Mesa County adopts local wildfire resiliency code to meet state deadline

Mesa County commissioners voted 2-0 on Feb. 24 to approve a resolution amending the county building code to adopt the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, commonly known as the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code, to comply with Colorado Revised Statute section 24-33.5-1237. The county must adopt the model code by April 1 with an effective date no later than July 1, 2026.

Darryl Bay, Mesa County building official, told the board the resolution was advertised 14 days before the hearing and described the adoption timeline and enforcement plan. "This resolution is to comply with Colorado Revised Statute section 24-33.5-1237," Bay said, adding that enforcement will be shared among different county agencies and that several intergovernmental agreements will follow as districts adopt the code.

Bay and commissioners said the new requirements will primarily apply to new construction and additions over 500 square feet and to specified defensible-space and structure-hardening measures in higher-rated WUI areas. "Most people won't be involved," Bay said, noting the county and state will publish maps showing whether properties fall in WUI rating areas (1, 2 or 3) and that the county plans to provide assistance for property owners who need guidance.

A commissioner asked how residents can learn whether a property is in the WUI area. Bay said a state map is already available online and the county plans to publish a link on its website; permit applications filed after July 1 will also trigger review and identify properties subject to the WUI requirements.

Bay acknowledged potential costs and implementation challenges, including impacts on roofing and siding choices. He also told the board insurers have been adjusting rates in anticipation of wildfire risk: "The insurance company is probably way ahead of that," Bay said, though he added it is unclear whether the presence of a local WUI code would lower insurance rates if insurers consider it in an ISO audit.

Janet Wyatt, a resident who spoke during the hearing, asked whether homeowners in higher-risk areas will be forced to cut trees or otherwise make expensive changes and whether funding will be available. Bay responded that there is currently no state funding and described the statute as an "unfunded mandate," but said the county intends to work with residents and pursue options such as trimming where possible rather than automatically requiring removal.

After questions and public comment, the board voted to approve the resolution by voice vote, motion carries 2 to 0. County staff said they expect to bring intergovernmental agreements and implementation details back to the board as neighboring districts adopt the WUI code.