Building Code Information

The City and County of Broomfield has adopted the 2021 International Code series, effective April 15, 2023. This means that all permits issued as of April 15th will need to have plans designed, reviewed, and approved by the Building Division to meet the 2021 Codes. This will include the architectural plans, structural framing plans, structural foundation plans, soils reports, roof truss plans, and energy code documents. Below is a short summary of significant changes from the 2018 to the 2021 codes.

Building codes are updated every three years through an open consensus process to adapt to changing technology, current methods of construction and in reaction to situations where codes may have failed to protect the public in the past. Building inspection and plan review staff must constantly update their code knowledge and assist builders in meeting the most recent edition of these national codes, as adopted by the City and County of Broomfield.

Broomfield Title 15 Bldg Municipal Code

2021 Code Package passed March 7, 2023

The 2021 Codes will go into effect April 15th, 2023. Below are some of the fee changes that were approved:

Re-inspection Fee: Changing from $75 to $150
We will be honoring the new Building Data Valuation totals for new houses.

2021 Code Significant Changes

Current Building Code

The City and County of Broomfield will be observing the 2021 IBC/IRC International Codes and the 2020 NEC National Electrical Code effective April 15, 2023.

Beginning August 1, 2020 Broomfield will begin enforcing the 2020 National Electrical Code (based on the State of Colorado adoption). All permits issued as of August 1, 2020 will need to comply with the 2020 NEC. >We anticipate changing to the 2023 NEC effective August 1, 2023.

The link below is a summary of the significant changes to the 2020 NEC but is not a complete list of all the changes.
2020 NEC Significant Changes

Note: Please see News & Updates for information on the date for adopting the 2018 Code.

Applicable Codes as of April 15th, 2023

2021 International Building Code
2021 International Residential Code
2021 International Energy Conservation Code
2021 International Existing Building Code
2021 International Fire Code
2021 International Fuel Gas Code
2021 International Mechanical Code
2021 International Plumbing Code
2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
2020 National Electric Code*
2017 ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
Broomfield Title 15 Bldg Municipal Code

2021 Code Adoption Information

Ordinance No. 2205

2020 NEC Adoption Information

Beginning August 1, 2020 Broomfield will begin enforcing the 2020 National Electrical Code (based on the State of Colorado adoption). All permits issued as of August 1, 2020 will need to comply with the 2020 NEC. We anticipate changing to the 2023 NEC effective August 1, 2023.

*All permits issued on or after August 1, 2020 will be under the 2020 NEC.
Inspectors will field verify items
Please update all of your "cover sheets and electrical plans to the 2020 NEC and provide an Electronicversion (opposed to a hard copy) to the Building Department ASAP please. The existing hard copies will stay in the field and the inspectors will field verify items for the 2020 NEC.

The link below is a summary of the significant changes to the 2020 NEC but is not a complete list of all the changes
2020 NEC Significant Changes

Snow & Wind Loads

Design roof snow load: 30.0 psf
Assigned ground snow load: 30.0 psf
Design wind speed for structures depends on the risk category (RC) of the building
Wind structural design exposure classification is dependent upon location; either B or C - designer shall assess
IBC wind designs need to meet requirements out of the ASCE 7-16 and IRC wind would be the 142 Vult or 110 Vasd
Asphalt shingles shall be ASTM D3161 Class F or ASTM D7158 Class H or G
Frost depth: 36 inches below finished grade