Building Department

The Facilities Management Building Department manages building code compliance for University construction projects and enacts and manages delegated requirements from the Office of the State Architect and State Buildings Programs.



Building Department Overview

  • Enact and manage delegated requirements from the Office of the State Architect (OSA) and State Buildings Programs (SBP).
  • Enforce International Code Council (ICC) and other OSA-adopted codes for CSU construction projects while maintaining construction code compliance for the University.
  • Provide centralized code reference resources and advise Facilities Management leadership, the SBP Delegate, Project Managers, Operations, and others on code analysis, interpretations, and applications.
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards, specifications, and public safety regulations, while serving as liaison with approved third-party Code Review Agents, Poudre Fire Authority, and other state inspection services.


Programming, Design, Inspections & Documentation

Programming

  • Evaluate project scope viability prior to budgeting.
  • Verify program objectives, strategic plans, and fiscal resources.
  • Provide analysis and supporting documentation for complex code issues.
  • Implement OSHA and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) policies.

Design

  • Collaborate with design teams to achieve code compliance.
  • Advise on code interpretations, regulations, and modifications.
  • Identify and communicate potential code violations during design.

Construction Inspections

  • Perform and administer multi-trade construction inspections.
  • Conduct building audits for code compliance.
  • Coordinate with code officials to resolve code-related issues.
  • Maintain inspection documentation and records.

Documentation

  • Communicate code requirements for University projects.
  • Maintain project code compliance records and documentation.
  • Submit annual Agency Action Plan documentation to the Office of the State Architect.
  • Ensure CSU design and construction standards align with current codes.


Code Administration Program

State Building Code Authority

The Department of Personnel and Administration (DPA) and State Buildings Programs (SBP), under Colorado Revised Statute 24-30-1303, establish minimum building code requirements for construction on state-owned and state lease-purchased facilities.

Code Compliance Policy

The SBP code compliance policy  coordinates state personnel and establishes standardized processes for reviewing construction documents and inspecting projects to ensure compliance with approved building codes and standards.

CSU Delegate Authority

Colorado State University has been granted full delegate authority for enforcement of SBP building code policies and procedures. Facilities Management established the Building Department to oversee University code compliance under the leadership of the State Buildings Program Delegate.


 

Codes, Regulations, and Standards

State Building Codes

A current list of approved and adopted State Buildings Programs building codes can be found through the State of Colorado Building Codes resources.

CSU Construction Standards

CSU Facilities Planning, Design and Construction Standards provide additional University requirements and guidance for campus projects.

Additional Accreditation & Safety Requirements

  • Animal facilities — AAALAC Standards.
  • Biosafety levels — NIH and CDC guidelines.
  • Radiation — State of Colorado Radiation Rules and Regulations.

Asbestos Regulations

Asbestos abatement at CSU is managed by Environmental Health Services and regulated by the Department of Public Health and Environment.


DORA Licensed Plumbers and Electricians

License Verification

CSU Building Department Inspectors and authorized inspection agents verify that all plumbers, electricians, and apprentices are licensed through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). State-issued licenses must be provided upon request during inspections.

Inspection Requirements

If proof of licensing cannot be provided during inspection, the individual may not remain on the job site until verification is received. Inspections are conducted randomly throughout project construction.

License Accessibility

Electricians, plumbers, and apprentices are required to keep licenses available and readily accessible while working on CSU project sites.


CSU Code Compliance Processes

Plan Review

  • CSU may use SBP Approved Code Review Agents or in-house ICC Certified Plans Examiners.
  • Projects exempt under International Building Code Section 105.2 may receive a Code Review waiver.
  • Design Teams and Project Managers are responsible for obtaining code compliance approvals or waivers.
  • The CSU Building Department issues Building Inspection Records (BIRs), permit numbers, and waiver documentation.
  • CSU coordinates with Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) and Environmental Health Services (EHS) throughout design review.

Construction Inspections

  • CSU partners with SBP Approved Code Review Agents, State inspectors, PFA, and EHS for inspections.
  • CSU has delegated authority from DORA Electrical and Plumbing Boards to issue permits and perform inspections.
  • PFA and CSU Fire Systems coordinate fire inspections and annual NFPA inspections.
  • Emergency Management prioritizes evacuation drills while EHS conducts health inspections during construction.
  • State Boiler Inspector reviews are required for boiler installations, repairs, alterations, and final inspections.

Code Compliance Documentation

  • The CSU Building Department maintains electronic records for reviews, inspections, notifications, modifications, and reports.
  • Facilities Management staff have access to adopted building code reference materials.
  • Required documentation and transmittals must comply with SBP Building Code Compliance policies.


Other Health, Life, and Safety

  • Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be provided when applicable, with coordination through Environmental Health Services and the University Representative as needed.
  • All asbestos-related work must be supervised by personnel certified and licensed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
  • All work must comply with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
  • Asbestos abatement, air monitoring, and testing are included within the General Contractor’s scope, with independent testing firms contracted directly by the General Contractor.


Building Department Contacts

Mike Rush – AIA, CBO

State Buildings Delegate
Chief Building Official

Becca Mueller – CBO

Building Department Manager
Certified Building Official

Russ Johnson

ICC Certified Commercial Electrical Inspector
State of Colorado Licensed Master Electrician