Do I Need a Permit?

A building permit is required prior to the start of any construction or ground disturbance if a building permit is required.  Any construction and/or excavation that does not obtain proper permits will be charged triple the building permit fee.  Should the work not require a building permit, the Land Use and Development Code still applies. Please contact the Planning Division with questions regarding the Land Use and Development Code.  See the following table to determine if you need to apply for a permit:

PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR:
PERMIT OR PROJECT
  • ACCESSORY
    BUILDING
Any structure greater than 120 square feet in size that is not considered the "principal" structure.
  • COMMERCIAL REMODEL 
An addition or remodel of an existing commercial building.
  • DECK
Any covered deck or deck that is more than 30" above grade.
  • DEMOLITION

A State of Colorado Demolition Permit is required for any structural demolition.

Proof of an approved State of Colorado permit is required prior to the issuance of a building permit.  The City of Durango will issue a demolition permit, in addition to the state permit, when a full structure (garage, single family home, etc.) is being demolished.  If the structure is located on E 3rd Avenue or is a historically landmarked property, a review must be completed by the Historic Preservation Board.

  • ELECTRICAL
All electrical work as determined and permitted by the State of Colorado Electrical Board including by not limited to: temporary construction service, the wiring of a structure, fire alarm installation, photovoltaic installation, and water well installation.
  • FENCE
A fence/wall permit must be obtained prior to construction or substantial modification of any fence/wall.  Fences do not require a building permit.
  • GAS LINE 
New gas lines or the repair of gas lines require a gas line permit and an inspection completed by the Building Division verifying that the line holds pressure.  The applicant then provides the gas provider with proof of inspection.
  • MECHANICAL
The addition, replacement, or repair of mechanical systems requires a mechanical permit.
  • MOBILE HOME SETUP 
Set up of mobile homes requires a building permit. Please provide the trailer year, make, model, width, length, and VIN.
  • NEW COMMERCIAL 
Any new commercial building.
  • NEW MULTI-FAMILY 
All new residential developments with 3 or more unit.
  • NEW SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE OR DUPLEX 
New house, duplex, or townhouse.
  • ONSITE EXCAVATION 
The excavation of more than 10 cubic yards on private property requires an on-site excavation permit from the Engineering Division.  A building permit is not required.
  • PLUMBING
The addition, replacement, or repair of water or sewage systems, water service lines, drains, water mains, sewage disposal systems.
  • RESIDENTIAL REMODEL 
Any addition or remodel of residential buildings required by current adopted building code.  Including changing means of egress or structural work.  Excluding finish work and drywalling.
  • RETAINING WALLS 
Retaining walls over 30" 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' in height need to be designed by a structural engineer.
  • SOLAR
All solar panel installations require a solar permit. Please review the solar permit checklist before submitting an application.  May also be required to go through the Commercial Design Review process.
  • TENANT FINISH 
New tenant interior remodel.


PERMITS NOT REQUIRED FOR:

  • One-Story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses 120 square feet or less.
  • Lawn Sprinklers don't require permits, but do require review prior to installation for backflow assembly approval. For approval or information, contact Durango Certificates or (970)375-4882
  • Oil derricks
  • Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high.
  • Retaining walls which are not over 30" feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids
  • Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ration of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
  • Platforms and walks not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below.
  • Painting, papering, and similar finish. (Those located in the East Third Avenue Historic District or considered a historical landmark will need to apply for an Alterations Certificate. If changing the exterior of a commercial building, you will need to go through the Commercial Design Review process.)
  • Temporary motion pictures, television, and theater stage sets and scenery.
  • Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R, Division 3, and Group M Occupancies when projecting not more than 54 inches.
  • Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are entirely above ground.
  • Swings and other residential playground equipment.
  • Roof maintenance and reroofing using identical materials (those located within the East Third Avenue Historic District will need to apply for an Alterations Certificate.)