This is PermitBase’s published record for Durango as of 2026-08-20. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.
Durango building permits
VerifiedDurango, Colorado — as published 2026-08-20.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
2024 International Building Code (IBC) — City of Durango Building Codes page, effective for new projects not already in a planning process prior to 01/01/20262024 International Residential Code (IRC)2024 International Fire Code (IFC)2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC)2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC)2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)2023 National Electrical Code (NEC)Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code (CMERSRC) — state-mandated, per City of Durango Building Codes page and Submittal Requirements pageColorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (WRC) — state-mandated; City of Durango began enforcement April 1, 2026 per the Building Codes page and Do I Need a Permit? pageTransition provision: projects with full vertical construction drawings designed to the 2018 I-Codes and submitted to the Planning Division prior to January 1, 2026 may remain compliant with that older code cycle; all other new submittals must follow the 2024 I-Codes, 2023 NEC, CMERSRC, and Wildfire Resiliency CodeCode books available for review at Community Development and the City Clerk's Office; full municipal code at library.municode.com/co/durango
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; its contents are not summarized here — see the accompanying 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
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
- The State of Colorado's own Electrical Permit Fees schedule (mechanism fixed by C.R.S. § 12-23-117) carries no distinct EV-charger/EVSE fee line; 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. Show full citationHideState 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 the last verification; 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 the last verification | 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 |
Commercial Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Remodel)
VerifiedRequired for any new commercial building ('NEW COMMERCIAL — Any new commercial building') and for any addition or remodel of an existing commercial building ('COMMERCIAL REMODEL — An addition or remodel of an existing commercial building'), per the City's 'Do I Need a Permit?' table. Issued by the City of Durango Community Development Department, Building Division under the 2024 IBC as locally adopted. Commercial projects carry two mandatory parallel tracks beyond Building Division plan review: (1) a complete Fire Code Plan Review package submitted directly to Durango Fire Protection District (DFPD), whose receipt is a prerequisite for the City application, and (2) planning-side entitlement/design review — zoning compliance must be established before a building permit application, projects may require Site Plan Review or a use permit (TUP/SUP/LUP/CUP/PD), and projects may need Design Review Board (DRB) approval for site, landscape, and building design, with all commercial buildings required to meet the intent of either the Downtown Overlay Design Guidelines or the Commercial Use Design Guidelines. Electrical work is permitted separately by the State of Colorado Electrical Board, not the City.
Verified 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- Zoning standards for the property's zone district must be met (or variances obtained) BEFORE applying for a building permit, per the City's Commercial Property Services page; depending on the development, the project may be a Site Plan Review, Temporary Use Permit (TUP), Special Use Permit (SUP), Limited Use Permit (LUP), Conditional Use Permit (CUP), or Planned Development (PD) project
- Projects may need Design Review Board (DRB) approval for site, landscape, and building design; all commercial buildings shall meet the intent of either the Downtown Overlay Design Guidelines or, if located outside the Downtown Overlay District, the Commercial Use Design Guidelines
- HISTORIC INTERSECTION: if the building is on Main Avenue downtown and is a contributing structure, or is a historically landmarked commercial building, the Historic Preservation Board (HPB) shall make a recommendation to the DRB on ALL exterior renovations; minor exterior paint changes using the pre-approved historic paint color palette may be approved administratively by staff
