Building Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
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When Do I Need a Building Permit?
Many homeowners are not aware when a permit is required. As a general rule, the answer is YES - any construction work that is regulated by adopted building codes and fire and public safety regulations requires a permit before work can begin. For information on what kinds of projects do and do not require a permit, please refer to
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What Do I Need to Submit for a Building Permit?
Miscellaneous permits can be applied for online via the Online Customer Portal. Other building permit types that require plans to be submitted have submittal requirements. Please click this link to view specific permit applications and more detailed information. More ⇨
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What are the Requirements for Building a Manufactured Home?
Provided that the vacant parcel is zoned for residential, a manufactured home can be placed outside of a manufactured home park.
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What Happens if I Start Construction Without a Building Permit?
If you BEGIN construction without a required building permit, a ‘Stop Work Order’ will be issued. All further work on the structure/deck should be stopped immediately until a building permit is obtained for the work that is already done and that is intended to be done. As Built Construction Handout. You may be required to pay additional fees which are DOUBLE what the normal permit fee would be. One of the most common problems associated with work started without a permit is the chance the location of the structure (including decks) will not meet setback requirements for the parcel. If this happens, the owner will need to apply for a setback variance, move or possibly remove, the structure/deck. After a building permit is properly issued, you may be required to uncover work that has been covered so it can be inspected or hire a licensed engineer to ensure the structural integrity of what can’t be seen, all at additional expense to the owner.
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What is the Code on Snow Load, Wind Load, and Frost Depth?
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What is Wildfire Mitigation?
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Will my Contractor Obtain the Permit?
Reputable contractors know the requirements and abide by them. In most cases, the contractor will obtain the building permit for the property owner. Unfortunately, not all contractors comply with applicable code requirements. Remember, regardless if your contractor or the homeowner obtains the permit, the property owner is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all work on his/her property is preceded by acquisition of the appropriate permits and that the contractor requests the required inspections at the appropriate time.
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Is my Contractor Licensed?
Larimer County has a contractor licensing program. The Colorado State statutes changed allowing NON-home rule jurisdictions to administer their own contractor licensing program and Larimer County started a licensing program on September 1, 2009. The City of Fort Collins and City of Loveland each have their own contractor licensing program. We suggest you verify that your contractor is licensed and has adequate workers' compensation and general liability insurance coverage. Larimer County Contractor Licensing Search
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How do I obtain a Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Completion?
Examples of when a Letter of Completion (not a certificate of occupancy) is issued:
- Cabins
- Accessory structures, such as barns, sheds, & detached garages
- Minor residential alterations & additions, such as, garages, porches, decks, sunrooms and small additions
- Minor additions or alterations of a commercial building
- Shell buildings
For details see Certificate of Occupancy.
Once final inspection and approval from all agencies has been approved and all conditions of approval have been met, the inspector will sign off on the final building inspection. The next business day, a Letter of Completion/Certificate of Occupancy can be obtained from the Online Customer Portal under Attachments.
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Am I Responsible For Existing Violations On A Property I Purchase?
Yes. Colorado is a “buyer beware” state. Accordingly, if there is an outstanding violation on the property when it is purchased, the violation does not go away with a new owner. It remains a violation until it is rectified. The new owner can work with Code Compliance staff to bring the property into compliance through our “As-Built” construction process or by working with the Planning Division to gain approval for an illegal use. The Planning Division can be reached by calling 970-498-7679 or by email at poc@co.larimer.co.us.
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Am I Allowed To Have A ‘Tiny-House’?
The term “tiny house” usually means one of two things: 1) an RV/trailer/house on wheels, or 2) a small house on a foundation, whether prefabricated (manufactured/modular) or built on site. A “tiny house on wheels” is considered a Recreational Vehicle (RV) and is regulated by the Land Use Code instead of the Building Codes. There are restrictions on where and when they can be lived in. They are not considered permanent homes and cannot be occupied year-round.
An RV (including a “tiny house on wheels”) can be used as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel or seasonal use. An RV can either have its own motor power or be mounted on or towed by another vehicle, including camping trailers, fifth wheel trailers, motor homes, travel trailers and truck campers. Other uses of an RV include seasonal worker housing and a temporary dwelling during construction.
A small house on a foundation is required to meet the regulations of the International Residential Code. Please contact the Building Staff on Call to discuss these requirements at 970-498-7660. Tiny House Handout
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Do I Need A Building Permit For Tenant Finish In A Commercial Building?
Yes. There are several considerations that must be taken into account with tenant changes. A new tenant will most likely use the space for a different purpose than the previous tenant. At the very least, it may be necessary to obtain a Change of Occupancy building permit. Commercial Plan Submittal Requirements Mixed occupancies can be dangerous and need to have the proper construction in place.
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What Is A Detached/Accessory Structure?
Residential or agricultural sheds, playground equipment, pump enclosures, greenhouses, and gazebos, either portable or permanent, are detached structures. These structures must be built to current building code standards. Buildings under 200 square feet do not need a permit, but they must meet setback requirements. Detached Structures
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Can I Change the Use of my Barn or Storage Building to a Residence Without a Building Permit?
No. If you already have a residence on your property, it must first be determined if the accessory dwelling will meet the Larimer County Land Use Code regulations.
- You may contact the Planning Division by calling and leaving a message at 498-7679 or by email at poc@co.larimer.co.us
If the Land Use Code regulations allow a second residence, and approval is obtained, it must then be determined if the structure itself can safely be changed to habitable space. This is done through the building permit process when building, fire, soil, transportation, sewer and sanitation issues are addressed. The most serious aspect of converting structures to living units without a building permit is that it often creates substandard, potentially dangerous conditions. This can lead to potentially tragic results.
- You may contact the Building Division by calling and leaving a message at 970-498-7670 or by email at building@co.larimer.co.us
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Contact Information for Other Divisions - Code Compliance, Engineering, Health & Planning
