Residential Addition / Remodel Permit in Fort Collins, Colorado
Required for residential additions (garage expansions, pop-the-tops, sunrooms, enclosing a covered patio) and remodels (kitchen/bath alterations, basement finishes, layout changes) in Fort Collins. Additions use the same occupancy-based Fee Schedules rate table as new construction; interior remodels use a valuation-based tiered fee table.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
When you need this permit
- Additions: enlarging/expanding enclosed area (pop-the-top, lean-to, garage expansion, sunroom, enclosing a covered patio) — fee calculated via Fee Schedules occupancy rate table
- Remodels: kitchen/bath alterations, interior layout changes, garage/attic/accessory-building-to-living-space conversions, converting living space to bedroom, digging out a crawlspace for a basement, finishing a large attic — fee calculated via the tiered valuation-based Permit Fee table
- Residential Mechanical Systems Design Submittal required if a mechanical system is completely new or the type of heating/cooling is changing
- Residential Energy Code Compliance Form required when a non-heated space becomes heated
- Construction Waste and Recycling Management Declaration of Responsibility required for additions larger than 2,500 sq ft
- Homeowner Affidavit required if homeowner is doing the work
- Basement Finish is processed as its own Fast-Track permit type with a flat $155 Building Permit Fee (see notes)
Required documents
- Req
Building Permit Application (PDF, 619KB)
Standard application for residential additions/remodels
- Opt
New Residential Addition Submittal Guide
City guidance for pop-the-top, garage expansion, sunroom and similar addition scopes
- Opt
Residential Mechanical Systems Design Submittal
Manual J/D/S load calcs, required when a new/second primary heating or cooling system is proposed
- Opt
Residential Energy Code Compliance Form
Required when converting unheated to heated space
- Opt
Basement Finish Permit Application (PDF, 501KB)
Fast-Track permit application for full/partial residential basement finish; requires an engineer's evaluation letter for structural work including new/larger basement windows
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Addition — occupancy-based (Fee Schedules Table) | $0.65 per square foot (R-3) of added enclosed area | City of Fort Collins Fee Schedules page; same occupancy rate table as new residential construction |
| Residential Remodel (Single Family or 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 per additional $1,000. $50,000–$100,000: $724.00 + $6.50 per additional $1,000. $100,000–$500,000: $1,049.00 + $60 per additional $10,000 ($6/$1,000 equivalent). Above $500,000: $3,449.00 + $55 per additional $10,000 ($5.50/$1,000 equivalent). | City of Fort Collins Building Permits page — Remodel and Alteration Permits fee table (Residential Remodels, Single Family) |
| Basement Finish (Fast-Track flat fee) | $155.00 | City of Fort Collins Building Permits page — Fast-Track Permits, Basement Finish |
| 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
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
Tips
- Additions use the same occupancy-based per-square-foot fee table as new construction; interior remodels (no added enclosed area) use a separate tiered valuation-based fee table.
- Basement finishes are processed as a Fast-Track permit with a flat $155 Building Permit Fee — one of the simplest permit paths in Fort Collins.
- If the entire building has a fire sprinkler system, email buildingdocs@fortcollins.gov before a basement finish submittal so staff can confirm sprinkler-type requirements.
- Additions larger than 2,500 sq ft require Construction Waste and Recycling Management documentation.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a basement finish permit cost in Fort Collins?
- Basement finish is a Fast-Track permit with a flat Building Permit Fee of $155, plus applicable sales tax on total project valuation.
- How are fees calculated for a home addition vs. a remodel in Fort Collins?
- Additions that enlarge the enclosed floor area use the occupancy-based Fee Schedules rate ($0.65/sq ft for R-3). Interior remodels without new enclosed area use a separate tiered valuation-based fee table starting at a flat $105 for projects up to $2,000 in value.
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 (Remodel/Alteration and New Construction sections)
- City of Fort Collins — Fee Schedules
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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