Multi-family & Duplex Property Owners Act Now to Save on Impact Fees. The City’s Unapproved Dwelling Unit (UDU) Compliance Program Ends June 15.
The UDU Compliance Program, a limited time compliance period approved by the Fort Collins City Council, is intended to assure unapproved dwelling units (UDUs) in existence prior to December 31, 2008, are in compliance with zoning and rental housing habitability standards. During this period, impact fees are waived and only a UDU application fee of $400 applies. After June 15, 2011, this program ends and typical impact fees of $12,000 to $15,000 will apply.
Owners of multi-family or duplex buildings are strongly encouraged to participate before June 15, and save thousands of dollars on getting the required Certificate of Occupancy.
After June 15, 2011, owners of multi-family or duplex buildings without the required Certificate of Occupancy (CO) will have two options:
1) All impact fees will be collected, an inspection performed and a new multi-family CO issued, or,
2) Convert the multi-family/duplex UDU back to a single-family home. Re-converting back to a single-family dwelling will require a City inspection.
An Unapproved Dwelling Unit (UDU) is a separate dwelling created or converted at some time in the past without benefit of a City of Fort Collins issued building permit, inspection or approval. A typical UDU would be the older over/under duplex for rent or possibly the attached garage which was converted to a studio apartment. A 2008 City ordinance requires owners of properties, with two (2) or more separate dwellings within a building (aka, multi-family building), to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).
More useful information at: http://www.fcgov.com/building/