HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/27/2018 - Building Review Board - Agenda - Regular MeetingBuilding Review Board Page 1 September 27, 2018
Alan Cram, Chair City Council Chambers
Tim Johnson, Vice Chair City Hall West
Brad Massey 300 Laporte Avenue
Bernie Marzonie Fort Collins, Colorado
Katharine Penning
Rick Reider Staff Liaison:
Justin Robinson Russ Hovland
Chief Building Official
The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs, and activities and
will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call 221-6515 (TDD 224-6001) for
assistance.
Regular Hearing Agenda
September 27, 2018
1:00 PM
• CALL TO ORDER
• ROLL CALL
• PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
• DISCUSSION AGENDA
1. Consideration and Approval of the Minutes of the June 28, 2018 BRB Meeting
2. 2018 I-Codes Impact Fee Update
3. 2018 I-CODES Adoption
• OTHER BUSINESS
• ADJOURNMENT
Building Review Board
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Agenda Item 1
Item # 1 Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY June 28, 2018
Building Review Board
STAFF
Gretchen Schiager, Administrative Assistant
SUBJECT
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 28, 2018 BRB MEETING
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to approve the minutes of the June 28, 2018 meeting of the Building Review
Board.
ATTACHMENTS
1. BRB June 28, 2018 Minutes - DRAFT
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City of Fort Collins Page 1 June 28, 2018
Alan Cram, Chair City Council Chambers
Tim Johnson, Vice Chair City Hall West
Brad Massey 300 Laporte Avenue
Bernie Marzonie Fort Collins, Colorado
Katharine Penning
Rick Reider Staff Liaison:
Justin Robinson Russ Hovland
Chief Building Official
The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs, and activities and
will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call 221-6515 (TDD 224-6001) for
assistance.
Regular Meeting Minutes
June 28, 2018
A regular meeting of the Building Review Board was held on Thursday, June 28, 2018, at
1:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Fort Collins Municipal Building at 300 Laporte Avenue, Fort
Collins, Colorado.
• CALL TO ORDER
Chair Cram called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m.
• ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Cram, Johnson, Massey, Marzonie, Penning, Robinson, Reider
ABSENT: None (Reider arrived after the roll call.)
STAFF: Hovland, Van Hall, Schiager, Gerber
• PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
• DISCUSSION AGENDA
1. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 28, 2018 MEETING.
Marzonie moved to approve the minutes of the March 28, 2018 meeting. Penning seconded. The
motion passed 5:0, with Cram abstaining due to not being present at that meeting.
Building Review Board
ITEM 1, ATTACHMENT 1
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City of Fort Collins Page 2 June 28, 2018
Chair Cram explained the Appeal Process, Order of Proceedings and the role of the Board.
2. RUCKER HILL APPEAL OF D-1 GC LICENSE DENIAL
DESCRIPTION: Mr. Hill, the Appellant, is requesting a temporary D-1 license so that he may
build 2 new houses giving him the required 3 projects to achieve a permanent
D-1 license.
Staff Presentation
Mr. Hovland presented the staff report. He reviewed the history of the case, the request of the
Appellant, the relevant Municipal Code Section, and explained his recommendation for denial.
Appellant and Parties-in-Interest in Support of Appeal Arguments
Mr. Hill stated that he is seeking a variance to obtain a temporary D-1 license to enable him to complete
the construction of a home in order to meet the requirements for the D-1 license.
He discussed some of his experience and qualifications, stating that he has a business degree,
designed model homes in Texas, and worked for a custom home builder in Texas. He has had a D-2
license in Fort Collines for three years. He explained his wife’s role in their business.
He talked about his company, the volume of business they have booked, and his need to support his
family.
Chair Cram asked the Appellant to focus his comments on the issue at hand, which is that he has not
met the requirements for a D-1 license.
Mr. Hill explained why he shared the information about his company and experience. He said that the
previous Chief Building Official, Mike Gebo, had allowed him to build a home on Mountain, and had
given his approval of the path they proposed to meet the D-1 license requirements.
Staff Questions of Appellant
Mr. Hovland asked if he had any documentation reflecting the decision of the previous Chief Building
Official. Mr. Hill said he had showed the Mr. Gebo examples of his work.
