Frequently Asked Questions

The International Building Code specifies that building permits are required to "construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system" regulated by the IBC (2018 IBC, Section 105.1).

Before beginning any new construction or remodeling project, the applicant must submit an application and required digital drawings to obtain building permits and reviewed approved drawings.

For projects in the City of Loveland, LFRA is part of a multi-department review process and does not issue a separate building permit. The City's Building Division issues building permits for projects within the city.

For projects in Johnstown or unincorporated Larimer County, LFRA will issue its own, separate building permit, after reviewing drawings submitted by the architect, general contractor, or business owner. The LFRA permit is separate from and in addition to, the building permit issued by Johnstown or Larimer County building departments. The LFRA building permit must be on-site at all times during the construction process.

Plans are to be stamped by a Colorado licensed design professional and all plans are to be drawn to scale.

The submittal must include:

• Code Plan showing exit paths, exit travel distance, uses of rooms or areas, square footage of rooms or areas, occupancy group per room with occupant load per room or area, fire extinguisher locations, and exterior exit pathways leading to a "public way." The Code Plan shall identify the construction type, allowable area and height, actual area and height, and any required separations.
• Floor plans for each level:
  • Indicate uses of all rooms or areas on floor plans.
  • If it is a tenant finish in a portion of the building, include a key plan of the entire building.
  • Show the square footage of each room
  • Door and window schedules showing hardware types.
  • New stairways shall have section and detail plans showing a rise, run, headroom, handrail details, and extensions.
  • All equipment shall be shown (industrial machines, kitchen equipment, etc.).
  • Ceiling plans must show all exit signs' locations and provisions for exit illumination (may be shown on the Code Plan).
  • Provide fire-rated assemblies and list the number of such assemblies.
• Exterior elevations
• For new buildings, provide building sections.
• HVAC plans showing fire/smoke damper locations (if required) and BTUs of appliances.
• Plumbing plans showing gas piping (where occurs).
• Electrical plans showing electrical panel location, receptacles, all lighting, and pertinent equipment (for smaller projects, this information can be indicated on the floor plan).
• For tenant-finish projects in "strip malls or condominium situations, provide a key plan showing the location of the tenant space and occupancy groups of tenants on each side and above or below the space being finished.
• Digital drawings must be submitted directly to LFRA for review and issuance of a building permit (Johnstown and unincorporated Larimer County projects).

All submittals for Larimer County and Johnstown must include the LFRA permit application. (in the city of Loveland, the building division processes the permit application.) The LFRA application is available in person from the community safety division Permit Application (PDF).

Permit plan submittals must be digital. There are three methods to submit digital drawings:

• Via email Eplan Fire
• Via DropBox: Send your file-sharing link via email to Eplan Fire
• In-person: Bring the digital drawings on a USB drive to the Community Safety Division at 410 E 5th Street, Loveland, CO 80537

For more details on how to submit (PDF)

Wildland Urban Interface Permit Application and Checklist

If you meet the requirements for the location and construction scope of the LFRA Wildland Urban Interface, you're required to submit for and obtain a construction permit from the applicable building department (Larimer County Building Division in unincorporated Larimer County, City of Loveland Building Division in the City of Loveland).

The LFRA application and submittal checklist and example permit drawing can be found under the Wildfire Risk Reduction Requirements webpage on the Building Permits Tab.

For additional information contact the Community Safety Division at 970-962-2497

Per Colorado law, permit drawings typically must be prepared and stamped by a licensed design professional. There are some exceptions for projects of smaller scope. Specific requirements per State law can be found in the Colorado Handbook for Building Officials.

Most plans are reviewed within 15 working days.

Once LFRA reviews and approves the plans, they will be emailed to the applicant. The applicant comes to LFRA to pay for and pick up the permit, and receive the written Conditions of Approval for the permit.

The applicant is responsible for having a copy of the stamped, approved drawings on site for all LFRA inspections, in either paper or electronic form (via a "tablet" device, PC, etc.). The permit and Conditions of Approval also must be on site at all times.

It is imperative that the general contractor read and comply with all Conditions of Approval and any redlined directions on the drawings. By meeting all the Conditions, the contractor will be prepared for LFRA's inspections.

For projects that include both general construction and fire protection systems, final inspections must be scheduled at the same time, with all contractors present for testing and inspection. The general contractor is responsible for scheduling this final inspection and must provide the project address and all permit numbers when making the request. Inspections should be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance by calling LFRA at 970-962-2537. Scheduling further in advance can offer more flexibility.

If the construction project does not involve fire protection system permits, the general contractor only needs to schedule the final building permit inspection with LFRA. Again, inspections should be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance by calling 970-962-2537, with earlier contact allowing for more flexible scheduling.

For general information regarding building permits and inspections, contact the appropriate Building Department:

• City of Loveland Building Division: 970-962-2346
• Larimer County Building Department: 970-498-7700
• Town of Johnstown Building Department: 970-587-4664

Remember that additional approvals may be necessary to start a business: a sales tax license, utility service, food vendor license, liquor license and sign permits are a few examples that may be required. Planning or Building staff in the three jurisdictions can help direct you if you have questions.