HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupporting Documentation - Response to Comments - 08/22/2025
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Community Development and
Neighborhood Services
281 North College Avenue
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6689
970.224.6134 - fax
fcgov.com
Comment Response Letter
8/22/2025
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November 08, 2024
Brian & Kate Bedford
719 Rocky Mountain Way
Fort Collins, CO 80526
Re: ADU at 3206 Fairplay Ct
Description of project: This is a request to develop an ADU at 3206 Fairplay Ct (parcel
# 9726320020). The applicant would like to build an ADU in the backyard of the property.
While this is in the Low Density Residential district and not currently permitted by the LUC,
they want to seek approval as soon as possible following the LUC change. Access is taken
from Fairplay Ct to the south. The property is approximately 0.26 mi east of S Shields St
and approximately 0.33 mi north of W Horsetooth Rd. The property is located in the Low
Density Residential District (R-L) and ADU is not a current permitted use.
Please see the following summary of comments regarding ADU at 3206 Fairplay Ct. The
comments offered informally by staff during the Conceptual Review will assist you in preparing
the detailed components of the project application. Modifications and additions to these
comments may be made at the time of formal review of this project. If you have any questions
regarding these comments or the next steps in the review process, please contact your
Development Review Coordinator, Marissa Pomerleau via phone at (970) 416-8082 or via
email at mpomerleau@fcgov.com.
Comment Summary
Development Review Coordinator
Contact: Marissa Pomerleau mpomerleau@fcgov.com (970) 416-8082
1. I will be your primary point of contact throughout the development review and permitting
process. If you have any questions, need additional meetings with the project reviewers, or
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need assistance throughout the process, please let me know and I can assist you and your
team. Include me in all email correspondence with other reviewers and keep me informed
of any phone conversations. Thank you!
2. The proposed development project is subject to a Basic Development Review. The
decision maker for your project will be the Director of Community Development and
Neighborhood Services, or their designee. There will be no public hearing, and once the
Director issues a decision, the review process is considered complete.
The proposed development project is subject to a Basic Development Review (BDR).
Notice will be mailed This review is an internal administrative process, and the Director
(or their designee) will make the final decision without a public hearing.
3. I will provide you a roadmap specific to your development review project, helping to identify
each step of the process. For more detailed process information, see the Development
Review Guide at www.fcgov.com/drg. This online guide features a color coded flowchart
with comprehensive, easy to read information on each step in the process. This guide
includes links to just about every resource you need during development review.
4. I will provide a Project Submittal Checklist to assist in your submittal preparation. Please
use the checklist in conjunction with this comment letter and the Submittal Requirements
located at: http://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/applications.php.
If you have questions regarding items in the checklist, or the applicability of an item to your
project, please reach out to me.
5. As part of your submittal, a response to the comments provided in this letter is required in
the for of a Comment Response Letter. The final letter is provided to you in Microsoft Word
format. Please use this document to insert responses to each comment for your submittal,
using a different font color.
Provide a detailed response for any comment asking a question or requiring an action.
Any comment requesting a response or requiring action by you with a response of noted,
acknowledged etc. will be considered not addressed. You will need to provide references
to specific project plans, pages, reports, or explanations of why comments have not been
addressed [when applicable].
6. Correct file naming is required as part of a complete submittal. Please follow the
Electronic Submittal Requirements and File Naming Standards found here:
https://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/files/electronic-submittal-requirements-and-file-
naming-standards_v1_8-1-19.pdf?1703783275
File names should have the corresponding number, followed by the file type prefix, project
information, and round number.
For example: 1_SITE PLAN_Project Name_FDP_Rd1.
A list of numbers and prefixes for each file can be found at the link above.
7. All plans should be saved as optimized/flattened PDFs to reduce file size and remove
layers.
Per the Electronic Submittal Requirements AutoCAD SHX attributes need to be removed
from the PDF’s.
AutoCAD turns drawing text into comments that appear in the PDF plan set, and these
must be removed prior to submittal as they can cause issues with the PDF file.
The default setting is "1" ("on") in AutoCAD. To change the setting and remove this
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feature, type "EPDFSHX" (version 2016.1) or “PDFSHX (version 2017 and newer) in the
command line and enter "0".