Mr. Hovland explained why he believes Mr. Hill needs additional training for new home construction.
He said Mr. Hill had failed inspections, held an open house in a home that had not yet received a
Certificate of Occupancy (CO), and his license had expired more than once, indicating a lack of record
keeping.
Appellant Rebuttal
Mr. Hill declined to provide an explanation for the items Mr. Hovland mentioned. Mr. Hill said he will
always be learning and assured the Board that he would improve.
Staff Rebuttal
Mr. Hovland had no additional information.
Board Questions of Staff and Parties-in-Interest
Mr. Marzonie asked Mr. Hovland for clarification of the requirements for the D-1 license. Mr. Hovland
stated the contractor must have three project verifications, proof of insurance, and must pass the test.
He said Mr. Hill needed the two more project verifications. Mr. Hovland explained that often this
requirement is met by doing homeowner builds, which are allowed every two years.
Ms. Penning asked if it was possible for a homeowner to pull the permit. Mr. Hovland said they can
pull their own permit, but if a homeowner hires someone to build a home, it must be a licensed
contractor.
Mr. Massey asked whether Mr. Hill had done any projects with his D-2 license that might be equivalent
to the required new builds. Mr. Hill talked about an addition on Skyline and a project on Mohawk,
explaining the scope of work for those jobs. Mr. Massey asked about the construction values of those
jobs. Mr. Hill reported that the Mohawk job was $175K, and the Skyline job was approximately $200K.
Ms. Hill talked about their upcoming projects. Mr. Massey said the Board needs to know about any
projects that are comparable to new builds, or equivalent training, to consider in lieu of the
requirements. Mr. Hill talked about what he observed as a realtor and Ms. Hill expressed confidence
in their ability to handle new builds.
ITEM 1, ATTACHMENT 1
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City of Fort Collins Page 3 June 28, 2018
Mr. Massey asked if Mr. Hill does the work himself or subs out the work. Mr. Hill said he subs almost
everything to licensed contractors.
Ms. Penning asked if Mr. Hill had tried to find a GC to oversee his work. Mr. Hill said he had talked to
other contractors. Ms. Hill talked about the complications of Mr. Hill being on someone else’s payroll
or putting a GC on theirs.
Mr. Robinson asked how many total new builds he had completed in Texas and Fort Collins. Mr. Hill
said they had no full new builds in Texas. Mr. Hill talked about the build on Mountain, comparing the
major additions to a new build.
Mr. Reider disclosed that he had met Mr. Hill on two occasions and had spoken to him on the phone,
but that doesn’t influence his decision.
Mr. Reider confirmed with Mr. Hovland that Mr. Hill can continue doing remodels with his D-2 license.
He asked if there was anything in the regulations to prohibit Mr. Hill from hiring a General Contractor
himself. Mr. Hovland said he must be directly supervised as a supervisor on a new build. Mr. Reider
asked if the code specified that Mr. Hill would specifically have to be an employee on the payroll of a
D-1 GC. Mr. Reider asked about the possibility of a contractual arrangement with a GC without having
to be an employee.
Shar Gerber, City Contractor Licensing Agent, referenced Code Sections 15-156 and 15-157 which
specify that the Appellant would have to be an employee of the GC. She mentioned that another
alternative is to do a new build in another jurisdiction. Mr. Hovland also pointed out that doing a
homeowner build in another path to meeting the requirements.
Mr. Johnson asked about how code is interpreted for remodels vs. new builds. Mr. Hovland briefly
explained those differences.
Appellant Closing Comments
Mr. Hill said he would rather be held to the Fort Collins standards and do that learning here. He stated
he would be willing to have a mentor with a D-1 license, rather than being an employee. He has a
General Contractor in mind who he could ask.
Staff Closing Comments
None
Board Discussion
Board members explored the options for Mr. Hill to meet the requirements. They discussed the
possibility of Mr. Hill working with a mentor, but not as an employee. Other ideas were allowing Mr. Hill
to do one new build, and then having him come back to ask for a third or pursuing homeowner builds.
Mr. Reider inquired as to whether the Board has the option to allow the mentor arrangement. Mr. Van
Hall said the Board could add a condition with a modification to their motion. Mr. Reider asked Mr.
Hovland whether such an arrangement would create a problem for him. Mr. Hovland stated he would
want verification that the license holder was on site with some regularity to provide supervision.
