Thanks so much for your interest in this project. Regarding your questions, the code will apply to all types of new construction including single-family detached, single-family attached and apartment buildings. As far as existing buildings, the code will also apply for upgrades and repairs under some conditions for items including shingles, windows, and doors. 

Our communications team also works regularly to promote the Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) program, which is free training for residents to teach them how to plan for an emergency and trains them in basic disaster response skills, including fire safety. Information about these courses are available at www.LakewoodCO,gov/CERT. When there is a course, information to register is available on our website, weekly newsletters and on social media. We'll pass your suggestion on to the Police Department to include the CERT information in the neighborhood watch program and through their work with apartment managers.

-- The Project Team

To determine whether vinyl siding can be reinstalled under the new Wildfire Resiliency Code, you first need to verify whether the home is located within a designated Wildland‑Urban Interface (WUI) area and confirm what percentage of the existing siding is being repaired or replaced. 

If the property is subject to WUI requirements, the next step is to determine whether the wall assembly will provide a 1‑hour fire‑resistance rating or if the vinyl siding would be installed over non‑combustible sheathing. Depending on these factors, vinyl siding may still be an allowable option, though you may want to consider other economical materials that may involve fewer restrictions as well. Because siding replacement does require a permit in Lakewood, if there is any uncertainty, you can submit the proposed wall section and materials to the Building Department for review, and they will be able to provide more detailed guidance.

-- The Project Team

Thanks for your interest in this project. We're working with the staff knowledgeable about the Ag Ditch operations to get you some information on this.

-- The Project Team 

Thanks for your patience with us getting this information to you. Here is the information that addresses your question:

The proposed code does not require mitigation from entities such as the Agricultural Ditch Company. These organizations are not considered responsible parties for implementing vegetation management or wildfire‑mitigation activities under the current draft. Their facilities may fall within mapped WUI areas, but the intent of the code is to focus requirements on property owners and development activities that directly influence structure ignition potential, not on utility or ditch companies whose operations do not typically involve maintainable structures or occupiable facilities.

Rick -- Thanks for your interest in this project. Here is the information regarding your questions:

Because of state deadlines and input received during the new code process, the map has undergone some modification. Lakewood’s WUI map, the version that identifies two Interface areas and one Intermix area, is the most recent and is the map currently proposed for adoption. The WUI boundaries are based on the developed conditions that existed at the time of Jefferson County’s 2024 update.

-- The Project Team

Rick -- I know you've asked this question in a couple of different ways and also outside this question section. We're working to get information on this, but the staff member with the expertise on this has been tied up. Please stay tuned for follow-up information. 

-- The Project Team

Rick -- Here is the information that addresses your question:

Lakewood’s WUI plan identifies three area types: Intermix, Interface Interior, and Interface Perimeter. Intermix areas contain a blend of development and wildland vegetation, while the two Interface zones represent developed areas that border wildland fuels. Under the code, the Interface Interior and Interface Perimeter zones are treated the same and follow identical construction and defensible‑space standards, whereas the Intermix zone carries additional requirements because its configuration presents a higher wildfire exposure.

-- The Project Team

Good afternoon,

The City developed an Open Space Fire Mitigation Plan in 2022 in conjunction with West Metro Fire Rescue. This plan utilizes the WMFR Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update (CWPP) and identifies hazard areas in the district, priority areas for hazardous fuel reduction treatments, and measures to reduce the ignitability of structures throughout the study area.

Within Lakewood, the areas commonly referred to as Green Mountain and Green Mountain Ravines received a 'High' Hazard Rating, the second highest possible ranking. Recognizing the potential risks in the Lakewood Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), Lakewood staff have partnered with West Metro Fire to evaluate wildland fire risk and fuels along open space boundaries that abut to private property and to develop reasonable strategies to mitigate fire risk while preserving open space values. This plan provides a guideline for this assessment and initial work activities.

Prioritized areas included in the plan include the Green Mountain and Green Mountain Ravines areas, with the Bear Creek Greenbelt lower in priority based on identified hazards. Lakewood parks staff do monitor the Bear Creek Greenbelt and take corrective actions as needed but focus on the identified hazard locations for immediate mitigation.

-- The Project Team

Good morning,

We appreciate your familiarity with the Community Wildfire Protection Plans and the thoughtful perspective you bring to this issue.

To help clarify, the City of Lakewood is not requiring or promoting the clear cutting of trees in urban neighborhoods. The defensible space zones described in our outreach align with nationally recognized standards, but they also acknowledge the unique limitations of smaller lots and dense urban development.

A few key points may help address the confusion:

• The Immediate Zone (0–5 feet) around a structure is the area where changes are most effective and also the easiest to regulate. This zone should be kept free of combustible materials, including flammable vegetation.

• The Intermediate Zone (5–30 feet) is more challenging to implement fully in small lot neighborhoods due to lot size constraints and land ownership boundaries. This zone does prohibit juniper bushes because of their high flammability, but it does not prohibit trees.

• Existing trees are allowed, provided tree branches remain at least 10 feet from structures.

• There is no mandate to remove or clear cut trees anywhere in these requirements.

• If a property owner disagrees with a code official’s determination — including vegetation requirements — the City provides an appeal process that the property owner may initiate.

We recognize that defensible space guidance developed for rural or semi rural environments can sound contradictory when applied in dense urban neighborhoods. Future communications will more explicitly distinguish between what is recommended, what is feasible in urban conditions, and what the City actually requires. Thank you.

-- The Project Team

Good morning, 

Interior renovations, even if they include replacing widows, or previously completed building additions should not trigger mitigation requirements to the existing landscaping.  If the code is adopted, I would encourage you to include the building department in your early planning.  That way you will be able to get specific answers to your questions before committing significant time and money on design.

-- The Project Team

Good morning,

Vents are covered in the new code. The specific vent products will need to conform with the rating requirements stated in the code.

-- The Project Team

John -- We appreciate your interest in this project and you providing your comments, which are largely political in nature and outside the scope of this project.

-- The Project Team