HomeMy WebLinkAboutFrost Depth-Foundation WaiverGarfield County
Community Development Department
Detached Unheated Storaqe Buildings
Permit #BLco-O 1-Z. - i OG
The International Building Code (IBC) requires foundations to be Frost Protected. Without
Frost Protection buildings can heave or move if moisture below the footing freezes and
expands.
Frost Protection is typically accomplished in two ways; the bottom of the footer is to be 36"
below grade or insulating the perimeter of the thickened concrete edge per IBC and ASCE
32. Perimeter insulation is only effective if the interior of the structure is kept at 64 degrees,
which cannot be accomplished in unheated buildings.
The IBC does have an Exception from Frost Protection for storage structures that are 600
square foot or less. Any larger storage structure requires Frost Protection.
I understand the risks associated with erecting storage structures larger than 600 sq. ft.
without Frost Protection. I acknowledge that I have been informed of the risks, and I wish to
proceed with my project despite possibility that the buildings may heave. My signature
below acknowledges that I have been informed and intend to proceed despite the risks.
I further understand that these structures will not be allowed to be converted to habitable
structures in the future and that no plumbing will be allowed due to the risk of damage to
the plumbing system should the buildings heave or move.
I understand the risks and wish to proceed, and I understand the conditions and agree to
be bound by them for any future permits relating to t ese structures.
Owner's Acknowledgme t: Date:
108 Eighth Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
(970)945-8212
TBS TRACHTE
QOQ Building Systems
February 5, 2026
Mark Gould
PO Box 130
Glenwood Springs, CO
RE: Storage buildings for Glenwood Springs, CO (Trachte Plan #62146)
Dear Mr. Gould:
I am writing this letter to address the foundation designs for your buildings, primarily the floating
slab foundations. Section 1809.5 of the 2015 Building International Code states: Except where
otherwise protected from frost, foundations and other permanent supports of buildings and
structures shall be protected from frost by one or more of the following methods:
1. Extending below the frost line of the locality.
2. Constructing in accordance with ASCE-32.
3. Erecting on solid rock.
It is my opinion that our foundation system meets the requirements of otherwise protected from
frost. As you can see in our foundation details, we underlay the entire concrete slab with a layer
of free draining granular fill. This mat provides for the dissipation of any ground water or runoff,
which may accumulate. If heave occurs, displacement should be uniform, causing less stress
on the foundation and structure.
If you have any questions, or need additional information, please contact Jeff Bouchard or
myself at (800) 356-5824.
Sincer ,
Joel . Howard
Professional Engineer
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314 Wilburn Road - Sun Prairie, WI 53590
P: 800.356.5824 - F: 800.981.9014 • E: tbs@trachte.com • W: trachte.com