Mr. Johnson said he would be concerned about having the building inspectors make more visits to
confirm the presence of the licensee.
Mr. Van Hall said he would need to talk with Mr. Hovland to see whether Staff is equipped to enforce
such an arrangement.
Chair Cram said he was concerned about setting a precedent. Mr. Robinson agreed with Chair Cram
that this might open a can of worms.
Mr. Johnson said there is a reason for the requirements in the Code and does not believe Board should
dictate how that works.
The Board discussed crafting a motion. Mr. Johnson feels like the avenue exists, but the details should
be up to the City. Chair Cram wondered how they could monitor the presence of the supervisor on site.
Ms. Penning proposed that the Board could allow Mr. Hill to do one new build, and then he could do a
homeowner build on the lot they own to get the other one he needs.
ITEM 1, ATTACHMENT 1
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City of Fort Collins Page 4 June 28, 2018
Chair Cram suggested Mr. Hill could do two homeowner builds in four years, while simultaneously
working on additions and remodels for income. Mr. Reider asked whether it was required to live in the
home, and Mr. Hovland said Staff doesn’t track that. The Board discussed the time it would take to
accomplish the homeowner builds.
Mr. Massey noted that in that past the Board has approved a variance if an Appellant had two new
builds and some other experience or education, but in this case, he does not believe Mr. Hill is close
enough to meeting the requirements.
Chair Cram said they’ve laid out some alternatives, but he would not want to dictate the path in a
motion. If they deny the Appellant’s request, he could come back for another appeal after completing
one more new build. Mr. Hovland said if they have two new builds that were successfully completed,
he may approve a third administratively, as Mr. Gebo had done in the past.
Motion
Mr. Marzonie moved to deny the variance because it does not meet the requirements of Section
15-156 under the City Code.
Mr. Robinson seconded.
The motion passed 7:0.
• OTHER BUSINESS
Chair Cram asked Mr. Hovland about the status of reviewing the new code. Mr. Hovland said the
Committee would begin July 11, and invitations to the participants will be sent soon. He also said that
there may not be a lot of amendments. He gave an overview of the schedule for the adoption of the
amendments for the 2018 codes.
Mr. Hovland mentioned that they had adopted the 2006 Property Maintenance Code and had
administratively kept Chapter 34 out of the 2012 IBC. His goal is to accept the entire set of 2018 codes.
Mr. Reider apologized for being late.
Mr. Hovland asked other Board members to let him know if they want to volunteer for the committee.
• ADJOURNMENT
Chair Cram adjourned the meeting at 3:06 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Gretchen Schiager.
Minutes approved by a vote of the Board on __________.
_________________________________ ______________________________
Russell Hovland, Chief Building Official Alan Cram, Chair
ITEM 1, ATTACHMENT 1
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Agenda Item #2
Item 2, Page 1
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STAFF REPORT September 27, 2018
Building Review Board
STAFF
Jennifer Poznanovic, Revenue & Project Manager
SUBJECT
2018 Impact Fee Update
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Since the fall of October 2016, staff has worked to coordinate the process for updating all new development
related fees that require Council approval. The 2017 CEFs and TCEFs full fee proposals showed significant
increases from the previously approved fees. Due to the concern in the development and building community
around impact fee changes, Council asked for a fee working group to be created to foster a better
understanding of impact fees prior to discussing further fee updates.
The fee working group meetings commenced in August of 2017, comprised of a balanced group of
stakeholders – City staff, business-oriented individuals, citizens and a Council liaison. The group met 14 times,
and the topics covered included: detailed review of fee methodologies, inputs, calculations, City revenue
sources, alternative revenue sources, academic economic research on impact fees, a third-party impact fee
audit review and impact fee comparisons to other communities.
Below is a summary of the key findings from the Fee Working Group position paper:
• Bringing impact fees together for review and formation of the fee working group has been beneficial to
better understand the full impact of Council approved impact fees for new development.
• The group acknowledges overall sound methodologies, calculations and inputs.
• The third-party fee audit revealed that the City manages impact fee expenditures very well. how the
City spends and collects impact fees is sound.
