that project.

Learn about inspection types and how to schedule them here:

Inspections

What to submit#

1. Download the approved, or the most current document set from citizen access that needs to be revised.

2. Only revise document sets that are being altered/changed.

3. Retain red-line comments/mark-ups that were added by City of Fort Collins if present.

4. Replace, add, or delete sheets where needed in the set.

Replaced and added sheets cannot have working comments from the applicant/design team (new sheets must be flattened)

5. Cloud/bubble/delta and/or clearly indicated what is changing on the new pages.

6. Rename the plan set with the next version number. (view citizen access to see what the next version needs to be. If most current set is v2, then submit as v3).

Name each document correctly: Instructions
- Example: Plans - 1234 Example Street - v3
- Example: Mech Docs - 1234 Example Street - v3
- Example: Site Plan - 1234 Example Street - v3

7. Fill out the Revision Form. Re-name the form:

Letter - The Project Address – v1 (Example: Letter - 1234 Example Street - v1)

9. E-mail revision form and revised documents to buildingservices@fcgov.com

10. A $50-200 fee will be assessed by plan review based on the revision and project type.

Cloud/Bubble changes on plans#

Applicant initiated revisions are charged a review fee for changes a permit applicant/owner chooses to make which are not required by City/jurisdiction codes or standards including changes that differ from the approved set of plans and/or failure to build according to the approved set of plans.

Cost: The cost of an applicant/owner initiated revision is determined at by the complexity of changes from the time of building code approval. Building Plan Review (building code) will verify the level of complexity of the revision (small, medium or large) and assess a fee from the table below at the completion of the review.
Turn-around time: Standard times for building and zoning review are 14 calendar days. Please contact other departments that may be effected by the revisions.

Cost of applicant initiated revisions (post building plan review)
Revision size	Description	Cost
Small	Minor layout revisions (less than 25% of the floor area is affected)Change in window type/size Minor Structural revisions (changing a beam size, connections etc. where 25% or less of the structural design is changing) Solar revisions (wiring/connection changes, panel layout, full solar redesign (adding battery backup interface, automatic transfer switch).	$50
Medium	Significant residential layout changes (more than 25% of the floor area is affected) Change of Energy Path (for new construction or additions) Significant structural revisions (more than 25% of the structural design is changing) Changes to the Mechanical Design (for new construction or additions)	$100
Large	Significant commercial layout changes (more than 25% of the floor area is affected) Commercial Change of occupancy or different tenant Increased Commercial project square footage Change in a new building or addition size or orientation (only when initiated by the applicant).	$200

1. Check the permit status: www.fcgov.com/CitizenAccess

Search Permits / Record Info / workflow tasks / click on the small '+' to expand/view individual hold comments.

2. Plan time to send in final documents (some departments have a long lead times).

Project Closeout Guide
- contact list
- lead times
Building docs:
- Name Building Documents Properly: Public Records Naming for Final Docs.

3. All inspections must be passed.

4. All departments/tasks must be signed off.

5. Most projects will receive a Letter of Completion or Certificate of Occupancy which can be downloaded from Citizen Access when the project is fully completed.

6. Uncompleted permits will expire. Expired permits become an open violation on the property.

Permit submittal requirements by building and project type#

Type a building type/description into the search box to find submittal information. Search Here:#

