Residential Projects#
Do I Need a Permit?
Yes, most work requires a building permit, but some work is exempt.
How do I get started?
- A permit must be issued and approved before work can start.
- Select a project type from table below using the "search" box.
- Submit electronic plans remotely: Electronic Document Submittals.
- Access building codes.
- Approved Plans are Required for Inspection.
Over-The-Counter Online Submission Form
Over-the-counter applications can be submitted online. Applications will be processed within 72 hours and the applicant will be contacted for payment. Note: contractors submitting more than 5 permits at a time will need to establish a trust account. Contact 970-416-2740 for more information.
Contractors will have instant access to the permit through the Citizen Access Portal as soon as it is issued, where the permit should be printed and provided to the homeowner.
| Project Type | Requirements | Application Form |
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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. |
UPDATED! Roofing Requirements 2018 IRC
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NEW! Roofing Permit Application Submit CWMP (Construction Waste Management Plan)
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| Deck | NEW! Deck Guide | |
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Shed
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| Pole Barn | Submit plans designed and stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer. | |
| Patio Cover or Carport |
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. |
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| Shade Sail | NEW! Shade Sail Handout | |
| Pergola |
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. |
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| Detached Garage |
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. |
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| Interior remodel |
Submit existing and proposed plans. Mechanical Design Form and Manual JDS 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. |
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Residential Addition:
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Mechanical Design Form 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 A Demolition Permit is required when removing exterior portions of the building. |
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| Basement Finish | Basement Finish Guide | |
| Convert a Single Family House to a Duplex / Two-Family Dwelling | ||
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New Duplex / Two-family dwellings
Two attached dwelling units both located on a single lot / parcel |
Residential Energy Compliance Form Construction Waste Management Plan A Demolition Permit is required when demolishing an existing structure. |
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New Townhouse
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 |
Residential Energy Compliance Form Construction Waste Management Plan A Demolition Permit is required when demolishing an existing structure. |
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New House
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Residential Energy Compliance Form Construction Waste Management Plan A Demolition Permit is required when demolishing an existing structure. |
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| Solar | Solar Guide | Solar Application |
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Water Heater / Furnace / AC
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Heating/Cooling/Water Heater Permit Application |
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Fireplace / Gas Fire Pit / Wood burning stoves |
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Gas / Wood Burning Appliance Application |
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Residential Pool, Swim Spa, Hot Tubs, and Ponds. (Prefabricated or portable which can contain water more than 24" deep) |
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| Demolition | Demo Permit Application | |
| Backflow Preventer for Lawn Sprinkler | Lawn Sprinkler Permit Application | |
| Plumbing | If scope of work involves more than plumbing, submit for a remodel permit. | |
| Electric | If scope of work involves more than electric, submit for a remodel permit |
- Innovative Homeshighlight_off
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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 under the International Residential Code!
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 Planshighlight_off
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Residential Stock Plans for New Homes#
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