Building Permit Process
This page explains the City of Fort Collins' building permit process from start to finish and how to pay fees.
This webpage provides general information to help you understand the City’s building code and legal requirements relating to permitting. It is not a substitute for legal advice or the law. You are responsible for following all applicable laws and regulations under Fort Collins City Code.
Note: New building codes are in effect as of April 1, 2026. See Building Code for more information.
Looking to apply for for a permit?
Apply for a Building Permit Here
Permitting Process and How to Pay Fees
Step 1: Application
- Follow the instructions for each permit type, showing how to submit required documents.
- Pay initial plan check fee (depending on your project type).
Step 2: Plan Review
Your application will be reviewed by City staff and returned with instructions.
Step 3: Pay Fees
Payment Methods
Debit/Credit Card (no amount limit):
Fees:
- For transactions up to $2,500: $0.25 flat fee + 2% of total transaction amount
- For transactions more than $2,500: 2.75% of total transaction amount
ACH Payment (eCheck) ($150,000 limit):
Fees:
Check (any amount):
Fees:
Where to Pay
For card or ACH payments:
For Checks:
- Drop checks in the blue drop box on the northwest side of the building at 281 N. College Ave. (accessible from Maple Street, just west of College).
Step 4: Permit Issued
Download your approved plans and keep them at your work site for construction and inspections.
Step 5: Construction and Inspections
Step 6: Corrections and Revisions
A revision is any change requested after your plans were reviewed or your permit was issued.
- Examples: Layout changes, window type changes, on-site discoveries that require plan updates.
- Department-initiated resubmittals (e.g., "Resubmittal Requested") follow a different process.
Why Submit a Revision?
- Keeps official records accurate and prevents "work without a permit" issues.
- Ensures changes meet building codes — even small changes can affect structure, occupancy or safety systems.
- May change fees, required contractor licenses or trigger additional department reviews.
How to Submit a Revision
- Download your current approved set.
- Only revise the documents that changed. Keep the City's markups/comments — do not flatten them.
- When updating drawings:
- Replace/add/delete sheets as needed.
- New sheets from your team should be flattened (remove working comments).
- Clearly mark changes with clouds/deltas/bubbles so reviewers can see what changed.
- Rename the plan set to the next version number (e.g., v2 → v3).
- Complete the Revision Form(PDF, 1MB) and save it with a clear name like Letter - [Project Address] - v1.
- Email the revision form and the complete revised document set to buildingservices@fortcollins.gov.
- Don't upload the documents to the portal unless instructed.
Review Timeline and Inspections
- Typical Review Time: 14 calendar days for building/zoning reviews of revisions.
- Inspections can't be scheduled while the revision is under review — inspections pause until approval and re-issuance.
- If you need inspections soon, try to schedule them before submitting the revision (when safe/possible).
Fees for Applicant-Initiated Revisions
- Small (~$50): Minor layout or small structural edits (less than ~25% of floor area).
- Medium (~$100): Larger residential changes or notable mechanical/structural work.
- Large (~$200): Major commercial changes, change of occupancy, or increases in building size.
Actual fees depend on the scope of the change. These are representative categories — confirm with Building Services if unsure.
Stock Plan Revisions
- Revising a stock plan replaces the prior approved set — future lots using that stock plan will use the revised set.
- Ensure the revised set includes all required documents, not just the pages you changed.
Tips for the Revision Process
- Be complete and clear — unclear changes cause delays.
- Consider if your change triggers other departments (Zoning, Poudre Fire Authority, Utilities) and contact them if needed.
- Versioning and consistent filenames keep records clean and reduce review friction.
- Factor revision review time into your construction schedule.
Step 7: Final Inspections and Closeout Tasks
Project close-out is the final step in the building permit process. To close your permit, all required inspections and documents must be complete in Citizen Access.
1. Complete all tasks in Citizen Access
Make sure every task in your permit’s workflow is marked complete. Until everything is done, your permit will not show as Completed.
Important: If your permit expires without completion, it becomes an open code violation on the property.
2. Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Completion
- Certificate of Occupancy (CO) – issued for new buildings or when there’s a change of use or occupancy.
- Letter of Completion (LOC) – issued for projects such as shell-only buildings, remodels, or non-occupiable work.
3. Department Requirements
The following departments must complete reviews or receive final documentation before your project can be closed:
Here's a contact list for permit sign-offs, for convenience:
4. Key Reminders
- All required inspections and documents must be complete before your project is marked Completed in Citizen Access.
- Incomplete submissions delay occupancy or can result in violations.
- Start final documentation and schedule inspections early to avoid delays.
- Some departments have longer review timelines—plan ahead.
Questions? Contact BuildingServices@fortcollins.gov for assistance.
Additional Notes
Why Permits Matter: Permits protect public safety, ensure code compliance and support property value. Work without a permit may cause problems when selling a home or result in code enforcement actions.
Timelines: Large projects may require multiple rounds of review; plan accordingly.
Posting Permits: Always post your permit visibly at your work site.
Expired Permits:
- Permit Applications can expire in 180 days (if not issued).
- Permits that are issued and under construction expire in 180 days of inactivity (if inspections aren't performed or if other final tasks aren't completed). Each inspection extends the permit an additional 180 days.
- Stock plans expire the day new codes are adopted and a new stock plan will need to be submitted.