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Codes and Standards#

2018 International Codes#

Effective for building permits applied for between: January 12, 2019 - April 14th, 2022 

All construction within the City of Fort Collins shall comply with following codes adopted by City Council.

2019 Contractor Code Amendment Training - Video

Structural Design Criteria for Fort Collins 

  • Snow Load: Live Load: 30 PSF / Ground Snow Load 30 PSF
  • Frost Depth: 30 inches
  • Seismic Design Category: B
  • Basic Wind Speed:
    • Risk Category ll (most structures):
      • 140mph (Ultimate) exposure B or 
      • Front Range Gust Map (ASCE 7-10 compatible published by The Structural Engineer's Association of Colorado, dated 10/18/2013)
    • Risk Category l: 130mph (Ultimate) exposure B
    • Risk Category lll & lV: 150mph (Ultimate) exposure B

2021 International Codes (Now in Effect)#

Effective April 15, 2022  All construction within the City of Fort Collins shall comply with following codes adopted by City Council.

Structural Design Criteria for Fort Collins (see local amendments for code language):

  • Ground Snow Load: 35 PSF
  • Roof Snow Load: Final design roof snow load (including loading and drifting) shall not be less than a uniformly distributed live load of 30 psf. 
  • Frost Depth: 30 inches
  • Seismic Design Category: B
  • Basic Wind Speed:
    • Front Range Gust Map (ASCE 7-10 compatible published by The Structural Engineer's Association of Colorado (dated 10/18/2013)
      • Or 
    • Risk Category ll (most structures): 140mph (Ultimate) exposure B 
    • Risk Category l: 130mph (Ultimate) exposure B
    • Risk Category lll & lV: 150mph (Ultimate) exposure B