This checklist and fee schedule applies to all persons seeking to subdivide real property located in the Chaffee County Fire Protection District. This map shows the boundaries of Chaffee County's fire districts, you will need to select "fire districts" and unselect the other maps on the left side menu. If your property is in the town limits of Salida or the South Ark Fire District, you will need to reach out to the Salida Fire Department rather than Chaffee County Fire for assistance with your subdivision. 

 

Applicable Code: 

If your subdivision is in Poncha Springs or Buena Vista town limits, your subdivision will be assessed in accordance with the 2021 International Fire Code. If your subdivision is in unincorporated Chaffee County, your subdivision will be assessed in accordance with the Chaffee County Land Use Code, the 2022 version of NFPA 1142, and the Wildland Urban Interface Code as modified by the adopting ordinance 2023-02. 

 

Required Information for Submittal: 

Municipal Subdivisions. If your subdivision is proposed within the town limits of Poncha Springs or Buena Vista, you should provide a separate plans sheet titled "fire access and water supply plan" and include the information specified below to facilitate our review. These plans should be submitted to the town along with your other application materials rather than to Chaffee County Fire directly. 

1. Hydrant locations. The locations of existing hydrants and newly proposed hydrants within 250 ft of any portion of road frontage of your newly subdivided lots. Circles showing the 250ft radius of the hydrants should be drawn. 
2. Fire Apparatus Access. 
   1.  Pumper truck access will be requird for all structures. 
      1. For pumper truck access, a road with of minimum 20 feet is required. All road widths must be measured at the narrowest point and shown on the plans. In addition, an inside turning radius of 28 feet, and outside turning radius of 47 feet is required as a minimum. 
   2.  If future structures to be built will be over 30 feet in height, then aerial apparatus acces will be required. 
      1. For aerial apparatus access, a road width of minimum 26 feet is required. All road widths must be measured at the narrowest point and shown on the plans. In addition, an inside turning radius of 28 feet, and outside turning radius of 47 feet is required as a minimum. 

Unincorporated County Subdivisions. If your subdivision is proposed in unincorporated Chaffee County within the Chaffee County Fire Protection District, you should provide a separate plans sheet titled "fire access and water supply plan" and include the information specified below to facilitate our review. These plans should be submitted to Chaffee County Planning and Zoning  along with your other application materials rather than to Chaffee County Fire directly. 

1. Water Cistern.  The Chaffee County Land Use Code (available as a free download on the Chaffee County website) Section 3.4.2.4 governs cistern requirements. 
   1. Minimum Number and Capacity. For subdivisions of four or fewer lots, one 6,000-gallon fire protection cistern shall be provided. For subdivisions of five or more lots, one 15,000 gallon fire protection cistern shall be provided for each 30 lots (i.e., 25 lots requires one cistern, 32 lots requires two.) Note, if future commercial development is contemplated, a larger cistern may be required by Chaffee County Fire depending on the volume of the commercial structure built and its occupancy classification as determined by NFPA 1142. 
   2. Location. Your proposed location for the cistern(s) should be shown, though all locations are subject to the discretion of Chaffee County Fire. 
      1. Chaffee County Fire generally prefers that cisterns be placed near subdivision entraces or access points to primary roads. Cisterns may be located within easements or common elements. 
      2. A fire appratus turn-out shall be provided with minimum dimensions of 50 feet long by 8 feet wide, centered on the cistern connection, constructed in accordance with the requirements of the road accessing the cistern, and maintanied for year-round access. 
   3. Payment in lieu. In the sole discretion of Chaffee County Fire, your subdivision may be eligible for payment in lieu of constructing a cistern. This determination will be based on multiple factors including your proximity to existing cisterns and municipal water supply. If you are determined to be eligible, the fee is $2 per gallon for the required gallonage.  
2. Fire Apparatus Access. 
   1. If the proposed subdivision is zoned commercial then the same access requirements as in municipal subdivisions apply (see above). 
   2. If the proposed subdivision is zoned residential, then the Chaffee County Land Use Code and the Wildland Urban Interface codes apply. 
      1. Secondary Access. Parcels larger than 10 acres in area shall show an alternate access road (fire trail or two track) in addition to primary access road or driveway. 
      2. See the Land Use Code for additional access requirements. 

Fees: Payment for the subdivision review should be by check and made out to the Chaffee County Fire Protection District, and be for “Subdivision” followed by your subdivision's name. It may be mailed to the address in the header with Attn: Fire Prevention Office or be dropped off in person at the same address. Our 499 Antero station will be prepared to receive hand delivered payment 7:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday through Friday excluding federal holidays.

One site visit included with the cost of review. Additional site visits shall be $50 per visit. 

 2-4 commercial lots or residential units - $100

5-30 commercial lots or residential units - $150

31-60 commercial lots or residential units - $250

60+ commercial lots or residential units - $250 +$5 per each additional lot