Building Codes and Regulations

2018 International Building Codes

City Council adopted of the 2018 International Code Council (ICC) suite of codes with local amendments March 3, 2020. These can be found in Title 10 of the Boulder Revised Code. The city also adopted the 2020 City of Boulder Energy Conservation Code (PDF). The effective date for the new codes is July 1, 2020. The ICC codes can be viewed for free online.

2023 National Electrical Code

On Aug. 1, 2023 the 2023 edition of the NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC) was adopted by the State of Colorado and enforced by the City of Boulder with local amendments in the Boulder Revised Code. As a result, the 2023 NEC became the minimum standard for electrical permits issued on or after Aug. 1, 2023.

Every six years, the city moves to adopt the latest version of the International Building Codes (I-codes) which are published by the International Code Council. The I-codes are adopted with local amendments specific to the City of Boulder. City staff will remove as many local amendments as possible through the 2024 I-Code adoption to reduce code complexity and streamline the permitting process. The 2024 I-codes will reduce construction costs, improve safety and bring environmental benefits through reduced embodied carbon construction options.

The codes being adopted include:

• 2024 International Building code
• 2024 International Residential code
• 2024 International Fire code
• 2024 International Existing Building code
• 2024 International Property Maintenance code
• 2024 International Plumbing code
• 2024 International Mechanical code
• 2024 International Fuel Gas code

Upcoming Events

• Dec. 19 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. - Join us for Virtual Open House about the I-code adoption.

There will be a presentation by staff about the project goals, timeline and potential changes followed by a Q&A and comments

• Join the meeting

The Boulder Revised Code is the charter for the municipal government of the City of Boulder, Colorado.

An online version of the Boulder Revised Code is provided as a public service, but is different in layout, format, and structure from the official Boulder Revised Code. Select the "Boulder Revised Code" link to view the online version.

The official version of the Boulder Revised Code is supplemented and published quarterly in written form, and is available in Central Records at the City of Boulder Municipal Building, 1777 Broadway. A printed copy is available at the Main Boulder Public Library, 1000 Canyon Boulevard.

• Boulder Revised Code
• Title 9: Land Use Regulation
• Title 9: Land Use Regulation - Table of Contents
• Title 9: Land Use Regulation - Tables & Charts
• Title 10: Structures
• Title 11: Utilities & Airport

Boulder Revised Code Definitions

• Chapter 9-16: Land Use Regulation Definitions
• Chapter 1-2: General Administration Definitions
• Chapter 1-3: Revenue and Taxation Definitions
• Chapter 10-1: Structures Definitions

All civil engineering design must conform to the Design and Construction Standards.

The Design and Construction Standards are intended to protect the public health, safety, and welfare in the provision and maintenance of public improvements within the City of Boulder. These standards apply to the comprehensive design and construction of adequate and functional public improvements associated with developing, redeveloping and subdividing lands and providing necessary right-of-way, transportation, and utility services.