Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code

 A Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) is a geographically defined area where houses and businesses are in or near mixed topographical and geographical features with various timber, brush and grass species. 

Some parcels exist in the Town of Superior WUI, where there is a heightened risk to wildfire.

New construction projects must comply with the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) and could expand the scope of the project. 

Why?

Implementing a WUI code promotes safer development by ensuring that life and property are uniformly protected from wildfire risk.

In addition, WUI codes:

• Provide a robust and consolidated set of requirements for developers, contractors, and residents.

• Complement existing building and fire codes to ensure that additional standards are met.

• Are based on scientific findings on the effectiveness of ignition loss reduction.

• Promote safer development that protects life and property.

The Wildfire Resiliency Code Fire Intensity Classification layer for the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency State Code Map was developed by the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) and the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS).

High and Moderate (red/orange) fire intensity classifications correspond to Class 2 construction and site hardening requirements, while Low (yellow) fire intensity classification corresponds to Class 1 code requirements.

Currently, the Town of Superior has 196 residentially-zoned properties that fall within the WUI boundary.

• Sagamore: 98

• Rock Creek Ranch: 85

• Kupfner Replat: 13

Individual parcel information can be found on the full map here: 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code State Map

Introduction:

There are two types of WUI designations in the Town of Superior: Class 1 (yellow/low severity) and Class 2 (orange/moderate severity). Parcels that fall within either of these designations will be required to follow the structure hardening and landscaping requirements outlined below. These requirements can also be found in the WUI Code itself. All materials used must be both WUI and Town compliant.

Additionally, there are parcels that may fall under both Class 1 and Class 2 designations. In these situations, the higher requirements take precedence, so the parcels must follow Class 2 requirements.

A full list of approved building and landscape materials can be found on the Town of Superior Building and Planning website here: Building Codes and Zoning Regulations

Class 1: Structure Hardening:

Class 1 structure hardening shall apply to buildings and structures hereafter constructed, modified or relocated into or within areas of the wildland-urban interface having a low fire hazard severity.

Roofing: Roofs shall have a roof covering or roof assembly classified as Class A. Additionally, for roof assemblies where the roof covering profile creates a space between the roof covering and roof deck, the space shall resist the entry of flames and embers. Please see WUI Code for more information on roofing materials.

Gutters and Downspouts: Gutters and downspouts shall be constructed of noncombustible material.

Ventilation Openings: Ventilation openings for enclosed attics, enclosed rafter spaces, and underfloor spaces shall be in accordance with either the Performance Requirements or Prescriptive Requirements as applicable. For more information on these requirements, please see WUI Code.

Class 1: Site and Area Requirements:

Parcels within the Class 1 designation shall follow the requirements of the Structure Ignition Zone 1 (0-5): Immediate Zone.

Structure Ignition Zone 1 (0-5 feet): Immediate Zone: 

Materials: Use noncombustible, hard surface materials in this zone, such as rock, gravel, sand, concrete, bare earth or stone/concrete pavers.

• Exception: Ignition-resistant plantings, per an approved list by the AHJ that is not less than that by the Colorado State Forest Service, are allowed in the Immediate Zone.

Plantings: Remove all plantings including shrubs, slash, combustible mulch and other woody debris, with the exception of ignition-resistant vegetation.

Trees: There shall be no planting of new trees in the immediate zone. Mature trees of no less than 10-inch diameter at 4.5 feet above ground level may be maintained. Tree crowns extending to within 10 feet of any structure shall be pruned to maintain a minimum clearance of 10 feet. Prune tree branches to a height of 6-10 feet from the ground or a third of the total height of the tree, whichever is less.

Site Signage:

Marking of Roads: Approved signs or other approved notices shall be provided and maintained for access roads and driveways to identify such roads and prohibit the obstruction thereof.

Marking of Fire Protection Equipment: Fire protection equipment and fire hydrants shall be clearly identified in a manner approved by the code official to prevent obstruction.

Address Markers: Buildings shall have a permanently posted address, which shall be placed at each driveway entrance and be visible from both directions of travel along the road. In all cases, the address shall be posted at the beginning of construction and shall be maintained thereafter, and the address shall be visible and legible from the road on which the address is located in a manner approved by the code official.