- All multifamily and commercial projects must submit a complete Fire Code Plan Review package directly to DFPD (104 Sheppard Drive, 970-382-6000), which performs all Life Safety reviews; a DFPD receipt is a prerequisite for the City building-permit application
- New projects not already in a planning process prior to 01/01/2026 must be designed to the 2024 I-Codes and 2023 NEC, plus the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code and Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code (CMERSRC)
- Most commercial projects require an architect's stamp; engineered structural elements require a professional engineer's stamp; structural sheets must document IBC Chapters 16-19 compliance
- Life Safety Sheet required for all commercial projects per IBC Chapter 10 (Means of Egress); reviewed by the Fire Marshal
- MEP design sheets are required to start the initial review and may NOT be deferred; commercial MEP detail includes kitchen/hood design criteria, gas pipe sizing, equipment schedules (amps/BTUs/voltages), panel schedule and single-line diagram (for the state electrical scope), DWV plan/isometric, grease traps, and floor drains; only fire alarm systems, sprinkler design, truss design sheets, and fire protection engineering may be deferred
- Floor plans must show plumbing fixture counts per calculated occupancy and full ADA compliance; reflected ceiling plan must include lighting fixture schedules and emergency egress illumination
- Commercial development within the River Corridor Overlay Zone must meet LUDC Division 4-4-5; hillsides with slopes 20%+ trigger LUDC Division 4-4-3; floodplain properties require planning staff consultation
- Commercial property owners must use licensed plumbers and electricians (no owner-performed trade work, unlike residential); contractors must hold a City of Durango Business License
- All electrical work is separately permitted and inspected by the State of Colorado Electrical Board (DORA); plumbing and gas are City-permitted effective 07/01/2026
- Applications submitted through the City's OpenGov online portal (durangoco.portal.opengov.com); no fees due at submittal — all fees due when the permit is issued
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (OpenGov portal)Submitted online via durangoco.portal.opengov.com
- RequiredFull Construction Drawing Set (architect-stamped)Cover sheet, sheet index, scaled/dimensioned site plan, site vicinity map, foundation plan with soil bearing capacity, floor plans (existing/demo/proposed), elevations and sections, structural sheets (IBC Ch. 16-19), roof/ceiling design sheets, reflected ceiling plan with emergency egress illumination, and IECC energy compliance documentation
- RequiredLife Safety SheetRequired for all commercial projects per IBC Chapter 10 (Means of Egress); reviewed by the Fire Marshal
- RequiredMEP Design SheetsMechanical (kitchen/hood criteria, gas pipe sizing, equipment schedules), electrical (panel schedule, single-line diagram, bonding/grounding), and plumbing (DWV plan/isometric, grease traps, floor drains, fixture counts per occupancy) — required at initial submittal, cannot be deferred
- RequiredDFPD Fire Code Plan Review receiptProof of complete Fire Code Plan Review package submittal and payment to Durango Fire Protection District — a prerequisite for the City application on all commercial projects
- OptionalPlanning entitlement / Design Review Board approval documentationSite Plan Review or applicable use-permit approval, and DRB design approval where required; HPB recommendation documentation for Main Avenue contributing structures or landmarked buildings
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based tiers (same table as residential) | $24 minimum; $1,027 for the first $100,000 + $7/additional $1,000; $3,827 for the first $500,000 + $5/additional $1,000; $6,327 for the first $1,000,000 + $3/additional $1,000; $18,327 for the first $5,000,000 + $1/additional $1,000 (each rounded up to the next $1,000 interval) | Building Permit Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2026 (Resolution R-2017-42); Show full citationHideBuilding Permit Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2026 (Resolution R-2017-42); valuation per the 2025 August ICC Building Valuation Data table, or provided project valuation where BVD cannot be applied. No separate City plan-review fee line exists anywhere on the fee schedule — plan review is not billed as its own percentage in Durango. |
| Use Tax | 1.75% of total project valuation | Half of valuation is assumed to be labor; materials half taxed at the combined 3.5% rate |