Read this article at Autodesk.com for more on this topic:
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcart
icles/Drawing-text-appears-as-Comments-in-a-PDF-created-by-AutoCAD.html
8. The request will be subject to the Development Review Fee Schedule:
https://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/fees.php.
I will provide an estimate of the initial fees to begin the development review process based
on your Conceptual Review Application. As noted in the comments, there are additional
fees required by other departments, and additional fees at the time of building permit. The
City of Fort Collins fee schedule is subject to change – please confirm these estimates
before submitting.
Development Review Application Fees will be due at time of the project being submitted
for formal review. If you have any questions about fees, please reach out to me.
9. Payments can be made by check, debit/credit card or eCheck.
If paying by check, make payable to “City of Fort Collins”. This is accepted at the
Development Review Center, 281 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524, by mail or can
be placed in the blue drop box located at the northwest side of the building. Please mark it
to the attention of your Development Review Coordinator and reference the project it is
associated with.
If paying by debit/credit card or eCheck, please go to fcgov.com/CitizenAccess, select
Planning/Development Review and search by inputting your project's information*.
• Debit/Credit card payments include a convenience fee of 2% + $0.25 added to all
payments under $2,500.00, and 2.75% added to all payments over $2,500.00.
• ECheck payments include a convenience fee of $0.50 added to all payments between
$0.00 - $99,999.99.
*Please advise your Development Review Coordinator as to which payment method will
be used. If choosing to pay online, your Development Review Coordinator will provide you
with the project information when the fees are available to be paid.
10. Submittals are accepted any day of the week, with Wednesday at noon being the cut-off
for routing the same week. Upon initial submittal, your project will be subject to a
Completeness Review. Staff has until noon that Friday to determine if the project contains
all required checklist items and is sufficient for a round of review. If complete, a formal
Letter of Acceptance will be emailed to you and the project would be officially routed with
its initial round of review, followed by a formal meeting. Please check with me, your
Development Review Coordinator, regarding review timelines.
As you are preparing to submit your formal plans, please notify me with an anticipated
submittal date. Applications and plans are submitted electronically to me by email or
secured file sharing applications.
Pre-submittal meetings can be beneficial to ensure you have everything for a complete
submittal. Please reach out and I will assist in those arrangements.
11. Upon the scheduling of a Neighborhood Meeting, or initial review of the formal
Development Review Application, a Development Review sign will be posted on the
property. This sign will be posted through the final decision and appeal process. A request
for the removal of signs will be made by your Development Review Coordinator at the
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appropriate time.
12. Once your project has been formally reviewed by the City and you have received
comments, please resubmit within 180 days, approximately 6 months, to avoid the
expiration of your project.
Planning Services
Contact: Kayla Redd kredd@fcgov.com 970-224-6086
1. ZONING
The property is located in the Low Density Residential District (RL) zone district and is
subject to the requirements of Article 2.1.4 of the Fort Collins Land Use Code (LUC). The
Low Density Residential District is intended to be a setting predominately for single-unit
dwellings, complimentary accessory uses, and supportive neighborhood uses located
throughout the City. Based on the information provided in the Conceptual Review, an
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is currently not permitted in the RL zone district.
2. HB24-1152
Concerning increasing the number of ADUs, House Bill 24-1152 requires the City to allow
one accessory dwelling units as an accessory use to a single-unit detached dwelling in
any part of the jurisdiction where the City allows single-unit detached dwellings.
Additionally, HB24-1152 requires that the ADU is subject to an administrative process.
While this is required by June 30, 2025, the City is working now for these standards to be
approved before that date. Upon condition of approval for those standards, an ADU will
be permitted on this site and will be subject to a Basic Development Review (BDR).
3. LAND USE CODE
This development proposal will be subject to all applicable standards of the Fort Collins
Land Use Code (LUC), including Article 5 General Development Standards. The entire
LUC is available for your review on the web at
https://www.fcgov.com/planning-development-services/files/article-5-general-development
-and-site-design.pdf?1721227500.
