You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-07.
Durango building permits
VerifiedDurango, Colorado — as published 2026-07-07.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family Residence or Duplex)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses within Durango city limits, per the City's 'Do I Need a Permit?' table. Reviewed under the 2024 IRC/IBC as locally adopted, plus the state-mandated Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code and Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code. Issued by the City of Durango Community Development Department, Building Division; electrical work on the project is permitted separately through the State of Colorado Electrical Board, not the City.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- New projects not already in a planning process prior to 01/01/2026 must be designed to the 2024 I-Codes and 2023 NEC
- Must additionally comply with the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code and the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code (CMERSRC), both state-mandated for new 2026-and-beyond projects
- Full submittal package required per Section 107 IBC / Section 106 IRC: cover sheet with title block, sheet/drawing index, project/building data block, site vicinity map, civil or architectural site plan, foundation plan, floor plans, structural design sheets, elevations and sections, mechanical design sheets, electrical design sheets, plumbing design sheets, reflected ceiling plan, roof/ceiling design sheets, and IECC energy code compliance documentation
- Most projects require an architect or engineer stamp; minor IRC-only projects may be done by a draftsperson, though engineered elements (shear walls, moment frames) still need a professional engineer's stamp
- MEP (mechanical/electrical/plumbing) design sheets are required at initial submittal for both residential and commercial projects and may NOT be submitted as deferred submittals (fire sprinkler design, truss design sheets, and fire protection engineering may be deferred)
- Sky Ridge and Rock Ridge subdivision projects require professionally engineered foundation systems
- Three Springs and Twin Buttes projects require their own Design Review Committee approval, documented at submittal
- Public improvements (sidewalk, curb and gutter, street trees) may be required as a condition of any building permit
- Contractors must hold a valid City of Durango Business License
- Applications submitted through the City's OpenGov online portal (durangoco.portal.opengov.com)
- All electrical work on the project is separately permitted and inspected by the State of Colorado Electrical Board (DORA), not included in this City building permit
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (OpenGov portal)Submitted online via durangoco.portal.opengov.com
- RequiredFull Construction Drawing SetCover sheet, site plan, foundation plan, floor plans, structural design sheets, elevations/sections, mechanical/electrical/plumbing design sheets, reflected ceiling plan, roof/ceiling design sheets, and IECC energy compliance documentation per the City's Submittal Requirements page
- RequiredDFPD Fire Code Plan Review receiptRequired for new single-family residences (impact fee) submitted directly to Durango Fire Protection District; life-safety review applies primarily to multifamily/commercial
- OptionalThree Springs / Twin Buttes Design Review Committee approvalRequired only for projects within those specific developments
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1 to $500 | $24.00 | Building Permit Fee Schedule, effective July 1, 2026, fees adopted under Resolution R-2017-42 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $501 to $2,000 | $24 for the first $500 plus $3 for each additional $100 (rounded up to next $100 interval) | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $2,001 to $40,000 | $69 for the first $2,000 plus $11 for each additional $1,000 (rounded up to next $1,000 interval) | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $40,001 to $100,000 | $487 for the first $40,000 plus $9 for each additional $1,000 (rounded up) | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $100,001 to $500,000 | $1,027 for the first $100,000 plus $7 for each additional $1,000 (rounded up) | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $500,001 to $1,000,000 | $3,827 for the first $500,000 plus $5 for each additional $1,000 (rounded up) | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1,000,001 to $5,000,000 | $6,327 for the first $1,000,000 plus $3 for each additional $1,000 (rounded up) | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $5,000,001 and over | $18,327 for the first $5,000,000 plus $1 for each additional $1,000 (rounded up) | — |
| Use Tax | 1.75% of total project valuation | Half of building-project valuation is assumed to be labor; use tax applies only to the materials half at the combined 3.5% sales/use tax rate |
| Water Plant Investment Fee (PIF) — Single Unit Dwelling, 3/4-inch | $5,320 | Resolution R-2019-46; varies by meter size and residential/non-residential/mixed-use classification |
| Sewer Plant Investment Fee (PIF) — Single Unit Dwelling | $2,500 | Resolution R-2019-47; South Durango Sanitation District (Three Springs and areas south of Bodo Industrial Park) charges separately, not through the City |
| Tap Fee — 3/4-inch | $334 per tap | — |
| Major Street Impact Fee — Single-Family Detached, 1,000-1,499 sq ft living area | $2,050 per dwelling unit | Varies by living-area tier; additions to existing single-family units are often exempt if the majority of the original structure is preserved |
