Lakewood council postpones wildfire resiliency code after resident concerns

Lakewood City Council voted unanimously on May 11 to postpone indefinitely an ordinance that would adopt a local wildfire resiliency code and an associated wildland-urban interface map.

The council’s action followed a weeks-long public debate and a weekend ward meeting that prompted staff to revise recommendations. Mayor Strom told the chamber the council would "start with what the state is requiring" rather than immediately adopting broader local changes, and that staff would provide additional opportunities for public engagement before any expansion beyond state-mandated standards.

The decision stemmed from competing concerns voiced during the meeting. Jim Powers, a Ward 4 resident and architect, warned that broad local requirements could raise construction and insurance costs: "If this passes, this is gonna cost people money and it's gonna increase housing costs yet again." In contrast, Kelly Brooks, fire marshal for the West Metro Fire Protection District, urged adoption of resiliency measures to protect lives and property, saying, "The purpose of this code is not to burden residents unnecessarily, but to improve long term resiliency by reducing the potential for rapid fire spread and catastrophic structure loss during wildfire events."

Councilors thanked West Metro Fire and city staff for a recent Saturday meeting with neighbors, and several members emphasized the need for a science-based approach if the city considers applying standards beyond the state map. Councilor comments stressed both the life-safety rationale for hardening homes and the need to avoid imposing unjustified burdens on homeowners.

Before the vote, staff told the council that the city is in communication with the state and can meet the July 1 deadline to adopt required state standards. Staff also described plans for outreach materials for homeowners — including guidance on voluntary mitigation steps — and said handouts and graphics are being developed to explain what compliance would mean.

The council cast a 10–0 vote to postpone Ordinance O-2026-14 indefinitely; the related ordinance to incorporate the standards into the Lakewood Building Code (O-2026-15) was likewise postponed 10–0. Councilors and staff said the city will return with more detail, including insurance-impact information and examples from homeowners who comply under the state map, before considering changes that go beyond the state requirements.

Next steps: staff will coordinate with the state, West Metro Fire and other partners to finalize outreach materials and provide the council with data and recommended timelines for any future local adjustments.