Electricians in Old Town Fort Collins
Old Town and the streets around Colorado State University hold the oldest homes in Fort Collins, and most of them are rented. We connect Fort Collins-area homeowners with independent local electrical contractors for free, no-obligation quotes. The contractor you choose quotes, permits, contracts and does the work directly with you.
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ACS 2024 5-year estimates.
The ZIP code that covers most of Old Town's west side and the CSU area, 80521, has a median year built of 1978. For Fort Collins as a whole it is 1992. In 80521, 53.7% of homes were built before 1980 and 15.7% before 1950. The neighboring 80524 ZIP, which takes in Old Town's north and east side, is newer on average (median 1990) but 13.8% of its homes still date from before 1950.
Age does not tell you what is behind the plaster, and no local data show how common knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring is here. It does mean many Old Town panels, circuits and service entrances were sized long before heat pumps, induction ranges and EV chargers.
Jobs that often fit Old Town homes
- Older-home evaluations. A licensed electrician's walk-through before you buy or remodel.
- Panel and service upgrades. Panel upgrades for added load. If you have a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok or Zinsco panel, ask a licensed electrician to evaluate it (what to know).
- Rewiring. Partial or whole-home rewiring. CPSC says homes built before 1965 are unlikely to have aluminum branch wiring, while those wired from 1965 to the mid-1970s may (aluminum wiring guide).
- Outlets and GFCI. Grounded outlets and GFCI protection in kitchens, baths and basements.
- Repairs. Troubleshooting for tripping breakers and dead circuits.
Rentals: the homeowner exemption does not apply
About 63% of occupied homes in 80521 are renter-occupied, the highest share in the region. That matters for permits. Colorado lets homeowners do electrical work on their own home, but not on property that is for sale or rented (C.R.S. 12-115-116(2)), and Fort Collins limits the exemption to owners of single-family homes who sign an affidavit. Landlords generally bring in a registered electrical contractor, and the work still needs a permit and inspection. This is general information, not legal advice.
Historic district: ask before exterior work
Old Town became a local historic district in 1979 (City Council Ordinance No. 170), and landmark owners must complete design review for most exterior projects. If a job moves a meter or service mast, adds exterior lighting or puts solar on a landmark roof, check with historic preservation staff (970-224-6078) before the electrical permit.
Permits and power
Old Town is inside city limits, so electricity comes from Fort Collins Utilities and electrical permits and inspections come from City of Fort Collins Building Services (970-416-2740). Electrician bids usually do not include Fort Collins Utilities' service-upgrade costs, so ask what a quote covers. See typical ranges on our electrician cost page.
Old Town electrical FAQ
Do older Old Town homes need to be rewired?
Not automatically. A house built decades ago may have had its wiring updated since, and age alone does not show what is in the walls. A licensed electrician can open the panel, check a sample of outlets and connections, and tell you whether repairs, new circuits or a rewire make sense. Get that evaluation in writing before you plan a remodel or an offer.
Who can do electrical work on an Old Town rental?
Colorado's homeowner exemption does not cover property that is rented or for sale (C.R.S. 12-115-116(2)), and Fort Collins limits its exemption to owners of single-family homes who sign an affidavit. Landlords generally hire a registered electrical contractor, and the work still needs a City permit and inspection. This is general information, not legal advice.
Does a historic Old Town house need extra approval for electrical work?
Interior wiring usually goes straight to a City electrical permit. Exterior changes are different: landmark owners must complete design review for most exterior projects. Before moving a meter or service mast, adding exterior lighting or installing rooftop solar on a landmark, ask the City's historic preservation staff (970-224-6078) whether review is needed.
Do I need a permit for electrical work in Old Town?
Most new wiring, panel, service, EV-charger and circuit work in Fort Collins needs a City of Fort Collins electrical permit and inspection. A licensed master electrician working for a registered contractor normally pulls the permit. Homeowners can permit work on their own single-family home in some cases (rules apply). Ask any contractor to confirm the permit is pulled before work starts.
Nearby areas
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