Brush Clearance: Arvada vs Lakewood
How do brush clearance rules compare between Arvada, CO and Lakewood, CO?
Arvada and Lakewood have similar restriction levels.
Arvada, CO
Jefferson County
Arvada may require defensible space around structures. WUI communities have stricter standards. Marshall Fire (2021) increased Front Range enforcement.
View full Arvada rules →Lakewood, CO
Jefferson County
Jefferson County requires wildfire-defensible space around foothills homes. Zone 1 (0–5 feet) must have no combustible mulch and only mature trees; Zone 2 (5–30 feet) requires removing dead plants and surface fuels. A Defensible Space Permit applies in the WUI overlay above 6,400 feet.
View full Lakewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arvada | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| WUI | Stricter standards | - |
| Clearance | Per city fire code | - |
| Vacant Lots | Must be maintained | - |
| State Law | No statewide mandate | - |
| Zone 1 (0–5 ft) | - | No combustible mulch, mature trees only |
| Zone 2 (5–30 ft) | - | Remove dead plants, surface fuels |
| Crown clearance | - | 10 ft from chimneys |
| WUI overlay | - | Above 6,400 ft elevation |
| Standard | - | CSU Extension 6.302 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arvada FAQ
How much clearance do I need?
Check Arvada fire code and WUI status. Requirements vary but typically 15 to 100 feet depending on zone.
What about vacant lots?
Vacant lots must be maintained free of excessive brush and weeds under city code.
Lakewood FAQ
How far should I clear brush around my foothills home?
Maintain defensible space out to at least 30 feet: Zone 1 (0–5 ft) with no combustible mulch and only mature trees, and Zone 2 (5–30 ft) with dead plants and surface fuels removed.
Do I need a permit to do wildfire mitigation?
In the Wildland-Urban Interface Overlay District (above 6,400 feet), Jefferson County can require a Defensible Space Permit and inspection by a County-approved forester before certain mitigation work.
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