Your Company needs a Colorado FBNR quality program when you sell non-residential structures for use in Colorado. The structure must display an insignia issued by the DOH, which means your Company must be registered/certified with the DOH, or use a DOH approved TPIA.
An exemption applies when you sell structures for transportation to and installation in another State – unless – the structure returns to Colorado for use.
Out of State FBNR facilities that transport for use in Colorado require State/Local-Gov/National-Listed-Firm TPIA’s, or out-of-State registered/certified FBNR manufacturer to enable conformity with 8 CCR 1302-14 and Colorado construction Codes.
Before year 2018, “Colorado Resolution 35” applied to factory-built non-residential structures.
Businesses that comply with 8 CCR 1302-14 for Factory Built, Non-Residential modules, components and/or structures are issued an Insignia by the State that must be permanently attached to outgoing products.
This Colorado FBNR quality program is useful for businesses that need more than a simple management system but less than full compliance with ISO 9001.
See below for more info about Colorado FBNR requirements.
Colorado FBNR quality program kit license terms and conditions.
Colorado FBNR Quality Program, $197
Click here for PDF demo Colorado Factory Built Non-Residential Quality Program Kit
Contents of the Colorado FBNR Quality Program Kit (text file)
Info about FBNR (Colorado Res35 is defunct)
Division of Housing, 1313 Sherman St, Suite 320, Denver, CO 80203
Link for Approved Product List for Active (FBNR) Factory Built Non-Residential Manufacturers
The primary purpose of the latest Code of Colorado Regulation for Non-Residential Factory-Built Structures, 8 CCR 1302-14 is to replace the old standard, 8 CCR 1302-11, and identify current minimum construction and safety codes for “Factory Built Non-Residential Structures” (FBNR) that are manufactured and sold in Colorado.
Contact the Colorado Division of Housing:
https://doh.colorado.gov/
Division of Housing
1313 Sherman St., Suite 320
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-864-7810
Adopted publications and applicable Editions of required publications are identified in 8 CCR 1302-14, which include:
- The International Building Code published by the International Code Council, Inc.
- The International Residential Code published by the International Code Council, Inc.
- The International Mechanical Code published by the International Code Council, Inc.
- The International Plumbing Code published by the International Code Council, Inc.
- The National Electric Code, published by the National Fire Protection Association, Inc. Edition as adopted by the State of Colorado Electrical Board at the time of plan submittal. Transition period of 180 days applies.
- The International Fuel Gas Code published by the International Code Council, Inc.
- The International Energy Conservation Code published by the International Code Council, Inc.
In Colorado, the manufacturing of non-residential buildings is regulated under the State’s Factory-Built Non-Residential (FBNR) Structures program, which is overseen by the Division of Housing (DOH). These structures, which include pre-assembled panels or components, are subject to mandatory certification and inspection to ensure they comply with Adopted Building Codes.
Regulatory Requirements for Manufacturers:
- Manufacturer Registration: All manufacturers of factory-built non-residential structures sold or offered for sale in Colorado must register with the DOH. This does not apply to “open construction” where all concealed parts can be inspected on-site.
- Quality Assurance: A manufacturer’s Plant Certification lasts one year and requires an approved Quality Control Manual. The DOH, or an authorized Inspection Agency will perform inspections to verify that the manufacturer follows its approved plans and quality control procedures.
- Design Approval: Manufacturers must submit their design and construction plans to the DOH for review and approval prior to beginning construction. The plans must adhere to Commercial Building Codes adopted by Colorado, such as the International Building Code (IBC).
- Certification Insignia: Each certified non-residential unit must bear an Insignia issued by the DOH, which certifies that the structure was built in compliance with State Regulations.
Building Codes for FBNR Structures:
- Adopted Codes: FBNR structures must comply with the Commercial Building Codes adopted and amended by the DOH, as outlined in the Colorado Code of Regulations 8 CCR 1302-14
- National Standards: The DOH also references Standards from the International Code Council and Modular Building Institute (ICC/MBI) for off-site construction.
- Inspections: The DOH or its approved agencies inspect the construction of these structures and monitors the quality assurance program.
Foundation and Installation:
- Professional Design: If the building is destined for an area without its own Building Department, the building’s foundation must be designed by a Colorado-Registered Design Professional (e.g., an Engineer).
