What Colorado’s New Wildfire Resiliency Code Means for Your Home or Property
Starting July 1, 2025, Colorado adopted a game-changing new law designed to protect homes and communities from wildfire: the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC). Whether you live along the Front Range or own property in mountain towns like Estes Park, Evergreen, Breckenridge, or Vail, this new code will impact how homes are built, maintained, and protected.
In this blog, we’ll break down what the code means, who it affects, and how homeowners and property managers can prepare. Plus, we’ll explain how Colorado Wildfire Defence can help you stay ahead of the curve.
Why Did Colorado Create a Wildfire Resiliency Code?
With devastating wildfires becoming more common in Colorado, the state passed Senate Bill 23-166 to create a uniform standard for construction and land use in wildfire-prone areas, also known as the wildland-urban interface (WUI).
The new Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, effective July 1, 2025, aims to:
Prevent home ignition from embers and flames
Reduce structural losses during wildfires
Improve emergency access and safety
Ensure consistency across counties and municipalities
Where Does the Code Apply?
The CWRC applies to new construction, significant renovations, and additions within the WUI. The state has developed a wildfire hazard map identifying at-risk areas, including large sections of:
Boulder, Larimer, Jefferson, and Douglas Counties
Mountain communities like Evergreen, Nederland, Estes Park, Durango, and Aspen
Foothill suburbs from Golden to Colorado Springs
If your home or property lies within a mapped wildfire-prone zone, these rules likely apply to you.
Key Features of the Code
The code introduces two levels of fire risk based on your location:
🔹 Class 1: Low Wildfire Risk
Applies to homes with minimal surrounding fuels and flat terrain. Requirements include:
Class A fire-rated roofing
Non-combustible gutters and downspouts
Vents covered with 1/8-inch corrosion-resistant screening
🔸 Class 2: Moderate to High Wildfire Risk
Applies to homes in steeper, denser fuel zones or areas with higher fire weather exposure. Additional rules include:
Fire-resistant siding, such as James Hardie or TruExterior
Non-combustible or ignition-resistant soffits and eaves
Tempered or multi-pane fire-rated windows
Exterior doors with at least 20-minute fire rating
Garage doors sealed to prevent ember intrusion
Defensible space of 30–100 feet around the structure
What Projects Trigger the Code?
The CWRC applies to:
New home builds
Additions or renovations larger than 500 sq. ft
Roof replacements exceeding 25% of roof area
Some deck and exterior upgrades near the home
Routine maintenance or repairs under 25% may not require code compliance—but still benefit from fire-hardened choices.
Defensible Space & Site Design
The new code requires property owners to create and maintain defensible space. This includes:
Removing flammable brush and trees near structures
Using fire-resistant fencing, mulch, and landscape features
Ensuring emergency vehicle access and visible address signage
If your home is in a high-risk area, Colorado Wildfire Defence offers brush mitigation, chipping, and tree thinning services to help meet and exceed these requirements.
What Does This Mean for Front Range and Mountain Town Homeowners?
Whether you’re in the foothills of Boulder, the pine forests of Nederland, or the aspen groves of Breckenridge, this code brings both new responsibilities and protection.
Benefits include:
✅ Better wildfire protection
✅ Potential insurance discounts
✅ Higher property value and buyer appeal
✅ Less reliance on emergency services
However, failing to comply with the code during construction or remodels could delay permits or inspections—and leave your home vulnerable.
How Colorado Wildfire Defence Can Help
At Colorado Wildfire Defence, we specialize in helping homeowners, HOAs, and government agencies harden structures against wildfire.
Our services include:
🔧 Class A Roofing & Siding Installation
We install roofing like DECRA metal shingles, James Hardie fiber cement siding, and TruExterior trim—all Class A fire-rated and code compliant.
🌲 Defensible Space & Brush Mitigation
Our trained crews handle tree thinning, ladder fuel removal, and wood chipping, with a focus on aesthetics and code compliance.
🚿 Wildfire Sprinkler Systems
We design and install permanent or portable structure-focused sprinkler systems to add a layer of protection during fire emergencies.
🏠 Home & Community Risk Assessments
We can assess a single home—or an entire neighborhood or municipal property—for code readiness and fire resilience.
Whether you’re a homeowner in Evergreen or a county official in Fort Collins, we’ll guide you through code compliance without compromising beauty or function.
Timeline for Local Adoption
Here’s how implementation will roll out:
July 1, 2025: CWRC takes effect statewide
By April 2026: Counties and municipalities must adopt or customize the code
By January 1, 2027: Full enforcement and mapping must be in place
Some cities—like Boulder, Superior, and Colorado Springs—are already ahead of schedule and using similar rules.
What Should You Do Now?
Check if your home is in the WUI using the state hazard map (expected late 2025)
Plan future projects with the CWRC in mind
Schedule a home assessment with Colorado Wildfire Defence
Talk to your builder or contractor about fire-rated materials and construction
Create defensible space now to improve safety and curb appeal
Let’s Protect Colorado—One Home at a Time
The 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code is a huge step forward in preparing our state for a hotter, drier future. By working together—homeowners, builders, and local officials—we can protect homes and communities across the Front Range and mountain towns.
Whether you’re remodeling in Lyons, building in Steamboat Springs, or upgrading siding in Manitou Springs, Colorado Wildfire Defence is here to help you meet the code and stay fire-safe.
Contact us today for a free consultation or home wildfire risk assessment.
970-652-1390
