This section establishes the standards for development in wildfire hazard areas. The level of hazard is determined primarily by grade or slope and continuity of fuels. As a general guideline, low hazard is located on slopes of zero to twenty (0-20) percent with discontinuous fuels; moderate hazard is located on slopes of ten to twenty (10-20) percent with continuous fuels, or on slopes greater than twenty (20) percent with discontinuous fuels; and severe hazard is located on slopes of greater than twenty (20) percent with continuous fuels.
(a) Wildfire Hazards Map
- Areas of “Severe Wildfire Hazard” and “Low to Medium Wildfire Hazard” are designated on the Pitkin County adopted Wildfire Hazard Area Maps, which are maintained in the Community Development Department. However, the maps are only a general reference, and actual wildfire hazards shall be field verified. In the event field verification identifies areas of wildfire hazard not identified on such maps, the provisions of this Sec. 7-20-60 shall apply to such areas. In each case where an applicant’s property is located partially or entirely within an area of “Severe Wildfire Hazard”, a wildfire expert acceptable to the County, shall visit the property to evaluate the level of risk in more detail. The wildfire expert may confirm the levels of risk indicated on the Wildfire Hazard Area Maps, or may recommend that all or a portion(s) of the site be reclassified to a higher or lower level of wildfire risk. In addition, the wildfire expert shall make recommendations regarding any mitigation measures that should be implemented in light of the proposed activity or development, and such recommendations shall be considered by the County in the Site Plan process.