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Our building code sets the rules for how buildings are designed, constructed, and maintained in unincorporated Adams County. It impacts the quality, safety, efficiency, sustainability, and cost of residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Every six years, Adams County adopts an updated building code that is active in unincorporated area within the County. Cities and towns in the county (e.g. Brighton, Commerce City, Westminster, etc.) adopt their own code that operates within their municipal boundaries. Local governments regularly adopt updated codes to ensure they are up to date with the latest technology and industry best practices. The Board of County Commissioners adopted the building code for unincorporated Adams County in April 2026. 

The following adopted Codes will be effective July 1st, 2026

  • 2024 International Building Code 
  • 2024 International Residential Code 
  • Colorado Model Low Energy and Carbon Code
  • 2024 International Fire Code 
  • 2024 International Fuel Gas Code 
  • 2024 International Mechanical Code
  • 2024 International Plumbing Code
  • 2024 International Existing Building Code
  • 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
  • 2024 International Property Maintenance Code
  • 2023 National Electrical Code
  • Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code
     

 

 

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Project Contact:

Justin Blair - Chief Building Official

Community and Economic Development (CED)

Email: buildingcodeupdate@publicinput.com

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2024 Code Release (Jan. 2024)

2024 I-Codes are released by the International Code Council. Adams County Building Safety staff begin a thorough review of the code. 

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Fire Code Advisory Committee (Feb. 2025)

The Fire Code Advisory Committee meets to discuss new code updates and provide initial feedback. 

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Amendment Drafting (Mar. - Jul. 2024)

Adams County staff develop proposed amendments for Board of County Commissioner (BoCC) consideration and public input. 

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Energy Conservation Code Release (Aug. 2024)

The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which supplements the broader I-Codes, is released. Adams County staff conducts a thorough review of the code. 

 

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BoCC Meeting (Oct. 2024)

Adams County staff present an update and a selection of proposed amendments to the BoCC for initial feedback.

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Stakeholder Engagement (Dec. 2024 - Sep. 2025))

Adams County staff engages the community through events and this Engage Adams site. Comments are analyzed and used to inform an updated version of the amended codes.

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BoCC Study Session #1 (Sep. 2025)

Adams County staff present an update on the feedback collected through the stakeholder engagement process. 

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Code Language Development (Fall 2025)

Informed by feedback from the public and the BoCC, Adams County staff finalizes the proposed code, including amendments, for final review and adoption. 

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BoCC Study Session #2 (February 11, 2026))

Adams County staff present additional information for the BoCC to consider before moving forward with adoption. 

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BoCC Study Session #3 (March 4, 2026))

Adams County staff present additional information for the BoCC to consider before moving forward with adoption.

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Public Hearings and Adoption (Spring 2026)

The final version of the code is discussed at public hearings in early 2026, where members of the public can provide comment before the BoCC takes a final vote to formally adopt the codes. 

Final Dates: March 24 and April 21

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Codes in Effect (July 1, 2026)

The newly adopted codes become effective at a date to be determined in 2026.