4. ADU STANDARDS
An ADU is subject to the building type standards located in Section 3.1.9 of the Land Use
Code. This outlines the setbacks, height, and permitted floor area for detached and
attached ADUs. Please provide the floor area of the existing primary building to
determine the maximum floor area for the ADU. Floor area shall not include open
balconies, the first seven hundred twenty (720) square feet of the total of all sheds,
garages or other enclosed automobile parking areas, basements and one-half (½) of all
storage and display areas for hard goods.
RESPONSE: Floor area of existing primary building: 1,984 sqft, indicated on Land Use
Table included on G-001.
5. BUILDING ORIENTATION
To the extent reasonably feasible, decks, entry doors, major entry access stairs and major
windows shall face the existing building or the alley (if the lots front the alley). To the extent
reasonably feasible, windows that overlook an abutting side or rear yard shall be minimized.
RESPONSE: Windows that overlook abutting west side yard are minimized – see 4/A-201.
6. SETBACKS
The proposed ADU is setback 5-10 ft of the primary structure and will be required to be
fire rated.
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RESPONSE: Exterior walls on the south side of the proposed ADU will be constructed to be
1-hour fire rated, as indicated on 1/AS-001.
7. WALKWAY
Please provide a connecting walkway from the carriage house to a street sidewalk (LUC
Section 5.3.2.D). The address for the carriage house shall be posted to be visible from
the intersection of the connecting walkway and public right of way.
RESPONSE: Existing walkway around west side of existing primary dwelling will be
extended to meet proposed ADU entry. The ADU address will be posted on the existing
street-facing fence on the west of the existing primary dwelling. See 1/AS-001 for illustration.
8. If this proposal is unable to satisfy any of the requirements set forth in the LUC, a
Modification of Standard Request will need to be submitted with your formal development
proposal. Please see Division 6.8 of the LUC for more information on criteria to apply for
a Modification of Standard.
Department: Engineering Development Review
Contact: Sophie Buckingham sbuckingham@fcgov.com
1. When you submit an official site plan, please label the location of the 6-foot-wide utility
easements along the front and rear property lines.
RESPONSE: 6’ wide utility easements at front and rear property lines labeled on site plan,
please see 1/AS-001.
2. The public sidewalk along the property appears to be about 4 feet wide. This is the
minimum width to comply with ADA requirements. A City inspector will check the
sidewalk to make sure it is ADA compliant before the City will issue a building permit. If
there are any ADA compliance issues, the impacted portion of the sidewalk would need
to be repaired or reconstructed at the property owner's expense before the City would
issue the building permit.
3. My remaining comments are general information that is provided to every project at the
conceptual stage. Depending on the ultimate scope of the project, some of these
comments may not be relevant, and other information not included in this list may
become relevant. If you have any questions about my site-specific comments above or
my informational comments below, please contact me at sbuckingham@fcgov.com or
970-416-4344.
4. INFORMATION:
Larimer County Road Impact Fees and Transportation Capital Expansion Fees are due
before issuance of building permit. For more information, please visit
https://www.fcgov.com/engineering/tcef.php.
5. INFORMATION:
Any damaged curb, gutter and sidewalk existing before construction, as well as streets,
sidewalks, curbs and gutters, destroyed, damaged or removed due to construction of
this project, must be replaced or restored to City of Fort Collins standards at the
Developer's expense before the acceptance of completed improvements and/or before
the issuance of the first Certificate of Occupancy.
6. INFORMATION:
All public sidewalk, driveways and ramps, existing or proposed, adjacent or within the
site, need to meet ADA standards. If they currently do not, they will need to be
reconstructed so that they do meet current ADA standards as a part of this project.
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7. INFORMATION:
Any public improvements must be designed and built in accordance with the Larimer
County Urban Area Street Standards (LCUASS). They are available online at:
https://www.larimer.org/urban-area-street-standards-2021
8. INFORMATION:
This project is responsible for dedicating any right-of-way and easements that are
necessary or required by the City for this project (i.e. drainage, utility, emergency
access). Information on the dedication process, as well as deed templates for
dedication by separate document, can be found at:
http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/devrev.php
9. INFORMATION:
All fences, barriers, posts or other encroachments within the public right-of-way are only
permitted upon approval of an encroachment permit. Applications for encroachment
permits shall be made to the Engineering Department for review and approval before
installation. Encroachment items shall not be shown on the site plan as they may not be
approved, need to be modified or moved, or if the permit is revoked then the site/
landscape plan is in non-compliance.