| Park Fee | Per-unit fee for new residential units; Three Springs, Twin Buttes, and SkyRidge carry specific exemptions | $300 for 1 residential unit in the City's own worked example |
| School Land Dedication or In-Lieu Fee — Single Family | $945 per unit | — |
| Durango Fire Protection District (DFPD) Impact Fee — residential | $1,317.00 per unit | Collected by DFPD directly, not included in the City's building permit total; Ordinance No. O-2023-0010 |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions and remodels of existing residential buildings in Durango where the work involves structural changes or means-of-egress modifications, per the City's 'Do I Need a Permit?' table. Finish work and drywalling alone are excluded. Reviewed under the 2024 IRC as locally adopted.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for: any addition or remodel of residential buildings required by current adopted code, including changing means of egress or structural work; excludes finish work and drywalling
- Decks that are covered, or more than 30 inches above grade, require a deck permit; platforms/walks 30 inches or less above grade and not over a basement/story below do not require a permit
- Accessory buildings greater than 120 sq ft (not the principal structure) require a permit; sheds/playhouses 120 sq ft or less do not
- Retaining walls over 30 inches in height require a permit from the Engineering Division; walls over 6 ft, or any wall in/near public right-of-way, must be designed by a structural engineer
- All submittals (residential and commercial) require a site plan regardless of scope of work, per the Submittal Requirements page
- Major Street Impact Fee is often exempted for additions to existing single-family units, provided the majority of the original structure is preserved
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (OpenGov portal)Submitted online via durangoco.portal.opengov.com
- RequiredSite PlanRequired for all residential submittals regardless of scope, per the Submittal Requirements page
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsScope-appropriate plan set showing existing, demo, and proposed conditions; structural design sheets required where structural or egress changes are involved
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same valuation-based schedule as new construction) | $24.00 minimum, scaling per the July 2026 Fee Schedule valuation tiers | City's own worked example: a 600 sq ft addition with plumbing/heating work at ~$167.37/sq ft valuation ($100,422 total) yields a Building Permit Fee of $712.00 and Use Tax of $1,757.39 |
| Use Tax | 1.75% of total project valuation | — |
| Major Street Impact Fee | Often exempt for additions to existing single-family units where the majority of the original structure is preserved | Per the July 2026 Fee Schedule PDF |
Plumbing / Gas Line Permit
VerifiedRequired for addition, replacement, or repair of water or sewage systems, water service lines, drains, water mains, and gas lines in Durango. Effective 07/01/2026, the City of Durango Building Division took over permitting and inspection of ALL residential and commercial plumbing and gas installations; the State continues to inspect only public schools and state buildings. Governed by the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for addition, replacement, or repair of water or sewage systems, water service lines, drains, and water mains
- As of 07/01/2026, new plumbing permits for any residential or commercial plumbing installation, AND gas line permits/inspections, are processed by the City of Durango Building Division (per the Applying for a Building Permit page and the July 2026 Fee Schedule); the City's separate 'Do I Need a Permit?' page still states gas-line permits went to the State effective 01/01/2025 — this file treats the more recently dated 07/01/2026 city-hosted pages as governing, and flags the conflict rather than silently picking one (see localAmendments)
- New gas lines or gas-line repairs require a permit and a City-completed inspection verifying the line holds pressure before the applicant provides the gas provider proof of inspection
- Homeowners may perform their own plumbing work; a hired plumber must hold a Colorado state plumbing contractor's license and a City of Durango business license (Sec. 13-89, Municipal Code); master plumbing contractors must execute a $5,000 bond with the City Clerk's office
- Plumbing fixture replacement that does not relocate or extend existing water distribution or DWV lines does NOT require a permit
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing/Gas Permit Application (OpenGov portal)Submitted online via durangoco.portal.opengov.com
- RequiredPlumbing Design Sheet(s)Locations/types of plumbing fixtures and appliances (water heaters, boilers); for commercial, DWV plan/isometric, separators/grease traps, floor sinks/drains, and material types/sizes
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Permit Fee (when not attached to a main building permit) | Calculated the same way as a standalone Building Permit Fee, per the July 2026 Fee Schedule valuation tiers ($24.00 minimum) | City's Fees page: 'If there is not a main permit already issued, the plumbing and mechanical permits are calculated in the same way as a building permit' |
| Reinspection Fee | $125.00 | Effective 07/01/2026, applies to all failed inspections City-wide, paid before the final inspection phase |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for the addition, replacement, or repair of mechanical systems in Durango, per the City's 'Do I Need a Permit?' table. Governed by the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) as adopted, plus CMERSRC compliance details for HVAC equipment.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for addition, replacement, or repair of mechanical systems
