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Northglenn Council adopts 2024 building and energy codes with life‑safety amendments
Summary
The City of Northglenn unanimously adopted an ordinance to update local building codes to the 2024 model editions and local Metro Cohort energy amendments, adding life‑safety measures such as new residential sprinkler sections and updated guardrail requirements. Staff will begin outreach and contractor training before the codes take effect.
Northglenn’s City Council unanimously adopted CB 20‑39 on July 13, 2026, updating local law to incorporate the 2024 editions of the International Building Code, International Fire Code, International Plumbing and Mechanical Codes, and related model standards, plus a Metro Cohort energy code tailored for the Denver metro region.
Staff said the package includes both statewide-adopted sections and locally recommended amendments intended to strengthen life safety and resilience. Director of Planning and Development Becky Smith told the council the ordinance will be effective 90 days after final approval to allow for contractor training and public outreach. “The code’s purpose is really to improve the construction and maintenance of the built environment, thereby improving health, safety, resiliency, and adaptability,” Smith said.
Alejandro Pantoya, the city’s chief building official, highlighted changes that affect residential safety, including new provisions for guardrail supports and sleeping-loft protections. North Metro Fire representatives supported reintroducing residential sprinkler language: Alejandro cited NFPA data on residential fire casualties and the survival benefits of sprinkler installations, and deputy or division chief Steve Gosselin said sprinklers primarily protect life by delaying flashover. “Residential sprinklers…activate early…[and] will contain the fire in a way that allows occupants more time to safely escape the home,” Gosselin said.
Sustainability Coordinator Mara Owen described the energy‑code selection. Northglenn opted to adopt the Metro Cohort model energy code, which staff said is compliant with the state’s new low‑energy and carbon code and provides regionally tailored pathways for builders, including metrics that emphasize site energy use rather than fluctuating energy costs.
Council members asked for clarifications about scope and exemptions. Staff confirmed that some retrofit and small‑scope projects are not triggered to retrofit existing sprinklers, and that battery storage requirements apply case‑by‑case to stationary battery systems rather than to parked electric vehicles. Staff also laid out planned public trainings: a contractor training on Aug. 26, a public “lunch and learn” on Aug. 5, and internal building‑inspector training in the fall.
The council’s unanimous vote adopts the 2024 codes with the recommended local amendments. The city will publish guidance and FAQs on the building department web pages and hold the announced trainings before the adoption becomes effective.