10. INFORMATION:
Any bike parking that is required for the project cannot be placed within the right-of-way,
and if it is placed just behind the right-of-way, it needs to be placed so that when bikes
are parked, they do not extend into the right-of-way.
11. INFORMATION:
In regard to construction of this site, the public right-of-way shall not be used for staging
or storage of materials or equipment associated with the Development, nor shall it be
used for parking by any contractors, subcontractors, or other personnel working for or
hired by the Developer to construct the Development. The Developer will need to find a
location(s) on private property to accommodate any necessary staging and/or parking
needs associated with the completion of the Development. Information on the
location(s) of these areas will be required to be provided to the City as a part of the
Development Construction Permit application.
Department: Historic Preservation
Contact: Jim Bertolini jbertolini@fcgov.com 970-416-4250
1. NO HISTORIC REVIEW REQUIRED: This proposal does not require historic review
because there are no designated historic resources on the site and the nature of the
project does not impact any historic resources that may lie on the development site or
within 200 feet of the site.
Property is a single-unit dwelling built in 1979.
Department: Traffic Operations
Contact: Steve Gilchrist sgilchrist@fcgov.com 970-224-6175
1. INFORMATION: If the applicant decides to move forward prior to the updates to the
Land Use Code and an Addition of Permitted Use is applied for, then a completed
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Transportation Worksheet will be required to be submitted. The anticipated trip
generation from a project is a consideration in the APU evaluation. A form will be
provided with your final comment letter.
If this project waits to proceed with the application for the ADU until the updated LUC,
then the requirement for a Transportation Impact Study will likely be waived based on the
Fort Collins guidelines in chapter 4 of the Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Department: Stormwater Engineering – Erosion Control
Contact: Andrew Crecca acrecca@fcgov.com
1. INFORMATION:
This project is located within the City's MS4 boundaries and is subject to the erosion
control requirements located in the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual (FCSCM),
Chapter 2, Section 6.0. A copy of those requirements can be found at www.fcgov.com/erosion
Based upon this project type, Conceptual Development Reviews (CDRs) & Preliminary
Design Reviews (PDRs) alone do not trigger erosion control requirements. Please be
aware that future submittals or planned work will be evaluated based upon the submittal
requirements of FCSCM and may require Erosion Control Materials including Plans,
Reports, Escrow Calculations and Inspection Fees.
Department: Stormwater Engineering – Water Utiliites
Contact: Water Utilities WaterUtilitiesEng@fcgov.com (970)224-6191
2. Minimal site improvements – single family, 1-lot development (site specific comment):
Stormwater requirements apply on Single Family 1-Lot developments when the site
adds or modifies greater than 1,000 square-feet of impervious area (gross). Projects in
this category will require a drainage report and construction plans (site plan, grading
/drainage plan, utility plan) prepared by a Professional Engineer registered in the State
of Colorado. The drainage report will need to document existing and proposed
drainage patterns, show the site impervious area is consistent with the drainage master
plan, show how new runoff will be safely conveyed to an adequate public facility, and
methods for basic water quality treatment.
If the project will add between 350 to 1,000-square feet of new impervious area, then a
drainage memo, site grading plan, and impervious area documentation are required.
These must document the existing and proposed drainage patterns. These must be
prepared by a Professional Engineer registered in Colorado.
RESPONSE: Drainage Memo with Site Grading Plan and Impervious area documentation
provided. These documents have been prepared by TST Consulting Engineers, Professional
Engineers registered in Colorado.
3. Master plan and criteria compliance (site specific comment):
The design of this site must conform to the drainage basin design of the Foothills Master
Drainage Plan as well the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual (FCSCM). The
stormwater criteria manual is available on our website here:
https://www.fcgov.com/utility-development
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RESPONSE: The site has been designed to be in compliance with the Foothills Master
Drainage Plan, City of Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual, and the approved subdivision
grading and drainage plans. Please refer to the Drainage Memo provided for more information.