Retaining Walls:

Retaining Walls: Retaining walls shall be constructed with either noncombustible or ignition-resistant materials when any of the following conditions exist:

• The retaining wall is 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.
• The retaining wall is integral to the support of a structure regulated by this code.
• The retaining wall is integral to the egress from a structure regulated by this code to a public way, easement, or private road.

Fencing:

Fencing: Fencing within 8 feet of a structure regulated by this code or up to the property line wen 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.

Note: Please see adopted WUI Code for full list of requirements, above sections may have additional information.

Introduction:

There are two types of WUI designations in the Town of Superior: Class 1 (yellow/low severity) and Class 2 (orange/moderate severity). Parcels that fall within either of these designations will be required to follow the structure hardening and landscaping requirements outlined below. These requirements can also be found in the WUI Code itself. All materials used must be both WUI and Town compliant.

Additionally, there are parcels that may fall under both Class 1 and Class 2 designations. In these situations, the higher requirements take precedence, so the parcels must follow Class 2 requirements.

A full list of approved building and landscape materials can be found on the Town of Superior Building and Planning website here: Building Codes and Zoning Regulations

Class 2: Structure Hardening:

Class 2 structure hardening shall apply to buildings and structures hereafter constructed, modified or relocated into or within areas of the wildland-urban interface having a moderate or high fire hazard severity. Additionally, Class 1 Structure Hardening provisions shall apply in Class 2 areas.

Protection of Eaves: Eaves and soffits shall be protected on the exposed underside by noncombustible material, ignition-resistant material, or by additional approved material. Please see WUI Code for more information on materials.

Exterior Walls: Exterior walls of buildings or structures shall be constructed with one of the following methods:

• Assemblies with a minimum of 1-hour fire-resistance rating, rated for exposure on the exterior side.
• Approved noncombustible materials.
• Heavy timber or log wall construction.
• Additional approved materials listed in WUI Code.
  • Exceptions:
    • Exterior wall embellishments and architectural trim not to exceed 5 percent of the square footage of the exterior wall
    • Roof or wall top cornice projections and similar assemblies
    • Solid wood rafter tails and solid wood blocking installed between rafters having minimum dimension 2 inch nominal

Please see WUI Code for information on Exterior Wall Coverings and Flashing.

Underfloor Enclosure: Buildings or structures shall have underfloor areas enclosed to the ground or comply with exterior walls in accordance to WUI Code.

Decking: Unenclosed decks shall have the deck walking surface constructed of one of the following:

• Approved noncombustible materials
• Class A rated material
  • Exception: Composite decking material with a minimum of Class B rating
• Fire-retardant-treated wood identified for exterior use and meeting the requirements of Section 2303.2 of the 2024 International Building Code
• Additional approved materials listed in WUI Code

Appendages and Projections: Appendages and projections shall be constructed in accordance with WUI Code.

Exterior Glazing: Exterior windows, window walls and glazed doors, windows within exterior doors, and skylights shall be tempered glass, multilayered glazed panels, glass block or have a fire protection rating of not less than 20 minutes.

Exterior Doors: Exterior doors shall be approved noncombustible construction, solid core wood not less than 1 3/4-inches thick, or have a fire protection rating of not less than 20 minutes. Windows within doors and glazed doors shall be in accordance with WUI Code.

• Exception: Vehicle access doors

Vehicle Access Door Perimeter Gap: Exterior vehicle access doors shall resist the intrusion of embers from entering by preventing gaps between doors and door openings, at the head, sill, and jamb of doors from exceeding 1/8 inch as approved by AHJ. Please see WUI Code for methods to control gaps between doors and door openings.

Detached Accessory Structures: Detached accessory structures located less than 50 feet from a building containing habitable or occupiable space shall have exterior walls constructed in accordance with WUI Code. Please see WUI Code for information on Underfloor Areas.

Class 2: Site and Area Requirements:

Parcels within the Class 2 designation shall follow the requirements of the Structure Ignition Zone 2 (5-30 feet): Intermediate Zone and those set forth in the Class 1 Site and Area Requirements.

