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.

Jump to a Section

Use the links below to quickly find Building Department overview information, program areas, code administration, compliance processes, codes and regulations, health, life, and safety resources, and department contacts.


Overview

The Building Department manages code compliance, delegated state building requirements, code interpretation, and coordination with review and inspection partners for CSU construction projects.

State Building Requirements

Enacts and manages delegated requirements from the Office of the State Architect and

State Buildings Programs
.

Code Compliance

Enforces International Code Council and other OSA-adopted codes for CSU construction projects while maintaining construction code compliance for the University.

Code Resources and Guidance

Provides centralized code reference resources and advises Facilities Management leadership, the SBP Delegate, Project Managers, Operations, and others on code analysis, interpretations, and applications.

Review and Inspection Coordination

Ensures 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.


Program Areas

The Building Department supports code compliance throughout the project lifecycle, including programming, design, inspections, and documentation.

Programming

Provides code-related input during early project planning to help identify requirements, constraints, and compliance considerations before design begins.

Design

Reviews design information for applicable code requirements and supports coordination with project teams, review agents, and state building representatives.

Construction Inspections

Supports inspection coordination and code compliance review during construction to help confirm work aligns with approved requirements.

Documentation

Maintains and supports code-related documentation, reference materials, approvals, inspection records, and compliance resources for University construction projects.


Code Administration Program

The Building Department administers state building code requirements, code compliance policies, and CSU’s delegated authority for University construction projects.

State Building Code Authority

The Department of Personnel and Administration and State Buildings Programs, 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.


CSU Code Compliance Processes

The Building Department supports code compliance through plan review, construction inspections, licensing coordination, documentation, and required approvals throughout CSU construction projects.

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, permit numbers, and waiver documentation.
  • CSU coordinates with Poudre Fire Authority and Environmental Health Services throughout design review.

Construction Inspections and Licensing

  • 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.

DORA Licensed Plumbers and Electricians

Plumbing and electrical work must be performed by properly licensed individuals as required by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.

Inspection Coordination

Required inspections must be coordinated as part of the project process to confirm work is completed in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and approved construction documents.

Project Documentation

Project teams may be required to provide documentation related to licensing, permits, inspections, approvals, and code compliance before work begins or before project closeout.


Codes, Regulations, and Standards

Use the resources below to find State Building Codes, CSU Construction Standards, accreditation and safety requirements, and asbestos regulation information.

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.

Health, Life, and Safety

The Building Department supports compliance with health, life, safety, environmental, and public safety requirements that apply to University construction projects.

Life Safety

Supports code compliance related to building safety, emergency access, occupancy, fire protection, egress, and other life safety requirements.

Environmental Health Requirements

Coordinates with appropriate campus and state partners when construction work involves environmental health requirements, regulated materials, or other project-specific safety considerations.

Public Safety Coordination

Works with review and inspection partners, including Poudre Fire Authority and other state inspection services, to support public safety compliance for CSU construction projects.


Building Department Contacts

Contact the Building Department for questions related to building code compliance, delegated state building requirements, inspections, and related construction support.

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