Permits and Fees

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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

A partnership between the Durham Fire Department and California-based Fire Recovery USA (FRUSA) allows Fire Inspectors to utilize an automated inspection program. Inspectors use iPads to send billing and inspection reports immediately by email.

  • 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

List of the types of inspections with associated costs.
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

List of permits and associated costs.
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