Colorado

Division of the State Architect

1525 Sherman Street
Denver, Colorado
303-866-5652

Current Codes and Edition Adopted:

The State Buildings Program (SBP) is responsible for establishing the minimum building codes for all construction by State Agencies on state-owned agencies or state-purchased properties or facilities.

2021 International Building Code (IBC) 

2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) 

2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 

2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC) 

2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) 

2020 National Electrical Code (NEC)

2021 International Fire Codes and 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 (2018 IBC, IMC, IPC, IFGC, IECC). The Division of Fire Prevention and Control adopts and enforces codes for all public schools and junior colleges (2015 IBC, IRC, IFC, IMC, IEBC, IECC) and for all licensed healthcare facilities statewide (2018 IBC, IRC, IFC, IMC, IECC, IEBC, IWUIC). The Colorado Examining Board of Plumbers has adopted the 2009 IPC, IFGC and plumbing chapters of the 2018 IRC as the state minimum plumbing code.

Tall Mass Timber Adoption

The tall mass timber provisions went into effect in Denver, CO, in 2021.

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:

Page last updated: January 2022