Douglas County to consider wildfire rules for mapped hazard areas

Douglas County commissioners are scheduled to consider Oct. 20 a proposal to apply South Metro Fire Rescue’s wildfire code in unincorporated parts of the fire district, with requirements varying by mapped hazard class. The rules would cover construction and vegetation—not every home in Douglas County, according to the meeting agenda.

Under the proposed resolution, the code would apply in the fire district’s unincorporated Douglas County areas. Its hazard classifications assign low-intensity properties to Class 1 and moderate- and high-intensity properties to the more extensive Class 2 rules. The code also applies where a local government has not adopted an equivalent or stricter code.

Class 1 standards include a fire-resistant roof, ember-resistant vents and noncombustible gutters and downspouts. Within five feet of a structure, the code limits combustible materials and plantings and restricts new trees. Class 2 includes those measures and adds requirements for features such as eaves, exterior walls, decks, windows and doors, along with fuel-management measures extending as far as 100 feet from a structure.

The code does not require all existing homes to be rebuilt. Lawful existing occupancy may continue, while parcels subject to the code must maintain applicable site requirements; the code sets no general transition deadline for existing site conditions. Replacing a roof covering, replacing at least 25% of an exterior wall surface, or an addition or alteration that increases a structure’s footprint by 500 square feet or more can trigger upgrades. The code exempts some limited repairs and small accessory structures. Owners may also request a site-specific review of a mapped hazard classification, supported by technical documentation from a qualified wildfire professional.

A separate draft agreement assigns Douglas County responsibility for permits, plan reviews, inspections and most enforcement. South Metro Fire Rescue would respond to complaints involving specified site-related code provisions. The draft agreement sets Nov. 1, 2026, as a planned start date and says it would take effect only after both parties execute it.