New construction and existing occupancies fall under the adopted International Fire Code. 

The EVFPD Board of Directors adopted the 2021 IFC  by way of resolution on November 22, 2023.  The 2021 IFC will be put into effect in 2024 after it was ratified by the Town of Estes Park Board and Larimer County Board of County Commissioners. 

• Estes Valley Fire Resolution 2023-10 Adopting the 2021 International Fire Code

Since May 14, 2019, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District has updated to the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC). The accepted resolution, which includes the District specific amendments to the IFC can be found here:

• Estes Valley Fire Resolution 2019-01 to adopt the 2018 International Fire Code
• Access the 2018 International Fire Code online (best viewed in tablet landscape or on a computer). 

As required for Fire Protection Districts, our adoption was ratified by both the Town of Estes Park Board and Larimer County Board of County Commissioners in May 2019.

• Ratification by Larimer County on May 7, 2019
• Ratification by Town of Estes Park on May 14, 2019

The Estes Valley Fire Protection District has been under an adopted version of the International Fire Code since 2011. Previously we adopted:

• In 2016, we adopted the 2015 edition of the IFC: 2015 Fire Code Resolution
• In 2011, we adopted the 2011 edition of the IFC: 2011 Fire Code Resolution

The plan review and inspection fee schedule was designed to be simple to interpret for potential developers while keeping fees modest. The fee amounts were determined with our goals in mind, and are considerably lower than our counterparts in the Front Range and Metro areas of Colorado. The District’s desire is to have those doing the development help offset costs. This will enable us to put more tax revenue towards emergency response.

We continue to develop construction guides to help streamline the process and ensure clear understanding of requirements. 

High risk activities in the District may require a special Operational Permit. The activities covered by these permits and their associated fees are covered in the fee schedule.

Capital Improvement Impact Fees Informational Sheet

Impact Fees are levied on new construction at the time of building permit issuance, with amounts calculated through a Nexus Study. These fees must be calculated “to pay for the construction or expansion of off-site capital improvements that are necessitated by and benefit the new development” (www.impactfees.com). Over the next 15 years, the District anticipates $3.9 million in capital costs, with $955,314 attributed to growth of the District. These growth costs include upgrading apparatus to increase their capabilities (changing engine type, increase ladder length and type) and the addition of new apparatus (second Type 3 engine for wildland urban interface and additional prevention staff vehicle). The cost of growth is distributed across anticipated new construction based on a proportionality for historic call demand between 1-2 family homes, multifamily homes, and commercial properties. Given the anticipated construction as estimated from the Town of Estes Park Comprehensive Plan, Housing Needs Assessment, and Town of Estes Park Building Permit Summaries, potential fee amounts are calculated through the Nexus study. 

The one-time fees applied to new construction (at the time of the Building Permit) would take effect July 1, 2018, and are: $784.00 per new 1-2 family home, $419.00 per multifamily unit, and $0.37/square foot for new commercial construction. While the Nexus study calculated a potential commercial rate of $0.74/square foot, the District is opting to cut that in half based on the fact commercial property pays a higher assessed rate in property taxes due to Gallagher. The full Nexus study, handouts, and presentation from the Town Board work session are available below. 

​The costs identified are due to growth of the District, and the goal of utilizing Impact Fees is to have that growth offset the additional burden it places on the District. This serves to avoid alternative means of revenue generation such as increased mill levies which distributes the cost of growth onto all taxpayers. Existing tax revenue can be focused on operations rather than committed to capital costs for growth. The District plans a delayed initiation of fees to give developers ample time to factor into budgets for future projects.

​Resolution 18-01 Authorizing Implementation of Impact Fees with Nexus Study

​Intergovernmental Agreement with Town of Estes Park

Intergovernmental Agreement with Larimer County

See "Plan Review" section for the fee waiver policy and application. 

​After discussion at the February 2019 Board meeting, the District chose NOT to adopt the 2018 International Wildland Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) at that time. The original proposal for the IFC is page 1-3, and proposal for the IWUIC can be found on page 4 of this document. The Board will continue to review and seek community input before an updated proposal is made. 

If curious about recommendations and guidance in line with the International Wildland Urban Interface Code, follow this link. The code is best viewed in landscape view on a tablet or on a computer. 

If there is a disagreement on the interpretation of the International Fire Code as it applies to a project, the property owner may apply for an appeal. ​The Fire Code Board of Appeals in comprised of three members of the District Board. These three members have been appointed by the Board and meet as required throughout the year. These are District Board members: Jon Hodde, Larry Leaming, and Dave Hamrick
​Application for Appeal