As of July 1st 2026, the new Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) is in effect and enforced statewide by local jurisdictions.
Design and construction professionals working in Colorado’s wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas must now specify and install compliant building materials according to the CWRC.
Key Takeaways
- The CWRC is the first set of statewide minimum standards for new construction in Colorado WUI areas.
- Architectural plans submitted for projects in Colorado WUI areas must now specify CWRC-compliant materials.
- Colorado WUI areas are classified by fire intensity, which determines structure hardening requirements.
- Local code officials have the authority to adopt stricter standards and interpret the CWRC as needed.
CWRC Adoption Timeline
The Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code is the first set of statewide minimum standards for construction in WUI areas. The CWRC has been in the works since the Governor first proposed a statewide wildfire risk mitigation strategy back in 2021.
July 1st, 2025: CWRC adopted by the State of Colorado
April 1st, 2026: CWRC adopted by local jurisdictions
July 1st, 2026: CWRC enforced by local jurisdictions
As of July 1st, 2026, the CWRC is enforced locally. This means that any architectural plans submitted to local building departments must now specify compliant materials to be approved and permitted.
CWRC Requirements
According to the CWRC, Colorado WUI areas are classified by fire intensity risk according to the state map. Local jurisdictions may also create their own maps.
In low fire intensity areas (yellow), Class 1 structure hardening requirements apply. In moderate and high fire intensity areas (orange and red), Class 1 and Class 2 structure hardening requirements apply.
Read our CWRC blog for a full breakdown of application-specific building material requirements.
Local Code Interpretations
While the CWRC sets statewide minimum standards for WUI projects, local jurisdictions have the authority to adopt stricter standards and interpret the code as needed.
Local code official interpretations will vary by county and jurisdiction. Design and construction professionals should consult with local building departments to confirm which building materials are permitted.
For example, Pitkin County will not allow vinyl siding with a noncombustible or 1-hour wall assembly. This removal of a CWRC exception makes the Pitkin County code more strict.
Wood Source CWRC-Compliant Solutions
Under CWRC Class 2 structure hardening requirements, exterior wall coverings must be noncombustible, ignition-resistant, or fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW).
Natural wood materials are still an option for projects in Colorado WUI areas. The Wood Source FR Collection offers a selection of prefinished FRTW products for siding and soffit applications. Wood Source FR products are CWRC-compliant and stocked locally in Denver, Colorado.
Want to learn more about the CWRC? Wood Source currently offers an AIA-accredited course on CWRC structure hardening requirements and implications for design professionals. The course is valid for 1 LU | HSW, and we offer in-person or virtual presentations. Contact us to schedule a lunch-and-learn.