4. Stormwater outfall (site specific comment):
An adequate stormwater outfall will need to be identified with the drainage design of this
development.
RESPONSE: This site will drain through the adjacent properties along the existing lot line
swales and into Blue Mesa Avenue as it historically has done. Please refer to the Drainage
Memo provided for more information.
5. Detention requirements (standard comment):
When improvements are proposed to an existing developed site and there is an
increase in impervious area greater than 1,000 square feet, additional onsite detention
is required for runoff from new impervious surfaces. These new flows will need to be
detained to the 2-year historic discharge rate. *Please contact us to discuss the details
of stormwater detention on existing sites.*
RESPONSE: Because this proposal adds less than 1,000 sqft. of new impervious cover,
it is our understanding that there are no new detention requirements. See Drainage memo,
p.1 for documentation.
6. Stormwater Quality requirements for single family lots only (standard comment):
If the improvements create or modify greater than 1,000 square feet of impervious area,
stormwater quality treatment will need to be provided for the new or modified impervious
areas. In this case disconnection of impervious areas and directing the down spouts
into landscaped areas are two acceptable methods. Low Impact Development (LID)
methods, such as rain gardens and permeable pavers, may also be options.
RESPONSE: Because this proposal adds less than 1,000 sqft. of new impervious cover,
it is our understanding that there are no new stormwater quality treatment requirements.
See Drainage memo, p.1 for documentation.
7. Imperviousness documentation (standard comment):
The existing and proposed impervious areas need to be documented in the drainage
report/memo. Drainage requirements and development fees are based on the new
impervious area. An exhibit showing the existing and proposed impervious areas with a
table summarizing the areas is required with the first project submittal.
RESPONSE: Impervious area documented in Drainage Memo, Appendix B.
8. Fees (standard comment):
The 2024 city wide Stormwater development fee (PIF) is $11,834/acre ($0.2717/ sq. ft.)
of new impervious area over 350 square feet. No fee is charged for existing impervious
area. This fee is to be paid at the time each building permit is issued. Information on
fees can be found at:
http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/plant-investment-develo
pment-fees or contact our Utility Fee and Rate Specialists at (970) 416-4252 or
UtilityFees@fcgov.com for questions on fees.
RESPONSE: Fee will be paid at the time building permit is issued.
9. Offsite Stormwater Flows (standard comment):
The development will need to accept and pass any existing offsite flows.
RESPONSE: There are no major offsite flows, only those that have historically occurred
from the adjacent single-family lots. These runoff patterns have remained unchanged, and
the drainage conveyance (i.e. lot line swales) are not being impacted by this ADU construction.
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Department: Water-Wastewater Engineering
Contact: Water Utilities WaterUtilitiesEng@fcgov.com (970)224-6191
1. Existing Water Infrastructure (site specific comment):
There is an existing 6-inch water main in Fairplay Court with an existing 3/4-inch water
service to the site.
2. Existing Wastewater Infrastructure (site specific comment):
There is an existing 8-inch wastewater main in Fairplay Court with an existing
wastewater service to the site.
3. Water conservation (standard comment):
The water conservation standards for landscape and irrigation will apply. Information on
these requirements can be found at: https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/watercode
4. Water and Wastewater Criteria Manual (standard comment):
The design of this development must follow City of Fort Collins Utilities Water and
Wastewater Design Criteria, Specifications, and Details. These manuals are available
on this website:
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/development-forms-gu
idelines-regulations/
5. Fees (standard comment):
New or upgraded water and sewer services will require development and water supply
requirement (WSR) fees, these are paid at building permit. Please contact our Utility
Fee and Rate Specialists at (970) 416-4252 or UtilityFees@fcgov.com for more
information or questions. Information on fees can also be found at:
www.fcgov.com/development-fees
RESPONSE: Fee will be paid at the time building permit is issued.
6. Utility Separations (standard comment):
For your reference, minimum water and wastewater service separations are:
> 10-ft min. between water and wastewater services.
> 6-ft min. between trees and water or wastewater services.
> 4-ft min. between shrubs and water or wastewater services.
> 10-ft min. between storm-drain pipes and other utilities.