| DFPD Impact Fee — commercial/non-residential | $2.32 per square foot of enclosed floor area | Ordinance No. O-2023-0010; calculated and collected directly by Durango Fire Protection District before permit issuance; Three Springs has its own separate fire-impact-fee agreement |
| DFPD Plan Review Fee | Set and collected by DFPD — contact DFPD (970-382-6000) | The July 2026 fee schedule states this fee is 'applicable to multi-family, commercial and tenant finish projects'; amount not published on the City schedule |
| Non-Residential Water Plant Investment Fee (PIF) | By meter size: up to 3/4-inch $5,320; 1-inch $8,880; 1.5-inch $17,180; 2-inch $28,300; 3-inch $53,200; larger than 3-inch negotiated with the City Manager or designee | Resolution R-2019-46; mixed-use buildings follow the schedule's own residential-vs-non-residential floor-area rules |
| Non-Residential Sewer Plant Investment Fee (PIF) | By meter size: up to 3/4-inch $2,500; 1-inch $4,125; 1.5-inch $7,825; 2-inch $11,925; 3-inch $20,325; larger than 3-inch negotiated | Resolution R-2019-47; projects south of Bodo Industrial Park (including Three Springs) are served by the separate South Durango Sanitation District |
| Major Street Impact Fee — commercial | Per 1,000 sq ft gross floor area by land-use category — e.g. Shopping Center/Retail $3,810, Restaurant $7,802, Office/Institutional $2,823 per the July 2026 fee schedule | Category-specific; confirm the applicable land-use category with the Planning Division |
| Parking In-Lieu Fee | $13,550 per space, if applicable | Per the July 2026 fee schedule |
| Reinspection Fee | $125.00 per failed inspection | Effective 07/01/2026, paid before the final inspection phase |
Commercial Tenant Improvement / Tenant Finish Permit
VerifiedDurango's 'Do I Need a Permit?' table lists TENANT FINISH — 'New tenant interior remodel' — as its own permit category, distinct from COMMERCIAL REMODEL (addition/remodel of an existing commercial building) and NEW COMMERCIAL, and the City's July 2026 fee schedule separately names 'tenant finish projects' as a category subject to the DFPD Plan Review Fee. Genuinely distinct in Durango, which fits the town's downtown Main Avenue retail/restaurant turnover: a tenant finish is the interior build-out/remodel when a new tenant takes a commercial space. Issued by the City Building Division under the 2024 IBC; a pure change of occupancy with NO construction is instead handled through a Planning Division Change of Use Application, and interior renovations with no structural changes do not require a building permit per the City's Commercial Property Services page (see the caveat in requirements — the two City pages frame the trigger differently).
Verified 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required per the Do I Need a Permit? table: 'TENANT FINISH — New tenant interior remodel'
- SCOPE-TRIGGER CAVEAT, both City statements quoted: the Do I Need a Permit? table lists tenant finish ('new tenant interior remodel') as a permit category without qualification, while the Commercial Property Services page states 'All structural interior remodels of existing commercial buildings will need a building permit. If no structural changes are being made, then you do not need a building permit.' The two pages frame the trigger differently for non-structural new-tenant build-outs; confirm your specific scope with the Building Division (970-375-5000 / Building@DurangoCo.Gov) rather than assuming either page alone governs
- CHANGE OF USE WITHOUT CONSTRUCTION: starting a business in an existing building with no additions or renovations but a changed use (e.g. office to restaurant) requires a Planning Division Change of Use Application — staff evaluates zoning, parking, and Major Street Impact Fee implications; same-use turnover (retail to retail, no work) needs only a business license
- DFPD Fire Code Plan Review: the fee schedule names tenant finish projects explicitly as subject to the DFPD Plan Review Fee, and all commercial projects must submit a Fire Code Plan Review package to DFPD (104 Sheppard Drive, 970-382-6000) with the receipt provided at City application
- Life Safety Sheet required for all commercial projects per IBC Chapter 10; occupancy-based plumbing fixture counts and full ADA compliance shown on floor plans; reflected ceiling plan with emergency egress illumination
- MEP design sheets required at initial submittal and may not be deferred (restaurant build-outs: kitchen/hood design criteria, gas pipe sizing, grease traps, equipment schedules); only fire alarm, sprinkler design, truss sheets, and fire protection engineering may be deferred
