Design Criteria
Wind speed, snow load, frost line, soil bearing and the building codes the Town has adopted. What you need before drawing plans.
These are the design conditions for construction in Pierce, and the codes the Town has adopted. Use them when preparing plans for permit review.
Structural and environmental design values
| What | Value |
|---|---|
| Wind speed | 115 mph (ultimate) |
| Seismic design category | B |
| Weathering | Severe |
| Frost line | 30 inches |
| Termite risk | Slight to moderate |
| Roof snow load | 30 psf live, 15 psf dead |
| Ground snow load | 30 psf |
| Floor load, sleeping areas | 30 psf |
| Floor load, other areas | 40 psf |
| Deflection, floors | L/360 |
| Deflection, rafters | L/180 |
| Winter design temperature | 1°F |
| Mean annual temperature | 45°F |
| Soil bearing capacity | 1,500 psf (assumed) |
Codes the Town has adopted
Residential
- 2024 International Residential Code (IRC)
- 2024 International Energy Conservation Code
- 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC)
Commercial
- 2024 International Building Code (IBC)
- 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
- 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
- 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
- 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
- 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
- 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC)
Also adopted
- 2024 International Property Maintenance Code
- 2024 International Existing Building Code
Required by the State of Colorado
- Electric ready
- Solar ready
- EV ready
The codes were adopted by Ordinance 2025-03.