• Regarding economic data, the group agrees that amenities paid for through impact fees add to
property value, but views differ as to what extent they impact demand and supply. Academic research
showed that home price increases in growing areas are mainly demand driven.
• The group agreed that impact fees are complicated and difficult to communicate across the community.
They recommend better messaging to stakeholders and the general public.
• In the 2017 study, park impact fees increased more than other impact fees due to increases in the
costs of land, water and construction. These fees are the only category where impact fees pay for 100
percent of what is built.
• The group acknowledges the need to identify new revenue sources for park refresh and maintenance.
• If council approves lower fees than the staff recommendation, alternative revenue sources will be
needed. If Council goes this direction, it will be for the community to decide what alternatives to
pursue.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Next Steps: November 13th Council Work Session, December 4th & 18th Ordinance readings, 2019
Utility Fees, Development Fees & Step III for CEFs
2. Feedback & Questions from Council Finance Committee
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
If the Board agrees with the recommendation, the Board may pass a motion to support the Impact Fee changes
proposed.
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2018 Impact Fee Update 1
2018 Building Code Review Committee
Agenda
• Impact Fee Background, Scope & Timeline
• Proposed Impact Fee Updates
• Feedback & Next Steps
2
ITEM 2, ATTACHMENT 1
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Why Do We Have Impact Fees
3
Capital Expansion Fees
• New developments pays a proportionate share of
infrastructure costs to “buy-in” to the level of service
• Fee revenue used to build new service capacity
• In place since 1996
Transportation Capital Expansion Fees
• New development contributes toward the construction of
arterial and collector roadways needed per growth
• Fee revenue used to build out additional infrastructure
• In place since 1979
Utility Plant Investment Fees
• Provides a mechanism for new development to reimburse
existing utility customers for existing infrastructure
• Fee revenue used to build additional infrastructure
The concept of growth paying for the impact of growth is a policy
decision that City Council made and continues to support
Fee Revenue Used to Add Infrastructure Needed Because of Growth
Example
4
Fees Provides a Revenue Source to Maintain Current Levels of Service
Community Parks:
• Acres of parks per capita is a measure of level of
service
• The goal is to maintain acres of parks per capita
• As growth occurs, new parks must be added, or park
service levels decline
• A Community Parks Impact Fee generates only
designated revenue used to build the next community
park and to maintain the existing level of service
Capital Expansion
Fees:
• Community parks
• Neighborhood parks
•Fire
• Police
• General government
ITEM 2, ATTACHMENT 1
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Impact Fee Coordination
5
Objective:
• Review fee updates together to
provide a holistic view of the
total cost impact
• Bring impact fees forward per a
defined cadence….. 2 - 4 years
Type of Fee Fee Name
Capital Expansion Neighborhood Park
Capital Expansion Community Park
Capital Expansion Fire
Capital Expansion Police
Capital Expansion General Government
Capital Expansion Transportation
Utility Water Supply Requirement
Utility Electric Capacity
Utility Sewer Plant Investment
Utility Stormwater Plant Investment
Utility Water Plant Investment
Building
Development
45 Development Review &
Building Permit Fees
Impact Fee Timeline
6
Reflects master fee data updates, does not reflect annual inflation updates
1. Detailed fee study analysis every 4 years for CEF, TCEFs & Development fees
2. Detailed fee study analysis every 2 years for Utility fees
3. Conduct fee study analysis in the odd year before BFO
4. In years without updates, an annual inflation adjustment occurs
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Capital Expansion Fees Update Step II Step III Update
Transportation CEFs Update Step II Update
Electric Capacity Fees Update Update Update
Raw Water Update Update Update
