Fort Collins, CO Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Sec. 23-81 of the Fort Collins Municipal Code requires anyone who wants to 'place or erect a building, fence, barrier, post or other encroachments' within City-owned property, a street, avenue, alley, sidewalk, highway or public right-of-way to file a written application on a City-provided form. 5, parking-space obstructions handled under Sec. , or shared micromobility devices regulated under Sec. 15-395. Sec. 23-82 spells out what the application must contain: the applicant's name, address and phone number; the location, type and purpose of the encroachment; its anticipated duration; and proof of at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance.

If the encroachment is for food or beverage service, the applicant does not need to own contiguous property, but must show ownership or authorization from the business owner. The City Manager investigates under Sec. 23-83 and may approve an application only if the submittal is complete, the encroachment will not create a nuisance or impair public use of the property, and the property is not needed for public use; food-and-beverage encroachments trigger extra notice to neighboring owners plus annual insurance proof, other required permits (liquor, floodplain, building, Poudre Fire Authority), and compliance with the Outdoor Dining Design Manual.

5(H) of the Land Use Code. 5. Sec. 23-83(d) makes clear the permit is authorized under Article XI, Section 10 of the City Charter and is revocable at the pleasure of the City Council or City Manager at any time, with no refund of fees. Newsrack encroachment decisions must issue within fifteen days of a complete application.