City Building Permits
Fort Collins, COLORADO Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Fort Collins, Colorado. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Applies to projects within Fort Collins city limits. Separate review or approval may also be required from zoning, stormwater, utilities, engineering, sales tax, and Poudre Fire Authority depending on scope.
- Department
- City of Fort Collins Building Services
- Address
- 281 N. College Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80524
- Phone
- 970-416-2740
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Accela Citizen Access • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Confirm whether the work is permit-exempt and identify the correct permit type on the city Building Permits page.
- Prepare the application package, typically including permit application, plans, site plan, and homeowner affidavit or owner authorization if applicable.
- Email all required documents to buildingservices@fortcollins.gov.
- Pay the initial plan check fee when required; the city does not start review until the plan check fee is paid.
- Track the record in Citizen Access, respond to comments, upload revisions, and coordinate any related reviews.
- Pay remaining permit fees when the permit is ready to issue.
- 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.
General Requirements
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.
Required Documents
- Permit application
- Plans
- Site plan
- Homeowner affidavit if owner-builder
- Owner authorization for commercial or multifamily
- Project-specific engineering or supporting documentation
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Many simple permit types start at $65; valuation-based examples include $105 for projects up to $2,000
- 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.
- 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.
- Reinspection fee
- Code enforcement problems for unpermitted or expired work; single consolidated reinspection fee not clearly published on main public permit pages
- Payment note
- 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. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026).
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- 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
Important: Fort Collins maintains a detailed exemption list by permit category. Confirm on the city Building Permits page for your specific project type.
Inspections
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 inspection 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.
Additional Resources
- 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.
- Verify contractor license: Contractor Licensing
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Building Code
- Fee Schedules
- License lookup guide: Colorado Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Colorado Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Colorado hub: Colorado Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Fort Collins Building Services before applying.
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