BUILDING PERMIT EXPIRATIONS:

• Per section R105.5 of the 2021 IRC and IBC, every permit issued will become invalid unless work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance or if more than 180 days pass between inspections. 
  • Extensions will only be considered on a limited basis when justifiable cause can be demonstrated.  

In 2023, The State of CO passed a bill into law on environmental standards for appliances. Section 9 of this bill established standards for heating and water heating appliances that are manufactured, distributed and sold in Colorado on and after January 1, 2026. These appliances, with few exceptions, must meet limits on emissions resulting in the need for “ultra-low NOx” appliances.

Exceptions do include the sale and installation of existing stock.

For more information, please see HB23-1161 Environmental Standards For Appliances | Colorado General Assembly.

The Fort Collins Energy Code Path to Zero Carbon New Construction by 2030 was adopted as part of the 2024 I-Codes package. It is implemented through required appendices CZ (commercial) and RZ (residential), which are available in the 2024 IECC Amendment found at www.fortcollins.gov/Government/City-Code-and-Charter/Building-Code.

The City is offering free trainings to help the building community successfully meet the requirement of the new energy code performance path to zero carbon new construction by 2030.

Missed the April 15th energy code in-person training? You can still join a virtual training at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, details on our events page or join online via the link here.  

Need to access the Commercial CO2e Compliance Tool or find a Commercial Energy Modeling firm? Find them and other helpful resources like How-To Guides on our webpage www.fortcollins.gov/zerocarboncode. If you are unable to attend any of the April trainings, a recorded training video will be coming soon.

Staff provided a one hour training on March 24 on the Water Demand Calculator (WDC, which was recorded and can be viewed HERE.

At the end of 2025, Fort Collins’ City Council adopted the Water Demand Calculator (WDC) for calculating peak water demand and designing better plumbing systems for multi-unit residential housing, which is effective on April 1, 2026. The new code requires all housing, 3 or more units, to use the WDC (other types of housing may use it as an approved alternative). The WDC is part of the Uniform Plumbing Code and was created to account for the decades’ long improvements to water efficiency, which have resulted in lower peak demand and smaller piping needs. Right-sizing piping results in less water and energy waste, and less material costs. Here is more information and to download the calculator: https://iapmo.org/we-stand/water-demand-calculator .

Efficiency Works Business offers rebates and incentives to help make lighting upgrades more affordable for local businesses. By retrofitting outdated systems with high‑efficiency LED fixtures and modern lighting controls, businesses can significantly reduce energy costs, improve lighting quality and lower maintenance needs. 

Rebates help offset upfront costs, making it easier to invest in more efficient lighting that delivers long‑term savings and a more comfortable workspace.

Click the button below to learn how lighting rebates can brighten your business – and your bottom line.

Rebates: https://efficiencyworks.org/for-your-business-rebates-and-incentives/ 

Is a permit required for repairing a damaged roof due to hail or wind?

Yes, Roof repairs or replacements larger than 100 square feet (one roofing square) require a permit on any structure including accessory buildings like sheds and detached garages.

Does the city of Fort Collins require class IV impact-resistant shingles on new roofs?

Yes, all new buildings with asphalt shingles shall be Class IV (UL 2218).

Does the city of Fort Collins require impact-resistant shingles for re-roofs?

Yes. When 50% or more of the total roof area is repaired/replaced, it shall be Class IV (UL 2218), or when the entire roof is replaced provide Class IV per R905.2.4.2 amendment, or when the existing roof is already Class IV, match existing. This is not a threshold for replacing an entire roof since only damaged areas should be replaced.

When there is partial damage to the roof, does the city of Fort Collins require the entire roof to be removed and replaced with class IV impact-resistant shingles?

No, only the portion that is damaged should be removed and replaced. There is no threshold that would require an entire roof to be removed since the goal of installing class IV roofing is to reduce damage to the roof and in turn the amount of waste in the landfill.

Does the city of Fort Collins require drip edge and roof ventilation on repaired/replaced roofs?

Yes, drip edge is required at rakes and eaves per IRC section R905.2.8.5 and ventilation is required per IRC section R806.

Does the city of Fort Collins allow 3-tab shingles?

Yes, if the 3-tab shingle meets ASTM D7158 and the other applicable requirements for new or replacement roofs as described above (doubtful that a class IV comes in 3-tab).

Does the city of Fort Collins require Ice and water shield? If so, where is it required to be installed?

Yes, ice and water shield is required under asphalt roofing above a conditioned space per IRC R905.1.2 and the city amendment. See snip below of code sections and possible exceptions.