Codes, Policies & Procedures
The Building Inspections Division administers and enforces Golden’s Building Code, which provides minimum standards to control the design, construction, quality of materials, use, occupancy, location, and maintenance of all buildings and structures.
City of Golden Codes
- 2012 International Building Code
- 2012 International Energy Conservation Code
- 2012 International Fire Code
- 2012 International Fuel Gas Code
- 2012 International Existing Buildings Code
- 2012 International Mechanical Code
- 2012 International Plumbing Code
- 2012 International Residential Code
(Including Appendix Chapter F dealing with radon control for new single family dwellings) - 2011 National Electrical Code
Policies & Procedures
The following policies and procedures are available in pdf format:
“After the Fact” Permits (pdf)
How shall After the Fact Permits be handled?
Building Permit Fees (pdf)
What are the current Building Permit fees?
Building Permit Valuation (pdf)
How are Building Permit Valuations determined?
Building Use Tax Handout (pdf)
You may present a copy of your building permit when purchasing construction materials so that City sales tax will not be charged at the time of purchase.
Certificates of Occupancy and Temporary Certificates of Occupancy (pdf)
When and under what circumstances will a TCO be issued or will a CO be required?
Changes Of Use Or Character (pdf)
Under what guidelines shall allowances for changes of use or character be permitted as allowed by the International Building Code (modifications, alternate materials, alternate design and methods of construction, and Changes of Use)?
Collection of Plan Review Fees (pdf)
At what time during the permit application process are Plan Review fees to be collected?
Creation of Dwelling Unit (pdf)
What criteria should be used in determining when a new and separate dwelling unit has been created?
Demolition/Renovation Fact Sheet (pdf)
What the State requires prior to any demolition or renovation in any public or commercial building. Also visit the EPA website regarding Lead-Safe Certification Program.
Design Professional Required (pdf)
When shall an Architect or Engineer, registered in the State of Colorado, be required to prepare and affix his/her seal and signature to the plans and specifications as part of a permit application?
Egress Windows and Window Wells (pdf)
When a basement finish permit is applied for, in what was a previously approved finished or unfinished basement area, questions arise as to when emergency escape and rescue windows will be required.
Engineered Foundations And Soils Reports (pdf)
When, by whom, and under what conditions shall a foundation soil investigation, an engineered foundation design, and a soils engineering report be required?
Expiration of Building Permits for Abandonment of Work (pdf)
When shall a legally issued Building Permit expire and become Null and Void due to abandonment?
Expiration of Building Permits for Failure to Commence Work (pdf)
What shall constitute commencement of work and when shall a legally issued Building Permit expire and become Null and Void due to a failure to commence work?
Foundation Only Permits (pdf)
Should the building division continue its current policy of issuing “Foundation Only” Permits?
Grease Traps And Grease Interceptors (pdf)
When are grease interceptors and grease traps required to provide pre-treatment of waste discharged from fixtures and appliances capable of discharging grease in commercial food service or processing establishments?
Guardrails Required For Walking Surfaces Adjacent To Window Wells, Retaining Walls, And Parking Areas, Etc. (pdf)
There is confusion as to when the International Building Code requires a guardrail, or equivalent protection, for window wells. There is also confusion as to when guardrails may be required on constructed walking surfaces detached or removed from a building such as, but not limited to, sidewalks and parking areas.
Historic Buildings (pdf)
Under what guidelines shall allowances for Historic Buildings be permitted as allowed by the International Building Code (Additions, Alterations or Repairs)?
Inspections (pdf)
Once a permit has been issued, it is the responsibility of the construction contractor or homeowner to ensure the building is ready for inspection on the day the inspection is requested.
Inspections of Water and Sewer Lines on Private Property (pdf)
The Building Division shall be responsible for the permitting, inspection, and approval of all water and sewer service lines on private property.
Over the Counter Permits (pdf)
Frequently minor permit applications are submitted which are not necessarily required to undergo a full plan review process.
Permit And Inspection Requirements For Structural Elements Not Specifically Regulated By The Building Code (pdf)
When shall building permits and inspections be required for systems which meet the definitions of “structure” but for which specific elements, in themselves, are not regulated by the building codes or are exempted from building permits?
Permit Requirements for Elevators (pdf)
Questions have arisen as to when permits and inspections are required for modifications, upgrades, or replacement of equipment which is part of an existing installation.
Plan Review Turn Around Time (pdf)
What is an appropriate span of time that can be reasonably expected for the City to perform accurate and complete plan reviews?
Re-Inspect Fees (pdf)
When and under what circumstances is it appropriate for the building inspector to assess a re-inspection Fee?
Required Permits Guide (pdf)
Examples of projects that require permits and those that do not.
Residential Green Menu (pdf)
For single family or duplex new construction or for additions increasing the habitable space by 25% or greater, we require builders to meet the regulations in the Residential Green Menu, which gives builders some options to pick through to meet the minimum number of points and to further the City’s sustainability goals.
Roofing And Re-Roof Covering Requirements (pdf)
This is a summary of City of Golden roofing requirements.
