Contractor Licensing

1. Overview

If you do construction work in Fort Collins, you may need a contractor license or registration. This page explains license types, how to apply, renew and general requirements.

2. General Rules and Requirements

Who Needs a License?

All contractors working in the City of Fort Collins
Exceptions are listed under Licensing Exemptions below.

Roles and Responsibilities

General Contractors: Responsible for overall construction, subcontractors and compliance with codes.
Trade Contractors: Responsible only for their licensed trade work.
Master Electricians/Plumbers: Must be listed on permits for their trade.
Right-of-Way Contractors: Responsible for performing permitted work in public right-of-way or City-owned easements.

Licensing Exemptions

Owners working on their own single-family residence (with conditions).
Certain small projects not requiring a permit (see Building Permits).
Contact the City to confirm if your project is exempt.

Employees and Subcontractors

Licensed contractors may employ workers or hire subcontractors.
Subcontractors must hold the proper City license or registration.

3. Find Your License Type

General Contractor Licenses

General contractors can build, remodel or repair structures. The license class determines what you can do.

License Class	Work Allowed	Qualifications
Class A and A(DR)	Class A: Any building or structure Class A(DR): Structural damage repair/restoration to any building or structure	Class A: International Code Council (ICC) G11, 3 project verifications of new builds exceeding 5 stories, other than Group R Class A(DR): ICC G11, 3 project verifications of significant structural repair on buildings exceeding 5 stories, other than Group R
Class B and B(DR)	Class B: Up to/including 5 stories – new builds Class B(DR): Structural damage repair/restoration on buildings up to/including 5 stories	Class B: ICC G11, 3 project verifications of new builds up to/including 5 stories, other than Group R, exceeding 3 stories and/or 20,000 square feet (sq. ft.) Class B(DR): ICC G11, 3 project verifications of significant structural repair on buildings up to/including 5 stories, other than Group R, exceeding 3 stories and/or 20,000 sq. ft.
Class C1 and C1(DR)	Class C1: Up to/including 3 stories – new builds Class C1(DR): Structural damage repair/restoration on buildings up to/including 3 stories	Class C1: ICC G12, 3 project verifications of new builds up to/including 3 stories, other than Group R, up to 3 stories and/or 20,000 sq. ft. Class C1(DR): ICC G12, 3 project verifications of structural repair on buildings up to/including 3 stories and/or 20,000 sq. ft.
Class C2 and C2(DR)	Class C2: Multi-family housing projects – new builds Class C2(DR): Multi-family housing projects structural damage repair/restoration	Class C2: ICC G12, 3 project verifications of new builds, Type V construction and Group R occupancy Class C2(DR): ICC G12, 3 project verifications of significant structural repair on buildings of Type V construction and Group R occupancy
Class D1	Class D1: Single-family attached and detached, no more than 2 dwelling units; townhouses (as regulated by the ICC)	Class D1: ICC G13, 3 project verifications of new builds R-3 occupancy
Class D2	Class D2: Detached garages, Group U, Division 1 occupancies, up to 1,000 sq. ft.; additions to detached single-family dwellings up to 1,000 sq. ft.; Structural repair/restoration to Group R, Division 3 occupancy not more than 2 dwelling units; multi-family exterior decks of any size	Class D2: ICC G13, 3 project verifications of significant structural repair on single-family or townhome
Class D(DR)	Class D(DR): Structural damage repair/restoration to Group R, Division 3 occupancy, not more than 2 dwelling units or a Group U, Division 1 occupancy or townhome (as regulated by the ICC)	Class D(DR): ICC G13, 3 project verifications of significant structural repair on Type V construction classified as R-3 occupancy (single-family or townhome)
Class E(R)	Class E(R): Nonstructural alterations to any residential building or structure under the IRC code	Class E(R): ICC G13, 3 project verifications of nonstructural alterations; must have exceeded $15,000 in total construction value
Class E(C)	Class E(C): Nonstructural alterations to any commercial and residential structure	Class E(C): ICC G12, 3 project verifications of nonstructural alterations to commercial structures; must have exceeded $20,000 in total construction value
Class MM	Class MM: Detached structures associated with single-family dwellings, such as shelters, storage sheds, playhouses, greenhouses and gazebos, unenclosed structures such as open carports, patio covers, open porches and decks; not to exceed 300 sq. ft.	Class MM: ICC G13, 3 project verifications of any listed project types to the left

