On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fort Collins
Most construction projects require a permit. The city states permits are generally required for new construction, remodels, additions, repairs, and many trade and exterior projects unless specifically exempt.
Small detached residential structures 120 square feet or less
Permit-exempt work listed in the city permit exemptions section on the Building Permits page
Temporary job site construction trailers without public access
Other project-specific exemptions listed by permit category
- Exempt Small detached residential structures 120 square feet or less
- Exempt Permit-exempt work listed in the city permit exemptions section on the Building Permits page
- Exempt Temporary job site construction trailers without public access
- Exempt Other project-specific exemptions listed by permit category
Note: Fort Collins maintains a detailed exemption list by permit category. Confirm on the city Building Permits page for your specific project type.
Required documents
- Permit application
- Plans
- Site plan
- Homeowner affidavit if owner-builder
- Owner authorization for commercial or multifamily
- Project-specific engineering or supporting documentation
- Building code
- Effective April 1, 2026, Fort Collins adopts the 2024 ICC codes. For permits submitted before that date, the current code set is the 2021 International Codes with local amendments.
- Permit validity
- Permit applications can expire in 180 days if not issued. Issued permits expire after 180 days of inactivity; each inspection extends the permit another 180 days.
- Owner-builder
- Owners working on their own single-family residence are listed as a licensing exemption. The permit pages require a homeowner affidavit when a homeowner is doing the work.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors working in Fort Collins generally need a city contractor license or registration unless exempt. Master electricians and plumbers must carry the required Colorado state license and be listed on permits for their trade.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Project specific. Temporary use permit reviews typically take about 7 calendar days per review; large projects may require multiple rounds. Inspection requests are handled through Citizen Access or by phone.
- 01 Confirm whether the work is permit-exempt and identify the correct permit type on the city Building Permits page.
- 02 Prepare the application package, typically including permit application, plans, site plan, and homeowner affidavit or owner authorization if applicable.
- 03 Email all required documents to buildingservices@fortcollins.gov.
- 04 Pay the initial plan check fee when required; the city does not start review until the plan check fee is paid.
- 05 Track the record in Citizen Access, respond to comments, upload revisions, and coordinate any related reviews.
- 06 Pay remaining permit fees when the permit is ready to issue.
- 07 Download approved documents, keep them onsite, schedule required inspections, and complete final closeout tasks in Citizen Access.
Typical processing time: Project specific. Temporary use permit reviews typically take about 7 calendar days per review; large projects may require multiple rounds. Inspection requests are handled through Citizen Access or by phone.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Many simple permit types start at $65; valuation-based examples include $105 for projects up to $2,000
02
Plan check fee
New construction plan check is 35 percent of total calculated building fee. Many simple permit pages also publish fixed plan check amounts.
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Many simple permit types use flat fees; new construction fees are based on occupancy and square footage; some remodel permits are valuation-based.
04
Reinspection fee
Code enforcement problems for unpermitted or expired work; single consolidated reinspection fee not clearly published on main public permit pages
Online card payments are charged $0.25 plus 2 percent up to $2,500, or 2.75 percent over $2,500. ACH eCheck fee is $0.50. Checks have no fee.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Citizen Access portal (online)
- 970-221-6769 for inspections (phone)
- 970-416-2740 for final building inspection phone support (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (final building inspection phone support 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Typical sequence: Typical sequence includes footing, foundation, rough trade inspections, framing, insulation, final inspections, then closeout and certificate of occupancy or letter of completion as applicable.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Fort Collins permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Fort Collins, CO? ▸
Most construction projects require a permit. The city states permits are generally required for new construction, remodels, additions, repairs, and many trade and exterior projects unless specifically exempt.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Fort Collins, CO? ▸
Building permit fees in Fort Collins, CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Many simple permit types start at $65; valuation-based examples include $105 for projects up to $2,000. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Many simple permit types use flat fees; new construction fees are based on occupancy and square footage; some remodel permits are valuation-based.. Plan check fee: New construction plan check is 35 percent of total calculated building fee. Many simple permit pages also publish fixed plan check amounts..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Fort Collins, CO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Fort Collins, CO, follow these steps: 1. Confirm whether the work is permit-exempt and identify the correct permit type on the city Building Permits page. 2. Prepare the application package, typically including permit application, plans, site plan, and homeowner affidavit or owner authorization if applicable. 3. Email all required documents to buildingservices@fortcollins.gov. 4. Pay the initial plan check fee when required; the city does not start review until the plan check fee is paid. 5. Track the record in Citizen Access, respond to comments, upload revisions, and coordinate any related reviews. 6. Pay remaining permit fees when the permit is ready to issue. 7. Download approved documents, keep them onsite, schedule required inspections, and complete final closeout tasks in Citizen Access.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Fort Collins, CO? ▸
Building permit processing times in Fort Collins, CO typically run Project specific. Temporary use permit reviews typically take about 7 calendar days per review; large projects may require multiple rounds. Inspection requests are handled through Citizen Access or by phone.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Fort Collins, CO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Fort Collins, CO. The following work is generally exempt: Small detached residential structures 120 square feet or less; Permit-exempt work listed in the city permit exemptions section on the Building Permits page; Temporary job site construction trailers without public access; Other project-specific exemptions listed by permit category. Note: Fort Collins maintains a detailed exemption list by permit category. Confirm on the city Building Permits page for your specific project type. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Fort Collins, CO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Fort Collins, CO via: Citizen Access portal, 970-221-6769 for inspections, 970-416-2740 for final building inspection phone support.
last verified April 2026
source City of Fort Collins Building Services ↗
entry id permits/colorado/larimer/fort-collins
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Fort Collins Building Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.