What Homeowners Should Know About Colorado's Wildfire Resiliency Code
Key Takeaways
- The Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, Version 1.0, took effect June 1, 2026, and sets statewide wildfire hardening standards for buildings in the wildland-urban interface.
- What applies to your home depends on its fire hazard class, with Class 1 labeled low and Class 2 labeled moderate or high.
- The code covers the roof covering, valleys, gutters, vents and, at Class 2, eaves, soffits, fascia, wall intersections and exterior walls.
- Your city or county adopts the code, adds its own amendments and handles permitting and enforcement, so details differ from place to place.
- Some jurisdictions expect every product to be listed on the project drawings, so planning with your roofer early helps avoid delays.
- Ask your building department how the code applies to your project before work begins.
If your home sits where neighborhoods meet open land, a statewide wildfire code now shapes what goes on your roof. The Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC), Version 1.0, took effect June 1, 2026, and it sets standards for roofs, gutters, vents and, in higher hazard areas, exterior walls on homes in the wildland-urban interface, the areas where development meets wildland vegetation. In those areas, the code can also affect the product documentation your roofer submits to get a permit.
Is my home affected by the Colorado wildfire resiliency code?
The code applies to buildings in the wildland-urban interface, and what it asks of your home depends on your property's fire hazard class. Start by finding your property on the state's code map to confirm whether it falls in Class 1 or Class 2. Then call your building department and fire district to ask how they enforce the code and whether it applies to a repair, a re-roof or new construction at your address.
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control hosts the code, the map and a free education series on its Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code page.
What does the code change on a home in a wildfire zone?
The table below shows what the code calls for on each part of the roof and walls, and which hazard class each requirement applies to.
| Part of the home | What the code calls for | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Roof covering | A Class A fire-rated covering, rated under ASTM E108 or UL 790 | Class 1 and 2 |
| Roof valleys | Metal flashing of at least 26-gauge over a 36-inch-wide cap sheet | Class 1 and 2 |
| Gutters and downspouts | Noncombustible materials | Class 1 and 2 |
| Vents | Noncombustible mesh of 1/8 inch or smaller, or vents tested to ASTM E2886 | Class 1 and 2 |
| Eaves, soffits and fascia | Fire protection required | Class 2 only |
| Where a roof meets a wall | At least 6 inches of metal or noncombustible flashing | Class 2 only |
| Exterior walls | Noncombustible, fire-retardant-treated or ignition-resistant materials | Class 2 only |
Confirm the exact wording for your address with your local building department.
Why does my city or county matter?
The state sets the baseline, and each city or county adopts the code, adds its own amendments and runs its own permitting and enforcement. Some jurisdictions, including Jefferson County, expect every product to appear on the project drawings, and a general note such as "Class A roof assembly" may not be accepted. A contractor who has product data sheets and test reports ready before applying can help a project avoid permit delays and rework.
For a look at how permits fit into a roof replacement, read Do I Need a Permit for Roof Replacement?
What should I ask a roofer before signing?
These four questions help you compare bids on what each roofer plans to check, document and put in writing.
Have you confirmed our fire hazard class and local rules?
A strong answer sounds like a contractor who has checked your property on the state map and asked the building department and fire district how they enforce the code and what a permit application requires. A reason to follow up is a quote that never mentions your hazard class.
How will you document the products on my roof?
A strong answer includes a materials list with product data sheets and test reports, plus plans that show each product clearly with listing numbers or assemblies where required and section views of the roof, walls and soffits. A reason to follow up is a set of plans that relies on general notes alone.
Did you survey everything the code touches?
A strong answer covers the roof materials, vents, valleys, gutters, skylights, chimneys and wall flashings. A reason to follow up is an estimate that covers shingles only.
What happens when the code is unclear?
A strong answer is a plan to get any gray area approved in writing before work starts, since the code does not define certain items, such as fire stopping. A reason to follow up is a verbal assurance with nothing on paper.
Wondering what your roof will need under the wildfire code? A trusted Colorado roofer can confirm your fire hazard class, review your local requirements and put together the materials list a permit application calls for. Find a CRA member contractor near you.
This post is for educational purposes only and is not code compliance advice. Confirm all requirements with your local building department.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code take effect?
Version 1.0 took effect June 1, 2026. It sets statewide wildfire hardening standards for buildings in the wildland-urban interface, and each city or county adopts the code and handles its own permitting and enforcement.
Where can I find my property's fire hazard class?
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control hosts the code and its map on its Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code page. Find your property on the map, then confirm with your building department how your jurisdiction applies the code.