Department of Community Development
Reference: Adoption of the state required Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Michael P. Martinez, City Manager
Prepared By: Andrew Ulmer, Chief Building Official
Date Prepared: May 29, 2026
PURPOSE
This agenda item is to introduce the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code adoption by ordinance and constitutes the first reading. City of Brighton is mandated to adopt the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code by the state of Colorado. The information within this staff report, and presentation regarding the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) outline where and what new preventative measures will need to be taken within affected areas in the City of Brighton.
PROCESS
After the first reading, a public hearing and second reading would be scheduled for July 21st after the required notices were published in the newspaper on July 1st and July 9th. The procedure for adoption of a code by reference is governed by CRS 31-16-201 et seq. Therefore, introduction, aka first reading of the ordinance, is the first step in the process.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE
In 2025, Senate Bill 25-142 was enacted into law requiring the adoption of the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code if a jurisdiction has an area falling within the Wildland-Urban Interface map. The City does have some areas that fall within this map.
This code applies to both residential and commercial structures. The code administrative provisions mirror that of other ICC adopted model codes. An applicant proposing to build a new project will have the ability to appeal categorization of the state map at their own expense with the support of a technical expert. This will not impact existing structures unless they are undergoing a significant addition or alteration.
On the Wildland-Urban Interface map within City boundaries, there are two risk levels, class 1 and class 2. These areas have restrictions that impact the exposed surfaces of a structure as well as requirements for the area around the structure.
Except for commercial flat roofs, Class 1 will not have requirements with major cost impacts. Class 2 will have requirements, referred to as “structure hardening”, that will impact walls, eaves, decks, doors, windows, and more. These restrictions will drive cost increases of about 2% above the total build costs for single family dwellings. The requirements for defensible space generally will not drive increased costs. These provisions are generally designed to reduce direct flame or embers from contacting a structure.
The appendices of the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code do not require adoption.
CRITERIA BY WHICH COUNCIL MUST CONSIDER THE PROPOSED CODE
Modifications could only have the effect of strengthening the state provisions. Excluding that, this code is a state mandate.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the ordinance on first reading and taking the proposed CWRC as written to public hearing for consideration and adoption by the City Council on July 21st, 2026.
OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
1. Direct staff to proceed with adoption of the state code as written and schedule the public hearing.
2. Direct staff to proceed with additional restrictions or modifications.
ATTACHMENTS
● Draft of the ordinance adopting the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code
● The 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code