Modify Standards of Wildfire Resiliency Code Board
Summary
HB1334 makes several changes to Colorado’s wildfire resiliency code framework. It directs the Wildfire Resiliency Code Board to review the minimum wildfire codes and standards no later than July 1, 2026, and then as often as the board deems necessary, but at least every three years. The bill also expands the petition process so that not only local governing bodies, but also persons impacted by the codes and standards, may seek a modification from the board.
The bill extends the deadline for local governments in the wildland-urban interface to adopt a code meeting or exceeding the state minimum standards from April 1, 2026 to April 1, 2027. It also requires the Department of Public Safety to provide annual reporting to the General Assembly beginning in January 2027 on implementation progress, local government challenges, and cost impacts to property owners, including insurance premium increases. The bill’s stated purpose is to improve transparency, public engagement, and technical support while preserving Colorado’s wildfire mitigation goals.
Impact
HB1334 would amend statutes governing the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Board, specifically sections 24-33.5-1236 and 24-33.5-1237, by changing review timing, expanding who may petition for code modifications, and delaying local adoption deadlines by one year. It would also add a new annual reporting requirement for the Department of Public Safety tied to the SMART Act hearing process. The practical effect is to give local governments, property owners, and builders more time and a broader avenue to raise concerns, while increasing legislative oversight of wildfire code implementation.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been framed as a transparency-and-implementation measure rather than a rollback of wildfire safety standards. The legislative declaration emphasizes support for local governments, public engagement, and technical soundness, suggesting generally favorable intent toward the underlying wildfire resiliency program. In committee, several amendments were adopted unanimously, indicating some consensus on refining the bill, but the bill ultimately failed on a 5-7 vote when the committee declined to advance it, showing that support was not sufficient to move it forward.
Contention
The main points of contention were the pace and burden of implementing the wildfire resiliency code. Supporters argued that local governments needed more time, better data, and a more defensible review and adoption process, and that impacted property owners should have a direct petition path. Opponents or skeptics likely focused on delaying adoption of minimum wildfire protections and on the administrative burden of additional review and reporting requirements. The annual reporting on cost impacts, including insurance premium increases, also signals concern about the financial effects on property owners, which may have been a significant issue in committee debate.
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