> Service lines of the same type may be joint trenched with 3-ft of separation
Other utilities, such as gas, electric, and communications will also have spacing
requirements and will need space on the site. Last, please remember that there may be
service lines on the adjacent properties for which clearances also need to be
maintained.
7. Accessory Structure and Additional Dwelling Unit (standard comment):
Fort Collins Utilities allows the water and/or wastewater services from an existing
structure to be extended to one (1) accessory structure. This requires a covenant
agreement for the property such that the lot may not be subdivided in a manner that the
additional structure would become on a separate lot. If the accessory structure is an
Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU), such as a “carriage house,” then additional water and
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wastewater fees will be required. If you have any questions about what is allowed,
please contact Water Utilities Development Review.
Department: Electric Engineering
Contact: Daniel Paluzzi dpaluzzi@fcgov.com
1. SITE SPECIFIC:
The existing electric service wire that feeds the property comes from a secondary box
on Fairplay Court located at the SW corner of the property. The existing transformer that
feeds the property is located on Gunnison Drive south of the property.
2. FEES:
The ADU would be required to be individually metered and will require its own service.
Electric capacity fees, development fees, building site charges and any system
modification charges necessary to feed the site will apply to this development.
Please visit the website listed below for an estimate of the charges and fees related to
this project.
http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/buildersanddevelopers/plantinvestmentdevelo
pment-fees
3. INFORMATION:
The meter location will need to be coordinated with Light and Power. Please refer to
Section 8 of the Electric Service Standards for additional requirements for metering. A
link has been provided below.
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/ElectricServiceStandards_FIN
AL_18November2016_Amendment.pdf
4. INFORMATION:
Light and Power would like to remind you that all of our facilities must have a ten foot
clearance away from all water, wastewater, and storm sewer facilities. We also require
a three-foot clearance away from all other utilities with the exception of communication
lines.
5. INFORMATION:
As the project progresses, I will need to know the power requirements for the ADU.
Please reach out when you have an idea of what the power requirements will be for the
new building.
RESPONSE: Power requirements for the ADU will be provided when they are determined.
6. INFORMATION:
The City of Fort Collins now offers gig-speed fiber internet, video and phone service.
Contact John Stark with Fort Collins Connexion at 970-207-7890 or jstark@fcgov.com
for commercial grade account support, RFPs and bulk agreements.
7. INFORMATION:
For additional information on our renewal energy programs please visit the website
below or contact Brian Tholl (btholl@fcgov.com).
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/go renewable
8. INFORMATION:
You may contact Daniel Paluzzi with project engineering if you have questions,
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Dpaluzzi@fcgov.com. You may reference Light & Power’s Electric Service Standards
at: https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/electricservicestandards
.pdf?1645038437
You may reference our policies, development charge processes, and use our fee
estimator at http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers
Department: Environmental Planning
Contact: Kristie Raymond kraymond@fcgov.com
1. The City of Fort Collins is designated as a bird sanctuary for the refuge of wild birds
(Municipal Code Chapter 4, Division 8 - Wild Birds:
https://library.municode.com/co/fort_collins/codes/municipal_code?
nodeId=CH4ANIN_ARTIIAN_DIV8WIBI) and in order to satisfy the federal Migratory Bird
Treaty Act requirements, it is prohibited for any person at any time in the City to abuse
or injure any wild bird or damage a nest with eggs or injure the young of any such bird. A
professional ecologist or wildlife biologist is required to complete the nesting survey
linked below 5-7 days before conducting tree removal or trimming. If tree removal or
trimming is planned, please include the following note on the tree mitigation plan and
landscape plan, as appropriate:
"NO TREES SHALL BE REMOVED DURING THE SONGBIRD NESTING SEASON
(FEBRUARY 1 TO JULY 31) WITHOUT FIRST HAVING A PROFESSIONAL
ECOLOGIST OR WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST COMPLETE A NESTING SURVEY 5-7 DAYS
BEFORE TREE REMOVAL OR TRIMMING TO IDENTIFY ANY ACTIVE NESTS
EXISTING ON THE PROJECT SITE. THE SURVEY SHALL BE SENT TO THE CITY
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER. IF ACTIVE NESTS ARE FOUND, THE CITY WILL
COORDINATE WITH RELEVANT STATE AND FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVES TO
DETERMINE WHETHER ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON TREE REMOVAL AND
CONSTRUCTION APPLY."
