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Moffat County adopts Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code amid questions about interpretation and insurance impact
Summary
The board adopted Resolution 2026‑61 to implement the statewide Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (House Bill 231166) in Moffat County. County staff said the code sets building and defensible‑space requirements that vary by mapped zones and will take effect June 1; no public testimony was offered at the hearing.
Moffat County commissioners voted to adopt the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code on the county's map, approving Resolution 2026‑61 after a staff presentation and a public hearing that drew no public testimony.
County Attorney Max Salazar told the board the adoption implements a state mandate from House Bill 231166 and that the county’s action follows the statewide code’s minimum requirements: “what we’re doing today is really the minimum and…asking that we adopt the code as it was adopted by the state,” he said. Salazar said adoption is required and that the code will be effective June 1.
Building official Marlon Echov explained the code divides the county into intensity zones with different building and defensible‑space standards. He described the practical implications for homeowners and contractors: low‑intensity (yellow) areas will require certain materials such as Class A roofing; higher‑intensity zones (orange/red) may require one‑hour fire‑rated walls or noncombustible siding and tighter controls on vents and attic openings to keep embers out. Echov said the code also prescribes defensible‑space measures and tree‑crown clearances to reduce structure exposures.
Echov acknowledged that the state guidance can require interpretation and said county staff has coordinated with neighboring jurisdictions to arrive at consistent enforcement practices. He noted educational outreach has begun, including an April 30 presentation for local contractors and suppliers. Commissioners urged a pragmatic interpretation: one commissioner said the county should approach enforcement with “grace” given the code’s loose language and practical building realities.
No members of the public offered testimony during the hearing; the board closed the hearing and approved the resolution. Staff emphasized that property owners and contractors should consult the online map on the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Board website and contact the building department to determine applicable requirements before bidding or ordering materials.
The adoption formalizes state requirements in Moffat County but leaves some interpretive discretion to local officials as they develop enforcement guidance and building‑permit procedures.
