Deck / Covered Patio Permit in Fort Collins, Colorado
Required for decks, stairs, ramps, landings, and patio/porch covers in Fort Collins (except small decks under 200 sq ft / 30 in. high, which are permit-exempt). Flat-fee Fast-Track/Exterior permit; pre-built structures and commercial projects require a Colorado-licensed structural engineer's stamp.
Verified 2026-07-01 · Source
When you need this permit
- Deck/Stairs/Ramp/Landing: site plan, deck plans; commercial structural work must be stamped by a Colorado-registered structural engineer; City-approved specialty products (diamond piers, PWT engineered deck products) usable without a full engineered design if complete product specs are submitted
- Patio/Porch Cover: commercial projects and pre-built structures must be designed and stamped by a Colorado-licensed structural engineer
- Small decks are permit-EXEMPT if: area ≤200 sq ft, height ≤30 in. above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving a required exit door
- Construction Waste and Recycling Management Declaration of Responsibility + Report required for decks
- Homeowner Affidavit required if homeowner is doing the work
Required documents
- Req
Building Permit Application (PDF, 619KB)
Standard application used for deck and patio cover permits
- Req
Residential Deck Guide (PDF, 1MB)
City guidance to fill out and include with deck plans
- Opt
Residential Patio Cover Guide (PDF, 1MB)
City guidance for patio/porch cover submittals
- Opt
Homeowner Affidavit (PDF, 469KB)
Required if homeowner is doing the work
- Opt
Owner Authorization Form (PDF, 374KB)
Required for commercial/multifamily projects
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deck / Stairs / Ramp / Landing (flat total) | $110.00 total ($38.50 Plan Check due at application + $71.50 Building Permit Fee due at issuance) | City of Fort Collins Building Permits page, "Apply for a Building Permit" section (#section-3) — Deck / Stairs / Ramp / Landing accordion, "Fees and Taxes": "Application Fee: $110 total; Plan Check Fee: $38.50 (due when you apply); Building Permit Fee: $71.50 (due when your permit is issued)" (verified 2026-07-01 by expanding the accordion; this content is client-side rendered and not visible to plain HTTP fetch/curl) |
| Patio / Porch Cover (flat total) | $110.00 total ($38.50 Plan Check due at application + $71.50 Building Permit Fee due at issuance) | City of Fort Collins Building Permits page, "Apply for a Building Permit" section (#section-3) — Patio / Porch Cover accordion, "Fees and Taxes": "Application Fee: $110 total; Plan Check Fee: $38.50 (due when you apply); Building Permit Fee: $71.50 (due when your permit is issued)" (verified 2026-07-01 by expanding the accordion; this content is client-side rendered and not visible to plain HTTP fetch/curl) |
| Sales Tax | Calculated based on total project valuation (materials and labor) | City of Fort Collins Sales Tax page |
Review timeline
~0–0 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Fort Collins building department
Inspection process
- 1
Setback and Footing
Footing formwork inspected before concrete pour, per the 30-inch Fort Collins frost depth
- 2
Rough Frame
Deck framing, ledger attachment, and structural connections before decking/covering installed
- 3
Final Building
Completed deck or patio cover inspected against approved plans
Tips
- Decks under 200 sq ft, 30 in. or less above grade, unattached to the dwelling, and not serving a required exit door are entirely permit-exempt in Fort Collins.
- Both deck and patio-cover permits carry the identical $110 flat total fee structure ($38.50 plan check + $71.50 building permit fee).
- Pre-built or manufactured deck/patio structures (not custom-designed) still require a Colorado-licensed structural engineer's stamp, same as commercial projects.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for a deck in Fort Collins?
- Only if the deck exceeds 200 sq ft, is more than 30 inches above grade, is attached to the dwelling, or serves a required exit door. Otherwise it's permit-exempt. Permitted decks cost a flat $110 total ($38.50 plan check + $71.50 building permit fee).
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-01.
- City of Fort Collins — Building Services — official building department
- City of Fort Collins — Building Permits, "Apply for a Building Permit" > Deck/Stairs/Ramp/Landing and Patio/Porch Cover accordions, "Fees and Taxes" (itemizes $110 total = $38.50 Plan Check + $71.50 Building Permit Fee for both permit types)
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Fort Collins building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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