Colorado Springs
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Fire-resistant decks for WUI lots
If your home sits in the wildland-urban interface, your deck is part of your home's ignition risk. This page covers the Appendix K ignition-resistant rules that apply, so the deck meets code and gives an ember less to catch.
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The basics
What is a WUI zone, and why does it change your deck?
Colorado Springs has adopted a Wildland-Urban Interface ignition-resistant construction code for mapped hazard areas, with the deck-specific rules in Appendix K under City Ordinance 26-18. A deck is a horizontal surface that collects embers and pine litter, which is why the material and the assembly, not just the look, have to be right.
- The code lives in Appendix KColorado Springs has adopted a WUI ignition-resistant construction code requiring wildfire-mitigation measures for new construction in mapped WUI areas; the deck provisions live in Appendix K, adopted via City Ordinance 26-18.City of Colorado Springs Fire Department, Wildfire Risk Reduction Requirements
- Class A or Class B decking qualifiesClass A fire-rated PVC decking and Class B fire-rated composite decking both qualify as WUI-compliant in Colorado.City WUI page; Ignition Resistant Construction Design Manual (2020)
- Check your address on the City's own mapA homeowner can check whether their specific address falls in a WUI hazard zone using the City's official Wildfire Risk Map.City of Colorado Springs, gis.coloradosprings.gov wildfire-mitigation viewer
- Landscaping is part of the rule tooWUI rules can also trigger vegetation-mitigation and defensible-space requirements around a new deck in fire-prone areas, so siting and planting near the deck have to be planned before the build.City WUI page; StoneCroft Construction, /decking
- Two departments handle WUI questionsWildfire-code questions route to CSFD's Construction Services Unit (719-385-5982, option 2) and the Wildfire Mitigation Unit (719-385-7342), separate from the standard PPRBD building-permit desk.City of Colorado Springs Fire Department, WUI page
Our WUI build checklist
How an ignition-resistant deck actually gets built
Most deck builders will not talk about WUI status at all. Confirming your zone, specifying Class A/B materials, and detailing the underside for ember resistance are the concrete steps that turn a code requirement into an actual, inspectable build.
- Confirm your parcel’s WUI zone before design, using the City’s official Wildfire Risk Map
- Specify Class A or Class B fire-rated decking that qualifies as WUI-compliant
- Detail the deck underside and skirting for ember resistance
- Coordinate vegetation-mitigation and defensible-space clearances around the structure
- Route code questions to CSFD’s Construction Services Unit or Wildfire Mitigation Unit
- Build to pass PPRBD inspection the first time
This is the brand's edge
Most deck builders will not talk about WUI. We lead with it.
We confirm your zone, specify Appendix K materials, and build the assembly to pass PPRBD inspection, so your deck is an asset in a fire event, not a liability.
WUI questions
Fire-resistant deck FAQ
How do I know if my home is in a WUI zone?
Check the City of Colorado Springs' official Wildfire Risk Map (gis.coloradosprings.gov Html5Viewer wildfire-mitigation viewer) for your specific address. We confirm your status as part of design, before any material is ordered.
What decking materials are allowed in a WUI zone?
Class A fire-rated PVC decking and Class B fire-rated composite decking both qualify as WUI-compliant in Colorado, per the City WUI page and the Ignition Resistant Construction Design Manual. That narrows, but does not eliminate, the material list.
Does a WUI deck also affect landscaping?
Often yes. WUI rules can trigger vegetation-mitigation and defensible-space requirements around a new deck in fire-prone areas, so siting and planting near the deck have to be planned before the build, not after.
Who do I call with WUI code questions?
Wildfire-code questions route to Colorado Springs Fire Department's Construction Services Unit (719-385-5982, option 2) and the Wildfire Mitigation Unit (719-385-7342), separate from the standard PPRBD building-permit desk.
In a fire zone?
Let's build it right
We'll confirm your WUI status and the qualifying materials. Same business day reply.
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