FAQs
Will This Apply to My Property?
You can review whether your property is included by viewing the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Map on the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Board website.
The WUI code will apply if your property is located in a yellow or orange zone on the 2025 Wildfire Resiliency Code State Map (or local map adopted by Broomfield see more on this below).
Yellow Zones: Areas with lighter fuel loads, gentler slopes, and lower expected fire intensity Orange Zones: Areas with moderate to heavy fuel loads, steeper terrain, and higher expected fire intensity
Red Zones: Areas with the heaviest fuel loads and highest expected fire intensity (Broomfield has no red zones)
The neighborhoods in Broomfield Affected Per the State Map:
Yellow Zones (Less Restrictive):
● Portions of Interlocken, Silverleaf, Ridge at Broomfield, Sunridge, Skyestone, Spruce Meadows, Wildgrass, Wilcox, Great Western Park, Anthem Filing No. 24, and others
Orange Zones (More Restrictive):
● Primarily north of W. 144th Avenue between Huron Street and Lowell Blvd
● Areas including portions of the Wilcox neighborhood, Spruce Meadows, Great Western Park, Whistlepig, and others.
How was the State Map Created?
The State of Colorado, through the Division of Fire Prevention and Control and the Colorado State Forest Service at the direction of the Wildfire Resiliency Code Board, drafted the map and proposed model code. The 2025 Draft Wildfire Resiliency Code State Map categorizes areas throughout Colorado based on a Fire Intensity Scale using three factors:
● Vegetation types and fuel loads
● Topography (slopes, terrain features)
● Typical weather conditions
According to section 4.2 of the state’s WUI regulations, “the original layer was generated at a 20-meter resolution, and was deemed too detailed for state-wide planning, code implementation, and enforcement efforts by the WRCB. The layer was further refined through smoothing, filtering, and aggregation techniques to provide simple but consistent transitions across classification types based on WRCB input.”
Questions regarding the map creation and why certain areas are included and others are not should be directed to the State WRC Board.
IMPORTANT: Broomfield does not control this map, and Broomfield staff were not involved in its creation.
● This map focuses on potential wildfire intensity (how severe fires could burn), not the probability or risk of fires starting.
● Broomfield will be reviewing the ability to develop a local map rather than utilizing the State map. Such a local map would need to be based on the same methodology as the State map and would need to be reviewed and approved by the State. Broomfield staff does not know how the mapping process may change
designated zones from what is currently shown on the State map. Additional information will be shared in late 2025 regarding this effort in advance of consideration of the model code adoption in early 2026.
What is the Wildfire Resiliency Code Board?
The Board was created by state law and consists of 21 voting members, including 6 local government representatives. The Board operates under the Division of Fire Prevention and Control and is tasked with defining wildfire zones and imposing minimum statewide building standards for wildfire areas. The Board's mission is "to ensure that Colorado communities are safer from and more resilient to wildfires by reducing the risk to people and property."
What are the key dates I need to be aware of regarding the WUI Code?
The following are key dates involved with the State WUI Code:
● June 18, 2025 - The deadline to submit comments on the model Model WUI Code, including the map, before its expected adoption by the Board on July 1, 2025.
● June 27, 2025 - Colorado WRC Board will hold Public hearing and stakeholder feedback on the Draft Regulations (these are regulations that the Board was tasked with establishing under SB 23-166, including procedures for appeals).
● July 1, 2025 - Formal Colorado WRC Board public hearing on the draft Model WUI Code, Map, and proposed Rules.
● Late 2025 - Broomfield will work with North Metro Fire Rescue District and potentially other Wildfire professionals to evaluate the creation of a local WUI map with the goal of ensuring accurate classification based on actual site conditions in Broomfield.
● March 1, 2026 - The deadline for local jurisdictions to adopt the Model WUI Code or something meeting its requirements
● June 1, 2026 - The deadline for implementation and enforcement of a Broomfield WUI Code.
When Does the WUI Code Apply?
Under the current state law, Broomfield will need to ensure it adopts a code that meets or exceeds the requirements in the state model WUI code and, in effect by June 1, 2026. Once the code is approved and effective, the new building and landscape code requirements are triggered in yellow and orange zone areas when a property owner:
✓ Build new structures with occupiable/habitable space
✓ Add 500+ square feet to your existing home
✓ Replace 25% or more of your roof (triggers full roof upgrade requirements)
✓ Replace 25% or more of exterior walls (triggers full exterior upgrade requirements)
Does the model code require me to make changes to my property by a specific date?
NO, it does not.
● Existing buildings approved before code adoption can continue their current use without changes.
● Existing landscaping installed before the code adoption can remain in its current state without modification.
● Existing landscaping would need to be modified to comply with the WUIC requirements only if a site is redeveloped with a new home or adjacent to expansions of 500+ square feet or more.
What are the building requirements that will apply to new construction?
