Outline

• Background
• Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code
• Required Timeline
• Community Benefits
• Map
• Fire Intensity Classifications
• Exemptions

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• Regulations Summary
• Details of Regulations
• Enforcement
• Additional Considerations
• Common Scenarios
• FAQs

Background

WUI

Wildland Urban Interface

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“That geographical area where structures and other

human development meets or intermingles with wildland or vegetative fuels.”

Background

Structures burn down from wildfires in one of three ways:

Colorado WRC

• State-mandated minimum requirements for development in WUI areas
• State map determines “Fire Intensity Classifications” which correspond to regulations
• Applies to new construction and significant alterations to existing structures

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Required Timeline

Graphic: Division of Fire Prevention & Control

Note: code is required but the appendices are optional.

Community Benefits

• Community-wide approach is most effective
• Enhanced public safety; reduces danger for firefighters
• Regulations align with best practices recommended or required by insurance companies
• Research post fires reveal high rates of under-insurance
• Education on wildfire risk for new community members

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Map

[insert local clip of state map]

Classifications

• Class A Roof + Flashing
• Gutters + Downspouts
• Vent Mesh
• Fencing
• Defensible Space 0-5’
• Addressing

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• Everything in Class 1 PLUS
• Eaves + Soffits
• Exterior Walls + Coverings
• Underfloor Enclosures
• Windows + Doors
• Decking
• Appendages + Projections
• Defensible Space 0-100’

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*No Intensity Rating = no additional regulations

Exemptions

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1. Interior alterations
2. Additions < 500 SF
3. Reconstruction, replacement, alterations < 25 percent of the surface area of all exterior walls, roofs, etc.
4. Maintenance
5. Sheds < 120 SF + 10’ from occupiable structure
6. Fences > 8 feet from a habitable structure
7. Parcels > 35 acres (+ other criteria)
8. Others – see CWRC for details

Note exception for designated historic structures

Regulations Summary

Class 1: Low Fire Intensity

Baseline: Summary of minimum requirements for new construction and significant additions/alterations

• Class A Roof
• Noncombustible Gutters + Downspouts
• Vent Mesh (1/8th inch ignition resistant material)
• Noncombustible or Ignition Resistant Fences + Retaining Walls (0-8')
• Structure Ignition Zone 1 (0-5’): noncombustible landscape materials (e.g. gravel, concrete) within 5 ft (no bark mulch); allows ignition-resistant plantings from approved list; no planting of new trees; Pruning requirements for trees greater than 10” diameter
• Required address markers

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Class 2: Mod-High Fire Intensity

Cumulative: Everything required for Class 1 PLUS additional requirements:

• Protection of Eaves + Soffits
• Exterior Walls, Wall Coverings + Flashing
• Underfloor Enclosure
• Windows + Doors
• Decking
• Appendages + Projections
• Structure Ignition Zone 2 (5-30')
• Structure Ignition Zone 3 (30-100’): spacing of trees

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Structure Ignition Zone

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Immediate Zone 1: 0 – 5 feet

Intermediate Zone 2:

5 – 30 feet

Expanded Zone 3:

30 – 100 feet

Structure Ignition Zone

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Immediate Zone 1: 0 – 5 feet

In more urban areas, a “Structure Ignition Zone” may end at the property line depending on the site layout and lot dimensions.

Expanded Zone 3:

30’ – property line < 100 feet

Intermediate Zone 2:

5’ – property line < 30’

Enforcement

Additional Considerations

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• Adoption is required but some flexibility for “code official” to render interpretations in compliance with intent; cannot waive a requirement
• May choose to apply more stringent requirements across the community for efficiency and higher protection; cannot be less strict
• Code relies on owners for long term compliance after initial inspection

https://headwaterseconomics.org

Deck + $2K

Landscaping + $2.5K

Roof + $6K

Exterior Walls - $12K

Wildfire-Resistant Costs for New Construction

Common Scenarios

[insert scenarios after discussion with state]

FAQs

• What if we want to change the state map?
• What about properties that are only partially classified or have two different classifications?
• Is this really mandatory? What happens if we don’t adopt?
• What about existing trees?
• How much more will this cost?
• What if the required defensible space distances go beyond my property line?
• What if this creates conflicts with other parts of our code?
• Is there a list of acceptable materials?
• If we adopt the code and designate our community at risk, will insurance rates increase?
• When will the state update the code and/or map?

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Fences - CWRC

502.4.1 Fencing

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Fencing within 8 feet of a structure regulated by this code or up to the property line when the property line is less than

8 feet away from the structure shall be constructed with

noncombustible or ignition-resistant materials.

Exception: Vinyl fencing. Vinyl fencing may be allowed.

Exempt if fence is >8’ away from the home

8’

Property Line

Fence - noncombustible / ignition res

Fence – any material

Fences - Exempt

Street

Home

Home

Ensure fence is noncombustible or ignition-resistant or within 8’ of home

8’

Property Line

Fence - noncombustible / ignition res

Fence – any material

Fences - Typical

Street

Home

Home

Note exempt if fence is closer than 8’ from the home

END… extra slides with detail from code follow if needed…

Roofs