Fort Collins building inspections
VerifiedInspection sequence, scheduling, and re-inspection fees for building permits in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
How to schedule
Inspections are requested through the building department below.
- Address
- 281 N. College Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80524
- Phone
- 970-416-2740
- Office hours
- Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Website
- Official site
Inspection sequence
Applies to: Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
- 1
Setback and Footing
Inspection of footing formwork prior to concrete being poured
- 2
Foundation
Inspection of foundation formwork prior to concrete being poured
- 3
Rough Frame / Rough Plumbing / Rough Electric / Rough Mechanical
Framing, plumbing, electric, and mechanical rough-ins — done before or concurrently, before interior insulation installed
- 4
Insulation
After all rough inspections approved, verifies air sealing and R-values match approved energy documents, before drywall
- 5
Final Building
After all work shown on approved plans is complete, including Final Plumbing, Final Electric, and Final Mechanical
Applies to: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
- 1
Setback and Footing / Foundation
Before concrete pour, per structural plans
- 2
Rough Frame / Rough Plumbing / Rough Electric / Rough Mechanical
Structural framing, egress windows, fire separation (attached ADUs), and trade rough-ins
- 3
Insulation
Air sealing and R-value verification before drywall
- 4
Final Building
All work complete; Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Completion required before occupancy
Applies to: Electrical Permit
- 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
Applies to: Mechanical / HVAC Permit
- 1
Gas Line Test
After gas piping/fittings/unions/valves installed, before covered or connected to fixtures; 10 psi air test required
- 2
Rough Mechanical
After ductwork installed and sealed; before/concurrent with rough frame, before interior insulation
- 3
Fireplace/Stove (if applicable)
Concurrent with frame inspection; factory-built units inspected after chimney framing and fire-stopping complete, before covering
- 4
Final Mechanical
All registers trimmed, mechanical equipment completed and operational; approved mechanical documents required on site
Applies to: Plumbing Permit
- 1
Underground Plumbing
After under-slab/underground plumbing installed but before covering; 10-ft head water test or 5 psi air test required
- 2
Water Line / Sewer Line
Water service piping and building sewer inspected before covering; water/air test required if couplings used
- 3
Rough Plumbing
Interior domestic waste/vent complete (10-ft head water test or 5 psi air test); done before/concurrent with rough frame, before interior insulation
- 4
Final Plumbing
All fixtures and plumbing finishes installed
Applies to: Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
- 1
Foundation (if new footings)
Before concrete pour, for additions with new foundation work
- 2
Rough Frame / Rough Plumbing / Rough Electric / Rough Mechanical
Framing and trade rough-ins before insulation/wall cover
- 3
Insulation
Verifies air sealing and R-values before drywall
- 4
Final Building
All work complete per approved plans
Applies to: Commercial Tenant Improvement / Remodel Permit
- 1
Rough Frame / Rough Plumbing / Rough Electric / Rough Mechanical
Trade rough-ins for the tenant space before wall cover
- 2
Hood/Duct (if applicable)
Commercial kitchen/industrial hoods and associated ductwork, inspected before ceilings installed
- 3
Final Building
All work complete per approved plans, including accessibility compliance for commercial projects
Applies to: Deck / Covered Patio Permit
- 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
Applies to: EV Charger / Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permit
- 1
Rough Electric
Conduit runs, wire sizing, disconnect placement before cover
- 2
Energize Electric
Fort Collins Utilities meter/energize step, if the charger requires new or upgraded electrical service
- 3
Final Electric
Charger mounted, wired, and tested; all connections verified
Applies to: Solar PV Permit
- 1
Rough Electric
Conduit runs, wire sizing, disconnect placement before cover
- 2
Energize Electric
Fort Collins Utilities meter/energize step for the interconnected system
- 3
Final Building / Final Electric
Panel mounting, racking attachment, roof penetration sealing, and all electrical connections/interconnection verified
Applies to: Demolition Permit
- 1
Pre-Demolition Documentation Review
Verification of asbestos disclosure/assessment and, for complete demolition, the State Demolition Approval Notice, before work begins
- 2
Final
Confirms demolition scope complete per approved permit and site is left safe/compliant
Final inspection only: Roofing Permit (Reroof)
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
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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