Residential Permits || Building Services

Residential Projects#

How do I get started?

Most work requires a permit, but some work is exempt.
Use the table below to find applications and guides for your project type.
Follow these 6 steps to permit success!
Submit for permit:
1. Instructions
2. Email project submittals to: buildingservices@fcgov.com
3. Over-The-Counter Permits submittal form (Notice: Due to high volume the current processing time for Over-the-Counter Permits is 72hrs.)
  - What is an over the counter permit?
Do not start work until the permit is fully issued.
Access building codes.
Approved Plans are Required for Inspection.

Find permit submittal information for your project . Use the "Search" box here:#

Project Type	Forms and Submittal Requirements
Accessory building with habitable space (New or Converted) Living space in a separate building on the same property/lot Separate building for a home office or bedroom Guesthouse (bedroom and/or bathroom, or living space without a kitchen)	Submit: 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 when both a new furnace + all new ductwork are installed Homeowner Affidavit Building Permit Application
Air Conditioner	One permit per appliance New Install or replacement Heating Cooling Permit Application
Addition: Enclosing a covered patio. Adding a second level ("pop-the-top"), Adding an attached shed ("lean-to"), Enlarging, expanding, or adding enclosed area to the existing house. Sunroom addition	Addition Information and checklist Grading Plan Requirements Mechanical Design Form + Manual JDS (load calcs) required when both a new furnace + all new ductwork are installed, or when adding a second furnace. Energy Compliance Form When addition is heated Construction Waste Management Plan Homeowner Affidavit Building Permit Application
Backflow Preventer for Lawn Sprinkler	Lawn Sprinkler Permit Application
Basement Finish	Basement Finish Guide/Info All existing and new plumbing fixtures in basements (including floor drains) must be protected with a backwater valve to prevent sewer backups resulting in property damage. Homeowner Affidavit Building Permit Application
Deck	Deck Guide/Form (fill out) Homeowner Affidavit Building Permit Application
Demolition	Residential Demo Guide Asbestos Awareness Disclosure Construction Waste Management Plan Demo Permit Application
Duplex Conversion Convert a Single Family House into a Two-Family Dwelling	Duplex Conversion Guide/Info Submittal Guide Building Permit Application
Duplex / Two-family dwellings (New Build) Two attached dwelling units both located on a single lot / parcel	Submittal Guide and Checklist Residential Energy Compliance Form Mechanical Design Form + manual JDS (Load calcs required) Construction Waste Management Plan A Demolition Permit is required when demolishing an existing structure. Building Permit Application
Electric	If scope of work involves more than electric, submit for a remodel permit Homeowner Affidavit Electric Permit Application
Furnace	One permit per appliance New Install or replacement Heating/Cooling Permit Application
Fireplace Gas Fire Pit Wood burning stove	Wood Burning Stove Guide EPA Product List For gas fire pits, submit a site plan and manufacturer's specs with the permit application Gas / Wood Burning Appliance Permit Application
Garage (Detached)	Detached Garage Guide Insulation Required for Heated Garages Pre-Built Structures or Kits may require a letter/details stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer to evaluate structure for local high wind and snow loads. Homeowner Affidavit Grading Plan Requirements Building Permit Application
House (New Build) Carriage House Modular / Manufactured 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.	New House Guide/Checklist Residential Energy Compliance Form Mechanical Design Form and mechanical load calcs (manual JDS) Grading Plan Requirements Construction Waste Management Plan Manufactured Homes (HUD) A Demolition Permit is required when demolishing an existing structure. Homeowner Affidavit Building Permit Application
Patio Cover Porch Cover Carport	Patio Cover Guide/Info Pre-Built Structures or Kits may require a letter/details stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer to evaluate structure for local high wind and snow loads. Homeowner Affidavit Grading Plan Requirements Building Permit Application
Pergola	Pergola Guide/Info Pre-Built Structures or Kits may require a letter/details stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer to evaluate structure for local high wind and snow loads. Homeowner Affidavit Building Permit Application
Plumbing	If scope of work involves more than plumbing, submit for a remodel permit. Homeowner Affidavit Plumbing Permit Application
Pole Barn	Submit plans designed and stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer. Homeowner Affidavit Grading Plan Requirements Building Permit Application
Remodel / Alteration Cut-ins for new windows or doors Interior layout changes such as: Bath remodel Kitchen remodel Bedroom remodel Laundry Storage Office Living space Garage conversion Attic conversion	Submit existing and proposed plans. Mechanical Design Form and Manual JDS+ Manual JDS (load calcs) required when both a new furnace + all new ductwork are installed, or when adding a second furnace. Energy Compliance Form If area is to become heated (garage/attic conversion) A Structural Engineer's letter or details may be required for structural work including new beams, and foundation alterations. Homeowner Affidavit Building Permit Application
Roofing Due to the extremely high volume of scheduled roof inspections, we are not able to perform next-day inspection for roofs. Roof inspections are currently scheduled several months out, and we are working to address staffing and resource challenges to address the high workload. Thank you for your patience.	Roofing and hail damage FAQ UPDATED! Roofing Requirements 2018 IRC Trust Account Handout Field Verification Form NEW! Roofing Permit Application Submit CWMP (Construction Waste Management Plan) Construction Waste Management Electronic Submittal for roofing CWMP
Shed	Shed Guide/Info Pre-Built Structures or Kits may be required to be designed and stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer. Sheds attached to the residence (lean-to) are considered an addition and require engineering. Homeowner Affidavit Grading Plan Requirements Building Permit Application
Shade Sail	Shade Sail Requirements Homeowner Affidavit Building Permit Application
Solar	Solar Guide/Info Solar Application
Townhouse (New Build) 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	Townhouse Guide/Checklist Grading Plan Requirements Residential Energy Compliance Form Mechanical Design Form Construction Waste Management Plan A Demolition Permit is required when demolishing an existing structure. Building Permit Application
Pool Swim Spa Hot Tubs Pond (Residential - Prefabricated or portable which can contain water more than 24" deep)	Submit: Manufacturer's specs or custom design details Engineered foundation for in-ground designs Site plan to scale Safety Barrier /cover details International Swimming Pool and Spa Code Building Permit Application
Water Heater	One permit per appliance New Install or replacement Water Heater Permit Application

