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Alterations, Restoration and Accessibility in Historic Buildings – IBC

Sean O'Hara — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:49:26 +0000

The 2006 International Building Code addresses how the code relates to modifications of historic buildings.

The IBC states that "The provisions of this code relating to the construction, repair, alteration, addition, restoration and movement of structures, and change of occupancy shall not be mandatory for historic buildings where such buildings are judged by the building official to not constitute a distinct life safety hazard"

Historic Buildings are defined as "Buildings that are listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or designated as historic under an appropriate state or local law. "

That's a fairly narrow set of buildings, so generally speaking older buildings need to be brought up to code when they are substantially improved. It is generally easier to prove that the cost is prohibitive if the cost of the upgrades are more than 20% the cost of the total project.

Originally posted 2009-09-08 00:01:15.

Denver Building Department – Home Renovation Bonanza – Free Permits

evstudio — Fri, 15 May 2009 06:01:06 +0000

This information is from the Denver Building Department website:

For a limited time, June1 - 15, 2009, Denver is issuing FREE construction permits to homeowners and licensed contractors making qualified home improvements or repairs to existing one and two family dwellings, which can increase the value of the home.

The HOME RENOVATION BONANZA is offered in order to encourage the improvement of existing 1 and 2 family homes, raise property value and encourage homeowners to stay in existing homes.

A variety of home improvements are covered by the Home Renovation Bonanza, including:

Basic Interior Remodel of existing 1 or 2 Family Dwelling (existing Kitchen, Bath or Bedroom)
Basement Remodel of existing 1 or 2 Family Dwelling
Residential 1 or 2 Family Roof Covering Repair or Replacement
Wall Insulation
Replacement of water heaters
Change out central heating and air
Residential Photo Voltaic Systems
Stucco or siding home exteriors

To qualify for a FREE HOME RENOVATION BONANZA permit, the following conditions apply:

Projects in 1 and 2 family dwellings (Subject to International Residential Code) only
No new dwellings
No additions, garages, or accessory structures
Over-the-counter Quick Permits and/or 1 and 2 family walk-through plan review process only.
Permit shall be issued on the day of application
All permitted work shall be finished, inspected and approved within 180 days of permit issue
Any re-inspection fees shall apply
Permits will be issued from Downtown office only (201 W. Colfax Ave)

Rocky Mountain News Must See Buildings

Sean O'Hara — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:12:48 +0000

The August 16th Edition of the Rocky Mountain News had a an article by Mary Voelz Chandler detailing which buildings to see in Denver and what buildings should be missed.

On the must see list: The Sage Building, The Blue Bear, Taxi, 16th Street Mall, The Red House, MCA/Denver, The Hamilton Building, Pura Vida, Glasshouse and One Lincoln Park. The Blue Bear is easily my favorite piece of new public art. The Red House is amazing, a few years back Jim Olson (the architect) was the Jury Chair for AIA Denver Awards and he gave a tour, really amazing house/museum.

On the must miss list, which seems much more random: Petroleum Club, the tent on 15th, Cowboy Pajamas, 1001 17th Street. And the one that I can't stand: Jonathan Borofsky's androgynous aliens.

Here's the full article, no pictures unfortunately.