Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Code topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Leadville moves to adopt 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code on first reading
Summary
On first reading, the council voted to adopt the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code as required by state law; the ordinance applies to specified mapped areas and to new construction/additions over 500 square feet and to roof/exterior‑wall replacements meeting the 25% threshold. Lake County will enforce the code locally.
Leadville’s City Council approved first reading of an ordinance to adopt the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, a step municipal staff said is necessary to comply with state legislation requiring adoption of wildfire resiliency standards.
A staff member explained the ordinance creates a new chapter in the municipal building code. The code will apply to new construction and additions of 500 square feet or more and to roof or exterior-wall replacements that change 25% or more of those surfaces within the state-mapped hazard zones that overlap parts of the city. The staff presentation noted six peripheral areas that will be subject to class‑2 structure-hardening requirements (roof vents, siding and other exterior features), while other areas outside the orange/red map designations are not subject to the new rules.
The municipal staffer said the Lake County Building Department will administer enforcement in coordination with the fire department and that ground‑level proofing and future map adjustments could exempt particular historic structures if further analysis and board review support that change. The staff memo referenced Senate Bill 2025‑142 as the statutory driver.
Chief Daly and the city attorney were available to answer technical and procedural questions. Staff recommended scheduling a second reading and public hearing, which the council set for March 17, 2026.
What it means for homeowners: the ordinance does not retroactively compel replacement of existing materials but will make new builds and significant exterior renovations subject to the code in mapped areas. Staff noted certain exemptions (historic structures, small detached sheds set back from structures, ordinary maintenance) and that property owners may pursue state-level waivers under specified criteria for particular builds.
Next steps: staff will coordinate with Lake County on intergovernmental agreement updates to administer the new code and return for a second reading and a public hearing.
