Plumbing Permit in Fort Collins, Colorado
Required for water, sewer, gas piping and valve work in Fort Collins. The CITY of Fort Collins Building Services issues and reviews plumbing permits directly — individuals performing plumbing work must hold a State of Colorado plumbing license, and Master Plumbers must additionally register with the City of Fort Collins. Governed by the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) with Fort Collins Amendments (Fort Collins uses the IPC, unlike Reno's UPC).
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
When you need this permit
- Work included: water, sewer, gas piping and valves
- If more than one trade is involved (HVAC, electric, plumbing), submit a Remodel/Alteration permit instead of the Fast-Track Plumbing permit
- If a gas line is installed for a heater, submit a Mechanical permit instead
- Master Plumbers must be licensed by the State of Colorado (Supervisor relationship) AND separately register with the City of Fort Collins (no additional City exam required)
- Governed by the 2024 IPC with Fort Collins Amendments (current as of April 1, 2026); Colorado Plumbing Code also referenced on the Building Code page
Required documents
- Req
Plumbing Permit Application (PDF, 432KB)
Fast-Track application for plumbing work
- Opt
Homeowner Affidavit (PDF, 469KB)
Required if a homeowner is doing the plumbing work themselves
- Opt
Owner Authorization Form (PDF, 374KB)
Required for commercial plumbing permits
- Req
Master License Registration Packet (PDF, 620KB)
Required for Master Plumbers to register with the City
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing (Fast-Track Building Permit Fee) | $65.00 | City of Fort Collins Building Permits page — Fast-Track Permits, Plumbing |
| Master Plumber Registration (new, renewal or reinstatement) | $200.00 | City of Fort Collins Contractor Licensing page — Fees table |
| 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 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
Tips
- Fort Collins uses the International Plumbing Code (IPC), not the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) used in Reno, NV — pipe materials and fixture requirements follow IPC.
- The City — not a Colorado state board — issues and reviews plumbing permits in Fort Collins; the plumber must still hold the underlying State of Colorado plumbing license as a prerequisite for City Master Plumber registration.
- Water heater replacement is processed as its own Fast-Track permit (see Mechanical/HVAC permit) at $65 per water heater, not under this Plumbing permit type.
- Gas line installation for a heater is processed as a Mechanical permit, not a Plumbing permit, in Fort Collins.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Fort Collins use the Uniform Plumbing Code or International Plumbing Code?
- Fort Collins uses the International Plumbing Code (IPC) — currently the 2024 IPC with Fort Collins Amendments, effective April 1, 2026 — not the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
- Who issues plumbing permits in Fort Collins?
- The City of Fort Collins Building Services issues and reviews plumbing permits directly. Plumbers must hold a State of Colorado plumbing license, and Master Plumbers must also register with the City (a $200 registration, no separate city exam).
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 Plumbing)
- City of Fort Collins — Contractor Licensing (Master Plumber Registration, Fees)
- City of Fort Collins — Building Code (2024 IPC 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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