Wet Utility Fees Update Update Update
Development Review Fees Update Update
ITEM 2, ATTACHMENT 1
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2017 – Drivers of Fee Increases
7
Capital Expansion Fees (2017 proposed increase 71% to 79%):
• Fee based on replacement cost of existing infrastructure
• Cost of construction, land, water up significantly since last fee revision
Transportation Capital Expansion Fees (2017 proposed changes -32% to 114%):
• Cost of construction up since last fee revision
• Current transportation plan & calculation shift
Electric Capacity Fees (2017 changes approximately -50% to 40%):
• Change in methodology from plan-based to “buy-in”
Raw Water Fees (effective 1/1/2018):
• New fee model - value of the existing water rights portfolio & growth related capital expenses
Large Increase Created Significant Business Community Concern
2017 Recap: Phase I Fees
8
Council directed stepped implementation for CEF & TCEF in 2017
Success Factors:
• Bringing fees together was good for
understanding the full impact of fees
• Formed citizen/staff working group
Lessons Learned:
• Fee increase recommendations were
significant, caused confusion in the community
• Difficult to explain with different methodologies
and qualitative aspect
Fee Status as of October 2017 Next Steps
CEFs • 75% of fees implemented • Phased in approach - three steps
TCEFs • 80% of fees implemented • Phased in approach - two steps
Electric Capacity • 100% of fees implemented • Every two years
Raw Water • 100% of fees implemented • Every two years
ITEM 2, ATTACHMENT 1
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9
• Review of impact fees together is beneficial
for understanding the full impact of fee updates
• Overall, sound methodologies, calculations
and inputs
• The third-party fee audit revealed how the City
spends and collects impact fees is sound
• Impact fee amenities add to property value,
but views differ as to what extent they impact
housing costs
Key Findings
• Impact fees are complicated and difficult to
communicate across the community
• Park impact fees are the only category where
impact fees pay for 100 percent of what is built
• Need to identify new revenue sources for park
refresh and maintenance in the future
• If less than recommended is approved,
alternative revenue sources will be needed
Fee Group Findings
Fee Group Validated Integrity in Fee Development and Expenditures
10
Recommendations
1. Better Communication/Outreach & Notice of Fee Changes
2. Repayment of the $130k Identified in the Impact Fee Audit
3. Progressive Fees if/where Possible
4. Explore Additional Revenue Sources for Parks Buildout
5. Investigate Revenue Alternatives to Support Parks Refresh &
Maintenance
6. Explore Stronger Supports for Affordable Housing Fee Waivers
Fee Group Recommendations
Recommendations Will be Reviewed with Council Finance in September….
Implemented as Appropriate Over Time
ITEM 2, ATTACHMENT 1
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CEFs & TCEFs
Proposed Updates Effective 2019
11
Fire fees updated July 2018 to reflect calculation error
CEFs & TCEFs Totals with Inflation
Land Use Type Unit
Current
Total
Step II
Total
Step II
Total w
Inflation
%
Increase
%
Increase
w Inflation
Residential, up to 700 sq. ft. Dwelling $5,845 $7,049 $7,473 21% 28%
Residential, 701-1,200 sq. ft. Dwelling $8,779 $10,593 $11,221 21% 28%
Residential, 1,201-1,700 sq. ft. Dwelling $10,283 $12,409 $13,139 21% 28%
Residential, 1,701-2,200 sq. ft. Dwelling $11,099 $13,391 $14,173 21% 28%
Residential, over 2,200 sq. ft. Dwelling $12,147 $14,658 $15,516 21% 28%
Commercial 1,000 sq. ft. $8,430 $10,164 $10,720 21% 27%
Office and Other Services $6,660 $8,028 $8,472 21% 27%
Industrial/Warehouse 1,000 sq. ft. $2,000 $2,411 $2,542 21% 27%
With Inflation, Proposed Fee Increases of 27% to 28% for CEFs and TCEFs
12
Wet Utility PIFs
Proposed Updates Effective 2019
Utility Criteria Current
Charge
2019
Charge $ Change
%
Change
Water $ / GPD $ 4.66 $ 4.99 $ 0.33 7.1%
Wastewater $ / GPD $ 13.98 $ 15.31 $ 1.33 9.5%
Stormwater
Per acre
(adjusted for run-off
factor)
$ 8,217 $ 9,142 $ 925 11.3%
Proposed Fee Increases of 7% to 11% Across the Three Wet Utility Fees
ITEM 2, ATTACHMENT 1
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What if Impact Fees are not Updated?