- Most commercial projects require an architect's stamp; site plan required for all submittals regardless of scope
- HISTORIC/DESIGN-REVIEW INTERSECTION: interior-only tenant finish work does not by itself trigger design review, but any EXTERIOR renovation on a downtown Main Avenue contributing structure or landmarked building requires a Historic Preservation Board recommendation to the Design Review Board; signs need their own sign permit under LUDC Article 3-6 plus the Downtown Overlay Design Guidelines in the Downtown Overlay District (Main Avenue, Camino del Rio, East Second Avenue)
- Commercial owners must use licensed plumbers and electricians; electrical permits go to the State of Colorado Electrical Board, plumbing/gas to the City (effective 07/01/2026)
- Applications via the OpenGov portal (durangoco.portal.opengov.com); no fees due at submittal
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (OpenGov portal)Submitted online via durangoco.portal.opengov.com
- RequiredConstruction Drawing SetSite plan (required for all submittals regardless of scope), floor plans showing existing/demo/proposed conditions, Life Safety Sheet per IBC Chapter 10, reflected ceiling plan, and ADA-compliant fixture counts per calculated occupancy; architect stamp required for most commercial projects
- RequiredMEP Design SheetsRequired at initial submittal, cannot be deferred; for restaurant/food-service finishes this includes kitchen and hood design criteria, gas pipe sizing, grease traps/separators, and equipment schedules
- RequiredDFPD Fire Code Plan Review receiptTenant finish projects are explicitly subject to the DFPD Plan Review Fee per the July 2026 fee schedule; receipt required with the City application
- OptionalChange of Use Application (Planning Division)Required instead of/alongside the building permit when the tenant's use differs from the prior use (e.g. office to restaurant); staff reviews zoning, parking, and Major Street Impact Fees
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based tiers (same table as all building permits) | $24 minimum; $69 for the first $2,000 + $11/additional $1,000; $487 for the first $40,000 + $9/additional $1,000; $1,027 for the first $100,000 + $7/additional $1,000 (each rounded up to the next interval) | Building Permit Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2026 (Resolution R-2017-42): tenant finish has no separate flat fee; it is billed on the same valuation-based table. No separate City plan-review fee exists. |
| Use Tax | 1.75% of total project valuation | Combined City sales/use tax is 3.5%; half of valuation is assumed to be labor |
| DFPD Plan Review Fee | Set and collected by DFPD — contact DFPD (970-382-6000) | The July 2026 fee schedule: 'Durango Fire Protection District (DFPD) Plan Review Fee - Applicable to multi-family, commercial and tenant finish projects (Contact DFPD)' — tenant finish is named explicitly; amount not published on the City schedule |
| Major Street Impact Fee — differential on change of use | Assessed via the Change of Use Application where the new use carries a higher per-1,000-sq-ft rate (e.g. Restaurant $7,802 vs Office/Institutional $2,823 per 1,000 sq ft gross floor area) | Planning staff evaluate Major Street Impact Fees as part of the Change of Use review per the Commercial Property Services page; the fee schedule publishes the per-category rates but not the change-of-use crediting method — confirm the net assessment with the Planning Division |
| Reinspection Fee | $125.00 per failed inspection | Effective 07/01/2026, paid before the final inspection phase |
Sign Permit
VerifiedRequired to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, or change most signs within Durango city limits and the Joint Planning Area, per Land Use and Development Code (LUDC) Article 3-6, Sec. 3-6-1-4 (Enforcement). Administered by the Planning Division within Community Development — a distinct review track from the Building Division, though both now run through the same OpenGov portal system adopted 07/08/2024. Dimensional standards (area, height, illumination, number of signs) vary substantially by zoning district under LUDC Division 3-6-5, and signs in the Downtown Overlay District (Main Avenue, Camino del Rio, East Second Avenue) carry additional Downtown Overlay Design Guidelines requirements. Fee is a flat $50, not the valuation-based Building Permit Fee schedule used for other permit types in this file.
