Homeowners and developers press county on costs and insurance impacts of wildfire code

During the public-comment period and subsequent land‑use discussion, residents and developers pressed county staff about the economic impact of adopting the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code.

Craig Bull, a resident who spoke during public comment, asked whether the state conducted an economic-impact study and how much the code would add to building costs per square foot. Staff and panelists said they had not seen a statewide economic-impact study for the resiliency code and could not provide a definitive per-square-foot number; in discussion one participant suggested some material changes could add roughly $2–$3 per square foot in certain cases. The transcript contains an inconsistent remark about the school-fee payment (staff referred to "92,000" and immediately thereafter said "a little over $900"); that amount requires confirmation from county records.

Developer Nick, speaking later about the Timber Ranch project, estimated higher per-foot costs in his modular-construction context for code compliance: "I've already kind of looked into my costs... I'm looking at about 7 to 8 bucks a foot to comply with those standards," he said, noting that his roof materials already met the standard and the estimate related to tempered glass, siding and vents. Staff and Rice advised home and property owners that retrofitting and documenting defensible space, access and water supply can influence insurers and in some cases get coverage restored after an initial drop.

County staff also said the state’s Department of Insurance and state foresters are exploring levers to moderate premium impacts in other states; they cautioned that large discounts are rare but that adoption and documented property hardening can help keep premiums lower. The county encouraged residents who lose coverage to contact the state commissioner of insurance as a resource.