Mesa County, CO Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- LDC § 8.07.C, Wildfire Hazards
- Zone 1 extent
- 30 to 120 feet, scaled by slope
- Zone 2 extent
- Out to 70 feet from the structure
- Segment A
- 5 feet, vegetation fully cleared
- Maintenance duty
- Owner/lessee, ongoing after construction
Summary
Mesa County's Land Development Code lays out a two-zone defensible-space system for new homes built on wooded or brush-covered land. Section 8.07.C creates Zone 1, extending 30 to 120 feet from the structure depending on slope, with an inner five-foot Segment A cleared of vegetation, and Zone 2, extending to 70 feet, where trees must be thinned to keep five feet between crowns.
a. Zone 1
On parcels of land that contain an average slope of less than thirty (30) percent, Zone 1 shall consist of the thirty (30) foot area immediately surrounding the primary structure, not to extend beyond the property line. On parcels of land that contain an average slope of thirty (30) to fifty-five (55) percent, Zone 1 shall consist of the area extending forty-five (45) feet to the sides and up slope of the primary structure and sixty (60) feet down slope of the primary structure, not to extend beyond the property line. On parcels of land that contain an average slope of more than fifty-five (55) percent, Zone 1 shall consist of the area extending sixty (60) feet to the sides and up slope of the primary structure and one hundred twenty (120) feet down slope of the primary structure, not to extend beyond the property line.
2. Zone 2
Zone 2 shall consist of the area immediately beyond Zone 1 and extending to seventy (70) feet from the primary structure, not to extend beyond the property line.
Full Breakdown
14. Zone 1 scales with slope: on land averaging less than 30 percent slope, Zone 1 reaches 30 feet from the primary structure; on 30 to 55 percent slope, it extends 45 feet to the sides and upslope and 60 feet downslope; on slopes over 55 percent, it extends 60 feet to the sides and upslope and 120 feet downslope, none of it crossing the property line. No dead trees or dead vegetation may remain in Zone 1 at initial construction. Zone 1 splits into Segment A, the five feet immediately around the structure, where all vegetation must be cleared at the time of initial sale and no new vegetation may be planted if the structure has combustible wood or log siding, and Segment B, the remainder of Zone 1 out to its outer boundary, where brush and tree clumps must be thinned so the spacing between clumps is at least twice the height of the taller clump.
Zone 2 runs from the edge of Zone 1 out to 70 feet from the structure, not past the property line, with trees thinned to keep at least five feet between crowns; all dead trees must be removed at construction and annually afterward, except that two dead trees per acre may stay as wildlife habitat. Property owners and lessees are responsible for maintaining the defensible space afterward, including keeping roofs clear of leaves and needles.
Violations & Fines
The Mesa County Building Department reviews defensible-space compliance for new construction on wooded or brush-covered parcels at building-permit review, and an owner, lessee, or anyone maintaining the structure is responsible for maintaining Zone 1 and Zone 2 clearance afterward under Section 8.07.C.3; failure to maintain the required vegetation clearance and roof debris removal can bring a code-compliance nuisance action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the defensible space zone around a new home in Mesa County?
Can I plant new shrubs right next to my house in a Mesa County wildfire zone?
Can I keep dead trees as wildlife habitat under Mesa County's wildfire rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mesa County
Compare Mesa County to another location·View the Colorado fire regulations overview
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