Home > Plumber > Colorado

Colorado Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

State-Level Plumbing Codes in Colorado

The State of Colorado establishes minimum standards for plumbing installations through the Colorado Plumbing Code. This code is primarily based on the 2021 editions of the International Plumbing Code (IPC), the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), and the plumbing provisions of the International Residential Code (IRC). The state adopts these model codes with specific state-level additions, revisions, and deletions, which are codified in the Code of Colorado Regulations (3 CCR 720-1).

Regulatory Authority

The primary agency responsible for setting and enforcing these standards is the Colorado State Plumbing Board, which operates under the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). The Board is responsible for licensing plumbers, registering apprentices and contractors, issuing permits for state-inspected areas, and conducting inspections to ensure compliance with the state-adopted codes. While the state sets these minimum standards, local jurisdictions may also adopt and enforce their own building codes, which can sometimes be more stringent than the state requirements.

Resources to Learn More

Select a County Below to Learn More About That Jurisdiction in Colorado

Permit rules operate within the above structure but can be nuanced at the county or municipal level. Select your local area below for specific ordinances, local codes, and direct links for your locality Building Department.