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Aurora, CO Frost Depth & Snow Load: Frost Line Depth (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Minimum frost depth for foundations
36 inches
Code edition enforced
2021 I-Codes
Weathering
Severe
Winter design temperature
1°F
Source document
Aurora Building Division, Engineering Design Criteria

Summary

Aurora requires a minimum frost depth of 36 inches for foundations, published by the city's Building Division in its Engineering Design Criteria for the 2021 I-Codes.

CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC CRITERIA FOR THE 2021 I-CODES: Ground Snow Load - Pg 40 psf; Special Wind Region No; Topographic Effects No; Seismic Design Category (IRC) B; Weathering Severe; Minimum Frost Depth for Foundations 36 inches; Winter Design Temperature 1 DEGREE (F); Ice Barrier Underlayment Required Yes; Flood Hazard Varies - See City Code Chapter 70.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Colorado sets no statewide residential code, so Aurora adopts and publishes its own design criteria. The city's Building Division issues an Engineering Design Criteria sheet listing the climatic and geographic criteria for the 2021 I-Codes, and it gives a minimum frost depth for foundations of 36 inches. That matches neighbouring Denver, which is convenient for builders working across the city line, though the two diverge on other criteria: most notably ice barrier underlayment, which Aurora requires and Denver does not. Aurora's sheet also records weathering as Severe and a winter design temperature of 1°F, both of which bear on how a foundation and the flatwork around it should be specified.

Violations & Fines

Footing depth is verified at the foundation inspection before concrete is placed. A foundation bearing above 36 inches will not pass. Because the criteria sheet is issued by the Building Division rather than buried in the code text, it is the document plan reviewers work from, and matching it is the practical test.

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep do footings have to be in Aurora?
36 inches. The city's Engineering Design Criteria sheet lists a minimum frost depth for foundations of 36 inches under the 2021 I-Codes.
Is Aurora the same as Denver?
On frost depth, yes: both are 36 inches. They differ elsewhere: Aurora requires ice barrier underlayment and Denver does not, and their ground snow loads are different figures.
Does Colorado set this statewide?
No. Colorado has no mandatory statewide residential building code, so Aurora sets and publishes its own criteria.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Aurora

Ground Snow LoadSome RestrictionsBuilding Design CriteriaSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsSome Restrictions

All Aurora rules

Compare Aurora to another location·View the Colorado frost depth & snow load overview

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