Structure Ignition Zone 2 (5-30 feet): Intermediate Zone:

Dead Materials: Within the fuel modification area, hazardous dead plant material must be removed from live vegetation.

Fuels Accumulation: Avoid large accumulations of surface fuels such as logs, branches, slash and combustible mulch.

Trees: Tree crowns extending to within 10 feet of any structure shall be pruned to maintain a minimum clearance of 10 feet. Prune tree branches to a height of 6-10 feet from the ground or a third of the total height of the tree, which ever is less. Tree crowns within this zone shall be spaced to prevent structure ignition and promote fuel discontinuity to limit fire spread.

Shrubs: Shrub groups within this zone shall be spaced to prevent structure ignition. Shrubs shall be at least 10 feet away from the edge of tree branches.

Note: Please see adopted WUI Code for full list of requirements, above sections may have additional information.

The Home Ignition Zone is defined as the first thirty feet (30’) immediately surrounding a structure including the roofline and decks.

• Immediate Zone = 0-5 feet
• Intermediate Zone = 5-30 feet
• Extended Zone = 30-100 feet 

The main focus is the first 30 feet around the structure or the property line. Once the first 30 feet are correctly mitigated, increasing the mitigated space will continue to decrease the area's risk. 

As you address the home ignition zone on your property, always start with the home or structure and work outwards. Taking action to prepare for a wildfire requires ongoing maintenance to give your home the best chance of surviving.

For more on home ignition zones, visit the Colorado State Forest Service webpage here: CSFS Wildfire Mitigation.

What can I do to help defend my space?

Defensible space is an area either natural or man-made, where material capable of allowing a fire to spread unchecked has been treated, cleared or modified to slow the rate of intensity of an advancing wildfire and to create an area for fire suppression operations to occur.

Creating and maintaining defensible space is a proactive measure that can significantly reduce the risk of fire and protect your home and your community. Here are some tips to create and maintain a defensible space:

• Remove brush, weeds, dry grasses, needles, leaves and any other flammable vegetation within 30 feet of any structure (or to property line).
• Additional clearance up to 100 feet (or to property line) may be needed to protect homes near brush fields and/or wooded areas.
• Maintain trees, shrubs, or bushes adjacent to or overhanging any structure clear of dead limbs.
• Prune trees so that no limb is within 10 feet of any chimney opening. 1/2 inch maximum
• Maintain roof gutters, and deck surfaces free of leaves, needles, twigs and any combustible material.
• Clear all brush, weeds, grass and hazardous vegetation within 10 feet of any road.
• Clear all vegetation, trash, or other combustible material a minimum of 10 feet from propane tanks and containers.
• Remove all cut vegetation, combustible debris and dispose of it in a legal and safe manner. 

One of the most common questions the Wildfire Resiliency Code Board gets is, "How will the code impact my insurance?"

The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) has stated:

1. Insurers WILL NOT and CANNOT use the WUI code map to impact insurance.  DOI directly regulates insurance rates and insurance company underwriting (how they determine risk).

• Insurance companies have to file their rates, justification for rates, and underwriting rules for calculating this risk/justification
• Insurance companies use multiple tools to determine risk (modeling, mapping, etc.)  This code is specific to the level of risk they are willing to accept.  Insurance companies do not use many outside tools to assess risk.
• House Bill HB25-1182 places restriction on what tools the insurance industry can use, and DOI closely monitors and regulates what the insurance industry can do.

2. The insurance industry strongly supports building codes for mitigating risks.  They have seen how building codes reduce risk and loss in the case of other hazards (e.g., building codes for storms and hurricanes).

• The Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code map - which is ONLY used for the application of the code - is seen in a positive light and codes are being implemented in these target areas to reduce risk.
• For areas with codes in place, the map offers insights to insurers about all the work being done to improve building standards across Colorado.
  

For more information:

Division of Insurance Wildfire Resiliency Building Codes and Insurance

Toolkit for Homeowners and HOAs on Insurance

TBD

For more information and resources, see the below sites:

Wildland-Urban Interface Code - Planning for Hazards 

Wildfire Information Resource Center - Fire Prevention and Control

Wildfire Partners (Offers rebates for mitigation work)