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- Unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, or change any sign without first obtaining a sign permit or applicable exemption, per LUDC Sec. 3-6-1-4
- Signs requiring a permit (LUDC Sec. 3-6-4-1, Permanent Signs): Awning, Canopy, Marquee, Monument, Projecting, and Wall signs
- Signs allowed WITHOUT a permit (LUDC Sec. 3-6-4-2, Temporary Signs): Site Signs and Yard Signs on private property (dimension caps by zone, see fees/notes); Banners require registration only (not a permit) — one per business, max 3 times per calendar year, max 28 consecutive days per display, prohibited from attachment to vegetation or the public right-of-way
- Small Portable Signs (max 12 sq ft, 6 sq ft/side if double-sided, 4 ft height) are allowed without a permit on private property in non-residential zones, but require a permit if placed in the public right-of-way
- Dimensional standards vary sharply by zoning district (LUDC Division 3-6-5, Place-Based Sign Standards): Residential/Agricultural/Open Space/Public zones cap a permitted Monument Sign at 24 sq ft/5 ft height and a Wall Sign at 24 sq ft, indirect illumination only; Central Business (CB)/Mixed Use-Neighborhood (MU-N) zones allow 100 sq ft aggregate sign area per parcel (4 signs max) with external illumination only; Mixed Use-Arterial (MU-A) also caps aggregate area at 100 sq ft but allows internal (opaque-background) illumination; Commercial General (CG)/Commercial Regional (CR) and Business Park (BP)/Light Industrial (LI) zones allow 200 sq ft aggregate area with Monument Signs up to 100 sq ft and 12-20 ft height depending on zone
- No more than four (4) signs requiring a permit are allowed per parcel unless approved under an adopted Master Sign Program ($250 fee)
- Illumination rules (LUDC Sec. 3-6-3-3): external light fixtures must be downcast and shielded; sign design must comply with Dark Sky Friendly principles; internal illumination is prohibited in the Central Business Zone, Mixed Use-Neighborhood Zone, and residential zones (including residential portions of PD zones); within the Main Avenue Historic District, neon is capped at 50% of allowable aggregate sign area (max 40 sq ft per parcel, max 15 sq ft per single sign) and requires Community Development Commission review/approval
- Signs in the Downtown Overlay District (Main Avenue, Camino del Rio, East Second Avenue) must additionally comply with the Downtown Overlay Design Guidelines (Chapter 9, Signs); signs elsewhere in the city must comply with the Commercial Use Design Guidelines (Chapter 6, Sign Design Guidelines)
- Political/electioneering signs: up to 12 sq ft aggregate area allowed without a permit indefinitely in residential zones; up to 48 sq ft allowed during the 30 days preceding an election; may not be located within 200 feet of any polling place; must be removed within 3 days after election day, with the candidate/placer responsible for removal
- Nonconforming signs must be brought into compliance with LUDC Article 3-6 when altered in a way requiring a permit, when no message is displayed for 60+ consecutive days, when damaged/destroyed beyond two-thirds of replacement value, or when the property is vacant 60+ days (LUDC Sec. 3-6-1-3)
- Signs meeting all applicable requirements can be approved administratively by the Planning Division, per the City's Applications/Permits page — no public hearing required for a standard compliant sign permit
- Projecting signs, awnings, and other sign elements located within the public right-of-way additionally require a Revocable Encroachment Permit (minor, $50), a distinct permit from the base sign permit, per the Community Development Department Planning Fees schedule
- Applications submitted via the City's OpenGov portal (durangoco.portal.opengov.com); a Pre-Application Meeting request often precedes formal submittal for planning-track applications generally
Required documents
- RequiredSign Permit Application (OpenGov portal)Submitted online via durangoco.portal.opengov.com, the unified portal Community Development/Planning applications and Building Division applications have both used since 07/08/2024
- OptionalSign Design / Elevation DrawingMust demonstrate compliance with the zone-specific dimensional standards (area, height, illumination type, number of signs) in LUDC Division 3-6-5; the exact document checklist fields on Durango's own Sign Permit Application form are not reproduced here — confirm current checklist requirements directly with the Planning Division (970-375-4850)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Permit | $50.00 | City of Durango Community Development Department, Amount of Fees Charged Under the New Land Use and Development Code (Planning Fees schedule, revised October 1, 2024) — a flat fee, not the… Show full citationHideCity of Durango Community Development Department, Amount of Fees Charged Under the New Land Use and Development Code (Planning Fees schedule, revised October 1, 2024) — a flat fee, not the valuation-based Building Permit Fee schedule used for building/mechanical/plumbing permits in this file |
