What does Colorado's Wildfire Resiliency Code mean for mountain homes near Denver?

Where did Colorado's Wildfire Resiliency Code come from?

• SB23-166 started it. That 2023 law created the Wildfire Resiliency Code Board, and the board adopted the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code on July 1, 2025.
• Local deadline was April 1, 2026. Local governments with wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas had to adopt the code by April 1, 2026 and comply by July 1, 2026.
• Two classes of rules. WUI areas fall in Class 1 or Class 2. Class 2 adds stricter home-hardening rules.

Confirm the code class and enforcement date with the building department that issues your permit.

Which mountain counties have adopted the code?

• Jefferson County. Approved March 10, 2026 and effective July 1, 2026. The county map shows Class 1 areas in blue and Class 2 areas in orange.
• Larimer County. Adopted the 2025 Wildfire Resiliency Code with county amendments on September 22, 2025, effective January 1, 2026.
• Summit County. Permits applied for after May 4, 2026 follow the new fire codes with county amendments.
• All of Summit is Class 2. Summit County rates the whole county moderate to high fire intensity, so Class 2 hardening applies everywhere, with Class A roofs.

What does Jefferson County's wildfire code require?

• A defensible space permit. Required for new construction, building additions, deck replacements, re-siding and re-roofing.
• No county fee. A County-approved Wildfire Mitigation Specialist inspects the work.
• Class A roof at 25%. Replacing 25% or more of a roof triggers a Class A roof.
• Noncombustible fencing near the house. Fencing within 8 feet of the house must be noncombustible.
• No junipers within 30 feet. Junipers, arborvitae and Gambel oak are banned within 30 feet of the house.

Buying a home you plan to re-roof or add on to? Price the defensible space work into the offer.

What are Colorado's defensible space zones?

• Zone 1: 0 to 5 feet. The Colorado State Forest Service calls it the zone that needs the most vigilant work.
• Zone 2: 5 to 30 feet. The zone where fuels get reduced.
• Zone 3: 30 to 100 feet. It extends 100 feet from the home on flat ground.

What does Colorado's wildfire insurance law change for homeowners?

• HB25-1182 is the law. It was signed May 28, 2025, and its insurer requirements took effect July 1, 2026.
• You see your score. Insurers send an annual written notice with your wildfire risk score and available mitigation discounts.
• You can appeal it. Insurers post an appeal process for the risk score.

Ask for the seller's current insurance notice during your inspection period. Call the Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to walk through it.