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New Fire Hardening Building Code: Impacts to your home improvement and new construction projects
The City of Louisville has adopted Ordinance 1884, series 2024, Updated Ordinance 1891, series 2025, and Emergency Ordinance 1913, series 2026, which establishes a Fire Hardening Code to enhance building safety against wildfire risks. This code sets minimum fire-resistant construction standards for residential and commercial structures to reduce wildfire threats and mitigate the spread of fires between buildings.
The ordinance applies to new constructions, accessory structures, and repairs or replacements of certain home systems, which must comply with specific fire hardening standards.
Emergency Ordinance, series 2026 took effect on January 21, 2026 as well. This applies to any permit applications received on or after January 21, 2026 (residential and commercial) for new construction, additions, and replacement of building materials. There are also new requirements regarding planting or replanting juniper species.
What you need to know as resident
The new requirements apply to new construction and repairs or replacements of structures such as decks and fences. Talk to your contractor to ensure they have a permit for your project, and that they are aware of the requirements outlined below.
New requirements include:
- Fencing. Fencing within 5 feet of the home or commercial building must be fire and ignition resistant with a Class A rating (ASTM E84 or UL 723). Treated building materials will not be allowed unless the treatment is rated to maintain its Class A rating for the life of the material without reapplication. Or use an ignition resistant material such as metal, masonry, or stone.
- Decks. Deck surfaces and railings shall be fire and ignition resistant with a maximum flame spread rating of 25 Class A rating (ASTM E84 or UL 723). Treated building materials will not be allowed unless the treatment is rated to maintain its Class A rating for the life of the material without reapplication. Metal railings are acceptable. Areas below decks 6 feet or lower to the ground must also be covered with gravel placed over 6 mil plastic, or concrete slab to prevent growth of vegetation.
- Roof coverings. Roof coverings or shingles must be Class A per ASTM E108 or UL 790 standard. Class A Tests are applicable to roof coverings that are expected to be effective against severe fire exposure, afford a high degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position, and are not expected to present a flying brand hazard.
- Roof, attic, and foundation vents. Vents must be covered with metal mesh with1/8-inch or smaller openings.
- Gutters. Gutters must be metal (vinyl not allowed) and the must include gutter guards to prevent to accumulation of debris.
- Siding and eave materials. Siding and eave material must be either cementitious siding (e.g. James Hardie Siding, Nichiha fiber cement), stone, or stucco, or any composite material Class A per ASTM E84 standard. Treated building materials will not be allowed unless the treatment is rated to maintain its Class A rating for the life of the material without reapplication.
- Prohibition on planting, relocating, or replacing junipers. Planting or installation of any species of juniper (Juniperus spp) is prohibited. Any existing species of juniper that have been planted or installed prior to the effective date of this ordinance may be maintained but may not be replanted, relocated, or replaced with another juniper species.
Definition of Fire-Resistant Building Materials: Building materials shall exhibit a Class A, ASTM E84 or UL723 rating for the life of the material.
What you need to know as a contractor
It is the responsibility of the contractor to obtain a building permit and comply with fire hardening requirements. Read the ordinance containing the full requirements below.
Emergency Ordinance 1913, series 2026,
If you need guidance, please contact our Chief Building Official, Chad Root, at CRoot@LouisvilleCO.gov or (303) 335-4580.
Why did the City implement this new code?
The code, developed in collaboration with the Louisville Fire Protection District and based on public feedback, is designed to safeguard public health and safety while balancing costs and feasibility. It was adopted by City Council to better protect the community against wildfire. Fire resistant materials enhance safety by making it more difficult for fire to spread quickly between buildings.
While implementation will require additional city resources, revenues from building permits will help offset expenses. By adopting this code, Louisville demonstrates its commitment to wildfire risk reduction and community safety.