Fort Collins describes a required development-review step before an ADU building-permit application. The City’s page also offers a free, optional conceptual review before formal development review. These are local process steps; confirm that the property and proposal fit the current City route before preparing an application.

Fort Collins’ ADU route moves from property and site checks through optional conceptual review, required development review, and a later building permit.

Work through the local sequence

Start by checking the property’s eligibility and the City’s current ADU requirements. The City also points applicants to utility, tree, and stormwater planning. Those checks depend on the site and do not determine whether a particular parcel qualifies.

Before applying, an owner may request the City’s free Conceptual Design Review. It gives staff an opportunity to discuss the proposal, possible costs, utility connections, and site-specific issues. It is optional feedback, not a development approval or building permit.

All ADUs proceed through a Basic Development Review involving multiple City departments. The City page lists a flat $6,925 fee for this review. After development-review approval, apply for the building permit. Its fee depends on project value and other project details. Utility and transportation fees are separate categories that may also apply.

Once the required permits are issued, construction must follow the approved plans and City inspection steps. The page does not state a review-time estimate or a project-specific total. Confirm the current fee, submission materials, site requirements, utility charges, and inspection schedule with Fort Collins. For a broader checklist of application materials and closeout records, see plans, inspections, and completion documents; for fee classification, see ordinary permit and inspection fees.