Department of Community Development
Reference: Adoption of the State Mandated Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC)
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Michael P. Martinez, City Manager
Prepared By: Andrew Ulmer, Chief Building Official
Date Prepared: February 4, 2026
PURPOSE
This agenda item is to introduce the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code adoption by ordinance, which also constitutes the first reading of the ordinance. Additionally, as noted in the draft ordinance, it will establish the date of the public hearing to March 17, 2026. The 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) outlines 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 March 17th, after the required notices were published in the newspaper on February 26th and March 5th. The City is required to adopt the code by April 1, 2026, and begin implementing the provisions of the code beginning July 1, 2026.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE
In 2025, Senate Bill 25-142 was enacted. This requires the adoption of the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code if a jurisdiction has an area falling within the state Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) map. The City does have a few small areas that fall within this map.
This code applies to both residential and commercial structures. The code administrative provisions mirror those 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 implications. 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 for most of these elements. The requirements for defensible space generally will not drive increased costs. These provisions are designed to reduce direct flame or embers from contacting a structure.
CRITERIA BY WHICH COUNCIL MUST CONSIDER THE PROPOSED CODE
Modifications can only strengthen the state provisions. Excluding that, this code is a state mandate.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends taking the proposed state code as written, to a public hearing for adoption by the City Council on March 17, 2026.
OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
1. Direct staff to proceed with the adoption of the state code as written.
2. Direct staff to proceed with additional provisions.
ATTACHMENTS
● Draft of the ordinance adopting the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code
● The 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code
● Draft PowerPoint Presentation