Permits and Fees
The inspections program provides enforcement of fire and life safety codes and regulations. Code enforcement helps prevent and reduce injury or the loss of life due to fire in commercial structures. The Durham Fire Department inspects properties for fire code violations and works to regulate the design and implementation of building features and fire protection systems.Billing for Inspections and Permits
- Invoices and receipts will be emailed from Fire Recovery USA.
- For invoicing and online payment inquiries, please contact Fire Recovery USA (FRUSA) at 888-640-7222, Extension 2 or via email.
- Business owners without email addresses will receive bills through traditional mail.
INSPECTION AND PERMIT FEES
All owners or tenants of buildings in the City of Durham requiring inspection by the Durham City Fire Marshal are subject to the Inspection and Permit fees in the tables below.
Inspection Fee Schedule
| Type of Inspections |
Fee |
|---|---|
| Inspection Tier 1: 0 - 999 square feet | $50 |
| Inspection Tier 2: 1,000 - 2,499 square feet | $70 |
| Inspection Tier 3: 2,500 - 9,999 square feet | $110 |
| Inspection Tier 4: 10,000 - 49,999 square feet | $190 |
| Inspection Tier 5: 50,000 - greater (99,999) square feet | $325 |
| Inspection Tier 6: 100,000 - 249,999 square feet | $450 |
| Inspection Tier 7: 250,000 - 499,999 square feet | $600 |
| Inspection Tier 8: 500,000 - above - square feet | $750 |
| Complaint Investigation, Life Safety (w/violation) | |
| First Offense (Per Calendar Year) | $500 |
| Second Offense (Per Calendar Year) | $750 |
| Third Offense/& subsequent offenses (Per Calendar year) | $1000 |
| Complaint Investigation, All Others (w/violation) | $100 |
| Commercial Cooking Hood Inspection | $75 per hood |
| Commercial Cooking Hood Inspection Follow-ups | $75 per hood |
| Follow-up Inspection Per Visit (Routines Only) | |
| 1st Re-inspection | $50 |
| 2nd Re-inspection | $100 |
| 3rd Re-inspection | $200 |
| Follow-up Inspections for Construction | Per Square Footage Tiers |
| Working Without a Permit | |
| First Offense (Per Calendar Year) | $500 |
| Second Offense (Per Calendar Year) | $750 |
| Third Offense/& subsequent offenses (Per Calendar year) | $1000 |
Permit Fee Schedule
| Types of Permits |
Fee |
|---|---|
| Aerosol Products (105.6.1) | $75 |
| Amusement Buildings (105.6.2) | $75 |
| Aviation Facilities (105.6.3) | $75 |
| Blasting (Explosives) - 60-day Permit (105.6.15) | $300 |
| Bonfire (1-day; 105.6.32) | $150 |
| Carbon Dioxide Systems >100 lbs. (105.6.4) | $75 |
| Carnivals and Fairs (105.6.5) | $150 |
| Cellulose Nitrate Plastic (105.6.6) | $150 |
| Combustible Fibers/Dust (105.6.7 or 105.6.8) | $75 |
| Compressed Gases (105.6.9) | $75 |
| Construction Burning (30 days; 105.6.32) | $300 |
| Covered Mall Buildings (105.6.10) | $150 |
| Cryogenic Fluids (105.6.11) | $75 |
| Discharge of Fireworks/Pyrotechnics (1-day) (105.6.38) | $175 |
| Dry Cleaning Plants (105.6.13) | $150 |
| Exhibits and Trade Shows (105.6.14) | $150 |
| Flammable/Combustible Liquids (105.6.17) | $150 |
| Fumigation & Thermal Insecticide Fogging | $150 |
| Hazardous Materials (Up to 500 gals/lbs.) (Table 105.6.21) | $150 |
| Hazardous Materials (> 500 gals/lbs.) (Table 105.6.21) | $350 |
| High-Piled Combustible Stock >500 sq. ft. | $75 |
| Installation or Removal of (per site) and AGST or UGST Tank |
$300 |
| Liquid/Gas Fueled Vehicles/Equip. in Assembly (105.6.27) | $150 |
| Lumber Yards (105.6.26 >100K Board Ft.) | $150 |
| Magnesium >10 lbs. (105.6.28) | $150 |
| Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities (105.6.31) | $150 |
| Industrial Ovens (105.6.25) | $150 |
| Places of Assembly (105.6.36) | $75 |
| Repair Garage (105.6.41) | $150 |
| Tent (30 days; 105.6.45 >800 sq. ft. closed >1800 sq. ft. open) | $150 per tent |
| Tire Rebuilding Plant (105.6.46) | $150 |
| Welding and Cutting (365 days; 105.6.12) | $75 |
| Junk Yards/Waste Handling/Scrap Yards (105.6.47) | $150 |
Service request:
Click or call 919-560-1200