| Sign Variance | $250.00 | Same Planning Fees schedule; required if a proposed sign cannot meet the standard LUDC Division 3-6-5 dimensional/zoning standards |
| Master Sign Program | $250.00 | Same Planning Fees schedule; required to exceed the standard 4-signs-per-parcel cap under LUDC Sec. 3-6-3-4 |
| Revocable Encroachment Permit, minor (projecting signs, awnings, etc. in the public right-of-way) | $50.00 | Same Planning Fees schedule; a distinct permit from the base Sign Permit, required only for sign elements located within the public right-of-way |
Fire Sprinkler / Fire Alarm System Permit (Durango Fire Protection District)
VerifiedUnlike the City-issued permits documented elsewhere in this file, fire sprinkler and fire alarm system plan review, permitting, and inspection for work in Durango are handled directly by the independent Durango Fire Protection District (DFPD) Fire Marshal Division — NOT the City of Durango Building Division. This mirrors the pattern already documented in this file's localAmendments and commercial-building-permit entry, where DFPD performs all Life Safety review for multifamily/commercial projects. DFPD maintains its own dedicated OpenGov portal (durangofireco.portal.opengov.com), separate from the City's own building/planning OpenGov instance, and its own detailed NFPA-based fee schedule (Resolution 2024-15, effective January 1, 2025) that is entirely separate from the City's valuation-based Building Permit Fee Schedule.
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- Fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, commercial kitchen suppression systems, water suppression tanks, standpipes, underground fire service mains, and dedicated detection/releasing function systems are all permitted, plan-reviewed, and inspected by DFPD's own Fire Marshal Division, per DFPD's Fire Protection System Permit Applications page
- Applications are submitted through DFPD's own dedicated OpenGov portal (durangofireco.portal.opengov.com) — a SEPARATE OpenGov instance from the City of Durango's own building/planning portal (durangoco.portal.opengov.com)
- A complete submittal requires scaled plan sets (PDF), specifications (PDF), supporting documentation, a scope-of-work description, and applicable fees; the portal accepts files up to 16 MB, with shared-link options for larger uploads
- New Fire Code Plan Review fee (new construction, remodels, additions) is calculated as: Gross Area x Square Foot Construction Cost (from DFPD's own IBC-occupancy-group table) x 0.00263 permit fee multiplier — a different formula from, but functionally cross-referenced by, the City's own Building Permit Fee Schedule, which separately lists a 'DFPD Plan Review Fee — Applicable to multi-family, commercial and tenant finish projects (Contact DFPD)' line with no dollar amount published on the City's own schedule
- Two sources give different IFC editions and neither has been reconciled by the agencies themselves: DFPD's Resolution 2024-15 (adopted December 2024) recites that the City of Durango adopted the 2018 IFC by Ordinance No. O-2022-3 effective January 1, 2022, and that La Plata County adopted the 2015 IFC by Ordinance No. O-2023-01 effective August 1, 2023 for DFPD's broader unincorporated service territory; the codesAdopted list documents the City's currently-adopted 2024 IFC, effective for new submittals not already in process before 01/01/2026. The DFPD resolution's recitals predate that City code-cycle update and have not been reissued with a newer citation. Confirm the currently-enforced IFC edition directly with DFPD (970-382-6001) for a specific project
- Only fire sprinkler design, truss design sheets, and fire protection engineering may be deferred submittals within the City Building Division's initial MEP review (already documented elsewhere in this file); the DFPD Fire Code Plan Review package itself must still be submitted directly to DFPD, and DFPD's receipt is a prerequisite for the City building-permit application on all multifamily/commercial projects
- Fire Alarm Control Panel replacement with a NOT like-for-like panel is treated as a new installation (full new-system fee); replacement with the same panel model still requires a permit and inspection but is not treated as a new system
- Small modification/addition fee tiers apply below certain thresholds: NFPA 13/13R/13D/Combination sprinkler systems — 6 or fewer heads relocated/deleted/added = $150 flat; 7-20 heads = $250 plus $3.00/head; NFPA 72 fire alarm systems — 5 or fewer devices modified = $150 flat (Small Fire Alarm Project)
- Water tanks/cisterns required to hold water supply storage for fire suppression systems need their own DFPD plan-review/acceptance-test permit ($650), EXCEPT water supply tanks for single-family residential suppression systems, which are exempt from this fee
