New building codes to take effect March 1

New building codes adopted on January 10, 2022, by the Board of Larimer County Commissioners will take effect on March 1 in unincorporated Larimer County.

The board adopted the 2021 International Codes [I-codes] with local amendments and administrative amendments for the 2020 National Electrical Code. Also, on March 1, the earlier 2018 I-codes will be repealed. The new building codes are adopted every three years when the International Code Council produces new codes.

The code changes include updates to energy codes, Electric Vehicle-readiness, radon mitigation, roof coverings, accessibility, sprinklers, swimming pools, and short-term rentals. To view more detailed information, visit https://www.larimer.gov/building/2021-building-codes-are-coming.

Adopting new codes establishes consistency with codes of neighboring jurisdictions, aligns building codes with land use codes, Larimer County Climate Smart goals, and maintains county eligibility for FEMA-awarded grants.

The new codes also ensure a continued high rating by the Insurance Services Organization, which can affect insurance rates for property owners throughout Larimer County.

The Larimer County Building Division has scheduled a Zoom webinar so residents can learn more about the code changes at 3 p.m., Feb. 15, 2022, which will also be recorded for later online access. Register in advance for the webinar by visiting https://larimer-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2PBWzZYzTmGOXnq4qSzBnw. A confirmation email will be sent following registration.

Questions? Contact Larimer County Chief Building Official Eric Fried by email to efried@larimer.org.