Construction projects in Loveland could soon be subject to a sweeping set of new building and energy efficiency standards, but they will have to withstand some scrutiny from the City Council first. On Tuesday, members voted on first reading to advance updated building codes, while pressing staff to answer pointed questions before the final vote about how the changes could affect housing costs.
“I do have some concerns regarding a little tension I’m seeing here,” said Ward 3 representative Kalina Middleton. “On one end, we’re asking for affordable housing, and on the other end, we’re asking for more codes that are more technical, with more training necessary, more inspections, more systems. That does raise the cost of the house.”
The amendments in question were part of the model codes established by the International Code Council and updated on a triennial cycle, most recently in 2024. Loveland currently follows 2021 ICC codes, after the City Council approved them unanimously in June 2023.
According to city Chief Building Official Theresa Campbell, the proposed changes are intended to keep Loveland aligned with surrounding jurisdictions while updating safety, construction and energy standards to reflect new technology and state requirements.
The package under consideration on Tuesday would adopt updated versions of the ICC’s building, residential, plumbing, mechanical and property maintenance codes, along with Colorado’s model low-energy and carbon code, adopted by the state in 2024.
Among the most impactful amendments were those involving radon mitigation systems in new residential and commercial buildings, updated wind and snow load standards, revised roofing and electrical requirements and new contractor licenses for framing and solar work, according to city Building Inspector Supervisor Steve Hefling.
The package would also add electric-, EV- and solar-ready requirements to new construction, as well as property maintenance rules intended to clarify enforcement standards and emergency repair procedures.
Electric Utility Division Manager Adam Bromley said the energy code updates also align with Platte River Power Authority’s long-term transition away from coal-fired generation by encouraging electrification and renewable energy infrastructure in new construction
“They’re in support of some of these things that need to happen in homes and businesses in order to support Loveland and Platte River Power Authority’s goals moving to the future,” Bromley said.
But many of these new requirements will add costs for builders, and, eventually, property owners, Campbell acknowledged. The 2024 codes will also add to the Development Services division’s workload, since many require additional staff training or potentially more personnel to monitor compliance.
Those concerns, particularly the potential impact on housing costs, were the focus of much of the council’s discussion of the proposed amendments.
Several council members said they support the updated safety standards in principle, but questioned whether the cumulative cost of new requirements tied to radon mitigation, energy efficiency and electric-ready infrastructure could further drive up the price of housing.
Councilor Zeke Cortez said he wanted staff to return before the second reading with a clearer estimate of the total cost impact of the amendments, arguing that even relatively modest increases can undermine years of work to improve affordability.
“I don’t want to just vote yes to vote yes,” Cortez said. “There’s a lot of talk … to try to lower the cost of a house, five grand, 10 grand, 15 grand, and then we come in and do this, and they’ve just got to start all over again.”
Middleton similarly asked for a breakdown showing which requirements are mandated under state law, which are tied to safety or insurance standards and which represent local policy choices.
City Attorney Vince Junglas told the council that some energy efficiency and electrification requirements are effectively mandated by state law and could expose the city to potential litigation or the loss of grant funding if Loveland declines to adopt them.
The updated codes are scheduled to return to the council for a public hearing and final vote on June 2.
