Colorado announces Wildfire-Ready Building Codes
As of April 1, 2026, Colorado cities, counties and fire protection districts in high-risk wildfire areas were instructed to adopt new codes published by Colorado’s Wildfire Resiliency Code Board last year. They will then have until July 1, 2026, to fully implement the codes for new construction or significant renovations.
“I think these codes will save lives, I think they will save property, I think they will save people money,” said Crystal Lambert, the code board chair.
Wildfire codes in Colorado set minimum standards that local governments must adhere to, but they can also make them stronger. The codes dictate everything from what roofing material to use and what types of plants can be grown within a five-foot radius of homes, to what size mesh should cover outdoor vents so embers will not waft in.
