Building Services

New! 2018 International Codes

Effective: January 12, 2019

All construction within the City of Fort Collins shall comply with following codes adopted by City Council, January 12, 2019:

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

List Adopted codes with Local Amendments 

• 2018 International Building Code with local amendments
• 2018 International Residential Code with local amendments
• 2018 International Energy Conservation Code with local amendments
• 2018 International Mechanical Code with local amendments
• 2018 International Fuel Gas Code with local amendments
• 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with local amendments
• 2018 International Existing Building Code with local amendments
• 2015 International Plumbing Code (State Adoption) with local amendments
• 2017 National Electrical Code (effective July 3, 2017)
• 2006 International Property Maintenance Code with local amendments
• 2017 ICC A117.1 (accessibility code)
• Accessibility State Law: CRS 9-5 (use with 2017 ICC-A117.1)

View the complete unamended International Codes

New! 2018 Energy Codes

Commercial (Including multi-family buildings 4 stories and taller)

2018 IECC and local amendments – use Commercial Provisions. 

1. Prescriptive Method
2. UA Comcheck calculated using 2018 IECC

Multi-family (Apartments & Condos 3 stories and less)

2018 IECC and local amendments– use Residential Provisions. Air tightness protocol 

1. Prescriptive Method
2. Total UA Alternative (REScheck) calculated using 2018 IECC
3. SPA (Simulated Performance Alternative) Residential New Construction SPA Guide
4. ERI (Energy Rating Index)

Duplex and Single Family Residence

2018 IRC, Chapter 11 and local amendments

1. Prescriptive Method
2. Total UA Alternative (REScheck) calculated using 2018 IECC
3. SPA (Simulated Performance Alternative) Residential New Construction SPA Guide
4. ERI (Energy Rating Index)

Building Air Tightness Test

All new buildings require an air tightness test. (Low-energy buildings are exempt)

Commercial protocol 

Multi-family protocol

Single Family protocol

Reference for projects submitted under the 2015 I-Codes

Structural Design Criteria for Fort Collins 

• Snow Load - Live Load: 30 PSF / Ground Snow Load 30 PSF
• Frost Depth 30 inches
• Wind Load: 129 mph Vult, or 100 mph Vasd - Exposure B
• Seismic Design Category B

List Adopted codes with Local Amendments 

• 2015 International Building Code with local Amendments
• 2015 International Residential Code with local Amendments
• 2015 International Energy Conservation Code with local Amendments
• 2015 International Mechanical Code with local Amendments
• 2015 International Fuel Gas Code with local Amendments
• 2015 International Plumbing Code
• 2017 National Electrical Code (effective July 3, 2017)
• 2006 International Property Maintenance Code with local Amendments
• 2017 ICC A117.1 (accessibility)
• Accessibility: State Law CRS 9-5 and ICC A117.1-2017

View the complete unamended I-Codes