Will this apply to my property?
Yes, the CWRC will apply if your property is located in a Low (Yellow) or Moderate (Orange) Zone on the 2025 Wildfire Resiliency Code State Map.
Residents can review whether their property is included by viewing Centennial’s CWRC mapped properties, which are based on the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code State Map.
How was the State Map created?
The State of Colorado, through the Division of Fire Prevention and Control and the Colorado State Forest Service, created the map and proposed model code at the direction of CWRCB. The Wildfire Resiliency Code State Map categorizes areas throughout Colorado using a Fire Intensity Scale based on three factors:
- Vegetation types and fuel loads
- Topography (slopes, terrain features)
- Typical weather conditions
According to section 4.2 of the State’s WUI regulations, the original wildfire intensity layer was created at a highly detailed generated at a 20-meter resolution, then refined through smoothing, filtering and aggregation techniques to support statewide planning and implementation.”
Questions regarding the map creation and why certain areas are included should be directed to the Colorado WRCB. Centennial did not create this map, and was not involved in its development.
The map reflects potential wildfire intensity (how severely a fire could burn), not the likelihood of a fire starting.
The CWRC allows Centennial to evaluate site-specific conditions during permitting and review processes where local conditions may differ from the broader statewide analysis. Examples may include existing vegetation, topography, irrigation, development patterns or other physical characteristics) that differ from the generalized model.
Does the CWRC require me to make changes to my property by a specific date?
No. Existing buildings approved before the code adoption may continue their current use without modifications. Existing landscaping may also remain as is unless future redevelopment or qualifying additions trigger application to the code.
Existing landscaping would only need to comply with the WUI Code requirements if a site is redeveloped with a new home or expanded by more than 500 square feet.
What are the building requirements that will apply to new construction?
Low (Yellow) Zones
New construction and expansions greater than 500 feet would require:
- Class A roofing materials (asphalt, shingles, tile)
- Non-combustible gutters
- Ember-resistant roof and foundation vents
Moderate (Orange) Zones
Moderate zone requirements include all Low Zone requirements, plus:
- One-hour fire-rated exterior wall assemblies
- Non-combustible or fire-retardant treated exterior wall materials
- Non-combustible or approved deck materials
- Solid core, non-combustible or 20-minute fire-rated roofs
- Ember-resistant garage door sealing
What landscaping and fencing requirements apply? Is there a complete ban on planting new trees?
No, trees are still encouraged to be planted, with a preference for thoughtful placement and increased use of deciduous species in WUI zones.
Landscaping requirements apply ONLY when constructing a new building or expanding a building by more than 500 square feet. In these instances, the following apply under the State WUI Code:
Low (Yellow) Zones
0-5 feet from structures:
- Use non-combustible materials (rock, gravel, concrete) OR approved fire-resistant plants
- No new trees within this zone
- Non-combustible fencing within 8 feet of structure (vinyl is allowed)
Moderate (Orange) Zones
0-5 feet from structures:
- Same as Low (Yellow) Zones
5-30 feet from structures:
- Remove dead vegetation
- Maintain spacing between trees and shrubs
- Use rock mulch instead of bark mulch
30-100 feet from structures:
- Maintain tree crown spacing to reduce fire spread
What does this mean for future development?
Many of the properties within the mapped CWRC area are already developed. In most cases, existing landscaping and building materials may remain unless future construction, additions, remodels or redevelopment trigger application of the code.
Over time, redevelopment and new construction may gradually incorporate additional wildfire resiliency measures.
Some wildfire mitigation strategies may align with existing Colorado trends toward drought-tolerant and waterwise landscaping, while also incorporating additional considerations related to vegetation spacing and combustible materials.
Potential long-term trends could include:
- Reduced use of highly combustible vegetation near structures
- Greater spacing between trees and shrubs near buildings
- Increased use of non-combustible materials, such as rock mulch instead of bark mulch near structures
- Continued use of drought-tolerant and native landscaping with wildfire considerations
- Building materials and design features intended to improve wildfire resistance
Wildfire-resilient landscaping does not mean removing all trees or vegetation. The focus is on reducing combustible materials near structures and improving a property’s ability to better withstand wildfire exposure
How does this relate to other state-mandated codes?
The CWRC follows a similar legislative model used for other state-mandated construction codes, such as the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code.
The State establishes minimum standards to address statewide concerns, while local jurisdictions remain responsible for adoption, enforcement and potential local amendments.
When will the code be adopted and enforced?
The code is adopted and will be effective June 30, 2026.
If this CWRC is approved by the State, how can I appeal it?
Under the state regulations, only governing bodies (like the Centennial City Council) may make petitions and appeals to the State Board for code modifications or map changes. Individual residents cannot directly petition the State Board. Citizens' requests for individual code modifications must be made to their local governing body, which can then petition the State Board on their behalf.
Can Centennial request modifications to the WUI Code or map?
Yes. Centennial may petition the State Board for modifications may also develop its own local map using independent analysis and field inspections, subject to State Board approval.
At this time, Centennial has not identified specific modification it intends to pursue.
Would an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) need to comply with the CWRC requirements?
Yes. A standalone ADU would need to comply because it is a habitable space. Attached ADUs would need to comply if the addition exceeds 500 square feet to an existing building.
If an owner replaces a roof, will other parts of my property be inspected??
No. Roof replacement permits would only require compliance with applicable roofing requirements including Class A roofing materials and non-combustible gutters or downspouts.
Do owners need to replace siding if windows are replaced?
No. Existing siding will not need to be replaced as part of a window replacement project.
Does a shed need to comply with WUI requirements for building materials?
No, provided the shed is located more than 8 feet from a habitable structure.
Will existing fences need to be replaced?
No. Only new fencing within 8 feet of a structure would need to comply with non-combustible or vinyl fencing requirements.
Does an owner have to tear down a deck and replace it with non-combustible materials?
No. Deck requirements only apply when constructing a new deck or altering a deck through a permitted project.
How can I stay updated on CWRC Code for Centennial?