The state model code would require the following building requirements for new buildings and expansions of more than 500 square feet:
Yellow Zones:
● Roofing: Class A materials (asphalt shingles, tile)
● Gutters: Non-combustible materials only
● Vents: Special ember-resistant vents for the roof and foundation
Orange Zones (All yellow zone requirements PLUS):
● Exterior Walls: 1-hour fire-rated assembly required
● Wall/Roof Materials: Non-combustible materials (cement board, stucco, stone) or fire-retardant treated wood ● Decks: Non-combustible materials, Class A materials, or approved alternatives
● Doors: Solid core, non-combustible, or 20-minute fire-rated
● Garage Doors: Special ember-resistant sealing around door gaps
What are the landscaping requirements that will apply? Is there a complete ban on planting new trees?
No, trees are still encouraged to be planted. However, more thought to placement will be needed in dedicated WUI zones.
Landscaping (defensible space) requirements apply ONLY when you are building a new building or expanding a building by more than 500 square feet. In these instances, the following apply under the State WUI Code:
Yellow Zones:
0-5 feet from your home:
● Use non-combustible materials (rock, gravel, concrete) OR approved fire-resistant plants ● No new trees allowed in this zone
● Non-combustible fencing within 8 feet of structure (vinyl allowed)
Orange Zones:
0-5 feet from your home:
● Same as yellow zones
5-30 feet from your home:
● Remove dead plant materials
● Specific spacing requirements for trees and shrubs
● No bark mulch (rock mulch required)
30-100 feet from your home:
● Tree crown spacing requirements to prevent fire spread
What Does This Means for New Developments?
New developments in WUI zones will look different from traditional Broomfield neighborhoods:
● Fewer trees in yards and along streets
● Rock mulch instead of bark mulch in planting areas
● More sparse vegetation patterns for fire safety
● Different building materials that may change architectural appearance
How can I provide input now on the proposed State WUI Code?
Public comment is being requested until June 18, 2025 and residents are welcome and encouraged to provide their comments to the State WRC Board. Broomfield is also providing comments as part of this comment period. Broomfield’s comments will be based on City Council’s study session and public comments received by Broomfield staff.
To Provide Comments during this comment period:
● Contact Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Board. The deadline to submit comments to the WUI Code and map before its adoption is June 18, 2025
● Email: cdps_dfpc_wrcb@state.co.us
● Website: Wildfire Resiliency Code Board | Fire Prevention and Control
How does this relate to other state-mandated codes?
Similar to the WUI requirements, Colorado has previously required local jurisdictions to adopt the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code and the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code. These mandates occur when the state legislature determines an issue requires statewide minimum standards while still allowing local implementation and potential enhancements.
When will the code be adopted and enforced?
CCOB is anticipating having the code in place with an effective date of April 15, 2026.
If this WUI Code is approved by the State, how can I appeal it?
Once adopted by the State WRC Board, under the state regulations, only governing bodies (like Broomfield City Council) may make petitions and appeals to the state Board for code modifications or map changes. Individual residents cannot directly petition the state Board. Citizens' requests for individual code modifications must be made to their local governing body (Broomfield), which can then petition the state Board on their behalf.
Can Broomfield request modifications to the WUI Code or Map?
Yes. Broomfield can petition the state Board for modifications to the code and has the ability to create its own local map using independent third parties and ground field inspections, subject to state Board approval. For code modifications, a Petition Committee is appointed by the Colorado WRC Board to review requests within 30-60 days. If denied, Broomfield can appeal to the full Board within 10 days, and ultimately to district court if necessary. Broomfield has not yet identified specific items it will petition.
Broomfield is looking into the process for creating a local map and will provide an update to the community in late 2025, in advance of Broomfield’s formal consideration and adoption of its own code. The local map needs to follow the same requirements as the State map, and therefore, it is too early to determine the extent of potential changes that may be seen in a local map versus the State WUI map.
Would an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) need to comply with the WUI requirements?
Yes. A standalone ADU would need to comply with the WUI requirements because it is a habitable space. An ADU that is attached to the primary residence would need to comply with the ADU if it adds more than 500 square feet to an existing building.
If an owner has a new roof replaced and inspected, has the owner opened themselves up for inspections of other fencing, other buildings and improvements on their property?
No. The only requirement for a new roof permit will be to comply with the requirement that the roofing material is an approved class A material - asphalt shingles and tile roofs will meet that requirement. If the roof permit includes new gutters and downspouts, they will need to be non-combustible materials.
Would owners be required to replace siding if you just want to replace old windows?
The existing siding will not be required to be replaced when doing a permit to change out windows.
Does a shed need to comply with WUI requirements for building materials?
Not if it is located more than (8’) from a habitable structure. Since a shed isn’t habitable, it doesn’t need to meet the WUI requirements for building materials.
Does it mandate replacing wood fences ?
Only permits for new wood fences will require the non-combustible or vinyl fencing to be used in the 8’ zone around the house or up to the property line when property line is less than 8’ from the house. Fencing 8’ or more away from structures can be wood.
Does an owner have to tear down a deck and replace it with non-combustible materials?
No. The only requirement for a deck structure to comply with the new code will be when there is a permit for the new deck or deck alteration.
How can I Stay Updated on WUI Code for Broomfield?
● Sign up for Broomfield eNewsletters
● Follow Broomfield on Social Media
● Attend public information sessions (dates TBA fall 2025 - will be advertised in eNewsletters)