Building Codes

After public hearings in January of 2026, the Board has adopted Ordinance No. 1408, going into effect on March 1, 2026. This ordinance update aligns with the Town's Strategic Plan for efficient government operations and enhanced safety, ensuring consistency with state standards and industry advancements in sustainability and energy efficiency.  The Town of Frederick Building Department uses the 2024 International Codes and 2023 National Electric Code.  The new codes will bring Frederick in line with other municipalities and the State of Colorado.  Permit applications for major projects submitted between January 30, 2026 and March 31, 2026 can be reviewed on either the older code or the new code adopted.  The new code is listed below and the old code can be found by referencing the Frederick Municipal Code.

Design Criteria

  • Wind Speed - 115 MPH
  • Exposure - Assumed to be C unless location
    complies with definition
  • Ground snow load - 30 psf
  • Roof snow load - 30 psf
  • Footing depth - 36 inches to bottom of footing
  • Seismic Design - Category B
  • Weathering - Severe
  • Termite - Slight to moderate
  • Winter design temperature - 1 degree F
  • Ice barrier requirement - Yes
  • Air-Freezing index - 1500
  • Mean annual temperature - 45 degrees F

Building Codes with Local Amendments - (Frederick Local Amendments)

  • 2024 International Building Code (IBC)
  • 2024 International Residential Code (IRC)
  • 2023 National Electric Code (NEC)
  • 2024 International Fire Code (IFC)
  • 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code
  • 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
  • 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
  • 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
  • 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
  • 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
  • Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code
  • 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
  • 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)

Residential/Light Commercial Re-roof Guidelines


The Town of Frederick requires a signed contract presented at the time of permit application for all Residential/Light Commercial roofing projects.

  1. Ice and water barrier shall be installed on all roofs.
  2. Wind design: 115 mph, 3 second gust roofing materials shall be covered under warranty by the manufacturer.
  3. Drip Edge installation required on gutter and rake edges.
  4. All old layers to be removed per the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC), Chapter 9, Section R908.
  5. Any roof repair over 100 sf will require a complete re-roof of the structure. Roofs that do not exhibit immediate life, health, and safety concerns under the Town of Frederick Building Code and policies of the Town may be repairs without a permit, with like material, up to a total area of 100 square feet, at the discretion of the Town Building Official.
  6. Adequate attic ventilation if not existing per the 2024 International Residential Code Sections R806.1 and R806.2, to be a minimum total net free ventilating area of 1/150 if unbalanced, and 1/300 if balanced. Accepted vent types: Turtle or ridge cent for upper level exhaust vents, and soffit vents or eyebrow-style vents for lower level intake vents.
  7. Mid-roof and Final Inspections required.
  8. Mid-roof inspection requirements: Complete tear-off, all underlayment and flashing installed, and ZERO shingles installed.
  9. When a mid-roof or final roof inspection is scheduled, a ladder must be safely set and secured to the building (ladder must extend 36” above roof surface) for the inspection to be completed, this is the Contractors responsibility.
  10. All exposed nail heads must be sealed with caulking. This applies to all roof jacks and vents, as well as any exposed nail heads in the field.


Please feel free to contact the Building Department with any questions.

Mid-Roof Inspections


1. All existing shingles, underlayment and drip edge shall be fully removed.
2. All underlayment shall be in place.
3. All ice and water shield shall be in place.

There shall be no shingles installed until the mid-roof inspection has been passed.
A Mid-Roof with any shingles installed will be failed and all shingles removed for the re-inspection.