Piling homes Colorado?

In general, the use is in CO is to provide support for the low side(s)/point(s) in mountainside-type locations rather than for the raised height to avoid tide/storm surge in beachside construction. Can't do the water jet or dig easily in granite, either, which makes a big difference in how the construction itself proceeds.

Don't see anything to prevent doing whatever, but particularly for a year-round dwelling a raised dwelling will require additional attention to insulation, etc., for the cold climate. If at a high elevation and particularly on western slopes, unless fully enclose the area it may be nothing but a catchall for snow when the wind blows.

I guess my whole intention would be to get rid of a basement foundation for one. Most likely the use for the underside area as a parking stall/storage/workshop, so it would be enclosed and nearly appear as a normal two story. One main difference in the front elevation would be the entryway on the upper part of the structure. Insulation expense is noted, and with a concrete board finish underside covering is new code here at least (for fire).

When used, are they generally on a pad of poured concrete? Or are they dug into the ground? Here the rule of thumb (apply in certain areas) is half in half out of the ground. What I know of in Colorado, for example, is that there are minimum depths for footings and foundations all based on geographic location and altitude. 8 feet being the min depth in a place such as Leadville. Would the same apply to a CCA post embedded into the ground? Would they allow a concrete pour around the piling? If you must use a concrete pad, I assume that this pad must be 8 feet deep as well to account for frost line?? Either way, what rules would apply if any about a slab poured underneath for parking and general ground cover?

Thanks for the replies, Scott

I suppose I may be in uncharted territory here.

All based upon local codes and ordinance I am sure. I assume that I can use sonotubes with a traditional foundation depth and place the pilings on top. I suppose that my only wonder is the spacing of the pilings now. Here the rule of thumb is 4 pilings per 100 square feet, 6 per 200 etc...

Thanks

Hire a local engineer and explain what you want to do. There are other considerations beside dealing with straight gravity loads.