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 April 15, 2022, the Current Building Codes below (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.

Current Building Codes

Building Codes

Building

2024 Codes (Current)

These codes are current as of April 1, 2026. 

2021 Codes

These codes will be available for reference until Oct. 1, 2026.

Energy

2024 Codes (Current)

These codes are current as of April 1, 2026. 

2021 Codes

These codes will be available for reference until Oct. 1, 2026.

Fire

2024 Codes (Current)

Reference Poudre Fire Authority's Fire Code webpage for current City of Fort Collins Fire Codes.

Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code

2025 Codes (Current)

These codes are current as of April 1, 2026. 

Mechanical, Fuel and Gas, Plumbing, Electrical

2024 Codes (Current)

These codes are current as of April 1, 2026. 

2021 Codes

These codes will be available for reference until Oct. 1, 2026.

Pools

2024 Codes (Current)

These codes are current as of April 1, 2026. 

2021 Codes

These codes will be available for reference until Oct. 1, 2026.

Existing Buildings and Property Maintenance

2024 Codes (Current)

These codes are current as of April 1, 2026. 

2021 Codes

These codes will be available for reference until Oct. 1, 2026.

Accessibility

Design Criteria

Structural

Snow Load Requirements

  • Multi-family and Commercial Buildings (IBC):
    • The minimum ground snow load is 50 pounds per square foot (psf) (Ultimate) for Risk Categories 1 and 2.
    • You may use location-specific snow load values from the American Society of Civil Engineers ASCE 7-22 Hazard Tool instead, but the ground snow load must never be less than 50 psf (Ultimate), and the final roof snow load must be at least 43 psf (Ultimate), evenly distributed.
  • Residential Buildings (IRC):
    • The default ground snow load is 35 psf.
    • You may use a different value if you use location-specific data from the ASCE 7-22 Hazard Tool, or calculate it using Section 1608 of the International Building Code (IBC), or an approved equivalent.
  • General points:
    • Follow the minimum required loads even when using alternative methods.
    • Use location-specific data when available for more accurate design.
    • Make sure all calculations meet IBC or approved equivalent standards.

Other Requirements

  • 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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