Impact Fees
Purpose of a Fire Impact Fee:
The fire impact fee is designed to ensure that adequate fire protection facilities, personnel, and equipment are available to accommodate new growth and development within the fire district. The fee ensures that the cost of expanding fire services is not borne solely by existing residents and businesses, but rather proportionally shared by new developments that generate the additional demand. This mechanism promotes fairness and sustainability in funding critical public safety infrastructure.
Impact fees FAQ’s
In May 2024, SB 24-194 was signed by the Governor allowing Fire Districts in Colorado to implement impact fees for new residential and nonresidential construction. On March 12, 2025, the Cortez Fire Protection District’s Board of Directors passed Resolution No. 2, Series 2025, “A Resolution Approving the Cortez Fire Protection District’s Impact Fee Study and Authorizing Implementation of Impact Fees for the District” allowing the collection of fees.
The Fire and Emergency Services Impact Fee is designed to assist with capital facility improvement projects related to the impact new development has on the Cortez Fire Protection District. The fee will be used to help pay for items such as, but not limited to, future apparatus, fire stations and training facilities. The fee cannot be used for personnel related cost such as salaries or benefits.
When must the fire impact fee be paid?
Fees are to be collected from properties within the Cortez Fire Protection District (CFPD) at final plat or when applying for a building permit.
How much is the impact fee for a new residence?
The fee is calculated at $847 for each new dwelling.
A “residential dwelling” is defined as any building or portion thereof that is used as the private residence or sleeping place for one or more human beings.
How much is the impact fee for non-residential property?
Non-residential property is calculated by multiplying the total square footage by $0.718.
“Non-residential property” is defined as any building other than a residential dwelling (i.e. commercial space, storage facility, shop or barn).
How much is the impact fee for a commercial development?
The fee for commercial development is the same as non-residential space and is calculated by multiplying the total square footage by $0.718.
“Commercial” is defined as any building or portion thereof used to conduct commerce, trade or business.
Do I have to pay an impact fee for an addition to my residence?
For residential units, the collection of the impact fee shall be limited to newly constructed, complete single and multi-family residential units. No impact fee shall be collected for remodel or additions to any existing single-family unit.
Commercial properties undergoing complete renovation or reconstruction which requires an additional level of service (such as the complete reconstruction of a vacant structure, or a significant change in use requiring rezoning of the subject property) shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, using the above criteria, to determine whether the impact fee shall be applied to the commercial renovation or reconstruction.
What is an accessory building?
An “accessory building” is defined as a detached subordinate, non-residential structure on the same residential property that houses a use incidental to the principle use (i.e. storage shed, garage) and is less than 1,000 square feet. An accessory building is exempt from impact fees.
Do I have to pay an impact fee for a building that is replacing another building?
If the new building is the same square footage and usage you do not have to pay any additional impact fees. If the usage of the building is changed (replacing a residence with a commercial space) then you will have to pay an impact fee.
Are there other exemptions from impact fees?
A written request for a waiver of the impact fee must be submitted to the Cortez Fire Protection District Board of Directors. Waivers are issued on a case-by-case basis.
Does the Fire District need to review my building plans?
Yes, if there is a question on whether the construction qualifies for an impact fee. For further information, you can either call the CFPD Administration Office at (970) 565-3157 to make an appointment with our Fire Chief, or you can email the questions (here).
Where is the fee paid?
Before paying your invoice, please check if your property is located within or outside of the Cortez Fire Protection District. (view map here)
If you are building INSIDE the limits of the City of Cortez, payment can be made by check, cash or credit card at:
In person: 31 N. Washington Street, Cortez, Colorado 81321
On-line: “impact fee payment” or by clicking on the button below and type “Cortez Fire Protection District”. (credit card & service fees apply)
If you are building OUTSIDE of the limits of the City of Cortez, payment can be made by check, cash or credit card at:
In person: 31 N. Washington Street, Cortez, Colorado 81321
On-line: “impact fee payment” or by clicking on the button below and type “Cortez Fire Protection District” (credit card & service fees apply)
After payment is received, you will receive an official “Paid invoice” receipt from the Cortez Fire Protection District (hard copy or digital file, depending on form of payment) showing proof of impact fee payment.
For questions who do I contact?
Please call (970) 565-3157 or email (here).
Board approved on 03/12/2025
To review Resolution No. 2, Series 2025, “A Resolution Approving the Cortez Fire Protection District’s Impact Fee Study, Authorizing Implementation of Impact Fees for the District”, click on button below.