I-Code Updates

The City of Ouray is updating its building codes ("i-codes") from the 2009 Editions to the 2018 Editions. The City's current i-codes are adopted by reference in Chapter 6 of the Ouray Municipal Code, linked here. The City is updating and adopting the following codes as part of this process: 

• International Building Code (IBC, 2018 Edition)
• International Residential Code (IRC, 2018 Edition)
• International Existing Building Code (IEBC, 2018 Edition)
• International Fire Code (IFC, 2018 Edition) 
• International Mechanical Code (IMC, 2018 Edition)
• International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC, 2018 Edition)
• International Energy Conservation Code (IECC, 2018 Edition)
• International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC, 2018 Edition)
• Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings (UCADB, 1997 Edition)
• Installation Handbook for Manufactured Homes and Factory Built Housing (LINK, July 2018 Edition, Published by Colorado Department of Local Affairs)

According to the State of Colorado, any municipality who does not have updated i-codes in effect by July 1st of this this year will not have the opportunity to make changes and would have to update all building codes to the latest version (i.e. 2021 Editions) of the codes including energy standards that are not realistic for SMPA or Ouray, and would not have the opportunity to make any additions, exemptions, or redactions to these versions. To ensure the City can adopt these above-listed i-codes with redactions, exemptions, additions, and any changes to better-suit the unique development community in Ouray, the City Council must adopt these changes via Ordinance which must have a first reading by May 1st, 2023. 

The Community Development Department has hosted a variety of meetings with regional stakeholders, contractors, and building officials to adopt i-codes with changes to best suit the Ouray community. The proposed changes are outlined in the PDF attached for public review.  This document is fairly technical and outlines amendments to the code books as presented. City Council will have this i-code adoption as an action item during their public meeting at 6:00 pm on Monday, May 1st at the Ouray Community Center (320 6th Avenue). This meeting is a public meeting and welcomes community feedback, if you have any (which can also be sent via email/letter to Lily Oswald, if you state you'd like your feedback entered as public comment).  Additionally, if you have any comments, questions, or concerns with the attached draft i-code changes as outlined, or this process, please contact the City's Building Inspector, Matt Haldeman, who will be suited to answer your questions. The City has hard copies of these books in the City Building Inspector's office. If you'd like to review a physical copy, please coordinate with Matt. 

Once these codes are adopted, the Council retains the ability to make changes and additional amendments; however, it is imperative these codes get adopted prior to the State's deadline to retain some flexibility. The City wanted to circulate this draft to you for public preliminary review before it goes before Council. Thank you for your time and consideration with these important updates! 

Community Development Director - Lily Oswald, AICP
Contact the COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Building Inspector - Matt Haldeman
Contact the BUILDING INSPECTOR