Firewise Needs Your Input As Jeffco Wildfire Code Takes Effect

Jeffco’s new wildfire resiliency code went into effect July 1, and APOA is planning to expand its Firewise wildfire mitigation program and apply for a state grant. To ensure our plan is responsive to the needs of APOA homeowners, we want your input on the Applewood West wildfire mitigation committee.

There is significant overlap between Jeffco’s new structure and landscape hardening requirements in the county code and the recommendations of the Firewise program to reduce your property’s risk of ember-driven ignition. As part of unincorporated Jeffco’s wildland urban interface, West Applewood is subject to the new code requirements. The county code now applies to projects that require a permit: new builds, ADUs, or exterior updates such as additions, siding, decks, or roofs. The code also kicks in when applying for a short-term rental license. Property owners applying for permits may be required to address certain trees and plants on their property to create defensible space and may need to use fire-resistant building materials. The code also includes requirements that new fences and new retaining walls within 8 feet of buildings must be constructed with ignition-resistant or noncombustible materials such as metal, masonry, or plastic/composites. While a permit may drive hardening requirements, APOA has been working with neighborhood homeowners for two years to encourage voluntary hardening to better protect the neighborhood as a whole.

Now Applewood may have an opportunity for financial help with these projects. Colorado’s Forest Restoration & Wildfire Risk Mitigation grant program is offering financial opportunities for communities through competitive grant funds, and the participation of Applewood West homeowners is key to our success. Committee members will spend an average of an hour per week during the next three months (that’s only about 12 hours!) as we prepare our wildfire mitigation expansion plan and grant application. Reach out to snip.young1@gmail.com with any questions or to join and share your ideas.

To see all the details of Jeffco’s new code requirements, visit their website. Visit myapoa.org for more Firewise recommendations.