Jefferson County, CO Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- 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
Summary
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.
Zone 1 (0–5 feet): “No plants except mature trees” and “No combustible mulch such as wood mulch.” Zone 2 (5–30 feet): “Removal of hazardous dead plants” and “No large accumulations of surface fuels (logs, slash, mulch, firewood piles).”
Full Breakdown
As a Wildland-Urban Interface county, Jeffco follows Colorado State University Extension standards (Fact Sheet 6.302) referenced in its Zoning Resolution. In Zone 1 (0–5 feet from the home), there should be "No plants except mature trees" and "No combustible mulch such as wood mulch," and tree crowns must be trimmed 5 feet from structures and 10 feet from chimneys. Zone 2 (5–30 feet) requires "Removal of hazardous dead plants" and no large accumulations of surface fuels (logs, slash, mulch, firewood piles), with shrubs kept 10 feet from tree branches and no junipers, arborvitae, or Gambel oak near the home. Mitigation work in the WUI Overlay District (above 6,400 feet) can require a Defensible Space Permit and forester inspection.
Violations & Fines
Failure to maintain required defensible space in the WUI overlay can block building permits and trigger County zoning enforcement; specifics are handled by Planning & Zoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far should I clear brush around my foothills home?
Do I need a permit to do wildfire mitigation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jefferson County
Compare Jefferson County to another location·View the Colorado fire regulations overview
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