Building Code

Building Inspection

All construction projects in Fort Collins must follow adopted building codes. Codes apply to new construction, remodels, additions and repairs.

If your permit was submitted on or after Apr. 15, 2022, the 2021 International Codes and local amendments apply.

The documents on this page are provided for printing purposes. For assistance viewing or reading these documents, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator via email adacoordinator@fortcollins.gov or phone: 970-416-4254.

Notice: New Codes Coming December 2025

We expect new building codes to be adopted on Dec. 26, 2025, following City Council meetings on Dec. 2 and Dec. 16.

Code Adoption Timeline and New Code Previews

Code Adoption Timeline

  • Code committee meetings: Completed March-July 2025 by the Building Code Adoption Committee, a team of City staff from various departments as well as local design and construction professionals. The committee was tasked to review updated codes and proposed amendments and discuss impacts to our community.
  • City Council Work Sessions: Completed Sept. 9, 2025
  • Public outreach: Completed Aug.-Sept.:
  • City Council presentation for code adoption:
    • Dec. 2, 2025 Council Meeting
    • Dec. 16, 2025 Council Meeting

New Code Previews

Preview codes under review (as published by the International Code Council [ICC]) and draft amendments (preliminary suggested edits to the ICC codes for the Building Review Commission)  and draft amendments:

Questions?

For any questions about new code adoption, contact us via email at buildingcodeadoption@fortcollins.gov.

Current Building Codes

Building Codes

Building

Energy

Fire

Mechanical, Fuel and Gas, Plumbing, Electrical

Pools

Existing Buildings and Property Maintenance

Accessibility

Design Criteria

Structural

  • Ground snow load: 35 pounds per square foot (psf)
  • Roof snow load: Not less than 30 pounds per square foot (psf) live load
  • Frost depth: 30 inches
  • Seismic Design Category: B
  • Wind speed (Ultimate, Exposure B): See Front Range Gust Map

Energy Code Testing Protocols

Residential

Multifamily

Commercial

Code Interpretations

The City issues official interpretations to clarify code requirements.

Recent Interpretations

Approved Alternate Materials and Methods

Code History

Fort Collins has adopted building codes since 1924. Key milestones include:

  • 2005 – Passive radon systems required with 2003 IRC
  • 2012 – Building air tightness testing required for all new heated buildings
  • 2014 – Fire sprinklers required in townhomes and duplexes

View full code chronology here(PDF, 147KB).

Contact Us

Email

buildingservices@fortcollins.gov

Phone

970-416-2740

Hours

Monday-Friday | 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Physical Address

281 N. College Ave.

Fort Collins, CO 80524

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