Electrical Permit in Fort Collins, Colorado
Required for outlets, panels, wiring, repairs, lighting, EV chargers, and other electrical work in Fort Collins. The CITY of Fort Collins Building Services issues and reviews electrical permits (not a Colorado state board directly) — but individuals performing electrical work must hold a State of Colorado electrical license, and Master Electricians must additionally register with the City of Fort Collins Contractor Licensing office to work under permits in city limits. Governed by the 2023 NEC (effective Aug. 1, 2023), matching the state-adopted electrical code.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
When you need this permit
- Work included: outlets, panels, wiring, repairs, lighting, electric for ground-mounted pre-fabricated hot tubs, residential EV chargers for single-family detached/duplex/townhomes (Fast-Track eligible)
- If more than one trade is involved, or an unheated space becomes heated, or for commercial EV chargers, submit a Remodel/Alteration permit instead of the Fast-Track Electric permit
- Master Electricians must be licensed by the State of Colorado (Supervisor relationship) AND separately register with the City of Fort Collins (no additional City exam required for the registration)
- General/Trade Contractors performing electrical work as part of broader scope need the applicable City of Fort Collins contractor license
- Commercial EV charging stations require accessible parking/EV charging compliance documentation
Required documents
- Req
Electric Permit Application (PDF, 432KB)
Fast-Track application for residential/light-commercial electrical work
- Opt
Homeowner Affidavit (PDF, 469KB)
Required if a homeowner is doing the electrical work themselves
- Opt
Owner Authorization Form (PDF, 374KB)
Required for commercial electrical permits
- Req
Master License Registration Packet (PDF, 620KB)
Required for Master Electricians to register with the City, in addition to their State of Colorado license
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric (Fast-Track Building Permit Fee) | $65.00 | City of Fort Collins Building Permits page — Fast-Track Permits, Electric |
| EV Charger (Commercial and Multifamily) — valuation-based | Up to $2,000: flat $105.00. $2,000–$25,000: $105 + $15.50 per additional $1,000. $25,000–$50,000: $461.50 + $10.50/$1,000. $50,000–$100,000: $724.00 + $6.50/$1,000. $100,000–$500,000: $1,049.00 + $6/$1,000. Above $500,000: $3,449.00 + $5.50/$1,000. | City of Fort Collins Building Permits page — Remodel and Alteration Permits, EV Charger (Commercial and Multifamily) |
| Master Electrician Registration (new/reinstatement) | $300.00 (License and Supervisor's Certificate, new or reinstatement) | City of Fort Collins Contractor Licensing page — Fees table; renewal is $225.00 |
| 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
Underground Electric
With conduits installed and/or direct-burial conductors, prior to backfill (if applicable)
- 2
Rough Electric
After wiring system installed, before interior insulation; done before/concurrent with rough frame
- 3
Energize Electric
Electrical service equipment installed, wired and bonded to grounding electrode system; authorizes Fort Collins Utilities to energize for construction use; done before drywall
- 4
Final Electric
All electrical receptacles, devices, lighting and panels completed
Tips
- The City of Fort Collins Building Services issues and reviews electrical permits directly — it is not administered by the Colorado DORA State Electrical Board for in-city work, though the tradesperson must still hold the underlying State of Colorado electrical license.
- Master Electricians register with the City (no separate city exam) after providing proof of their State of Colorado license — see the Contractor Licensing 'Master Electrician and Master Plumber Registrations' section.
- 'Energize Electric' is a distinct inspection step in Fort Collins tied to Fort Collins Utilities (the city's own municipal electric utility) setting the permanent meter.
- Electrical systems under 25 volts / 50 watts, temporary decorative cord-and-plug lighting, and replacing same-rated breakers in the same location are permit-exempt.
Frequently asked questions
- Who issues electrical permits in Fort Collins — the city or the State of Colorado?
- The City of Fort Collins Building Services issues and reviews electrical permits for all work within city limits. However, the electrician performing the work must hold a State of Colorado electrical license, and Master Electricians must additionally register with the City of Fort Collins Contractor Licensing office (a registration, not a separate exam) before pulling permits.
- How much does a basic electrical permit cost in Fort Collins?
- A standard Fast-Track Electric permit (outlets, panels, wiring, lighting, residential EV chargers) has a flat Building Permit Fee of $65, plus applicable sales tax on project valuation.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- City of Fort Collins — Building Services — official building department
- City of Fort Collins — Building Permits (Fast-Track Electric; Remodel/Alteration EV Charger)
- City of Fort Collins — Contractor Licensing (Master Electrician/Plumber Registration, Fees)
- City of Fort Collins — Building Code (2023 NEC adoption)
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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