Colorado

CODE ADOPTION MAP

Colorado

Division of the State Architect

1525 Sherman Street
Denver, Colorado
303-866-5652

Current Codes and Edition Adopted:

2012 International Building Code (IBC)

2012 International Mechanical Code (IMC)

2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

2012 International Plumbing Code (IPC)

2012 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

2014 National Electrical Code (NEC)

2012 International Fire Codes (IFC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 also enforced by fire marshal in most jurisdictions

Applicability (statewide, local, limited): LIMITED

Codes are primarily adopted and enforced locally. Two state agencies adopt state minimum plumbing and electrical codes, respectively. The State Architect adopts codes for all state-owned buildings and facilities (2012 IBC, IMC, IPC, IFGC, IECC). The Division of Fire Prevention and Control adopts and enforces codes for all public schools and junior colleges (2006 IBC, IRC, IFC, IMC, IEBC, IECC) and for all licensed healthcare facilities statewide (2012 IBC, IRC, IFC, IMC, IECC, IEBC, IWUIC). The Colorado Examining Board of Plumbers has adopted the 2009 IPC, IFGC and plumbing chapters of the 2009 IRC as the state minimum plumbing code.

Amendments Disadvantaging Wood Construction:

The State amendments summary is here: www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/approvedstatebldgcode.pdf

All local jurisdictions can make any amendments they deem necessary in their jurisdictions.

Next Update Cycle:

City of Denver – In January 2022, the City of Denver voted to adopt the 2022 Denver Building Code, which includes the 2021 IBC tall mass timber code provisions.

Notes:

Tall Mass Timber

City of Denver – In December 2019, the City of Denver voted to adopt the 2019 Denver Building Code, which includes the 2021 IBC tall mass timber code provisions. As part of the adoption of the new code, there will be a four-month period where new projects can use either the 2016 Denver Building Code or the newly-adopted 2019 version. After four months, all building and fire code permits will be processed under the 2019 Denver Building Code.