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Rico approves Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code; new rules effective immediately for most builds
Summary
The Rico Board of Trustees adopted Ordinance 2026-01 to implement the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, making the rules effective immediately for structures larger than 120 square feet; trustees and staff discussed exemptions, ground truthing and potential cost impacts for builders.
The Rico Board of Trustees on April 15 adopted Ordinance 2026-01, bringing the town into compliance with the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code. Mayor Pat Bellum called the second reading and trustees voted unanimously to adopt the measure.
Town manager Chanty said the code takes effect immediately for development applications and building permits for structures larger than 120 square feet and described how implementation will work: "As of tonight, that code becomes effective immediately," Chanty said, adding that the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) has funded positions to support plan review and that DFPC review will run concurrent with the town's plan-review firm.
Trustees and staff reiterated concerns aired statewide about the code's scope and implementation timeline. Board members asked who is responsible for "ground truthing" if a property owner seeks an exemption; staff said it is a multi-level process involving the property owner, the town and state agencies and that the town can bring in consultants where necessary.
The board discussed cost impacts to homebuilding, with one trustee noting an estimate of a 2.7% increase to construction costs and another observing larger local estimates, depending on local market and administrative needs. Trustees emphasized the code primarily affects new construction and substantial renovations and that some administrative costs to the town remain uncertain.
Chanty said DFPC review should reduce direct costs to the town for wildfire plan review, but warned that the code is largely unfunded and raised the prospect of budget or staffing adjustments later. The ordinance passed unanimously; staff said they will circulate guidance to applicants and integrate the code into permit review workflows.
The adoption places the town on the state-maintained compliance list available to insurers and community members. Trustees suggested further outreach to local builders and property owners to clarify requirements and exemptions.
The board moved on to other agenda items; implementation details and guidance will appear in future staff reports.
