Bill to Help Mitigate Wildfire Destruction Earns Committee Approval
HB24-1091 would allow residents living in HOAs to opt for fire-hardened building materials
DENVER, CO – Legislation aimed at mitigating damage from wildfires by allowing Coloradans living in homeowners’ associations (HOAs) to use fire-hardened building materials cleared the Senate Local Government & Housing Committee today.
HB24-1091, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, would prevent HOAs from restricting the installation, use, or maintenance of fire-hardened building materials such as metal, certain types of stucco, and fiber cement siding in residential property.
“As the effects of climate change continue to impact our state, the threat of destructive wildfires continues to grow, and we must do everything in our power to be prepared,” Cutter said. “Folks in my district live under constant threat from wildfires, and need to be able to defend their property. It endangers homes and entire communities when HOAs prevent homeowners from using fire hardened materials. This bill will help make it easier for Coloradans to keep their homes secure and their communities safe.”
“Defending our homes and property against the increasingly severe threat of wildfires is one of my top priorities,” said Jaquez Lewis. “Combating wildfires starts with mitigation, and this bill will allow homeowners to take the proper precautions and build safer, more fire-resistant homes.”
HOAs would still be allowed to develop reasonable standards regarding the design, dimensions, placement or external appearance of fire-hardened building materials used for fencing within the community. The fire-hardened building materials outlined in HB24-1091 would meet the standards set forth by the 2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.
HB24-1091 will now move to further consideration before the full Senate. Track the bill’s progress HERE.