Colorado Springs, CO Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Very High Zones
- Mountain Shadows, Skyway, Cedar Heights
- Construction Code
- IWUIC ember and flame provisions
- Required Features
- Class A roof, ember-resistant vents
- Insurance Impact
- Carrier non-renewals common
- Evacuation Plan
- Ready Set Go enrollment
Summary
Large portions of western and northern Colorado Springs fall in Very High and Extreme wildfire hazard zones under the Colorado Springs Wildfire Hazard Identification Mapping. Mountain Shadows, Skyway, Broadmoor, Cedar Heights, Rockrimmon, and Black Forest adjacent areas are mapped WUI. Insurance carriers use these maps in underwriting and many carriers have non-renewed foothill policies since 2020.
Bill Summary: The act establishes the wildfire mitigation resources and best practices grant program (grant program) within the Colorado state forest service (forest service). To be eligible to receive a grant, a recipient must be an agency of local government, a county, a municipality, a special district, a tribal agency or program, or a nonprofit organization. The forest service is tasked with reviewing grant applications. Grants must be awarded only to applicants proposing to conduct outreach among landowners in high wildfire hazard areas, and the forest service must consider the potential impact of an applicant's proposed outreach when awarding grants. The forest service must report to the wildfire matters review committee on the grant program.
Full Breakdown
The city's WUI map, updated after the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires, identifies hazard levels based on slope, vegetation, access, and water availability. Properties in Very High zones face mandatory ignition-resistant construction standards: Class A roofs, 1/8-inch ember-resistant mesh on all vents, enclosed eaves, and non-combustible decking within 10 feet of the home. Neighborhoods including Cedar Heights are accessed by a single road and face enhanced evacuation planning through Ready Set Go. Real estate disclosure is required for sales in WUI zones.
Violations & Fines
New construction in WUI zones must meet IWUIC (International Wildland Urban Interface Code) provisions. Retrofit of existing homes is voluntary but strongly encouraged. Non-compliant new builds face permit denial and certificate-of-occupancy holds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out if my Colorado Springs home is in a wildfire zone?
Can my insurer drop my Colorado Springs home over wildfire risk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Colorado Springs
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