Building Department

Frequently Asked Questions

Address Numbers

Section 501 of the International Building Code states that:

• Buildings shall have address numbers, building numbers, or approved building identification plainly legible and visible from the street
• Numbers shall contrast with background
• Numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabetical letters
• Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches high with minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch

Demolition Permits

• Prior to application for a City of Durango demo permit, you will need to apply for a State of Colorado Demolition Permit
• For a State of Colorado demolition permit application and more information on the Asbestos Compliance Assistance Group, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website
• Submit a complete City of Durango demolition permit application, along with the State of Colorado Asbestos Abatement Permit, and a simple site plan showing the structure(s) proposed for demolition
• Demolition Permit fees must be paid when the permit is issued
• $15 permit

Excavation Permits

• Excavation in the Right-of-Way (ROW) requires a permit from the Public Works Department
• Permits required for excavation of more than 10 cubic yards on private property
• Permits required for grading or excavation on slopes 20% or greater
• See Section 10-13 of the LUDC concerning Hillside Protection

Fence Permits

• Fences within Historic District, (E 3rd Avenue), require Historic Preservation Board review
• Fences in residential zones that meet all fence regulations do not require a permit
• Established Neighborhood (EN) zoning: See Section 4-3-4.5-(d)-(8) of LUDC for fence regulations
• All other residential and commercial zoning: See Section 10-1-5 of the LUDC for fence/wall regulations
• Variances from fence regulations require review by Planning Department
• All fences over 6' in height require $15 fence permit
• All exposed structural framework must face interior of property
• See Section10-1-7 of the LUDC regarding visibility

Fire Codes

• All structures erected or modified in the City of Durango must meet current International Fire Codes, administered by the Durango Fire & Rescue Authority (DFRA)
• See current codes
• To request a fire inspection, call 382-6000 or visit 104 Sheppard Drive

Frost Line

The minimum depth of footings below undisturbed ground surface shall be 32 inches

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Nailing Inspections

Nailing inspections are only required for engineered diaphragm roof designs and engineered shear wall designs

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Snow Load

• 40 lbs in most areas in the City limits
• 50 to 60 lbs in Rockridge subdivision
• 50 lbs in Skyridge subdivision

Tenant Finish/Tenant Improvement

• Submit a complete building permit application and 2 sets of floor plans
• Floor plans should show: structural changes, egress, and intended use
• Provide estimated total value of improvements, including labor
• Permit fees will be based on value of improvements
• Fees must be paid when the permit is issued
• Estimate permit fees

Wind Speed

• Exposure B or C
• 90 mph for 3-second gust wind speed
• Fastest mile wind speed 75 mph