13
With Limitations on Total Revenue, if Full Fee Increases are Not Implemented
the City Will Need to Turn to Alternatives
Implications if full impact fee increases are not implemented:
• Wait to build new infrastructure and service capacity
• Lower current levels of service
• Alternative revenue sources
‒ Sales tax increase, property tax increase, occupation tax…
Fee Comparison:
For Median New Home Sales Price $483K*
14
Fort Collins Fees in the Lower-Middle of the Pack
*Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
ITEM 2, ATTACHMENT 1
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Neighboring Cities
Median Sales Comparison with Fees
15
Of Median Home Sales Prices, Wellington Has Higher Fee Percentages…
Timnath Has Lower Fee Percentages
Fort Collins Fee Stack
Median New Home Sales
16
Fort Collins Fees & Code Cost Impact is Leveling %
of Median New Home Sales Price
ITEM 2, ATTACHMENT 1
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Outreach Plan
17
Organization Date
Super Issues Forum September 6th
Northern Colorado Homebuilder's Association September 11th
Fort Collins Board of Realtors September 11th
Building Code Review Committee September 12th
Downtown Development Authority September 13th
Economic Advisory Commission September 19th
North Fort Collins Business Association September 26th
Parks and Recreation Board September 26th
Local Legislative Affairs Committee September 28th
South Fort Collins Business Association October 2nd
Affordable Housing Board October 11th
Human Relations Board October 11th
Housing Catalyst TBD
Next Steps
18
1. Next Steps:
• September 17th: Council Finance Committee
• November 13th: Council Work Session
• December 4th & 18th: Ordinance readings
• 2019: Utility Fees, Development Fees & Step III for
CEFs
2. Feedback & Questions
• Is there support for this process going forward?
ITEM 2, ATTACHMENT 1
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Agenda Item #3
Item 3, Page 1
STAFF REPORT September 27, 2018
Building Review Board
STAFF
Russ Hovland, Chief Building Official
SUBJECT
Ordinances, including local amendments, relating to the adoption of the,
2018 International Building Code (IBC)
2018 International Residential Code (IRC)
2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
The National Electrical Code (NEC) and the International Plumbing Code (IPC) are companion standards to the
proposed five core building codes. The most current editions of the NEC and IPC are reviewed and adopted by
the State of Colorado and become the State Electric and State Plumbing codes. Fort Collins accepts and
enforces the NEC and IPC when, and as adopted, by the State.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The 2018 International Codes (2018 I-Codes) represent the most up-to-date, comprehensive, and fully integrated
body of codes regulating building construction and systems using prescriptive and performance-related
provisions. The purpose of these codes is to establish the minimum construction requirements to safeguard the
public health, safety, and general welfare by regulating structural strength and stability, sanitation, light and
ventilation, energy conservation, and property protection from hazards attributed to the built environment within
the City of Fort Collins.
BACKGROUND
Since 1924 the City of Fort Collins has periodically reviewed, amended, and adopted the latest nationally
recognized building standards available for the times. The City has updated the minimum construction standards
15 times since 1924.
The 2018 International Codes will replace the 2015 editions of the IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, and the IECC all of
which were adopted on July 17, 2017. Some code provisions formally located within the above listed codes have
been relocated into new separate codes such as the IEBC and the ISPSC. These are included in this proposed
adoption process however the requirements in these 2 standards have not changed from the previous code
sections located in IBC and IRC.
Building codes and standards are reviewed and voted on by code officials and construction industry
professionals from across the country and published every three years under the oversight of the International
Code Council (ICC). These core 2018 I-Codes represent the latest construction publications from ICC.
Review process
The implementation of new building standards can have a dramatic impact on the construction industry and the
economy of the community. To better understand these impacts, a code review committee is convened to review
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Agenda Item #3
Item 3, Page 2
the new codes and all local amendments. The code review committee represents a wide spectrum of volunteers
from across the local construction industry including private developers, residential and commercial builders,
architects, engineers, representatives from the energy conservation sector and Poudre Fire Authority.
The code review committee met regularly (See member list included) in July, August, and September 2018 to
discuss new proposed amendments and current amendments. This committee will vote on support and move
for adoption of the 2018 I-Codes and amendments in late September. While this review process requires
considerable time and resources, it produces enforceable and effective building codes and amendments that
the community and construction industry support and create together.
Amendments overview
A few current amendments are now in the new 2018 code as written (codes have caught up to us) and have
been deleted, while other amendments that did not have the intended results or were shown to be ineffective
and costly to the construction industry were deleted. Overall, the changes from the 2015 codes to the 2018
codes are few and impacts to cost of construction are minimal.
