Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC)
Building a More Wildfire-Resilient Black Forest
The Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, or CWRC, establishes minimum standards for structure hardening and defensible space in designated Wildland-Urban Interface areas. These requirements help reduce the risk of wildfire igniting a building, spreading between structures and vegetation, and threatening residents and first responders.
The CWRC applies to qualifying construction and exterior improvement projects based on the property’s location, mapped fire-intensity classification, and proposed scope of work. Requirements took effect in El Paso County on July 1, 2026.
Are You a Builder or Contractor?
Review the CWRC inspection process, material guidance, contractor checklist, inspection request form, and other project documents before ordering materials or beginning construction.
CWRC Review, Payment, and Inspection Process
New homes subject to the CWRC require two inspections:
- Initial Education and Planning Inspection: Completed early in the project to review materials, construction requirements, site conditions, and required defensible space.
- Final Inspection: Completed when exterior construction and required site work are substantially complete and before Certificate of Occupancy processing.
Each inspection must be requested and scheduled separately.
Submit Your Inspection Request
Contact Black Forest Fire Rescue before finalizing exterior materials or beginning work that may be subject to the CWRC.
Provide the project address, permit number, contact information, and a completed CWRC_Inspection_Request_Form.
After submitting your information, you will be directed to the booking page to select an available inspection appointment. Your inspection is not confirmed until you receive a scheduling confirmation.
Submission does not constitute payment, project approval, material approval, or confirmation of CWRC compliance.
Receive and Pay the Invoice
BFFR will email an individual invoice to the applicant or contractor listed for the project. Use the secure Pay now option in the invoice to pay by bank transfer or credit card. Any applicable credit card surcharge will be displayed before payment is completed.
Correct Any Deficiencies
Any identified deficiencies must be corrected before BFFR can provide final CWRC approval. Schedule the final inspection early enough to allow time for corrections before the requested Certificate of Occupancy date.
A reinspection and additional fee may be required if BFFR must return to verify corrections.
Important: CWRC requirements are State of Colorado requirements. BFFR performs the required local review and inspections to help builders understand the requirements and verify compliance. Find those requirements here: Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code
Current CWRC Fees
- Class 1: $100
- Class 2: $300
- Reinspection: $200
Class 1 and Class 2 fees include plan review and one final inspection. Fees are subject to change under BFFR’s adopted fee schedule. View the current BFFR Fee Schedule.
Payment does not constitute project approval, automatically schedule an inspection, or replace permits and inspections required by El Paso County or the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department.
Questions?
Every property and project is different. Contact Black Forest Fire Rescue before purchasing materials or beginning work if you are unsure whether the CWRC applies.
Phone: 719-495-4300
Email: Fielding.Lucas@bffire.org
