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Dolores County commissioners debate adopting wildfire building code, cite enforcement and resource gaps
Summary
Commissioners discussed adopting the state-recommended wildfire building code but expressed concern the county lacks staff and authority to enforce it; they agreed to revisit a lighter approach and keep the item on future agendas.
At a special meeting, the Dolores County Board of County Commissioners discussed whether to adopt the state-recommended wildfire building code, with several commissioners saying the county lacks the capacity to enforce the rules immediately and should consider a lighter local approach.
A commissioner said the county could be ready to adopt the code but recommended delaying practical enforcement until July 1 to align with the state’s implementation timeline. “I’m not sure from a legal standpoint what’s worse — adopting and not enforcing or not adopting,” the commissioner said, noting the decision depends on what the state provides and whether funding or enforcement support becomes available.
Commissioners raised several practical concerns: the county does not currently have staff authorized or resourced to perform property safety assessments, there is uncertainty about whether town governments and the local fire district will issue complementary rules, and insurance companies have given mixed signals about how adoption would affect coverage. One commissioner said county residents should generally take responsibility for mitigation but acknowledged residents might nonetheless request county inspections, which the board may not have authority to provide.
Several commissioners suggested options short of full adoption. “I think we’re going to have to revise it. Maybe do a light version for counties that don’t have the infrastructure,” a commissioner said, proposing a scaled approach that would reduce enforcement burden on smaller counties. Another idea was to have the county emergency manager or fire department make themselves available to advise property owners during building projects.
The board did not take a formal vote on code adoption. Commissioners asked staff to keep the item on the agenda for periodic review; staff member Shayla was asked to maintain the discussion for April and May follow-ups so the board can track any state guidance or funding changes.
Next steps: the commissioners will revisit the wildfire code item at upcoming meetings. No formal adoption occurred at this session.
