Crested Butte’s Building Codes Update

In August 2022, Crested Butte became the first municipality in Colorado to require that new residential and commercial construction be all electric, not utilizing natural gas for heating, hot water heating and appliances starting in 2023. With the unanimous approval by town council of the updated 2021 International Building Code that included some “above code” standards dealing with energy efficiency, renewable energy, electric vehicle readiness and electrification, the town lays claim to being the first in the state to pass such a mandate banning most natural gas in new buildings. The town building codes will now be reviewed every three years. Solar panels will be required on large commercial construction and new buildings will at a minimum have to be solar ready and electric vehicle ready.