The Songbird Nesting Survey document:
https://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/files/songbird-nesting-survey.pdf?1689286309
RESPONSE: No tree removal is planned.
2. INFORMATION:
Our city has many sustainability programs that may benefit this project. Of particular
interest may be the:
1) Solar Rebate Program offers up to $1500 in rebates to Fort Collins Utility customers
for the installation of solar PV: www.fcgov.com/solar, contact Rhonda Gatzke at 970-416
-2312 or rgatzke@fcgov.com
2) Integrated Design Assistance Program offers financial incentives and technical
support for new construction and major renovation projects. Must apply early in the
design phase: http://fcgov.com/idap, contact David Suckling at 970-416-4251 or
dsuckling@fcgov.com
Department: Fire Authority
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Contact: Erika Seeling erika.seeling@poudre-fire.org
RESPONSE TO ALL FIRE AUTHORITY COMMENTS: It is our understanding that PFA
Is no longer reviewing ADU applications.
1. ACCESS
Comment: We will need emergency access within 150 feet of all exterior portions of the
proposed ADU. It appears as though Fairplay Ct. may be sufficient as long as it meets
the fire lane specifications.
FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS – IFC 503.1.1
Fire access is required to within 150 feet of all exterior portions of any building, or facility
ground floor as measured by an approved route around the perimeter. Any private alley,
private road, or private drive serving as a fire lane shall be dedicated as an Emergency
Access Easement (EAE) and be designed to standard fire lane specifications. In
addition, aerial apparatus access requirements are triggered for buildings in excess of
30' in height.
Comment: Fairplay Ct. is approx. 270 ft in length, which would require an approved turn
around area for a fire apparatus. Local amendment requires 100’ diameter cul-de-sac
for an approved turn around. The cul-de-sac at the end of Fairplay court has a 70’
diameter.
Alternatively, a turning exhibit may be provided by an engineer that shows there is no
overhang of any portion of the fire Apparatus. Additionally, no parking signs may be
required around the cul-de sac to make that alternative proposal work.
FIRE LANE SPECIFICATIONS
A fire lane plan shall be submitted for approval prior to installation. In addition to the
design criteria already contained in relevant standards and policies, any new fire lane
must meet the following general requirements:
-Dead-end fire access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be provided with an
approved turnaround area for fire apparatus.
-Local amendment D103.1 requires a cul-de-sac to have a minimum of 100’ diameter to
meet the fire apparatus turnaround requirements.
Comment: There will need to be an access walkway from the emergency access road to
the main entrance of the proposed building. It will need to be easily accessible for
emergency responders and their equipment.
ACCESS TO BUILDING OPENINGS – IFC 504.1
An approved access walkway leading from fire apparatus access roads to the main
egress door of the building shall be provided on this site. The walkway shall be capable
of providing access for emergency personnel and equipment. Please provide details on
site plan for the access walkway.
2. ADDRESS
Comment: If access is from Fairplay Ct, there will need to be appropriate wayfinding
signs and addressing to lead emergency personnel to the back of the property.
*If the new building has the same address as the existing home, how will emergency
responders know where to respond? Or where to go in a timely manner?
PREMISE IDENTIFICATION: ADDRESS POSTING & WAYFINDING – IFC section
505.1.1 amendment
Where possible, the naming of private drives is usually recommended to aid in
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wayfinding. New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address
identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is
visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters
shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be arabic numbers or
alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. The address numbers for one-
and two-family dwellings shall be a minimum of 4” in height with a minimum ½” stroke
and shall be posted on a contrasting background. If bronze or brass numerals are used,
they shall only be posted on a black background for visibility. Monument signs may be
used in lieu of address numerals on the building as approved by the fire code official.
Buildings, either individually or part of a multi- building complex, that have emergency
access lanes on sides other than on the addressed street side, shall have the address
numbers and street name on each side that fronts the fire lane.
3. WATER
Comment: Our records indicate there are no fire hydrants within the required 400 ft. The
nearest hydrant is approx. 640 ft along a vehicular path. An additional hydrant may be
required.