A handful of new amendments are being proposed including 2 which support the City’s sustainability goals and
the Climate Action Plan:
Proposed amendments to the IBC:
• In new commercial and multi-family buildings when a trash chute is provided as typically in a multi-story
apartment building, a second chute for recycling must be provided. This can be achieved in the same fire-
rated shaft to reduce costs. Approximate cost increase is $1500 per floor.
• In new multi-family structures, 10% of all parking spaces must provide a conduit from the electrical room to
the front of the parking space for installing electric vehicle charging equipment in the future. Approximate
cost increase is $300 per parking space.
• A new no-fee emergency repair permit provision was added to allow a fast permit to be issued in a
disaster/damage situation where a building owner can temporarily repair a dwelling to allow occupancy while
more permanent repairs are forthcoming. This was recommended by the county building department who
scrambled to put this in place after several recent disasters.
Proposed amendments to the IRC,
• New homes are to be provided with an empty 3/4-inch conduit from the attic to the main electrical panel for
ease of installing future photovoltaic (PV) system signaling wiring. Approximate cost increase for this conduit
and installation is $200.00.
• New homes are to be provided with an empty 3/4-inch conduit from the main electrical panel board to an
empty junction box in the garage for ease of installing a future electrical vehicle (EV) charging outlet.
Approximate cost increase is $100.00.
• Window u-value will change from .32 to .30 for an increase in efficiency and approximate cost increase of
8% for vinyl windows.
The cost assumptions discussed in each bullet above were determined after staff reached out to the
tradespeople who would be involved with the code requirement such as electricians, plumbers, mechanical
contractors, and fire-suppression contractors. Construction supply houses were contacted for an estimate of off-
the-shelf materials.
CITY FINANCIAL IMPACTS
Alterations to, or new construction of City owned properties will have to comply with the provisions of the 2018
I-Codes. The scope of work to be performed will determine the financial impact to the City. In general, there are
no Citywide financial impacts expected with the adoption of the 2018 I-Codes.
Community Development and Neighborhood Services (CDNS) anticipates the following financial impacts and
expects these costs to be absorbed into the current CDNS budget:
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Agenda Item #3
Item 3, Page 3
1. Purchase of new building codes, approximately $5000. The necessary copies of the seven core 2018 I-
Codes have been purchased for staff.
2. Staff training on the new codes is mostly accomplished in-house. When possible, staff will attend code
classes that are offered at various times throughout the year. This additional training cost is expected not to
exceed $5,000.
2018 BUILDING CODE ADOPTION REVIEW COMMITTEE
Name Company Phone
Alan Cram Cram Services; BRB Chair 303-588-8633
Bob Poncelow Poudre Fire Authority 970-416-2871
Brad Smith City Staff, Utilities/Plan Review 970-416-4321
Brian Kelly Toll Bros. 970-305-0474
Ceri Jones Triton Communities 970-567-9717
Charlie Atwood Hartford Homes 970-556-5756
Chris Allison Former CBO, Longmont 226-1247
Eric Fried CBO, Larimer County 970-4987705
Jeff Schneider Armstead Construction; P&Z Chair 970-566-9971
Justin Montgomery Design Point Engineering 430-5783
Mike Doddridge Doddridge Construction 970-218-3210
Mike Missimer Fort Collins Heating & Air 970-310-9232
Paul Higman GS Services 970-449-1612
Ron Carroll City Staff, Building Inspector 970-416-2326
Russell Hovland City Staff, CBO 970-416-2341
Sarah Carter City Staff, Plans Examiner 970-416-2748
Steve Steinbicker Architecture West 970-207-0424
Terry Heyne Custom On-Site Builders 970-412-0149
Greg Black Colorado Lic. PE 970-213-1824
BOARDS AND PUBLIC OUTREACH
The 2018 I-Codes with proposed amendments have/will be presented to numerous boards and commissions:
Board of Realtors
Water Board
Energy Board
Commission on Disability
Natural Resource Advisory Board
Poudre Fire Authority Board
Building Review Board
Affordable Housing Board
Air Quality Advisory Board
Northern Colorado Home Builder Association
Chamber of Commerce
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
If the Board agrees with the recommendation, the Board may pass a motion to “Recommend the City adopt the
2018 International Codes and References, with any necessary local amendments.”
Packet Pg. 19