Specialized Trade Contractor Licenses

License Class	Work Allowed	Qualifications
Awnings	Erect and attach awnings to buildings (as regulated by the ICC and city building code), including awnings incorporating signage or graphics requiring a sign permit.	3 project verifications of completed awning installations.
Demolition	Dismantle or raze entire buildings and other structures. Excluding partial or interior demolition work associated with alterations.	3 project verifications of completed razes (full buildings).
Fire Alarm Systems	Install, test, maintain and service fire alarms including the related wiring supply not more than 50 volts.	NICET II or approved equivalency, 3 project verifications of completed fire alarm systems.
Fire Sprinkler Systems	Install automatic fire suppression systems.	3 project verifications of completed fire sprinkler systems.
Fireplace Appliance	Install non-portable listed manufactured fuel-burning fireplace appliances and associated chimneys or verts as regulated under the mechanical code. Excluding building modifications, alterations or additions.	3 project verifications of completed fireplace appliance installations.
Flammable Fuel Facilities	Install, alter or remove tanks, piping and dispensing equipment for petroleum fuels or other fuels as regulated by the City fire code, including related electrical wiring supplying not more than 50 volts.	3 project verifications of completed flammable fuel installation projects.
Gas Piping	Install piping and fittings for supplying fuel-gas, and the replacement of water heaters as regulated under the mechanical code adopted by the city (when such water heater replacement does not involve alteration of water supply piping or appliance venting).	ICC G33, 3 project verifications of completed gas piping installations.
HVAC(R)	Installation of residential environmental non-portable heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and the related piping, ducts, venting, appliances, controls and electrical wiring (supplying not more than 50 volts).	ICC G29, 3 project verifications of completed new residential installations (from nothing to something).
HVAC(C)	Installation of commercial environmental non-portable heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and the related piping, ducts, venting, appliances, controls and electrical wiring (supplying not more than 50 volts).	ICC G29, 3 project verifications of completed new commercial installations (from nothing to something).
HVAC(RR)	Residential and commercial repair/replacement environmental non-portable heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and the related piping ducts, venting, appliance, controls and electrical wiring (supplying not more than 50 volts).	ICC G29, 3 project verifications of completed repair and/or replacement residential and/or commercial installations.
Roofing	Nonstructural roof covering and materials to minimum 2:12 pitch/slop roofs including the replacement or repair of sheathing on existing roofs. Not allowed to work on flat/low slope roof systems.	ICC G14, 3 project verifications of completed roofs that are 2:12 pitch or less.
Roofing(+)	Nonstructural roof covering and materials including the replacement or repair of sheathing on existing roofs, to include flat/low slop roof systems.	ICC G14, 3 project verifications of completed roofs that are 2:12 pitch or less.
Refrigeration	Installation of non-portable evaporative, absorption and mechanically operated refrigeration equipment, including piping, vessels, controls and electrical wiring (supplying not more than 50 volts).	ICC G29, 3 project verifications of completed new residential and/or commercial installations.
Signs	Install and erect permanent signs requiring a sign permit. Excluding electrical work.	3 project verifications of completed sign installations
Solar Water Systems	Installation of solar water heat collectors, storage tanks and related piping, related electrical wiring supplying not more than 50 volts and nonportable water piping, excluding all other electrical and plumbing work.	NABCEP, 3 project verifications of completed solar water system installations.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems	Installation of PV collectors, storage containers, related electrical wiring supplying not more than 50 volts. Excluding all other electrical work.	NABCEP, 3 project verifications of completed solar PV system installations.
Framing	Construction Type IV and Type V structural framing systems including sheathing and siding.	F46, 3 project verifications of completed framing projects.
Wireless Telecommunication Systems	Installation of outdoor wireless telecommunication systems, including related equipment, towers, antennas and the construction of unoccupied minor related buildings housing only equipment, and associated cables and electrical wiring supplying not more than 50 volts.	3 project verifications of completed wireless telecommunication systems.

Master Electrician and Master Plumber Registrations

Must be licensed by the State of Colorado with the relationship of Supervisor.
Must register with the City to work in Fort Collins.
No City exam required.

Exempt Contractor Registration

Registration is required. Call Contractor Licensing at 970-224-6165.

Right of Way Contractor Licenses

Required to do work of any kind in public right-of-way or City-owned easements.

4. Apply, Register or Renew

Apply for a New License (General or Trade Contractor)

Complete an application packet (General Contractor or Trade Contractor).
Provide proof of exam (ICC, NICET, or other required).
Provide insurance certificate (see requirements below).
Pay the application fee.
Submit in person or by email to contractor_licensing@fortcollins.gov.
Incomplete packets will not be accepted.

The documents below are provided for printing purposes. For Digital Accessibility concerns, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator via email adacoordinator@fortcollins.com or phone: 970-416-4254.

General Contractor License Application Packet(PDF, 961KB)

Trade Contractor License Application Packet(PDF, 958KB)

Register as a Master Electrician or Master Plumber

Complete the Master License Registration packet.
Provide a copy of your Colorado State license.
Provide insurance certificate.
Pay the registration fee.

Master License Registration Packet(PDF, 620KB)

Register as a Right-of-Way Contractor

Required to perform work of any kind in the public right-of-way or City-owned easements.

