I am writing to express concern about the state-mandated Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code. As written, this code constitutes another unfunded mandate from the State of Colorado, placing a significant financial burden on both La Plata County government and the residents who live and work here.
Early assessments indicate that, depending on wildfire zone designation, residential construction costs could rise by 20% or more due to more expensive materials and additional compliance requirements. These impacts fall disproportionately on small mountain communities. In La Plata County, the Western portion is especially affected. Compounding the problem, the wildfire risk mapping used to determine these zones is widely viewed as inaccurate, yet it triggers regulations that further increase the cost of living in an area already among the most expensive in the nation.
Colorado law directly addresses this situation. C.R.S. 29-1-304.5 states that no new state mandate, or increase in the level of service for an existing mandate, may be imposed on local governments unless the state provides funding to cover the associated costs. If such funding is not provided, the mandate is explicitly optional for local governments.
Given this statutory language and the substantial financial harm the Wildfire Resiliency Code is likely to impose on La Plata County residents, I urge county leadership to carefully evaluate whether compliance should be treated as mandatory – or whether the county should exercise its legal authority to consider the requirement optional unless and until adequate state funding is provided.
Thoughtful review now could prevent serious economic consequences for our community later.
Emily Horvath
Hesperus