- Underground fire service mains (installing, extending, or altering) are permitted separately from the sprinkler system itself under 'Fire Protection Underground' ($400-$800 depending on how many inspection rounds the project requires)
- NFPA 14 standpipes and NFPA 20 fire pumps are each reviewed and permitted separately from the base automatic fire sprinkler system ($400 per standpipe riser; $550 for fire pumps, single-family residences excluded)
- Performing work requiring DFPD permit/approval without first obtaining it doubles the applicable plan review fee ('Work without approval or permit')
- An Expeditious Fee option exists at the Fire Marshal's discretion for projects on a more stringent timeline: review completed within 7 days for an additional 50% of the plan review fee cost
- THE ELECTRICAL WIRING PORTION of a fire alarm installation is separately permitted through the State of Colorado Electrical Board (DORA), per the City's own Do I Need a Permit? page, which explicitly lists 'fire alarm installation' among the electrical scopes handled by the State, not the City — mirroring the electrical/solar authority split already documented elsewhere in this file. DFPD's NFPA 72 permit governs the fire-alarm SYSTEM's life-safety design, plan review, and inspection; it does not substitute for the separate State electrical wiring permit.
Required documents
- RequiredFire Protection System Permit Application (DFPD OpenGov portal)Submitted online via durangofireco.portal.opengov.com — a separate portal instance from the City of Durango's own building/planning OpenGov system
- RequiredScaled Plan Set and Specifications (PDF)Complete plan sets and specifications in PDF format, per DFPD's own submittal requirements; files over 16 MB require a shared-link submission
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Code Plan Review — New Construction, Remodels, and Additions | Gross Area (sq ft) x Square Foot Construction Cost (by IBC occupancy group/construction type) x 0.00263 permit fee multiplier | DFPD 2025 Fee Schedule (Resolution 2024-15, Exhibit A); example given: a 16,000 sq ft R-2 Type IVB structure at $149.80/sq ft yields $6,303.58. Plan review includes the initial review plus one follow-up review; additional review beyond that is 50% of the original fee. |
| Water Tanks for Fire Suppression Systems (plan review + acceptance test) | $650.00 | Water supply tanks for single-family residential suppression systems are exempt from this fee |
| NFPA 13D/Combination New System or Major Remodel — under 3,600 sq ft | $250.00 | — |
| NFPA 13D/Combination New System or Major Remodel — 3,601-6,000 sq ft | $400.00 plus $3.00 per head added, deleted, or relocated | — |
| NFPA 13D/Combination New System or Major Remodel — 6,001+ sq ft | $650.00 plus $3.00 per head added, deleted, or relocated | — |
| NFPA 13/13R Base Fee (New System or Major Remodel) | $650.00 plus $3.00 per head added, deleted, or relocated | — |
| Small Project Modification — NFPA 13/13R/13D/Combination, Level I (6 or fewer heads) | $150.00 | — |
| Small Project Modification — NFPA 13/13R/13D/Combination, Level II (7-20 heads) | $250.00 plus $3.00 per sprinkler head | — |
| Fire Protection Underground (installing/extending/altering underground fire service mains) | $400.00 (single inspection round) / $600.00 (2 sections) / $800.00 (3 sections) | — |
| NFPA 14 Standpipe Review, Permit, and Inspection | $400.00 per standpipe riser | — |
| NFPA 20 Fire Pumps for NFPA 13/13R System | $550.00 | Single-family residences excluded |
| Commercial Cooking Fire Suppression System Review, Permit, and Inspection | $400.00 per system | — |
| Other Fire Suppression Systems (e.g. Clean Agent) | $400.00 per system | — |
| NFPA 72 New Fire Alarm System or Major Remodel | $500.00 per system plus $3.00 per device | — |
| Small Fire Alarm Project (5 or fewer devices modified) | $150.00 | — |
| Dedicated/Releasing Function Fire Alarm System | $150.00 | — |
| Phased Project — Each Additional Inspection | $150.00 | — |
| Work Without Approval or Permit | Double Fee (plan review fee x 2) | — |
| Expeditious Fee (optional 7-day review) | Additional 50% of the plan review fee | At the discretion of the Fire Marshal |
Change of Use Application
VerifiedRequired when a property owner changes the use of an existing commercial building (e.g. office to restaurant) with NO accompanying additions or structural renovations, per the City's Commercial Property Services page. Reviewed by both the Planning Division and Engineering Division for zoning compliance, parking, and Major Street Impact Fee implications of the new use category. Distinct from a building permit (which covers construction scope) and from a same-use tenant turnover (retail to retail, no work), which needs only a business license. Filed via the City's OpenGov portal; a flat $50 fee applies per the Community Development Department's Planning Fees schedule.
