What Is the Wildland-Urban Interface?

The Wildland-Urban Interface, commonly called the WUI, is the area where homes and other development meet or intermingle with grass, brush, trees, and other wildland vegetation. Much of the Black Forest community is located in this type of environment, where structures may be exposed to wildfire flames, radiant heat, and wind-driven embers.

Does the CWRC Apply to My Property?

El Paso County uses the state’s 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Map to identify properties located within the WUI and assign a fire intensity classification.

• Low Fire Intensity, shown in yellow: Class 1 requirements apply.
• Moderate Fire Intensity, shown in orange: Class 1 and Class 2 requirements apply.
• High Fire Intensity, shown in red: Class 1 and Class 2 requirements apply.

Use the state map to locate your property and view its classification. A property’s classification is only one part of determining whether the code applies. The type and scope of the proposed project must also be considered.

What Types of Projects May Be Affected?

Within designated WUI areas, the CWRC may apply to:

• New homes and other new buildings containing habitable or occupiable space
• Additions that increase a building’s footprint by 500 square feet or more
• Certain exterior alterations, repairs, and replacements
• Roof replacement when 25 percent or more of the roof covering is affected
• Exterior wall replacement when 25 percent or more of the total exterior wall area is affected
• Decks, attached features, and certain nearby accessory structures
• Fencing located within 8 feet of a habitable structure
• Landscaping and defensible-space work associated with a covered project
• A change in use that creates habitable or occupiable space

Existing legally established homes and landscaping are not automatically required to be changed solely because the CWRC took effect. However, future additions, replacements, repairs, or other covered work may trigger applicable requirements.

Common Exemptions

The El Paso County requirements include exemptions for certain work, including:

• Interior alterations to an existing structure
• Exterior repairs or alterations affecting less than 25 percent of the exterior
• Painting, staining, and similar maintenance or restoration
• Fences located more than 8 feet from a habitable structure
• Certain small, detached, nonhabitable accessory structures
• Certain agricultural or other Group U structures located more than 50 feet from habitable or occupiable space
• Qualifying parcels of 35 acres or more with one residence that do not abut a residential or commercial area

This is not a complete list. Review the adopted requirements and contact Black Forest Fire Rescue before beginning a project to confirm whether the CWRC applies.

Structure-Hardening Requirements

Structure hardening uses building materials and construction methods designed to help a structure resist wildfire flames and embers.

Class 1

Class 1 requirements apply in low fire intensity areas and address key building features such as:

• Class A roof coverings or assemblies
• Ember-resistant roof construction
• Noncombustible gutters and downspouts
• Protected attic, rafter, and underfloor ventilation openings

Class 2

Class 2 requirements apply in moderate and high fire intensity areas in addition to all Class 1 requirements. They address additional features such as:

• Eaves, soffits, and fascia
• Exterior walls and siding
• Underfloor areas
• Decking and projections
• Exterior windows, glazed doors, and skylights
• Exterior doors and garage-door perimeter gaps
• Certain detached accessory structures located near habitable or occupiable buildings

The code contains specific material, testing, construction, and installation standards. Product selection should be confirmed during plan review before materials are purchased or installed.

Defensible Space and the Immediate Zone

For covered projects, the CWRC also includes requirements for the area surrounding a structure. The first 5 feet around the building is called the Immediate Zone. Requirements may include:

• Using noncombustible surfaces such as rock, gravel, concrete, bare earth, or pavers
• Removing combustible mulch, woody debris, and most plantings
• Limiting vegetation to qualifying ignition-resistant plants
• Not planting new trees within the Immediate Zone
• Pruning qualifying mature trees to maintain required separation from the structure and clearance above the ground

Creating and maintaining this area helps reduce the chance that embers or nearby flames will ignite the structure.

Permits and Plan Review in the Black Forest Fire Rescue District

For properties located within a fire protection district, El Paso County directs the applicable fire district to review plans for CWRC compliance. If your property is within the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District, contact us early in the planning process. Early review can help identify the property’s fire intensity classification, applicable construction class, required documents, and potential design or material issues before work begins.

Other permits or approvals may also be required by El Paso County Planning and Community Development or the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. Approval from one agency does not replace required approval from another.

Before You Begin a Project

1. Locate your property on the CWRC map.
2. Identify its fire intensity classification.
3. Review the proposed scope of work.
4. Contact Black Forest Fire Rescue before finalizing plans or purchasing materials.
5. Confirm all required county, regional building, and fire district permits and approvals.
6. Submit plans and product documentation showing how the project will meet the applicable requirements.
7. Maintain approved structure-hardening and defensible-space features after the project is complete.

Questions?

Because every property and project is different, residents, builders, designers, and contractors are encouraged to contact Black Forest Fire Rescue before beginning work. We can help explain the fire district’s review process and direct you to the appropriate permitting agencies.

Contact Black Forest Fire Rescue
Phone: 719-495-4300
Email: admin@bffire.org