Building official recommends adopting wildfire‑resistant code now, delaying energy‑code choice

The San Miguel County building official recommended the board adopt the Colorado Wildfire Resistant Construction Code no later than April 1, 2026, and delay a decision on the state Low Energy and Carbon Code (LACC) until the county better coordinates with towns and regional partners.

Matt Gonzales, the building official, presented four adoption scenarios and said the county has no option about the wildfire construction code: it must be adopted by April 1 and enforced by July 1. "No later than April 1, we will adopt the Colorado wildfire resistant construction code, which is a requirement," Matt said. He recommended scenario 4: adopt the wildfire code and wait until early/mid‑2026 to decide whether to adopt the state's LACC or remain on the 2024 IECC pathway with regional amendments.

Matt and grant partners acknowledged concerns from builders and residents about upfront construction costs under newer energy codes and said the county has not performed its own detailed quantitative cost analysis; however, cohort resources and a cost comparison from the code grant repository and the CEO exist and can be shared with commissioners. Grant organizers said an extension of the grant timeline may be requested to support governments that plan to adopt LACC but need more time to complete the adoption process and outreach.

Commissioners indicated support for scenario 4 — adopting the wildfire construction code now to meet state deadlines while postponing energy‑code adoption to coordinate regionally — and asked staff to share available cost comparisons and outreach materials before any final action.

Next steps: staff will pursue public outreach and training through the grant cohort, share cost analyses when available, and return to the board if further clarification or formal adoption action is required.