Loveland is split between flat plains east of the city (lower wildfire risk) and the foothills of the Big Thompson Canyon immediately west, which are mapped as Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) under the 2022 Colorado Wildfire Risk Assessment (CO-WRA). LFRA enforces the 2021 International Fire Code Appendix O for any structure within the WUI/Wildfire Zone until April 21, 2026, when the LFRA 2026 Wildfire Resiliency Code takes effect. Property owners can confirm WUI status with the LFRA Wildfire Risk Map and the 2022 CO-WRA WUI layer on Colorado GeoData. WUI permits cost $400 (effective January 1, 2024) and are processed through the City of Loveland Building Division or Larimer County Building Department.
The 2022 Colorado Wildfire Risk Assessment (CO-WRA), published by the Colorado State Forest Service, maps the Wildland Urban Interface at a 20-meter grid using housing density and 2021 LandScan population data. In western Larimer County and west Loveland, the foothills along the Big Thompson Canyon (US 34 corridor) and Devil's Backbone are mapped as WUI. Loveland Fire Rescue Authority states: 'Structures falling within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)/Wildfire Zone shall comply with LFRA 2021 International Fire Code Appendix O and require a permit from LFRA.' Construction permits within City limits are obtained from the City of Loveland Building Division with the completed LFRA application and checklist; the WUI permit fee is $400 upon approval (effective January 1, 2024). For unincorporated Larimer County, applications go to the Larimer County Building Department; LFRA no longer completes WUI reviews for unincorporated parcels. The 2026 LFRA Wildfire Resiliency Code takes effect April 21, 2026 and addresses structure hardening, fuels management, and fencing. Builders must contact LFRA at 970-962-2497 at least 48 hours before inspection. Loveland's 2013 flood and the High Park (2012) and Cameron Peak (2020) fires upstream in the Big Thompson watershed underscore the city's combined flood-and-fire risk.
Failure to comply with WUI defensible space and construction standards is a violation of the adopted 2012 IFC (LMC Chapter 15.28, with Appendix O enforced for WUI under LFRA policy) and may trigger permit denial, stop-work, or denial of certificate of occupancy. LFRA enforces through plan review and pre-occupancy inspection. WUI permit fee: $400.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Loveland, CO
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Loveland, CO
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Loveland, CO
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