BuildSmart Changes for 2013
Boulder County has updated and amended the building code adoptions to the latest 2012 editions of the International Codes. These changes, which went into effect on January 1, 2013, apply to construction on properties located in the unincorporated portions of Boulder County (outside of the cities and towns), although plan reviews and inspections are currently performed in the Town of Jamestown.
View the 2012 Boulder County Building Code Amendments (1.5 MB).
Please see Resolution 2012-50 - Amendments to the Boulder County Building Code (6.8 MB) for changes to the Code. Please contact the Building Safety & Inspection Services Team at 303-441-3926 or building_official@bouldercounty.org if you have questions or need additional information about these changes.
Boulder County BuildSmart, the county’s residential green building code, requirements affect all new residential construction and additions in unincorporated Boulder County.
The Boulder County BuildSmart Regulations (436 KB) encourage high performing, sustainable residential development, and redevelopment in the unincorporated areas of Boulder County by promoting development that will create energy efficient structures that reduce both the production of greenhouse gases from residential buildings and the amount of material sent to landfills, Conserving water, and other natural resources in the homebuilding process; and insure proper indoor air quality.
Boulder County BuildSmart also furthers the goals and measures outlined in the Colorado Climate Action Plan and the County's Sustainable Energy Plan. The production and efficient use of energy will continue to play a central role in the future of Colorado and the nation as a whole. The development, production, and efficient use of renewable energy will advance the security, economic well-being, and public and environmental health of Colorado, as well as contributing to the energy independence of our nation.
The current Boulder County BuildSmart regulations include both a performance and a prescriptive option for compliance, providing additional flexibility in selection of the most cost-effective design for each project.
Performance Path Option
Construction of conditioned space where compliance is measured using the RESNET system to determine anticipated energy consumption and energy efficiency, (HERS Rating System). A RESNET model prepared by a Certified Energy Rater must be provided with the building permit application showing compliance with the required HERS Index rating.
Prescriptive Path Option
Construction of conditioned space where compliance is achieved by applying minimum standards to the dwellings thermal envelope, fenestration, lighting, and air leakage.
More information for compliance is available in the Boulder County BuildSmart Users Guide (1.7 MB) and other Boulder County BuildSmart publications.
Boulder County BuildSmart Training Calendar
For trainings, workshops, and seminars Boulder County BuildSmart, check theBoulder County BuildSmart Training Calendar for trainings, workshops, and seminars designed to provide Contractors and Homeowners with the knowledge and experience to meet the requirements of the Boulder County BuildSmart regulations and to build superior dwellings.