During the design phase, the building design team develops construction documents based on the current building codes and Commerce City design standards listed below. 

Current Building Codes 

The 2021 Commerce City Building Code (C3BC) is now in effect for all projects. We are also under the 2023 NEC. 

These codes establish minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare through and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations. The C3BC is established in Chapter 5 of the Commerce City Municipal Code, Article I - In General. Referenced therein are the following codes with city-centric amendments:

  • International Building Code: 2018 | 2021
  • International Existing Building Code: 2018 | 2021
  • International Residential Code: 2018 | 2021
  • International Mechanical Code: 2018 | 2021
  • International Plumbing Code: 2018 | 2021
  • International Fuel Gas Code: 2018 | 2021
  • National Electrical Code Administration: 2020 | 2023
    (there are no city amendments to the NEC)
  • International Energy Conservation Code: 2018 | 2021
  • International Swimming Pool and Spa Code: 2018 | 2021
  • International Green Construction Code: 2021
  • International Private Sewage Disposal Code: 2021
  • Review of notable changes
International codes can be purchased from the International Code Council. The NEC can be purchased from the National Fire Protection Association (login required). 

Technical Bulletins

Other Codes & Design Criteria 

Typical Details 

Step 2) Permit Application,  
Contractor Licensing & Plan Review