Effective immediately, all building permit submittals made to the city of Durango will need to show proof that the fire-impact fee for the Three Springs and Twin Buttes developments – for all new square footage constructed – has been paid to Durango Fire Protection District, the city announced in a news release.

Residents in those subdivisions also must show proof of the submittal of building permit plans to DFPD for all commercial and multi-family permits, the city said.

Prior to this new procedural change, the city accepted applications without any form of payment or proof of a fire review, said Crystal Twedt, with the city’s building department.

Now, city officials are unable to accept applications until the fire impact fee has been paid and building plans have been reviewed by DFPD, she said.

Karola Hanks, fire marshal with the Durango Fire Protection District, said the fee is dependant upon the subdivision and square-footage of the construction.

The two subdivisions that require an impact fee are Three Springs and Twin Buttes, she said.

Those permits include: new structures, additions to an existing structure, remodels involving a change of occupancy type and/or increase in occupant load as determined by the adopted code, remodels involving a change in the “Means of Egress,” and/or a change in fire department access.

Durango building permit applications will not be accepted without proof of payment of the impact fee and/or without proof of the submittal of the building permit plans to DFPD.

Submittals to DFPD can be made at 104 Sheppard Drive on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between the hours of noon and 4:30 p.m. or by appointment.

For more information contact the city of Durango Community Development Department at 375-4850.

vguthrie@durangoherald.com