WATER SUPPLY -Single Family Residence
Hydrant spacing and flow must meet minimum requirements based on type of
occupancy. A fire hydrant capable of providing 1000 gpm at 20 psi residual pressure is
required within 400 feet of any residential building as measured along an approved path
of vehicle travel. For the purposes of this code, hydrants on the opposite side of arterial
roadways are not considered accessible to the site.
4. INFORMATION – CODES AND LOCAL AMENDMENTS
Poudre Fire Authority has adopted the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC). Development
plans and building plan reviews shall be designed according to the adopted version of
the fire code as amended.
- Copies of our current local amendments can be found here:
https://www.poudre-fire.org/programs-services/community-safety-services-fire-preventio
n/fire-code-adoption
- Free versions of the IFC can be found here: https://codes.iccsafe.org
5. PLAN REVIEW SUBMITTAL
When you submit for your building permit though the City of Fort Collins please be
advised Poudre Fire Authority is an additional and separate submittal. The link for
Poudre Fire Authority’s plan review application can be found at
https://www.poudre-fire.org/online-services/contractors-plan-reviews-and-permits/new-b
uilding-plan-review-application.
Department: Building Code Review
Contact: Russell Hovland rhovland@fcgov.com 970-416-2341
1. An ADU is a new single family house and must comply with the following:
A permit is required for single family house construction and shall comply with adopted
codes as amended. Current adopted codes are:
• 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with local amendments
• Colorado Plumbing Code (currently 2021 IPC) with local amendments
• 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) as amended by the State of Colorado
• Projects shall comply with the current adopted building codes, local amendments and
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structural design criteria can be found here: https://www.fcgov.com/building/codes
• New 2024 buildings codes will be adopted in 2025.
• Please read the residential permit application submittal checklist for complete requirements.
• Snow Live Load: Ground Snow Load 35 PSF.
• Frost Depth: 30 inches.
• Wind Loads: Risk Category II (most structures):
• 140mph (Ultimate) exposure B or Front Range Gust Map published by The Structural
Engineer's Association of Colorado
• Seismic Design: Category B.
• Climate Zone: Zone 5
• Energy Code: 2021 IECC residential chapter
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
• 5ft setback required from property line or provide fire rated walls & openings for
non-fire sprinkled houses per chap 3 of the IRC. 3ft setback is required for fire sprinkled
houses.
• Fire separation of 10ft between dwellings is required.
• Bedroom egress windows (emergency escape openings) required in all bedrooms.
• For buildings using electric heat, heat pump equipment is required.
• A passing building air tightness (blower door) test is required for certificate of
occupancy.
• For projects located in Metro Districts, there are special additional code requirements
for new buildings. Please contact the plan review team to obtain the requirements for
each district.
• New IRC code amendment R320 requires dwellings with habitable space on the 1st
floor must provide a visitable bathroom and path to such.
• The roof must be provided with solar-ready zones at outlined in IRC appendix RB.
• Energy code requires short hot water supply lines by showing plumbing compactness.
Stock Plans:
When the same residential buildings will be built more than once, a stock plan design or
master plan can be submitted for a single review and then built multiple times with site
specific permits. More information can be found in our Stock Plan Guide at
fcgov.com/building/res-requirements.php.
RESPONSE: The proposed ADU will comply with these items. Further information will
be provided in the building permit application.
Department: Technical Services
Contact: Jeff County jcounty@fcgov.com 970-221-6588
1. All development plans are required to be on the NAVD88 vertical datum. Please make
your consultants aware of this, prior to any surveying and/or design work. Please contact
our office if you need up to date Benchmark Statement format and City Vertical Control
Network information.
RESPONSE: Plans are on the NAVD88 vertical datum.
2. If submitting a Subdivision Plat is required for this property/project, the title/name may
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not begin with addresses in numeral form. Address numbers must be spelled out.
Please contact our office with any questions.
3. If a Subdivision Plat is required and aliquot corners are shown, current acceptable
Monument Records will be required. These are required with Round 1 submittal.
4. Closure reports will be required for all Subdivision Plats, Easements, and any other
document requiring a legal description & sketch being submitted for review. These are
required with Round 1 submittal.