The state of Colorado has adopted the 2021 Colorado Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes which incorporates the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), and the plumbing provisions of the International Residential Code (IRC). This decision comes after careful consideration by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Plumbing Board and is a testament to the state’s commitment to upholding the highest standards in building construction and maintenance.

“We congratulate Coloradoans and Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies Plumbing Board on their upgrade to the most current plumbing code,” said International Code Council Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas (PMG) Executive Director Matt Sigler. “By upgrading to the latest IPC and IFGC, Colorado has taken a crucial step forward in safeguarding its citizens, showcasing a proactive approach to resilience, and promoting safety and sustainability within their communities.”

This change reflects Colorado’s commitment to the health and safety of its citizens and helps to enhance the resilience and durability of future buildings in the state in the face of increasingly severe weather events. By aligning with the 2021 IPC, Colorado strengthens its eligibility for federal funding with programs such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which plays a vital role in facilitating the recovery process during emergencies and natural disasters, and specifically articulates the importance of updating codes such as the IPC.

“With the adoption of the 2021 Colorado Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes, the state of Colorado has taken another big step in ensuring consumer protection,” said James Fernandez, plumbing inspector supervisor for the State of Colorado. “We are proud of our continued relationship with the International Code Council.”

As a minimum safeguard, building codes establish a building’s energy performance and efficiency while ensuring safety. By embracing the 2021 I-Codes, Colorado sets a precedent for other states to evaluate current codes and practices and to adopt updated codes that promote safety, resilience, and sustainability in the built environment. Another state making strides toward updating its building code adoption is Illinois, which recently passed SB2368, requiring that all jurisdictions in the state adopt the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), IRC, and the International Existing Building Code (IEBC).

Read the final plumbing and fuel gas rules and regulations from the Code of Colorado Regulations here.