City of Fort Collins provides Design Assistance Program for Homeowners

Do you envy the historic homes of Fort Collins? Are you a homeowner? Are you looking to redesign your home’s exterior?

The City of Fort Collins is offering homeowners design assistance of up to $2,000 to help develop design plans for properties in and around the local historic neighborhoods of Fort Collins. The goal of the assistance program is to minimize the impacts of additions, construction and alterations of neighborhoods and to preserve the overall historic character of Fort Collins. Not only does the Design Assistance program provide funds, but it also allows the homeowners to work with qualified design consultants who provide their skills and expertise with historically-compatible design work.
Assistance is available on a first come, first served basis, but you must apply for the assistance.

First things first, how does this program work? The design consultant appointed by the Landmark Preservation Commission and chosen by you is responsible for providing a set of plans along with an itemized invoice to both the City of Fort Collins and the property owner. The City will pay the design consultant $2,000 directly (any costs incurred above the $2,000 must be paid by the property owner).

Are you eligible for assistance? There are three main criteria you must meet in order to be eligible for the Design Assistance program.
1.) The applicant must own the property.
2.) The proposed work must impact a building’s exterior, particularly those elevations visible from public streets.
3.) The property’s location must be within/adjacent to two defined areas or a designated historic landmark. (See the Assistance website for specific information about the defined areas).

If you meet the above criteria, here’s how to apply:

  • You must meet with the City’s historic preservation staff for an initial meeting
  • Download the Design Assistance Application and current list of approved consultants
  • You will then contact, interview and select an approved consultant
  • You must then submit a completed application (including property location, property owner name and contact information), consultant selected, nature of project and full amount of anticipated invoice
  • Staff reviews the application and will notify you of the availability of funds and if you have been accepted for the program
  • For more information about the program and ways to become an approved design consultant visit the City of Fort Collins Design Assistance website here or call the city today! Remember, the program runs on a first come, first served basis so apply today!