- Mechanical Design Sheet(s) required at submittal: HVAC equipment locations/types, IECC/IMC/CMERSRC compliance details, duct/line-set/piping/conduit/vent routing and R-values, and details for solid-fuel-burning or direct-vent appliances (fireplaces, stoves)
- For commercial projects, full design criteria required for kitchens, hoods, outside air, gas pipe sizing, and equipment specification tables (amps, BTUs, voltages, fans, motors)
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit Application (OpenGov portal)Submitted online via durangoco.portal.opengov.com
- RequiredMechanical Design Sheet(s)Equipment locations, IECC/IMC/CMERSRC compliance details, per the Submittal Requirements page
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit Fee (when not attached to a main building permit) | Calculated the same way as a standalone Building Permit Fee, per the July 2026 Fee Schedule valuation tiers ($24.00 minimum) | City's Fees page: 'If there is not a main permit already issued, the plumbing and mechanical permits are calculated in the same way as a building permit' |
| Reinspection Fee | $125.00 | Effective 07/01/2026 |
Roofing Permit (Roof Replacement)
VerifiedRequired for roof replacement projects covering 25% or more of the total roof area in Durango. As of April 1, 2026, roofing (and solar) permits use a new streamlined flat-fee-plus-use-tax structure instead of the prior valuation-based fee table.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- A roofing project covering LESS than 25% of total roof replacement does NOT require a building permit or inspections
- Projects covering 25% or more of total roof area DO require a permit
- Properties within the East Third Avenue Historic District must apply for an Alterations Certificate for reroofing, regardless of the 25% threshold
- New flat-fee pricing structure effective 04/01/2026 (see fees)
Required documents
- RequiredRoofing Permit Application (OpenGov portal)Submitted online via durangoco.portal.opengov.com
- OptionalAlterations CertificateRequired in addition to the roofing permit for properties in the East Third Avenue Historic District
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing Permit Fee — Residential | $125 flat + use tax | Effective 04/01/2026, per the City's Fees page; replaces the prior ICC Building Valuation Data-based calculation for this permit type |
| Roofing Permit Fee — Commercial | $175 flat + use tax | Effective 04/01/2026 |
| Use Tax | 1.75% of project valuation | — |
| Reinspection Fee | $125.00 | Effective 07/01/2026 |
Solar PV Permit
VerifiedRequired for all solar panel installations in Durango. As of April 1, 2026, solar permits use the same new streamlined flat-fee-plus-use-tax structure as roofing. Electrical interconnection work associated with the solar installation is permitted separately by the State of Colorado Electrical Board, not the City.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- All solar panel installations require a solar permit from the City
- Applicants should review the solar permit checklist before submitting an application (referenced on the Do I Need a Permit? page; not independently retrieved in this review — see honestly-unresolved note)
- May also be required to go through the Commercial Design Review process for certain projects
- New flat-fee pricing structure effective 04/01/2026, same schedule as roofing
- Photovoltaic (solar) electrical installation work is separately permitted and inspected by the State of Colorado Electrical Board (DORA), per the City's Do I Need a Permit? page, which lists 'photovoltaic installation' explicitly under the state-handled Electrical permit category
Required documents
- RequiredSolar Permit Application (OpenGov portal)Submitted online via durangoco.portal.opengov.com
- OptionalSolar Permit ChecklistReferenced on the City's Do I Need a Permit? page as a pre-submittal review document; not independently retrieved/verified in this session
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Permit Fee — Residential | $125 flat + use tax | Effective 04/01/2026, same streamlined structure as Roofing |
| Solar Permit Fee — Commercial | $175 flat + use tax | Effective 04/01/2026 |
| Use Tax | 1.75% of project valuation | — |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit (State of Colorado Electrical Board)
VerifiedInstallation of an electric vehicle charging station in Durango is electrical work and, like the photovoltaic/interconnection portion of a solar installation documented on this file's solar-pv-permit entry, is permitted directly by the State of Colorado Electrical Board (DORA), NOT the City of Durango Building Division. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 12-23-117, electrical inspection is a matter of statewide concern: the state sets a uniform fee schedule, and a municipality may charge no more than 15% above the state's own fee — no local government may impose any other separate fee or charge related to electrical permits/inspections. The state's own valuation-based/square-footage-based electrical fee schedule has NO distinct 'EV charger,' 'electric vehicle,' or 'EVSE' line item; a dedicated Level 2 charger circuit is billed under the state's 'All other electrical fees' valuation-based tier (a flat $115 minimum plus $5.75 per $1,000 above $2,000 of installation value, per the fee schedule effective April 1, 2016 — Durango or a licensed contractor should confirm the current-year statewide figure directly with DORA, since the state revises this schedule periodically and only the mechanism, not the specific 2016 dollar amounts, is being relied on here).