Innovative Homes

Innovative and Unique Homes#

We welcome a variety of home types in Fort Collins, however some types of homes are not addressed in Building Code. Below is a list of innovative home types and considerations.

Tiny Houses:

Must be site built on a permanent foundation
We have adopted the Tiny House appendix Q/AQ for homes 400 sf or less under the International Residential Code!
Tiny homes on wheels are considered vehicles/campers and subject to local camping ordinance.

Shipping Containers:

Plans must be fully engineered by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer (including all openings/penetrations in the shipping container, foundation, must comply with local wind a snow loads).
Must comply with IRC energy code requirements (Residential Energy Compliance Form)
An air tightness test is required.
Must comply with all adopted codes requirements (electric, plumbing, mechanical, etc.)

Earth Ships / Straw Bale:

Plans must be fully engineered by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer (including all openings, foundation, and must be designed to comply with local wind a snow loads).
Must comply with IRC energy code requirements (Residential Energy Compliance Form)
An air tightness test is required.
Must comply with all adopted codes requirements (electric, plumbing, mechanical, etc.)

Yurt:

Movable canvas type structures are considered tents, and subject to local camping regulations.
Permanently built yurt shaped structures will need to be fully engineered by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer.
Must comply with IRC energy code requirements (Residential Energy Compliance Form)
An air tightness test is required.
Must comply with all adopted codes requirements (electric, plumbing, mechanical, etc.)

Log Homes:

Plans must be fully engineered by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer (including all openings, foundation, and must be designed to comply with local wind a snow loads).
Must comply with IRC energy code requirements (Residential Energy Compliance Form)
An air tightness test is required.
Must comply with all adopted codes requirements (electric, plumbing, mechanical, etc.)

Accessory Dwelling Unit / Mother-in-law suite / Carriage House:

A complete and independent residential unit including all of the following may be considered a duplex or second dwelling unit:

Kitchen (with cooking appliance)
Bathroom
Sleeping space/living space

Contact Zoning to see if a second dwelling unit is permitted in your zone district based on the property address. Adding an additional dwelling unit on lot can have significant permit fees and building code upgrades associated as well, (like that of a new house).

Residential Stock Plans

Residential Stock Plans for New Homes#

Please contact us if you plan to submit a stock plan: revcoord@fcgov.com

When the same home design will be built at least three times with limited variations, a stock plan design or master plan can be submitted for a single review and then built multiple times and connected to a site specific permit.

For example: Imagine a grab-and-go style restaurant (where you place an order, take a number and find a table). The stock plan is like the menu, and the site specific permit is like you order and table number.

Forms and Applications

Certificate of Occupancy#

Certificate of Occupancy checklist

Project Close-out list