Grand County adopts 2025 Wildfire Resiliency Code with local exemptions and mapping caveats

Grand County commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) with a set of local amendments aimed at tailoring state requirements to the county’s housing stock and economy. Key local changes include an exemption for home additions under 1,500 square feet from triggering full non-combustible siding upgrades (if the addition uses ignition-resistant siding), allowance for non-combustible wainscoting without forcing whole-house siding conversions, exemptions for detached small structures under 120 square feet, and a prohibition on unreinforced vinyl replacement window frames.

The board tied the county’s WUI enforcement to "a currently adopted local map" rather than a static state map, directing staff to retain flexibility as mapping techniques improve. Fire Chief Brad White briefed the board on mapping boundary issues and said future subdivisions would automatically trigger WUI planning review. During the adoption motion, the board included language registering "strong protest and duress" over perceived unfunded mandates from the state.

Public commenters raised concerns about increased construction costs for homeowners and mapping errors that place some low-risk properties into higher-risk WUI zones. Contractor Dave Klingman sought clarification about acceptable factory-treated pressure-treated lumber and confirmed inspectors would require manufacturer certification stamps for compliance. The board approved the adoption motion and closed the hearing.