New building and energy code adopted

Aspen City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 24 passed Ordinance #1, 2023, which adopted the 2021 I-Codes, along with local building and energy code amendments. The updates include an expansion to the Renewable Energy Mitigation Program (REMP) and other measures focused on energy conservation, wildfire resiliency, and lowering emissions. The new codes will apply to all permits submitted after March 31, 2023.
If you have questions, please reach out via email to Bonnie Muhigirwa, or call (970) 309-5119.
Resources: 

• Summary of major code changes
• 2021 Adoption (All Codes except Energy)
• Residential Energy Code
• Commercial Energy Code

Connect with the “Planner of the Day”

The City of Aspen Planning and Zoning Divisions offer general assistance on land use questions through “Planner of the Day.” This is the best starting point for inquiries about development options for properties within the City, and land use approvals that may be required. Planner of the Day is available through the following channels:

• Email planneroftheday@gmail.com
• Leave a voicemail at (970) 429-2764. Please note that this is a dedicated line for Planner of the Day, but the phone is not answered by staff. We will respond to your voicemail message when retrieved.  
• Walk in to Community Development on the first floor of Aspen City Hall, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday through Friday. We encourage an introductory email or voicemail be sent first so that ideally an appointment can be made and staff can do some preparatory research before your arrival.

Please refrain from submitting your inquiry multiple times, or through both voicemail and email. You should expect to receive at least an initial acknowledgment of the question, or a request for clarification within 24 hours. A full answer to the inquiry may take extra time, depending on complexity.

For questions related to building code, permit status and process, please contact builderoftheday@gmail.com. 

City of Aspen recognized nationally for its sustainability efforts

The City of Aspen was named a “Sustainable Community of the Year” in the mid-sized municipality category in the January/February 2023 issue of Green Builder Magazine. The article references the City’s ability to operate its power grid on 100 percent renewable energy, as well as the municipality’s implementation of progressive projects to reach its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals of 63 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050.

The article highlights the City’s Environmental Health and Sustainability and Community Development teams’ efforts to electrify buildings and transportation modes within the community over time through numerous initiatives that aim to center equity and inclusion.

Recent and forward-thinking legislation includes limiting residential demolition, as well as applies stringent regulations on properties that are redeveloped, and amends building and energy codes to improve building energy performance.

To read the article, click here: https://www.greenbuildermedia.com/january-february-2023-digital-issue-green-home-of-the-year-awards

Updated permit timelines announced

The City of Aspen’s Community Development Department has updated permit timelines. The following is a list of timelines:

• Permit intake: 7-10 business days
• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits: 2-4 business days
• Re-roof permits: 1-2 weeks
• IFFR permits: 2-3 weeks
• Repair permits: 2-4 weeks
• Additional information: 3-6 weeks 
• EPIC permits: 6-8 weeks 
• Simple change orders: 10-12 weeks 
• Response to comments: 10-12 weeks 
• Major change orders: 12-14 weeks 
• New minor permits: 16-18 weeks 
• New major permits: 18-20 weeks