Building

POLICY MEMORANDUM

Ice Barrier (Ice Dam) Inspection – Photo Documentation Protocol

 

Subject: Ice Barrier (Ice Dam) Inspection – Photo Documentation Protocol

Effective Date: 4/1/2026

 

Purpose

Establish a standardized protocol allowing photographic documentation to verify the installation of required ice barriers for structures located at or above 5,300 feet elevation while maintaining code compliance, improving inspector safety, and reducing construction delays.

Policy

Photographic documentation may be accepted in lieu of the in-person inspection when documentation clearly demonstrates code-compliant installation and confirms the proper address of the permitted structure. Acceptance is at the discretion of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Code Basis: An Inspection for verification of compliant installation is required by the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC). I-codes do not prescribe municipal inspection methods. Remote verification may be accepted where compliance is adequately demonstrated.

Background: Ice barrier installation at or above 5,300 feet is required to prevent ice dam formation. Field inspection presents operational limitations:

• Inspectors do not routinely walk roof surfaces due to safety and liability risks.
• Ice barrier installation is concealed shortly after placement.
• Travel and scheduling may delay construction progress.
• Proper photographic documentation provides equivalent compliance verification.

Required Photo Documentation/Roof Area Identification (number of photos)

• 1- Property Verification-Structure address and identifiable site features.
• 1- Wide-angle view of roof section receiving ice barrier.
• 1- Eave location and roof slope are clearly shown.
• 2- Close-up image(s) of ice barrier material.
• 2- Installation from eave edge extending minimum 24 inches inside exterior wall line.
• 1- Continuity, overlaps, and attachment visible.
• 1- Photos taken prior to roof covering installation.

Date / Location Verification

• Date/time stamp or metadata.
• GPS or equivalent location verification when available.

Inspection Requests and Inspector Review

The permit applicants or authorized agent shall request the required inspection online as standardly required. Photo documentation shall be submitted (uploaded) prior to or simultaneously with the inspection request. Uploaded documents will be reviewed: Approved or Corrections issued in the same manner and time frame as a physical inspection would have taken place. Inspectors shall confirm permit address, installation extent, and consistency with approved plans or code requirements. Inadequate documentation may require field inspection.

Limitations

Photo acceptance does not relieve permit holder’s responsibility for code compliance. The Building Official may require field inspection at any time. False or misleading documentation may result in enforcement action.

Implementation

Applies to all projects requiring ice barrier installation at or above 5,300 feet elevation unless otherwise directed by the Building Official.