Complete Right-of-Way Contractor Application.
Provide insurance certificate (see requirements below).
Provide bond for $100,000 or $250,000 (if directional boring) using template in the application packet.
Submit via email to engineeringlicensing@fortcollins.gov.
Pay the application fee ($130) upon receipt of application approval email.

Right-of-Way Contractor Application(PDF, 749KB)

Insurance requirements for Right-of-Way Contractors:

General liability insurance is required for all licenses and registrations.
Minimum coverage: $1,000,000 general aggregate.
City of Fort Collins must be listed as certificate holder and additional insured.

A Right-of-Way Contractor License will be kept current as long as the bond and insurance are kept up to date and engineeringlicensing@fortcollins.gov receives original continuation certificates each year.

Register as an Exempt Contractor

Complete the Exempt Contractor Registration packet.
Provide insurance certificate.
Pay the registration fee.

Exempt Contractor Registration Packet(PDF, 709KB)

Renew or Reinstate a License or Registration

Renewal Steps:

Complete the renewal packet.
Provide updated insurance certificate.
Pay renewal fee (and reinstatement fee if applicable).

General Contractor License Renewal Packet(PDF, 721KB)

Trade Contractor License Renewal Packet(PDF, 537KB)

Master License Renewal Packet(PDF, 620KB)

Exempt Contractor Renewal Packet(PDF, 709KB)

5. Fees, Insurance and Exams

Fees

Type	Fee
New or reinstatement of license and supervisor's certificate	$300
License and supervisor's certificate renewal	$225
Master Plumber (new, renewal or reinstatement)	$200
Exempt Registration (new, renewal or reinstatement)	$200
Right-of-Way (new, renewal or reinstatement)	$130

Insurance Requirements

General liability insurance is required for all licenses and registrations.
Minimum coverage: $1,000,000 general aggregate for Right-of-Way Contractor License; $2,000,000 general aggregate for all other license types
City of Fort Collins must be listed as certificate holder.

Exam Requirements

Most licenses require passing an ICC or Certification exam.
Exam results must be from the most recent or current code year. Certifications must be current (non-expired).
Exams are administered by Pearson Vue.

International Code Council (ICC) Exam Information

An ICC Exam is required in order to obtain a Supervisor Certificate for all General Contractor licensing categories and many of the Specialized Trade contractor licensing categories.

The 2021 ICC codes were adopted along with City Amendments in April 2022. Applicants for licenses that require an exam must provide documentation of a passed ICC (International Code Council) administered exam from an approved Pearson Vue testing center (unless an exam is not required to obtain a supervisor certificate for that class of license). See below for exam requirements. A list of approved ICC testing centers is available from the ICC website.

Required exams:

General Contractor Class A, Class A-DR, Class B and Class B-DR:
- ICC National Standard Building Contractor A Exam G11, over the 2018 IBC; and the Concrete Manual: Concrete Quality and Field Practices 2021 IBC and ACI 318-19
General Contractor Class C1, Class C1-DR, Class C2, Class C2-DR and Class E:
- ICC National Standard Building Contractor B Exam G12, over the 2018 IBC/2018 IRC; and the Concrete Manual: Concrete Quality and Field Practices 2021 IBC and ACI 318-19.
- The ICC National Standard Building Contractor A Exam G11, would also be accepted for the license categories noted above.
General Contractor Class D1, Class D2, Class D-DR, Class ER & Class MM (Residential Only Licenses):
- ICC National Standard Building Contractor C Exam G13, over the 2018 IRC
Specialized Trade Contractor Licenses:
- Gas Piping:
- - ICC National Standard Master Gas Pipe Fitter Exam G33; based on the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC).
- HVAC(C), HVAC(R), HVAC(RR) and HVAC Refrigeration:
- - ICC National Standard Master Mechanical Exam G29, based on the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) and the 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC).
- Roofing and Roofing +(Plus):
- - ICC National Standard Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor Exam F14, based on the 2015 International Building Code (IBC), the 2015 International Residential Code, and 2015 International Plumbing Code (IPC).
- Framing:
- - ICC National Standard Framing Contractor F46, over the 2015 IBC and 2015 IRC
- Solar:
- - The City of Fort Collins specialized trade Solar Energy exam requirements will be met once the applicant is certified as a NABCEP certified installation professional. Visit NABCEP at here.
No exams are required for the following specialized trade contractor licenses:
- Awnings
- Demolition
- Fire Alarms
- Fireplace
- Fire Sprinkler Systems (requires Poudre Fire Authority approval)
- Signs
- Flammable Fuel Facilities (requires Poudre Fire Authority approval)
- Wireless Telecommunication Systems (WTS)

Contact Us

Email

Contractor_Licensing@fortcollins.gov

EngineeringLicensing@fortcollins.gov (for Right-of-Way Contractor Licensing only)

Phone

970-224-6165

970-221-6605 (for Right-of-Way Contractor Licensing only)

Business Hours

Monday-Friday | 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Physical Address

281 N. College Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80524