MORRISON, Colo. — Starting July 1, homeowners in Jefferson County are required to create defensible space around their homes. The new codes also require the use of ignition-resistant building materials and the removal of any plants within 5 feet of a structure.
Jefferson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper said wildfire risk in Jefferson County is 99% higher than in other counties across the country, due in large part to dense vegetation, hot and dry conditions, and a high concentration of homes.
▶️ WATCH: Homeowners and a JeffCo county commissioner talk with Denver7’s Allie Jennerjahn ahead of the new wildfire code
Jefferson County to roll out new wildfire codes starting July 1
“I will tell you, hands down, it is the No. 1 issue that keeps me awake at night as a county commissioner,” Dahlkemper said.
- Want to learn more about wildfire risk in Colorado? Colorado State University has a “Colorado Wildfire Risk Viewer” interactive map, where homeowners and business owners can identify wildfire risk, dive into local fire history and find resources about wildfire prevention and mitigation
The requirements are not retroactive. They apply to homeowners who are building a new home, replacing a roof, or building a new deck, according to Dahlkemper…