Project Type	Submittal Requirements	Permit Fees	Submit
Accessory building with residential habitable (living) space Examples: Living space in a separate building on the same property/lot including: Separate building for a home office or bedroom Guesthouse (bedroom and/or bathroom, or living space without a kitchen) Other For converting existing building to living space click HERE	Submit the following: Proposed plans including structural design (the foundation at a min. must be engineered) Site Plan Newly built structures must pass an air tightness test for project completion Energy Compliance Form Grading Plan Requirements Mechanical Design Form+ Manual JDS (load calcs) required for new mechanical heating/cooling systems. Homeowner Affidavit Construction Waste Management Plan For all new buildings Naming Conventions for Submittal Documents New Construction - Cost Form Building Permit Application	See section below table to calculate fees	E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com
Addition (Residential) Enlarging, expanding, or adding enclosed area to an existing building. Examples: Enclosing a covered patio. Adding a level ("pop-the-top"), Adding an attached shed ("lean-to"), Garage expansion Sunroom addition Other	Addition Information and checklist Grading Plan Requirements Mechanical Design Form + Manual JDS (load calcs) required when a new or a second mechanical system is proposed for primary heat (vs. supplementary heat to the existing system). Example of a completely new system: furnace and all connected ductwork, mini-split system used for primary heat. Energy Compliance Form When heated Construction Waste Management Plan For additions over 2,500 square feet Naming Conventions for Submittal Documents Homeowner Affidavit New Construction - Cost Form Building Permit Application	See section below table to calculate fees	E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com
Addition (Commercial) Enlarging, expanding, or adding enclosed area to an existing building. Examples: Enclosing a covered patio. Adding a level ("pop-the-top"), Adding an attached shed ("lean-to") Other	Commercial submittal guide/checklist Energy Code Compliance form - New Commercial Construction Waste Management plan For additions over 2,500 square feet Owner Authorization to Obtain a Commercial Building Permit New Construction - Cost Form Building Permit Application	See section below table to calculate fees	E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com
Duplex Two-family dwellings (Conversion) Convert a Single Family House into a Two-Family Dwelling (Adding a dwelling unit)	Duplex Conversion Guide/Info Submittal Guide	See section below table to calculate fees	E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com Residential Permit Application (NEW!)
Duplex / Two-family dwellings Two attached dwelling units both located on a single lot / parcel	Submittal Guide/Checklist: New Residential Construction Outdoor Area Calculation – Residential Water Supply Requirement A Demolition Permit is required when demolishing an existing structure.	See section below table to calculate fees	E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com Residential Permit Application (NEW!)
Commercial Building	Commercial submittal guide/checklist Energy Code Compliance form - New Commercial Construction Waste Management plan EV Chargers Fort Collins Loveland Water district review Owner Authorization to Obtain a Commercial Building Permit New Construction - Cost Form Building Permit Application	See section below table to calculate fees	E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com
Garage (Residential Detached) For Commercial Garage, see: 'Commercial Building' For an attached garage, see: 'Addition'	Detached Garage Guide Homeowner Affidavit Grading Plan Requirements Naming Instructions New Construction - Cost Form Building Permit Application	See section below table to calculate fees	E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com
House (single family detached) Carriage House A Single Dwelling Unit: Shall mean one or more rooms and a single kitchen and at least 1 bathroom, designed, occupied or intended for occupancy as separate quarters for the exclusive use of a single family for living, cooking and sanitary purposes.	Submittal Guide/Checklist: New Residential Construction (NEW!) A Demolition Permit is required when demolishing an existing structure.	See section below table to calculate fees	E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com Residential Permit Application (NEW!)
Manufactured Home	Manufactured Homes (HUD) Grading Plan Requirements Construction Waste Management Plan Homeowner Affidavit Naming Instructions New Construction - Cost Form	See section below table to calculate fees	E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com Residential Permit Application (NEW!)
Multi-Family Building Includes additions Includes conversions 3 or more dwellings attached to each other and located on a single lot.	Multi-family Submittal Guide/Checklist Energy Code Compliance form - for 3 stories max Energy Code Compliance - for more than 3 stories. EV Chargers Construction Waste Management plan Fort Collins Loveland Water district review New Construction - Cost Form Building Permit Application	See section below table to calculate fees	E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com
Pole Barn If living space is included see: "New accessory building with residential habitable (living) space."	Submit the following: Plans designed and stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer. Site plan showing distance to property line and adjacent structures. Homeowner Affidavit Energy Compliance Form When heated Grading Plan Requirements Naming Instructions New Construction - Cost Form Building Permit Application	See section below table to calculate fees	E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com
Shed (Residential or Commercial) For Sheds attached to a building see addition	Shed Guide and checklist Energy Compliance Form When heated Construction Waste Management Plan For all new buildings Grading Plan Requirements Homeowner Affidavit Naming Instructions New Construction - Cost Form Building Permit Application	See section below table to calculate fees	E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com
Single Family Attached (Townhome) A single-family dwelling unit constructed as part of a group of two or more attached individual dwelling units, each of which is separated from the other from the foundation to the roof and is located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, which parcel is deeded exclusively for such single-family dwelling	Submittal Guide/Checklist: New Residential Construction Outdoor Area Calculation – Residential Water Supply Requirement A Demolition Permit is required when demolishing an existing structure.	See section below table to calculate fees	E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com Residential Permit Application (NEW!)
Wireless Telecommunication Facility New Pole / Tower	Submit the following: Site Plan Stamped Engineered design (foundation and wind load) Engineered electric New Construction - Cost Form Naming Instructions Building Permit Application	See section below table to calculate fees	E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com
Can't find what you are looking for?	Fast Track Permits Basement Finish Demolition Electric Fireplace, Fire Pit Lawn Sprinkler, Backflow Preventer Mechanical Mobile Home Set Roofing Water Heater Exterior Permits Awning Carport Deck Flag Pole Fence Patio Cover Pergola Retaining Wall Sales Trailer Shade Sail Solar Swim Spa, Hot Tub, Swimming Pool, Pond Residential and Commercial Alterations Residential Remodel (garage or attic conversion, layout changes, kitchen, bath or other, window, door, skylight replacement or new opening. Commercial Remodel (Tenant Finish, Chance of Occupancy, White Box, other)	See section below table to calculate fees	E-mail submittal to buildingservices@fcgov.com

Permit Fee Calculation (NEW! Starting 01/01/2024)#

Step 1: Identify the Occupancy Type (see description below)

Step 2: Calculated the cost per square foot for each occupancy type.

Step 3: Add the total cost per square foot for each occupancy type. Take 35% of total amount to calculate the plan check fee to be collected at time of permit submittal.

