El Paso County, CO Environmental Rules: Defensible Space (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Wildland Fire Areas only
- Low hazard clearance
- 30 ft
- High hazard fuel treatment
- 100 ft
- Maintenance duty
- landowner
- Enforcement
- zoning violation
Summary
El Paso County requires landowners in Wildland Fire Areas to clear and maintain defensible space around structures under Table 6.8, with maintenance standards set by Colorado State University's Cooperative Extension and noncompliance enforced as a zoning violation.
The Defensible Space Requirements in Table 6.8 shall be implemented as minimum requirements in association with development in any Wildland Fire Area. ... Defensible space and fuel break thinning work shall be completed and maintained to the standards described in the Colorado State University's Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet 6.302. ... Noncompliance with defensible space maintenance standards will be enforced as a zoning violation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Land Development Code: Supplement 3 | Drainage Criteria Manual: Publication | Engineering Criteria Manual: Supplement 3 | Ordinances: Reformat).
Full Breakdown
The Land Development Code's Table 6.8 sets minimum defensible space clearing in any Wildland Fire Area: at least 30 feet of clearance and a Class A roof in low-hazard zones, rising to 30 feet of irrigated clearance plus 100 feet of fuel treatment, noncombustible siding, and boxed eaves in high-hazard zones. Landowners must complete and maintain the clearing and fuel break thinning to Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet 6.302 standards. The Land Development Code makes the landowner responsible for upkeep, and treats a lapse as a zoning code violation rather than a one-time construction requirement.
Violations & Fines
Letting required defensible space lapse is enforced as a zoning violation under the Land Development Code, and the landowner bears sole responsibility for maintaining the clearing and fuel break thinning around structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must maintain defensible space around a home in unincorporated El Paso County?
How much clearance does the code require?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Paso County
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