File a WCAG Accessibility Complaint - Fort Collins

Technology and Data Colorado 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 20, 2026 Flag of Colorado

In Fort Collins, Colorado you can report web or digital accessibility problems under the city's accessibility and nondiscrimination practices. This guide explains how to identify potential WCAG failures, who enforces accessibility at the municipal level, what to include in a complaint, and practical next steps for residents and businesses. Use the city's official accessibility contact to begin the process and refer to the municipal code for enforcement context. City accessibility page[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

The municipal sources consulted do not publish a specific fine schedule for web/WCAG accessibility violations. Where numeric penalties, escalation, or specific forms are not listed on the cited pages, this guide notes that explicitly below and points to the enforcing office for complaints and review.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; municipal code and the city accessibility page do not list dollar amounts for web accessibility infractions (see municipal code)[2]
  • Escalation: not specified on the cited page; no published first/repeat/continuing-offence schedule for WCAG issues
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remediate, administrative compliance directions, or referral to civil enforcement/court are possible remedies though specific remedies for web accessibility are not itemized on the cited pages
  • Enforcer and contact: City of Fort Collins Accessibility/ADA Coordinator handles accessibility complaints; use the city accessibility contact page to submit reports and request review (contact page)[1]
  • Appeals and review: procedural appeal routes and time limits for web accessibility complaints are not specified on the cited pages; follow directions given by the Accessibility/ADA Coordinator when a determination is issued
Start by documenting the specific web pages, files, or digital features that fail accessibility and include browser, device, and date.

Applications & Forms

There is no city-published WCAG-specific complaint form located on the cited accessibility or municipal code pages; complainants should use the contact and complaint pathways on the city accessibility page or ask the Accessibility Coordinator for the preferred submission format.[1]

How to File a WCAG Accessibility Complaint

Provide clear, actionable information so the City can assess and respond promptly. Include URLs, screenshots, the expected vs actual behavior, and your contact preferences. If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation in the process, state that in your submission.

  1. Identify the specific web page or digital asset and capture evidence: URL, screenshots, date/time, browser and assistive technology used.
  2. Contact the City Accessibility/ADA Coordinator via the official accessibility contact method and submit your evidence; request confirmation of receipt.[1]
  3. Cooperate with any follow-up information requests from staff and keep copies of all communications for records.
  4. If the City issues remedial orders or timelines, follow the appeal instructions in that determination or ask the Accessibility Coordinator about review procedures.
Documenting attempts to resolve the issue directly with the website owner speeds municipal review.

Common Violations

  • Meaningful alternatives missing for non-text content (images, multimedia).
  • Poor keyboard navigation or focus management that blocks screen-reader users.
  • Insufficient color contrast or inaccessible form controls and labels.

FAQ

How long will the City take to respond to a WCAG complaint?
Response times vary; the city accessibility page asks complainants to use the contact method there and does not list a guaranteed timeline. Contact page[1]
Can I file anonymously?
You may request confidentiality, but the accessibility page does not specify anonymity rules; ask the Accessibility Coordinator when you file. Contact page[1]
What if the municipal code is silent on penalties?
If the municipal code or accessibility guidance does not specify fines or timelines, City staff will explain available remedies and next steps after reviewing the complaint. Municipal code[2]

How-To

  1. Prepare your evidence package: URLs, screenshots, assistive tech used, and a short description of the accessibility barrier.
  2. Submit the complaint via the City Accessibility contact method and request an acknowledgement.[1]
  3. Track communications, implement any interim accommodations you control, and follow up if you do not receive a timely acknowledgement.
  4. If unsatisfied with the outcome, ask the Coordinator about formal review, appeal, or civil remedies.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the City accessibility contact to file WCAG complaints and include precise evidence.
  • Municipal pages consulted do not list specific fines or formal timelines for web accessibility issues.
  • Keep records of all submissions and communications for appeals or further review.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Fort Collins - Accessibility contact and information
  2. [2] Fort Collins Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances

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