Fort Collins, CO Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2024 Intl Plumbing Code, 2nd printing
- Permit needed
- For all work except listed exempt repairs
- Exempt work
- Simple leak/stoppage repairs, no valve changes
- Fees
- Set per Building Code fee table, § 108
- Violation
- Civil infraction, § 1-15(f), per day
Summary
Fort Collins runs plumbing work under the 2024 International Plumbing Code, locally amended so a permit is required for new plumbing and drainage work except for a short, specific list of exempt minor repairs. Anything beyond stopping a simple leak or clearing a stoppage needs a permit from the Building Official before work starts.
105.2 Exempt work. The following work shall be exempt from the requirement for a permit: 1.The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code. 2.The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the repair and replacement of garbage disposal units and dishwashers directly connected to the sanitary sewer system, including the necessary replacement of all tail pipes and traps, or the repair, maintenance, and replacement of sinks, faucets, drains, showers, tubs, and toilets, provided that such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves or pipes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 155 | Transitional Land Use Code (for project before May 17, 2024): Supplement 61 | Traffic Code: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 5-125 adopts the 2024 International Plumbing Code, second printing (May 2024), governing installation, alteration, and repair of plumbing and drainage systems in Fort Collins. 2 to spell out exactly what plumbing work can be done without a permit: stopping leaks in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent pipe (unless a concealed trap or pipe is defective and must be removed and replaced, which the code treats as new work requiring a permit and inspection); clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures; and repairing or replacing garbage disposals, dishwashers, sinks, faucets, drains, showers, tubs, and toilets, so long as the repair does not involve replacing or rearranging valves or pipes.
The amendment is explicit that being exempt from the permit requirement does not authorize work that otherwise violates the code or any other city ordinance. '
Violations & Fines
Doing plumbing work that requires a permit without one, or violating approved construction documents or a code official's directive, is a civil infraction under Section 114.4 of the amended Plumbing Code, enforced through City Code § 1-15(f). Each day the unpermitted or noncompliant work continues is treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or repipe a bathroom in Fort Collins?
What plumbing repairs can I do without a permit?
What happens if I do plumbing work without the required permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Collins
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How other cities in Larimer County handle plumbing permits.