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit issued by the Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA/DPO), not the City of Durango — apply online through DORA's electrical permit portal
- Confirmed directly against the State of Colorado's own Electrical Permit Fees schedule (mechanism fixed by C.R.S. § 12-23-117): no distinct EV-charger/EVSE fee line exists; a dedicated charger circuit not tied to new residential square footage is billed on the 'All other electrical fees' valuation-based tier
- Per C.R.S. § 12-23-117, the City of Durango may charge no more than 15% above the state's own electrical fee, and may not impose any additional separate fee or charge for electrical permits/inspections
- Work must be performed by a Colorado-licensed electrical contractor, or by a homeowner personally on their own residence under Colorado's homeowner exemption
- Confirm the current-year statewide fee figures directly with the State Electrical Board (303-894-7800, dora_electricalboard@state.co.us), since DORA revises the schedule periodically
Required documents
- RequiredState of Colorado Electrical Permit ApplicationSubmitted to the Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA/DPO) online electrical permit system, not through the City of Durango
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All other electrical fees — valuation not more than $2,000 (typical dedicated EV charger circuit) | $115.00 (per the schedule effective April 1, 2016, scaled up to 1.15x by a municipality if it separately assesses inspection) | State of Colorado Electrical Permit Fees schedule, effective 4/1/2016 (mechanism fixed by C.R.S. § 12-23-117) — no distinct EV-charger/EVSE line item exists; confirm the current-year statewide figure directly with DORA, since fees are revised periodically and this is the most recent published schedule located |
| All other electrical fees — valuation $2,001 and above | $115 plus $5.75 per $1,000 or fraction thereof of total valuation, plus $115.00 | State of Colorado Electrical Permit Fees schedule |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedA State of Colorado Demolition Permit is required for any structural demolition in Durango; the City additionally issues its own demolition permit when a full structure (garage, single-family home, commercial building, etc.) is demolished. Asbestos compliance follows Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) regulations.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- A State of Colorado Demolition Permit is required for ANY structural demolition; proof of the approved state permit is required BEFORE the City will issue a building permit
- The City of Durango additionally issues its own demolition permit when a full structure (garage, single-family home, commercial building, etc.) is being demolished
- If the structure is located on East 3rd Avenue or is a historically landmarked property, review by the Historic Preservation Board is required
- Asbestos inspection requirements follow CDPHE regulations; a CDPHE-published flowchart determines whether an asbestos inspection is required based on structure type and material volume
- Contact CDPHE directly at asbestos@state.co.us or 303-692-3100 for state permitting/asbestos process questions
Required documents
- RequiredApproved State of Colorado Demolition PermitMust be obtained and proof provided before the City will issue its own demolition/building permit
- RequiredCity of Durango Demolition Permit Application (OpenGov portal)Required in addition to the state permit when a full structure is being demolished
- OptionalHistoric Preservation Board reviewRequired only for structures on East 3rd Avenue or historic landmark properties
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City Demolition Permit Fee | Not published as a standalone flat fee on the Fees or Do I Need a Permit? pages as of this review; likely calculated per the general Building Permit Fee Schedule valuation tiers, but this is not stated explicitly for demolition scope | Checked the July 2026 Fee Schedule PDF and the Fees page directly — demolition is not broken out as its own line item the way it is in some peer Colorado jurisdictions (e.g. Golden's flat tiered demolition fees); genuinely unresolved, not assumed |
Fence / Retaining Wall Permit
VerifiedRequired prior to construction or substantial modification of any fence or wall in Durango, and for retaining walls over 30 inches in height. Fences themselves do not require a full building permit (a separate fence/wall permit applies), but engineering is mandatory for taller or right-of-way-adjacent retaining walls.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- A fence/wall permit must be obtained prior to construction or substantial modification of any fence/wall; fences do not require a building permit (they use this separate permit type)
- Retaining walls over 30 inches in height require a retaining wall permit from the Engineering Division
- All retaining walls located in or near public right-of-way, and all walls over 6 feet in height, must be designed by a structural engineer
- Retaining walls not over 30 inches in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) do NOT require a permit, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids
Required documents
- RequiredFence/Wall Permit Application (OpenGov portal)Submitted online via durangoco.portal.opengov.com
- OptionalStructural Engineer DesignRequired for retaining walls over 6 feet in height or located in/near public right-of-way
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence/Wall or Retaining Wall Permit Fee | Not published as a standalone flat fee on the Fees or Do I Need a Permit? pages as of this review | Checked the July 2026 Fee Schedule PDF and Fees page directly — this permit type is not broken out as its own line item; genuinely unresolved, not assumed |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-06.
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Durango building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.