New Colorado wildfire rules take effect July 1
New wildfire mitigation requirements in Colorado’s Jefferson County will take effect July 1, 2026, changing rules for new construction and home improvement projects in high-risk areas. The updated standards apply to new development as well as certain home projects, including roof replacements, deck additions and other exterior upgrades. Depending on location and wildfire risk, builders and homeowners may be required to use fire-resistant materials and follow defensible space guidelines.
That includes keeping vegetation as close as five feet from structures in some areas, with additional clearance requirements in higher-risk zones. County leaders said the changes are designed to reduce wildfire risk in a region where dry conditions, steep terrain and dense vegetation all contribute to elevated fire danger.
Fire officials said the goal is to slow the spread of wildfire and improve the chances that homes can survive once the fire reaches a neighborhood.
