Lyons adopts state Wildfire Resiliency Code after public hearing; trustees authorize local enforcement agreement

Lyons — The Lyons Board of Trustees adopted the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (Ordinance 1210) during its March 2 meeting, voting unanimously after a public hearing and extended staff presentation. The code will take local effect July 1, 2026, aligning Lyons with the statewide mandate.

Staff and local fire officials summarized the code'9s main features during the hearing: structure-hardening measures, a tiered home-ignition-zone approach (0—5 feet, 5—0 feet, and 30—100 feet zones), and narrow triggers for applying requirements to existing buildings — for example, additions that increase a structure'9s footprint by 500 square feet or more, roof replacements exceeding 25 percent of the surface, or replacement of exterior walls. Trustees were explicitly told the code is not broadly retroactive but will apply when those scope thresholds are met.

During the discussion, Lyons Fire and staff stressed that the stricter site-management elements (such as defensible space within five feet of structures and restrictions on fence materials near buildings) are intended to reduce ember ignition and limit property-to-property spread. Several trustees asked about practical enforcement, exemptions, and support for residents needing assistance to meet new requirements.

To address enforcement and ongoing compliance, staff presented a draft memorandum of understanding with Lyons Fire. The MOU would make the building department responsible for plan review at the permit stage while assigning the fire district primary responsibility for ongoing site-area verification and periodic inspections. Trustees asked staff to finalize the MOU and return it for formal ratification.

Trustees also discussed outreach and mitigation assistance. Staff said the town will continue contractor-focused briefings and recommended communications to residents explaining which projects trigger the code and what financial or technical support may be available. Board members asked that staff attempt to pair the new requirements with local rebate or assistance options where feasible, and to coordinate educational outreach ahead of the July 1 effective date.

The ordinance passed on a unanimous voice vote following public comment and trustee deliberations. The next procedural steps are finalizing the enforcement MOU with the fire district and the town'9s outreach plan to contractors and property owners.

Quote: “This is about life safety and sensible standards in our wildland-urban interface,” said a town official during the hearing, urging trustees to adopt the state code to remain eligible for state programs and to avoid enforcement conflict between town and district.

What happens next: Staff will return the finalized town'9s implementation materials, including an MOU with Lyons Fire and communications materials that explain when renovations and repairs will trigger resiliency requirements.

Votes and actions: The board adopted Ordinance 1210 (Wildfire Resiliency Code) on second reading and public hearing. The board also instructed staff to finalize an MOU with Lyons Fire to clarify plan review and ongoing enforcement responsibilities.