Lakewood Wildfire Resiliency Code
Sept. 3 update
Attend the information open house on Sept. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Public Works Department's permit counter, 470 S. Allison Parkway.
Aug. 25 update
City Council set the public hearing date as the Sept. 28 Regular City Council Meeting to consider enacting the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code and Map. Plan to attend in person or provide comments on LakewoodSpeaks.org when the Sept. 28 agenda is posted online on Sept. 18.
Aug. 3 update
All elements of the Jefferson County-based code, which the city previously considered, would remain, such as 5-foot vegetation clearance, hardening of surfaces, etc., if various building improvements or additions are made to a property. The only substantial difference between the state code and the code previously considered earlier this year is the area of Lakewood affected by these changes. By considering the state code, the potentially affected number of properties is reduced from more than 27,000 to fewer than 500.
July 30 update
The city is working to adopt the state code and map by reference for the city's wildfire resiliency code. To aid this project, these items have been added:
Don't forget about the upcoming Aug. 12 open house to come talk to staff and learn more.
July 21 Update
The city is working on an adjusted approach for wildfire resiliency. A new state law requires all local governments to adopt wildfire resiliency regulations that meet the state’s minimum requirements, and Lakewood’s adjusted code would create a new set of building and landscaping standards designed to reduce wildfire risks in areas identified on the state map. Zones on the state map indicate where homes and wildland vegetation meet, creating higher exposure to embers, radiant heat, and direct flames. City Council is expected to consider the adjusted code in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for other updates.
Next participation opportunity:
Colorado Urban Wildfire Code Open House
5-7 p.m.
Aug. 12
Lakewood Cultural Center
470 S. Allison Parkway
Learn about the new Colorado Urban Wildfire Code mandated by the state and what it means for Lakewood residents, property owners, and community partners.
May 12 Update
City Council voted at its May 11 Regular City Council Meeting to table this item indefinitely to conduct more work on this project as a result of the community feedback it received. City Council wants to review the state's option for incorporating into the city's code rather than following Jefferson County's version, and staff will begin working on this.
May 4 Update
City Council tabled at its April 27 meeting a decision on the ordinance for the Wildfire Resiliency Code. As a result, there will be an additional public hearing at the May 11 meeting. Please visit LakewoodSpeaks.org to participate in the process before City Council. The agenda for the May 11 meeting has been published on LakewoodSpeaks.org.
