Board hears urgency on Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code; April 1 adoption deadline emphasized

The Lake County Board of Review began a detailed discussion of the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code after staff told members the state requires adoption by April 1 and enforcement by July 1. Barbara Rice of Shumskota Associates described the purpose of the state code and the mapping process the state used to divide Colorado into low, moderate and high hazard zones.

"The whole purpose of it is to safeguard life and property in those wildland urban interface areas," Barbara Rice said, explaining that the Colorado code focuses on habitable structures, defensible space and ignition‑resistant construction. Board members and staff discussed the state mapping that places most of the county into moderate and high hazard zones and the option to request site‑specific ground‑truthing or zone adjustments if local conditions warrant it.

Consultants explained that the Colorado code removes some water and access requirements and instead emphasizes structure hardening—noncombustible exterior walls or 1‑hour rated construction, protected eaves, multi‑pane windows, Class A roofing, and 0–5 foot noncombustible defensible space—especially in moderate/high mapped areas. Staff said local implementation choices remain: the city will use an ordinance process with 30‑day publication and two readings; the county will use resolution and may make related administrative policy choices about inspections, historic exemptions and enforcement responsibilities.

Board members discussed administrative options, including shared plan review between building and fire departments, self‑reporting affidavits with targeted zone inspections, and the need for staff training and public education for builders and property owners. The board agreed to prioritize the wildfire resiliency adoption and to align the city and county public hearings where possible so both jurisdictions could act promptly.