The remaining 65% of the total cost per square foot is the building permit fee and will be collected at the time of permit issuance.

Step 4: See the sales and use tax calculator below for use tax calculation – total labor and materials.

New Construction Permit Fees
Occupancy Category	Fee rate per square foot
A (Assembly)	$0.40
B (Business)	$0.50
E (education/schools) we do regulate private schools	$0.50
F (Factory)	$0.35
I (Institutional)	$0.50
M (Mercantile)	$0.40
R-1 (Hotel)	$0.35
R-2 (Apartment)	$0.35
R-3 (Single Family Detached/Duplex)	$0.65
R-4 (Assisted Living)	$0.55
S (Storage)	$0.40
U (Utility)	$0.40
H High hazard	$0.60
Core and Shell Buildings (no designated occupancies at time of construction)	$0.45

Example 1: A new 3,500 square foot single family detached house

Occupancy type is R3
Total cost per square foot:
- 3,500 square feet x $0.65 = $2,275 total cost per square foot
Plan check fee paid at permit submittal:
- 0.35 (35%) x $2,275 total cost per square foot = $796.25
Building Permit Fee paid at time of permit issuance:
- 0.65 (65%) x $2,275 total cost per square foot = $1478.75

Example 2: A new commercial mixed use building with with 2,000 square feet of retail shops on the first floor and three dwelling units on the second floor with a total of 2,000 square feet.

Occupancy type:
- M (Mercantile)
- R - 2 (Apartment)
Total cost per square foot:
- 2,000 square feet x $0.40 (M) = $800
- 2,000 square feet x $0.35 (R-2) = $700
- $700 + $800 = $1,500 total cost per square foot
Plan check fee paid at permit submittal:
- 0.35 (35%) x $1,500 total cost per square foot = $525.00
Building Permit Fee paid at time of permit issuance:
- 0.65 (65%) x $1,500 total cost per square foot = $975.00

Footing and Foundation Permit Fees. Footing and Foundation permits are optional and not available for additions, - New Buildings Only
Project Type	Footing and Foundation Permit Fee
Single Family Detached House	$150
Single Family Attached (Townhome)	$150
Duplex (Two Family)	$200
New Manufactured Home	$150
Commercial Addition	$500
New Com-Ind Mixed Use Building (commercial/industrial/mixed use)	$500
Multi-family	$1000

Fee Type by department	Fee Description
City and County Sales/Use Tax	5.15% on half of the total construction valuation – view Sales Tax website at https://www.fcgov.com/salestax/tax-rates.php See sales tax calculator below
Capital Expansion Fees and Larimer County Regional Road Fees	Based on square footage of a new building or per dwelling unit for residential. https://www.fcgov.com/finance/capitalexpansion.php Community Parkland Neighborhood Parkland Fire General Governmental Services Police Transportation Capital Expansion Fees and Larimer County Regional Road Fees: Fees are based on type of development, new traffic being added to the transportation system, and last approved use for the site. Development categories are defined by the Institute of Transportation Engineers Trip Generation Manual, not the International Building and Residential Codes. For a detailed listing of fees, please visit: https://www.fcgov.com/engineering/tcef.php
Water & Sewer Fees:	Plant Investment Fees and Water Rights -- schedules and further information available by contacting a Utility Rate and Fee Specialist: (970) 416-4252 utilityfees@fcgov.com https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/plant-investment- development-fees
Stormwater Fee:	Plant Investment Fee - For further information contact a Utility Rate and Fee Specialist: (970) 416-4252 utilityfees@fcgov.com https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/plant-investment- development-fees
Electric Underground Secondary Service Charge:	Single Family Residence Elec. Secondary Service (typical) charges may vary depending on service …$2,054.00 Temporary Pedestal Service - per Single Family Residence (unattached)… $330.57 Other development charges may apply. Additional information and electric development fee calculator: https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/plant-investment- development-fees/electric-development-fee-estimator https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/rates-fees.php Contact Light & Power Engineering at: (970) 221-6700 electricprojectengineering@fcgov.com
Poudre School District Impact Fee (per dwelling unit)	Single Family Detached, or 2-4 attached dwelling units...$1,710.00 5 or more attached dwelling units...$855.00
Thompson School District Impact Fee (per dwelling unit)	Single Family Detached, or 2-4 attached dwelling units...$1,382.00 5 or more attached dwelling units...$946.00
Poudre Fire Authority Permit Fees	Fire review and permit fees

Payment Method	Permit Fee Range	Transaction Fee
Debit / Credit Card (no amount limit)	$0.00 $2,500	2.00% + $0.25 flat fee
Debit / Credit Card (no amount limit)	$2,500.01 and above	2.75%
eCheck ($150,000 limit)	Any amount up to $150,000	$0.50 flat fee
Check (drop checks in the blue drop box on the Northwest side of the building - 281 N. College Ave. Box is checked several times each business day)	Any amount	Free

Building Services