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Larimer County, CO Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Zone 1
0-5 ft, noncombustible surfaces
Zone 2
5-30 ft, remove dead fuel
Zone 3
30-100 ft, tree spacing
Tree clearance
10 ft from structures
Applies
All unincorporated county

Summary

Larimer County's Wildfire Resiliency Code requires defensible space around structures, organized into ignition zones: 0-5 ft (immediate), 5-30 ft (intermediate) and 30-100 ft (expanded). The immediate zone must be cleared of shrubs, slash and combustible debris.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Larimer County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Remove all plantings including shrubs, slash, combustible mulch and other woody debris.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Adopted September 22, 2025 and effective January 1, 2026, the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code as amended by Larimer County applies county-wide in unincorporated areas. Zone 1 (0-5 feet) uses noncombustible surfaces such as rock, gravel or concrete and removes woody plantings. Zone 2 (5-30 feet) requires removing dead material and spacing trees and shrubs. Zone 3 (30-100 feet) keeps fire on the ground through tree spacing. Tree crowns within 10 feet of a structure must be pruned to maintain 10 feet of clearance, and branches pruned 6-10 feet up. The code references the Colorado State Forest Service Home Ignition Zone Guide.

Violations & Fines

Defensible space and vegetation must be maintained by the property owner; noncompliance can trigger corrective orders, stop-work orders and fines established by the county.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far around my house must I clear vegetation?
Defensible space extends up to 100 feet in three zones. The 0-5 ft immediate zone must be noncombustible and cleared of woody plants; the 5-30 ft and 30-100 ft zones require dead-fuel removal and tree spacing.
Do these rules apply to existing homes?
The full code chiefly triggers on new construction and larger additions or alterations, but owners must maintain any required defensible space and vegetation once established under the code.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Larimer County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsWildfire ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Larimer County rules

Compare Larimer County to another location·View the Colorado fire regulations overview

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Brush Clearance in Cities Across Larimer County

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