Concrete, Landscaping & Remodeling in Fort Collins, Colorado

Who issues building permits in Fort Collins?

City of Fort Collins Building Services. Building Services reviews plans, issues building permits, performs inspections and licenses contractors; permit submittals go to buildingservices@fortcollins.gov (970-416-2740).

Source: fortcollins.gov

What permit does driveway approach, curb or sidewalk work need in Fort Collins?

The Engineering Department requires a Sidewalk and Drive Approach Permit for any work on sidewalks or driveway approaches ($25 for up to 15 ft plus $0.30 per additional foot) and an Excavation Permit whenever cutting is done in City right-of-way. Contractors must hold a City-issued Right-of-Way Contractor's License for their work category.

Source: fortcollins.gov

Does a patio or driveway on private property need a building permit in Fort Collins?

The City lists 'Sidewalks and Driveways' among residential work that does not need a building permit; a patio or porch cover does need one.

Source: fortcollins.gov

When does a retaining wall need a permit in Fort Collins?

Residential retaining walls up to 4 ft, measured from the low-side grade to the top, are exempt unless supporting a surcharge, and a second wall uphill must be set back at least the full height of the lower wall. Taller walls need a permit and must be designed and stamped by a Colorado-licensed structural engineer.

Source: fortcollins.gov

Who supplies water in Fort Collins?

Fort Collins Utilities. Fort Collins Utilities serves much of the city, but some addresses are served by other water providers (the City links a provider map and tells those customers to check with their own provider). The Fort Collins-Loveland Water District, for example, serves parts of Fort Collins, Loveland, Timnath and Windsor.

Source: fortcollins.gov · fclwd.com

What are the outdoor watering rules in Fort Collins?

A voluntary Water Shortage Watch has applied to Fort Collins Utilities customers since May 1, 2026: water lawns no more than two days a week (no more than 1 inch per week) and not between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.; hand, drip and deep-root watering of trees and gardens is allowed any time. Utilities also suggests a voluntary turf schedule of Mon/Wed/Sat for odd addresses and Tue/Thu/Sun for even addresses.

Source: fortcollins.gov

Can new sod or seed get extra water in Fort Collins?

Fort Collins Utilities lists new seed and sod establishment as grounds for an exception permit to assigned watering days, with applications available when a water shortage (mandatory restrictions) is declared; the current Watch is voluntary. Utilities also asks that new sod not be overwatered so water does not run onto sidewalks or into storm drains.

Source: fortcollins.gov

Does a sprinkler backflow preventer need testing in Fort Collins?

All sprinkler systems must have an approved backflow preventer, and City guidance says to have a certified tester inspect it at least every three years (questions: cross-connection@fortcollins.gov). Building Services issues a fast-track Lawn Sprinkler and Backflow Preventer permit ($65 building permit fee) that closes only after a third-party test by a certified backflow tester.

Source: fortcollins.gov

Are there lawn replacement or sprinkler rebates in Fort Collins?

• Xeriscape Incentive Program (XIP) — Pays $0.75 per sq ft, up to $750 (1,000 sq ft), plus a native-plant bonus, to replace grass with an approved low-water landscape; projects must be approved before installation. The residential application is closed for the rest of 2026, with updates expected in January 2027. fortcollins.gov
• Residential irrigation equipment rebates — Bill-credit rebates at Fort Collins Utilities residential addresses, for example up to $65 for a weather-based controller, up to $4 per rotary nozzle, up to $130 per drip zone and up to $260 for a pressure reducing valve (pre-approval required). Apply within 60 days of purchase. fortcollins.gov
• Slow the Flow sprinkler evaluation — Free professional sprinkler evaluation through Resource Central for homes and rental properties, including a custom watering schedule; a DIY evaluation kit can also be borrowed. fortcollins.gov
• Garden in a Box — Discounted spring and late-summer water-wise garden kits for Utilities water customers; limited and first come, first served. fortcollins.gov

Do you serve Fort Collins?

Yes. Fort Collins is about 42.2 miles north of our home base in Brighton, within the radius we schedule work in blocks for. Fort Collins sits in Larimer County, and the permit question for your specific job gets answered before work starts, not after.

When is the right time of year for this in Fort Collins?

At about 5,000 feet, the Front Range gives a reasonably long season for concrete and landscape work, though the shoulder months swing hard. Interior work - remodeling, flooring, painting - runs year round, and winter is usually the easiest time to get it scheduled.