Colorado Building Codes

Colorado has NO statewide building code for residential construction. Local jurisdictions (cities, counties) independently adopt and enforce IRC/IBC editions - varies widely from IRC 2015 to IRC 2024. STATE REQUIREMENTS: (1) Energy code minimum IECC 2021 required when jurisdictions update codes (per SB23-016); (2) Model LECC (based on IECC 2024) becomes minimum July 2026; (3) Electrical: NEC 2023 statewide via DORA State Electrical Board; (4) Plumbing: UPC via State Plumbing Board. Division of Housing enforces codes for manufactured homes and factory-built buildings. Division of Fire Prevention enforces codes for K-12 schools and healthcare facilities. 64 counties. Climate zones 4B/5B/6B/7 vary by elevation. Mountain regions (5B/6B/7) have stringent energy requirements. Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Aurora use IRC 2021 or 2024 with local amendments. CRITICAL: Always verify current code adoption with local jurisdiction before starting work - no statewide uniformity.