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Elbert County reviews state wildfire resiliency code; commissioners press for clarity on enforcement and impacts
Summary
Elbert County commissioners heard a detailed presentation Feb. 25 on the 2025 Wildfire Resiliency Code, which counties must adopt under state law by April 1; presenters and commissioners raised questions about the code official's enforcement powers, property-entry procedures, survey costs, and potential effects on housing affordability.
Kara of the Elizabeth Fire Department told the Elbert County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 25 that the 2025 Wildfire Resiliency Code, created under a state legislative bill, is a state minimum that jurisdictions must adopt by April 1 and may begin enforcing on June 1.
"This code cannot be amended. It is a minimum code," Kara said, explaining the code board’s statutory charge and the statewide map of wildfire hazard classes created by the Colorado State Forest Service.
The code applies mainly to new construction and to significant alterations—Kara noted triggers such as a 500-square-foot increase to a structure’s footprint, a 25% change to exterior structural elements, or 25% roof replacement. Parcels of 35 acres or larger with only one residence are excluded unless a second residence is later added. Requirements vary by hazard class: for light (Class…
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