Elbert County commissioners postpone consideration of wildfire resiliency code to May 27

ELBERT COUNTY — The Elbert County Board of County Commissioners voted on April 2 to continue consideration of a proposed wildfire resiliency code until May 27 at 9 a.m., the board said at a special meeting called to address the proposal.

The board opened a public hearing on the proposed code and then heard from the presenter, James Trout, who identified himself as interim building official for Elbert County. Trout told commissioners he was available to answer final questions about the proposed resiliency code.

Trout and other commissioners said they had concerns about a late map accompanying the proposal and urged more time to review potential map modifications. "I think we need to have a little bit further discussion before we adopt," one speaker said, arguing that delaying would allow the board to evaluate map changes and other options.

Commissioners also noted that the Colorado General Assembly was scheduled to consider a bill next week that could extend the code's implementation by one year. One commissioner said they did not want the county to adopt the code now and then find itself "handcuffed" if state action changes the timetable.

After discussion, a motion to continue consideration of the adoption to May 27 at 9 a.m. during the board's regular meeting was made, seconded and approved unanimously. The board then closed the public hearing and adjourned the special meeting.

The continuation delays any final county adoption of the wildfire resiliency code until the May 27 meeting, allowing staff and commissioners additional time to review the map and to factor any action taken by the General Assembly into their decision.