Grand Junction, CO Environmental Rules: Defensible Space (2026)

Grand Junction Municipal Code § 21.06.010(d)(1) requires new residential development on or adjacent to predominantly wooded, brush or grassland areas to be built with the surrounding area modified under a two-area vegetation system. Area 1 is the 30 feet immediately around the dwelling, not extending past the property line, and it must be free of dead trees or dead vegetation at initial sale or construction. Area 1 splits into Segment A, the five feet immediately around the structure, where all vegetation must be removed at initial sale or construction, no new plantings are allowed if the structure has combustible siding like wood or logs, and no propane tanks or firewood may be stored; and Segment B, the next 25 feet, where brush and tree clumps must be spaced at least twice the height of the taller clump apart, branches pruned to at least 10 feet or half the tree's height, and propane tanks kept at least 20 feet from the principal structure on gravel pads.

Area 2 extends from the edge of Area 1 out to 75 feet from the principal structure, again not past the property line, requiring trees thinned to a five-foot minimum spacing between crowns at maturity and annual removal of dead trees, except that two dead trees per acre may remain as wildlife habitat. Under § 21.06.010(d)(2), the property owner, lessee or other party maintaining the dwelling is responsible for keeping this defensible space maintained, including removing flammable vegetation and clearing leaves and needles from roofs.