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Residential Property Services
Residential Property Projects
The City of Durango requires that all new development and alterations of structures / uses on residential property meet the requirements of the Land Use and Development Code (LUDC). Some alterations require certain reviews and permits. Refer to the information below to determine what review and/or permit your project requires. Select from the list below to see specific information.
- Abandoning Rights-of-Way / Easements
- Building a Deck
- Building a Fence
- Building an Addition to or Renovating an Existing Building on East Third Avenue
- Building an Addition to or Renovating a Historically Landmarked Property
- Building a New Home on a Residential Property, an Addition to an Existing Residence, or an Accessory Structure Behind an Existing Residential Structure
- Building a Second Unit on an Existing Residential Property
- Building in a Floodplain
- Building on a Property with a Steep Hillside
- Demolishing an Existing Residential Building
- Designating a Residential Property as a Historic Landmark
- Grading and Excavation of Residential Property
- Requesting Tax Credits for a Historic Residential Property
- Rezoning a Residential Property
- Starting a Home-based Business
- Starting a Vacation Rental on a Residential Property
- Subdividing or Changing the Boundary of a Residential Property
Abandoning Rights-of-Way / Easements
If you are proposing to abandon a right of way or easement that is no longer needed, then you will need to refer to the LUDC Division 4-4-3 to determine the appropriate standards and process for the abandonment.
Building a Deck
You must make sure you meet the required zoning standards (i.e. setbacks, lot coverage, floor area ratio, etc.) for your particular zone district, or seek variances.
If you are located in one of the Established Neighborhoods (EN-1 thru EN-6), then you need to meet the standards in the EN section of the LUDC or seek EN Alternative Compliance (ENAC) review for any variances.
If you are located in a Planned Development (PD), then you will need to contact planning staff to determine the appropriate standards for your particular PD.
If you are in any other residential zone district, then you need to meet the standards for your particular zone district or seek variances.
Covered decks and all decks more than 30 inches above grade need a building permit.
Building a Fence
You must make sure you meet the required zoning standards (i.e. setbacks, type of fence allowed in front yard versus rear yard, etc.) for your particular zone district, or seek variances. A handout on the fence permitting standards and procedures is available by clicking here or at the Community Development Department office.
Building an Addition to or Renovating an Existing Building on East Third Avenue
(including landscaping and painting) East Third Avenue is located in the EN-1 zone district, therefore, you need to meet the standards in the EN Section of the LUDC or seek EN Alternative Compliance (ENAC) review for any variances.
Alterations Certificates are required for all properties within the East Third Avenue Historic District or historically landmarked buildings requesting to make any exterior changes. The Historic Preservation Board (HPB) review's all exterior projects on East Third Avenue to determine if they meet the intent of the Design Guidelines for the East Third Avenue Historic District. If it is just minor changes to the landscaping or color changes that meet the pre-approved historic paint color palette then staff may be able to approve the project administratively. This information is available at River City Hall.
Building an Addition to or Renovating a Historically Landmarked Property
(including landscaping and painting) You must make sure you meet the required zoning standards for your particular zone district, or seek variances, before you can apply for a building permit.
If you are located in one of the Established Neighborhoods (EN-1 thru EN-6), then you need to meet the standards in the EN Section of the LUDC or seek EN Alternative Compliance (ENAC) review for any variances.
If you are located in a Planned Development (PD), then you will need to contact Planning staff to determine the appropriate standards for your particular PD.
If you are in any other residential zone district, then you need to meet the standards for your particular zone district or seek variances.
The Historic Preservation Board (HPB) reviews all exterior projects on landmarked properties. If it is just minor changes to the landscaping or color changes that meet the Pre-Approved Historic Paint Color Palette (available at River City Hall, 1235 Camino del Rio), then staff may be able to approve the project administratively.
Building a New Home on a Residential Property, an Addition to an Existing Residence, or a Detached Accessory Structure (garage/shed, etc.) Behind an Existing Residential Structure
You must make sure you meet the required zoning standards for your particular zone district, or seek variances, before you can apply for a building permit.
If you are located in one of the Established Neighborhoods (EN-1 thru EN-6), then you need to meet the standards in the EN section of the LUDC or seek EN Alternative Compliance (ENAC) review for any variances.
If you are located in a Planned Development (PD), then you will need to contact planning staff to determine the appropriate standards for your particular PD.
If you are in any other residential zone district, then you need to meet the standards for your particular zone district or seek variances.
Building a Second Unit on an Existing Residential Property (Attached or Detached)
Many second units require a Special Use Permit (SUP). All second units shall meet the required zoning standards for your particular zone district, or seek variances, before you can apply for a building permit.
If you are located in one of the Established Neighborhoods (EN-1 thru EN-6), then you need to meet the standards in the EN section of the LUDC or seek EN Alternative Compliance (ENAC) review for any variances.
If you are located in a Planned Development (PD), then you will need to contact planning staff to determine the appropriate standards for your particular PD.
If you are in any other residential zone district, then you need to meet the standards for your particular zone district or seek variances.
Building in a Floodplain
If your property is located within a floodplain area, then you will need to contact planning staff to determine the appropriate standards for your particular project type. This may require a Floodplain Development Application.
Building on a Property with a Steep Hillside
If your property is located on a hillside with slopes that are 20% or greater, then you will need to refer to the LUDC Division 4-4-3 to determine the appropriate standards and process for your particular project type.
Demolishing an Existing Residential Building
The demolition of any structure requires a demo permit. A permit must be obtained through the State of Colorado prior to the city issuing a permit.
If the property is located on East Third Avenue or is a historically landmarked property, it must be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Board (HPB) per the demo criteria in the LUDC Section 3-3-3-5.
Designating a Resident Property as a Historic Landmark
Residential properties are only eligible to become locally historically landmarked if they are 50-years old and a historically significant structure architecturally, socially or geographically/environmentally, as per the LUDC criteria in Division 3-3-2.
The Historic Preservation Board (HPB) will do a review of the project and make a recommendation to the City Council for final approval.
Grading and Excavation of Residential Property
If you are grading or excavating more than 10 cubic yards on a property, then you need to apply for an excavation permit.
Requesting Tax Credits for a Historic Residential Property
Residential properties are only eligible for tax credits if they are over 50 years old and a contributing structure on East Third Avenue or if they are historically landmarked.
The Historic Preservation Board (HPB) will do an initial review of the project, prior to the start of construction, to determine what is eligible for tax credits. The HPB will then have to review the completed project to give their final approval of the tax credits.
Rezoning a Residential Property
If you are proposing to rezone your property, then you will need to refer to the LUDC Section 2-1-2-6 to determine the appropriate standards and process for your rezone.
Starting a Home-based Business (Home Office)
If you are proposing to use your home as an office for your business or start a home-based business, then you will need to apply for a Home Occupation Special Use Permit (SUP) prior to applying for your City of Durango Business License.
Starting a Vacation Rental on a Residential Property
If you are proposing to use your property as a vacation rental (tenants renting for 30 days or less each), then you will need to apply for a Vacation Rental Permit. The permit will either be a Limited Use Permit or a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), depending on where the property is located.
Subdividing or Changing the Boundary of a Residential Property
If you are proposing to subdivide or change the boundary line of your property, then you will need to refer to the LUDC Division 6-3-6 to determine the appropriate standards and process for your particular subdivision type.