Colorado has adopted new wildfire-resiliency requirements for communities located within the Wildland-Urban Interface, commonly called the WUI. These are areas where homes and other development meet or intermingle with grasslands, forests, and other wildfire-prone vegetation.

Under Colorado law, local jurisdictions with authority over building or fire codes in designated WUI areas must adopt and enforce standards that meet or exceed the state’s minimum wildfire-resiliency requirements. Depending on the location and scope of the project, these standards may affect new construction, additions, exterior renovations, and the materials used on a home.

Wildfire mitigation is also becoming increasingly important for homeowners insurance. Colorado insurers that use wildfire-risk models must account for qualifying property and community mitigation measures in their underwriting and pricing or offer applicable mitigation discounts. Insurers may also use wildfire-risk information when pricing, renewing, or declining to renew coverage.

Although requirements vary by location, project, and insurance carrier, fire-hardening improvements may increasingly influence a homeowner’s ability to obtain affordable coverage or maintain coverage in higher-risk areas. Homeowners should review their property with their local building department and insurance provider to understand the requirements that apply to them.

A properly installed cement-based stucco system provides a noncombustible exterior option that can support a broader fire-hardening strategy while also delivering lasting durability and modern design flexibility.