Engineering Permits
The City of Fort Collins Engineering Department issues permits and reviews plans for construction, development and public right-of-way work. We help ensure projects meet City and County codes, standards and specifications and that all public infrastructure is built to the highest quality.
This page combines information about engineering-related permits and inspections to make it easier to find what you need.
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The documents on this page are provided for printing purposes. For assistance viewing or reading these documents, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator via email adacoordinator@fortcollins.gov or phone: 970-416-4254.
Engineering Development Review
Before starting construction, development or infrastructure work in Fort Collins, projects must go through the City’s Development Review process. This process ensures proposed work meets City standards for safety, access and infrastructure. Depending on your project you may need to submit improvement plans, apply for a Development Construction Permit (DCP), or complete right-of-way or easement agreements.
Submit Development Plans
All new development, redevelopment and major construction projects must go through Development Review to make sure they meet City planning, transportation and engineering standards.
Email DRCoord@fortcollins.gov for details on submittal requirements and timelines.
Get a Development Construction Permit (DCP)
A Development Construction Permit (DCP) is required before starting any work that builds or modifies public infrastructure, including:
- Water or sewer mains
- Public streets or sidewalks
- Public drainage facilities
Grading and utility work cannot begin until this permit is issued.
DCP resources:
Apply for a DCP
What to submit:
Fees:
How to submit:
Set Up a Development Agreement
A development agreement is required for many projects and outlines the responsibilities of the City, developer and property owner. It defines construction standards, financial guarantees and other legal terms for your project.
To begin this process or request a draft base document, contact:
Email: DRCoord@fortcollins.gov
Phone: 970-221-6689
Resources:
Dedicate or Vacate Easements and Right-of-Way
Some projects require changes to public easements or rights-of-way. You can dedicate, vacate or request changes as part of a plat, replat or by separate document.
Easement and Right of Way Dedications:
Easement and Right-of-Way Vacations:
Only City Council can vacate right-of-way.
Permits
If you plan to store equipment or material, or perform work of any kind in the public right-of-way, you'll need a permit.
Below are the right-of-way permits and their associated fees:
Excavation Permit
Excavation Permits are required anytime cutting is done in City right-of-way (sidewalk, boring, street cutting, etc.).
Contractors must have a valid City-issued Right-of-Way Contractor's License specific to their work category (see: Apply, Register or Renew in Contractor Licensing).
Guides:
What to submit:
Fees:
- Application Fee: $45
- Excavation Inspection Fee: $50 per 1,000 square feet
- Boring Inspection Fee: $0.40/linear foot ($50 minimum)
- Pothole Inspection Fee: $30 each
- Pavement Inspection Fee: 1 to 100 square feet (sq. ft.) of excavation: $3.85/sq. ft.; 101 to 500 sq. ft.: $2.75/sq. ft.; 501 to 3,000 sq. ft.: $2.20/sq. ft.; over 3,000 sq. ft.: $1.65/sq. ft.
How to submit:
Encroachment Permit
Encroachment Permits are required anytime an obstruction or encroachment is erected in City right-of-way (dumpsters, storage units or PODS, landscaping material, etc.).
What to submit:
Fees:
- Application Fee: $10 for minor encroachments; $500 for major encroachments
- Inspection Fee: $10 for minor encroachments; fees for major encroachments are determined based on the scale of the project
How to submit:
Sidewalk and Drive Approach Permit
Sidewalk and Drive Approach Permits are required for work on sidewalks or driveway approaches.
Contractors must have a valid City-issued Right-of-Way Contractor's License specific to their work category (see: Apply, Register or Renew in Contractor Licensing).
What to submit:
Fees:
- $25 (up to 15 feet); $0.30 per each additional foot
How to submit:
Oversized Vehicle Permit
Oversized Vehicle Permits are required for vehicles exceeding legal size or weight limits using City streets (large loads, equipment, etc.).
What to submit:
Fees:
- No fee (if you're moving a non-structure)
- $25 (if you're moving a structure)
Structure = building, house or mobile home.
How to submit:
House Number Permit
House Number Permits allow groups (often nonprofits) to paint house numbers on curbs.
What to submit:
Fees:
How to submit:
Stockpiling Permit
Stockpiling Permits allow temporary storage of suitable fill material for future construction use.
What to submit:
Fees:
How to submit:
Vertical Banner Permit
Vertical Banner Permits allow banners on approved poles. View the Online Vertical Banner Map.
What to submit:
Fees:
How to submit:
Newspaper Encroachment and Indemnity Agreement
Newspaper Encroachment and Indemnity Agreements are required for placing freestanding publication racks within City rights-of-way, including Downtown condominium areas. One permit per year, per location.
What to submit:
Fees:
- $10 per application, per year
- $10 per box, per year
How to submit:
Portable Signs in the Right-of-Way Permit
Portable Signs in the Right-of-Way Permits are required to place portable signs in designated public areas.
What to submit:
Fees:
How to submit:
Outdoor Seating Encroachment and Indemnity Agreement
Outdoor Seating Encroachment and Indemnity Agreements are required for outdoor seating in public right-of-way. See Outdoor Seating Guide(PDF, 8MB).
What to submit:
Fees:
How to submit:
Fence Permit
Fence Permits are required for fences adjacent to public right-of-way.
What to submit:
Fees:
How to submit:
Schedule an Inspection
If your project involves public infrastructure construction, an Engineering Inspection is required. Inspectors check construction projects for compliance with City standards and specifications.
To schedule an inspection, contact your assigned Engineering Inspector directly or leave a voicemail at 970-221-6609.
Request Utility Locates
Call 811 before you dig: Always call 811 before any digging, grading or excavation. This free service helps you locate underground utilities and avoid injury or damage. Submit an 811 request online.