2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code

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The following outlines a state-mandated code update in Colorado focusing on wildfire resiliency. The Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code is a draft document detailing regulations for construction and property maintenance in wildland-urban interface areas, aiming to safeguard life and property from wildfires. It introduces two classes of structure hardening (Class 1 and Class 2) based on fire intensity classification (low, moderate and high), outlining specific requirements for building materials, defensible space and site features. The code also establishes an administrative framework for enforcement, permits, inspections and an appeals process for governing bodies, with a three-year property evaluation requirement to ensure ongoing compliance.

Overview

The 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code" (CWRC) Version 1.0, effective June 1, 2025, is a new comprehensive set of regulations designed to enhance life safety and property protection in Colorado's Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas. Its core purpose is to mitigate the risks associated with wildland fires, specifically by preventing fire from spreading into structures and preventing structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels. The code is designed with a tiered approach, meaning the requirements will vary based on the level of wildfire hazard present in a specific area, and it supplements existing building and fire codes.

View the full 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) Version 1.0 State Code.

Learn more about Structure Hardening and Defensible Space.

Key Takeaways:

  • Code Not Yet Adopted in Broomfield - The Wildfire Resilience Code has not been adopted by Broomfield at this time. Consideration of the WRC will occur in 2026 with hearing dates not yet set.
  • Local Mapping Study Underway - Broomfield is conducting a pilot project to create a local map using the required mapping methodology specified by the WRCB.
  • Additional Community Engagement - A City Council study session and community meeting will be scheduled in early 2026 to review the local mapping project and provide additional input on the WRC prior to consideration of adoption.

Where does it apply?

Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Areas: The code applies to areas where human development meets or intermingles with wildland or vegetative fuels. The WRCB has adopted a map for the entire state, which defines fire intensity areas based on factors including vegetative fuels, topography, weather patterns, and fire behavior modeling. These areas are classified into Low, Moderate, and High Fire Intensity, which dictate the applicable code requirements. The City and County of Broomfield have areas that are classified as Low (yellow) and Moderate (orange) Fire Intensity.

What does it mean for residents?

Once adopted by Broomfield, WUI regulations will apply to the construction and alteration of structures (with occupiable or habitable space) and defensible space within designated fire hazard areas. The goal is to safeguard life and property from wildfire intrusion and prevent structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels.

When Does it Apply?

  • New construction of structures and defensible space around structures - Residential and Commercial
  • Significant alterations/additions/repairs
  • 500sf+ increased footprint of a structure
  • 25%+ of an exterior of a structure affected
  • Roof covering replacement if 25% or more of the surface area is being replaced.

When Does it NOT Apply?

  • Interior alterations of existing structures
  • 35-acre+ parcels with only 1 residential structure NOT abutting residential or commercial area
  • Exterior painting, staining, and similar routine maintenance
  • Historic Structures: Variances may be issued for historic structures to preserve their character if they meet specific historic designations.

Community Engagement

You can engage with this project using the Questions and Comments tabs below. This page will be open to feedback and questions until the date of the City Council, 2nd reading Public Hearing. We will provide more about this hearing on this webpage before the meeting.

The project timeline on this page provides an overview of the next steps in the process as Broomfield considers the approval of this proposed ordinance.

Next Steps

We will be conducting a local mapping pilot project this fall, including on-the-ground field verification performed by an experienced GIS mapping consultant with expertise in spatial data accuracy and field-based validation. The pilot area is located between 144th Ave. and 152nd Ave., and between Zuni Street and Lowell Blvd.

A study session with City Council is planned for early 2026 to evaluate the results and determine next steps. A second community meeting will also be held around the same time to share findings and gather additional feedback.

The following outlines a state-mandated code update in Colorado focusing on wildfire resiliency. The Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code is a draft document detailing regulations for construction and property maintenance in wildland-urban interface areas, aiming to safeguard life and property from wildfires. It introduces two classes of structure hardening (Class 1 and Class 2) based on fire intensity classification (low, moderate and high), outlining specific requirements for building materials, defensible space and site features. The code also establishes an administrative framework for enforcement, permits, inspections and an appeals process for governing bodies, with a three-year property evaluation requirement to ensure ongoing compliance.

Overview

The 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code" (CWRC) Version 1.0, effective June 1, 2025, is a new comprehensive set of regulations designed to enhance life safety and property protection in Colorado's Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas. Its core purpose is to mitigate the risks associated with wildland fires, specifically by preventing fire from spreading into structures and preventing structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels. The code is designed with a tiered approach, meaning the requirements will vary based on the level of wildfire hazard present in a specific area, and it supplements existing building and fire codes.

View the full 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) Version 1.0 State Code.

Learn more about Structure Hardening and Defensible Space.

Key Takeaways:

  • Code Not Yet Adopted in Broomfield - The Wildfire Resilience Code has not been adopted by Broomfield at this time. Consideration of the WRC will occur in 2026 with hearing dates not yet set.
  • Local Mapping Study Underway - Broomfield is conducting a pilot project to create a local map using the required mapping methodology specified by the WRCB.
  • Additional Community Engagement - A City Council study session and community meeting will be scheduled in early 2026 to review the local mapping project and provide additional input on the WRC prior to consideration of adoption.

Where does it apply?

Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Areas: The code applies to areas where human development meets or intermingles with wildland or vegetative fuels. The WRCB has adopted a map for the entire state, which defines fire intensity areas based on factors including vegetative fuels, topography, weather patterns, and fire behavior modeling. These areas are classified into Low, Moderate, and High Fire Intensity, which dictate the applicable code requirements. The City and County of Broomfield have areas that are classified as Low (yellow) and Moderate (orange) Fire Intensity.

What does it mean for residents?

Once adopted by Broomfield, WUI regulations will apply to the construction and alteration of structures (with occupiable or habitable space) and defensible space within designated fire hazard areas. The goal is to safeguard life and property from wildfire intrusion and prevent structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels.

When Does it Apply?

  • New construction of structures and defensible space around structures - Residential and Commercial
  • Significant alterations/additions/repairs
  • 500sf+ increased footprint of a structure
  • 25%+ of an exterior of a structure affected
  • Roof covering replacement if 25% or more of the surface area is being replaced.

When Does it NOT Apply?

  • Interior alterations of existing structures
  • 35-acre+ parcels with only 1 residential structure NOT abutting residential or commercial area
  • Exterior painting, staining, and similar routine maintenance
  • Historic Structures: Variances may be issued for historic structures to preserve their character if they meet specific historic designations.

Community Engagement

You can engage with this project using the Questions and Comments tabs below. This page will be open to feedback and questions until the date of the City Council, 2nd reading Public Hearing. We will provide more about this hearing on this webpage before the meeting.

The project timeline on this page provides an overview of the next steps in the process as Broomfield considers the approval of this proposed ordinance.

Next Steps

We will be conducting a local mapping pilot project this fall, including on-the-ground field verification performed by an experienced GIS mapping consultant with expertise in spatial data accuracy and field-based validation. The pilot area is located between 144th Ave. and 152nd Ave., and between Zuni Street and Lowell Blvd.

A study session with City Council is planned for early 2026 to evaluate the results and determine next steps. A second community meeting will also be held around the same time to share findings and gather additional feedback.

  • July 21 Community Meeting

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    The City and County of Broomfield (CCOB) hosted a community meeting to discuss the finalized Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Map and the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) on Monday, July 21.

    Wildfire Resiliency Code Board Administrator, Carolyn Larsen, from the Colorado State Forest Service and the Department of Public Safety, presented on data and methodology of the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code State Map(External link), the purpose and scope of the new state code and what it means for local jurisdictions. While the state map has already been finalized, this was an opportunity for residents to hear directly from the agencies involved and to have questions answered in a public and recorded format.

    Following the community meeting, CCOB staff is outlining next steps, including retaining a GIS mapping firm to provide on-the-ground verification of wildfire exposure in selected areas. This work will be piloted in the Wilcox neighborhood, which is part of the state’s designated “orange zone,” to ground-truth the modeling and assess how local mapping could evolve in Broomfield.

    View the presentation.
    View the recording.


  • Structure Hardening and Defensible Space

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    Structure Hardening

    Code requirements for construction are different for structures in the Low Fire Intensity areas and those in the Moderate and High Fire Intensity areas. Construction within the Low Fire Intensity areas must follow the "Class 1 Structure Hardening" requirements, and construction within the Moderate and High Fire Intensity areas must follow "Class 2 Structure Hardening" requirements. Class 2 requirements are more stringent and include all Class 1 provisions.

    Class 1:

    • Roofing
    • Gutters & Downspouts
    • Vents

    Class 2:

    • All Class 1 Requirements
    • Exterior Walls
    • Eaves
    • Underfloor Enclosures
    • Appendages & Projections
    • Windows & Doors
    • Decking
    • Detached Accessory Structures

    For more detailed information on these requirements please refer to this Structure Hardening Summary.

    Defensible Space - Site Management

    The code defines three ignition zones around a structure with specific mitigation requirements.

    Class 1:

    • Signage & Addressing
    • Retaining walls
    • Fencing
    • Structure Ignition Zone 1 (0-5’ from a structure) requirements, which emphasize noncombustible materials, removal of most plantings, and specific tree pruning/planting rules.

    Class 2:

    • All Class 1 Requirements
    • Structure Ignition Zone 2 (5-30’ from a structure) requirements, which aim to reduce fire intensity by managing fuel loads, tree spacing, and shrub separation.
    • Structure Ignition Zone 3 (30-100’ from a structure) requirements, which focus on keeping fire on the ground through tree spacing.

    For more detailed information on these requirements please refer to this Defensible Space - Site Management Requirements Summary.

    Administering and Enforcing the Code in Broomfield

    Once the WUI code is adopted by Broomfield, the local "Code Official", in this case, the Broomfield Chief Building Official, is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the code as part of the building permit review and inspection process.

    Will Broomfield adopt the WRCB map?

    The State allows local jurisdictions to develop a map specific for their jurisdiction based on more accurate field data or “ground-truthing”. The WRCB will need to review and approve the local map before it can be utilized for Broomfield for administration of the code.

    Broomfield will be conducting a local mapping pilot project this fall, including on-the-ground field verification performed by an experienced consultant. The pilot area is located between 144th Ave. and 152nd Ave., and between Zuni Street and Lowell Blvd.

Page last updated: 06 Aug 2025, 10:53 AM