Proposed Changes to the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC)

The International Codes, published by the International Code Council (ICC), provide minimum construction standards for protecting life, safety and public welfare in the built environment. The city updates its building code on a regular basis to ensure that the regulations keep pace with changes in the construction industry.

City staff will present the proposed code changes to three advisory boards and to City Council during the first quarter of 2013. If the 2012 International Codes with the proposed local amendments are adopted, the anticipated effective date would be June 3, 2013.

Public Meetings

The City of Boulder invites you to attend one of the following public meetings to provide input about the significant proposed changes to the building code.

• Tuesday, July 16  - City Council First Reading
• Tuesday, Aug. 6 - City Council Second Reading

Informational Code Update Meetings

The city is also offering informational code update meetings for general contractors, homeowners and the public. These meetings will review the proposed changes to the city's commercial and residential building codes.  

Updates to Energy Efficiency Requirements

City staff is also assessing how the proposed code updates can contribute to energy efficiency goals for both residential and commercial buildings in Boulder. 

The proposed code changes include updates to Boulder's Green Building and Green Points Program coupled with the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which specifies the energy efficiency and sustainable construction requirements for residential construction.

Concurrently, the city is researching the viability of newly available green building publications for the purpose of implementing a commercial green building program that would require energy efficiency in new commercial development. While these code updates will address energy efficiency requirements in new construction, the city's separate Commercial Energy Efficiency Strategy is addressing efficiency in existing commercial buildings. Learn more about the development of a Commercial Buildings Energy Rating and Reporting Program.

Contact

For more information or to comment about the proposed building code changes, please contact Building Services Manager/Chief Building Official  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  at 303-441-4189. 

Last Updated on Monday, 03 June 2013 11:31