- DOH approval: The foundation plans must be submitted to the DOH for review and approval before construction begins.
- Licensed installers: All factory-built structures, including “kit” buildings, must be installed by a Registered or Certified Installer.
- Inspections: The DOH or an approved Quality Assurance Professional must inspect the foundation and installation of the structure to ensure it is properly attached.
Recent Legislation SB25-002:
Recent legislation aims to streamline the process for factory-built structures. Senate Bill 25-002, signed into law in May 2025, includes the following changes:
- Regional Building Codes: The Bill directs the State Housing Board to develop new Regional Building Codes for factory-built structures by July 1, 2026, which will supersede previous Regulations.
- Utility Hookups: The Bill requires that licensed plumbers or electricians, rather than installers, perform the final connections to external utility sources.
- Coordination: The Bill also requires recommendations to improve coordination between State and Local permitting processes.
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Open Construction:
In Colorado, the manufacturer registration requirements of the Division of Housing (DOH) generally do not apply to “open construction” buildings. Instead, these types of structures are primarily regulated by the Local Building jurisdiction where the unit is assembled.
What defines “open construction”?
According to Colorado regulations, “open construction” refers to any building component or system manufactured in a way that all concealed parts can be readily inspected at the building site without damaging or disassembling the product.
Examples of this include:
- Panelized Construction, where panels are assembled on-site.
- Components where all wiring, plumbing, and structural members are visible and accessible.
What is Not Considered “Open Construction”?
Conversely, the following are not considered “open construction” and are subject to DOH manufacturer registration and certification:
- Closed Panel Systems, where interior or exterior finishes are applied in the factory, encapsulating the structural, electrical, or plumbing components.
- Assembled Rooms or Spaces built off-site.
- Panels with electrical wiring installed in conduit inside the panel.
The Registration Difference:
The distinction between open and closed construction defines which Regulatory Body has primary oversight:
- Closed Construction: The DOH performs in-plant inspections of the manufacturer’s facility and approves the designs. A State Insignia is issued for each unit that meets the standards.
- Open Construction: The DOH explicitly exempts “open panel construction” from its factory-built program approval process. The entire structure must undergo plan review, permitting, and inspection by the Local Building Department at the job site. The manufacturer of the kit does not need to be registered with the DOH.
Even with open construction, the manufacturer still has a responsibility to produce plans that the Local Authority can approve. The components must be designed to meet or exceed the relevant Building Codes, but the State does not directly certify the manufacturer or the factory-built components
The Colorado Division of Housing (DOH) requires manufacturers seeking certified status to have a functioning quality assurance program. The DOH does not provide a sample quality manual, but does provide a “Manufacturer Quality Assurance Manual Checklist” on their website. The DOH website provides links to the most recent version of their Manufacturer Registration Checklist and associated documentation. Key components of the DOH’s requirements include verifying that accountable personnel are trained and capable of handling non-conforming items, and that a functioning QA program is in place, as described in this Colorado Division of Housing document.
General Requirements for a QA Manual:
- Accountable Personnel:
The Manual must detail how accountable personnel are trained and capable of identifying and correcting nonconforming products. - Quality Assurance Program:
The program needs to be established and functioning for audit. - Compliance:
The Manual should outline how the manufacturer’s processes ensure compliance with approved designs, specifications, and regulations.
Required Inspections and Tests:
The QA Program must include a system for mandatory inspections and tests, with examples including:
- Electrical: Dielectric strength, continuity, polarity, and operational tests according to NEC 550.17.
- Plumbing and Gas: Water supply pressure, gas supply pressure, water tightness, and Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) system tests according to IRC G2417 and P2503.
- Dimensional: Measurements must be accurate to within +/- ½ inch.
How to Find the Specific Checklist
- Go to the Colorado Division of Housing website.
- Look for the link to the “Manufacturer Quality Assurance Manual Checklist” under the “Registration” heading.
- Download the associated documents, such as the “Manufacturer Registration Checklist” and “DOH Criteria for Monitoring Manufacturers & Third Party Inspection Agencies” for more context on the specific requirements.
Download a PDF summary about factory built non-residential structures.