Colorado Governor Signs Bill Enacting Statewide Wildfire-Resistant Building Code

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed into law Friday a bill that mandates a statewide wildfire-resistant building code, a step that scientists say will help protect residents and first responders as climate change intensifies blazes.

The bill creates a 21-member board charged with developing standards for new and substantially remodeled homes in high-risk areas, including rules for using fire-resistant construction materials and clearing vegetation around residences.

The board -- which will include building industry representatives; urban and rural residents and government officials; an architect; fire officials; and insurers, among others -- must be appointed by Sept. 30 and adopt a minimum building code by July 1, 2025. The law requires the code to be reviewed every three years.