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- Required only when the TYPE OF USE is changing (e.g. office to restaurant) with no additions or structural renovations proposed, per the City's Commercial Property Services page
- If the use is NOT changing (e.g. retail to retail turnover with no construction), no Change of Use Application is required — only a City of Durango business license
- If construction or renovation accompanies the use change, the project instead goes through this file's commercial-tenant-improvement-permit (TENANT FINISH) or commercial-building-permit track, which separately references a Planning Division Change of Use Application as a related but distinct step when the use is also changing
- Staff reviews zoning compliance, parking, and Major Street Impact Fee implications of the new use category; the July 2026 Building Permit Fee Schedule's Major Street Impact Fee table shows this can vary sharply by land-use category — e.g. Restaurant $7,802 per 1,000 sq ft gross floor area versus Office/Institutional $2,823 per 1,000 sq ft
- If the new use is not permitted-by-right in the applicable zoning district, a separate use-permit process applies depending on scope: Special Use Permit ($250), Conditional Use Permit ($750), or Temporary Use Permit Class A ($250) / Class B & C ($50), per the Community Development Department Planning Fees schedule
- Filed via the City's OpenGov portal (durangoco.portal.opengov.com), the same unified portal Community Development/Planning and Building Division applications have both used since 07/08/2024; per the City's Applications/Permits page, planning-track applications generally begin with a Pre-Application Meeting request
- Applicant should confirm parking-count sufficiency for the new use, since a use category with a higher parking-ratio requirement than the prior use may surface a deficiency that was not present under the prior use
Required documents
- RequiredChange of Use Application (OpenGov portal)Submitted online via durangoco.portal.opengov.com; reviewed by both the Planning Division and Engineering Division
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Change of Use Permit | $50.00 | City of Durango Community Development Department, Amount of Fees Charged Under the New Land Use and Development Code (Planning Fees schedule, revised October 1, 2024) — a flat fee regardless of building size or valuation |
| Major Street Impact Fee (differential) | Varies by land-use category; assessed only if the new use carries a higher per-1,000-sq-ft rate than the prior use | Per the July 2026 Building Permit Fee Schedule's Major Street Impact Fee table (already documented in this file's residential-building-permit and commercial-building-permit entries); Show full citationHidePer the July 2026 Building Permit Fee Schedule's Major Street Impact Fee table (already documented in this file's residential-building-permit and commercial-building-permit entries); the fee schedule publishes per-category rates but not the specific change-of-use crediting/differential methodology — confirm the net assessment with the Planning Division |
| Conditional/Special/Temporary Use Permit (if the new use is not permitted-by-right) | Conditional Use Permit $750; Special Use Permit $250; Temporary Use Permit Class A $250, Class B & C $50 | Community Development Department Planning Fees schedule, revised October 1, 2024 |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-06.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Department & other records
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.