Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Adopted Wildfire Codes

Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code

The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) is where homes and buildings meet or intermingle with natural vegetation. These areas have a higher wildfire risk.

The Town has adopted regulations to:

• Reduce wildfire risk to structures
• Improve defensible space
• Increase community resilience

Most homes lost to wildfire ignite from embers and nearby fuels - not direct fames. Designing buildings and managing vegetation can significantly reduce risk. WUI regulations help protect life safety, property, emergency response access, and long-term community resilience.

More on Wildfire Preparedness!

WHAT WAS ADOPTED

On April 28, 2026, Town council adopted:

• Updates to the 🏠Building Code (fire-resistant construction) and associated Wildfire Hazard Map.
• Updates to the🌲Land Use Code - Landscaping.
• New standards for:
  1. Site Design
  2. Landscaping
  3. Building permits

These changes align with Colorado's statewide wildfire resilience requirements.

EFFECTIVE DATES

• 🌲Landscaping Standards: May 9, 2026
• 🏠Building Code Standards: July 1, 2026
• Applies to permits submitted on or after these dates

HOW THE WILDFIRE HAZARD RATING MAP IS USED

The Town has adopted a Wildfire Hazard Rating Map for building permit purposes only.

Key points to know:

• The map is used to determine which WUI building standards apply to a property
• It does not apply to landscaping requirements
• It is not a zoning map
• The Town adopted wildfire standards without Chapter 5 or the appendices of the state model code

This means Eagle’s regulations are tailored locally, rather than adopting every section of the state code verbatim.

WHEN THE CODES APPLY (AND WHEN THEY DON’T)

It’s important to know that the Building Code and Landscaping code are not retroactive.

That means:

1. These rules do not apply to every property automatically
2. They apply only when a project triggers the applicability sections of each code

Typically, this includes:

1. New construction
2. Additions
3. Significant remodels
4. Some land use applications, depending on scope and location

Existing homes with no development activity are not required to upgrade solely because of the new code.

WHAT PROPERTY OWNERS AND HOA’s CAN DO NOW

Even when upgrades aren’t required, voluntary steps can significantly reduce wildfire risk:

1. Replacing aging wood shingle roofs with metal or Class A asphalt shingles
2. Upgrade wood decking to fire-resistant composite materials
3. Store firewood away from structures or in metal sheds
4. Improve landscaping for defensible space and fuel reduction

These actions can improve safety, support emergency response, and may help insurance considerations.

HELPFUL REFERENCES

1. 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code
2. Colorado property and insurance wildfire preparedness guide
3. Protect your Home and Property from Wildfire
4. Defensible space and wildfire resilience and podcast

STAY CONNECTED

1. Email questions:
2. planning@townofeagle.org
3. permits@townofeagle.org

Mail comments:

• Town of Eagle, P.O. Box 609, Eagle, CO 81631

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT THAT SHAPED THE FINAL CODE

Community members had multiple opportunities to learn about the changes and provide input:

1. December 9, 2025 – Eagle County Wildfire Collaborative presentation (Town Council)
2. January 6, 2025 – Town Council Work Session
3. March 10, 2026 – Greater Eagle Fire Protection District presentation (Town Council)
4. March 17, 2026 – Planning & Zoning Commission meeting
5. March 24, 2026 – Town Council first reading of the Building Code
6. April 14, 2026 – Continued Town Council discussion
7. April 28, 2026 – Final adoption by Town Council

Meeting recordings and presentations are available here: Agendas, Minutes and Packets | Town of Eagle, CO - Official Website