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San Miguel County staff brief commissioners on energy-code options and deadlines as building-code cycle advances
Summary
Staff presented options between adopting the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2024 cycle or the state's Low Energy and Carbon (LEC) model code, noting differences on how energy is measured (debiasing) and credits that favor electrification; commissioners were asked to send questions to staff ahead of decisions required before summer 2026.
San Miguel County staff briefed the Planning Commission on competing paths for the county’s next building-code cycle and the timeline for decisions tied to state law.
Presenter Matt summarized two options: adopt the International Code Council’s (ICC) 2024 energy conservation code as part of the county’s 2024 code-cycle adoption or preemptively adopt Colorado’s Low Energy and Carbon (LEC) model code. "One of the options ... was certainly to do nothing, but stay on the 2018 code cycle that we're already on," he said, then explained that the county is planning to adopt the 2024 code cycle and must decide whether to adopt the ICC energy code or the state’s LEC.
Matt described two key differences he has been tracking. First, the LEC “de-biases” energy-source accounting by focusing on the energy input and output rather than treating gas- and electric-based systems differently for compliance modeling. Second, the LEC offers compliance credits that make it easier to comply if a building is all-electric or set up for electrification; insulating credits and electrification measures earn compliance points. "Basically ... rather than considering cost efficiency, we're looking at BTU input and output," he said.
Staff noted practical implications: moving from the 2018 energy code to the 2024 cycle produces estimated efficiency gains (Matt cited about a 12% efficiency improvement in customary modeling for typical houses), and jurisdictions that amend their building code after July 1, 2026, may be bound to adopt the state’s LEC model in future cycles per state timelines. Commissioners asked for follow-up materials on upfront costs versus long-term savings and on builder-training options; Matt said staff will return with additional modelling and recommended language.
Commissioners were advised to send specific questions to staff via email so the county can bring a more detailed presentation and recommended motion before the Board of County Commissioners.
