The HBA Advocate Newsletter | February 4, 2026

By Paige Roemmich | February 7, 2026 |

February 4, 2026

In this edition:

Webinar Recap & Resources: The 2026 Code Landscape: Code Adoptions - Who, What, and When?
Upcoming Bill to Delay WUI Code Implementation
Get Involved: 2026 HBA Advocacy Committees & Task Forces

Webinar Recap & Resources: The 2026 Code Landscape: Code Adoptions - Who, What, and When?

The HBA of Metro Denver recently hosted an informative webinar covering building codes at the international, state, and local levels. Sponsored by the HBA Permitting Committee, the session focused on upcoming code changes, associated cost implications, and local municipal adoption plans as we proceed into 2026. The webinar drew strong participation, with over 80 members and building staff from local municipalities in attendance.

NAHB code experts Jeff Munsterteiger and Nathan Kahre provided a data-driven overview of changes to the 2024 IRC as well as a detailed cost analysis of Colorado Model Low Energy and Carbon Code. The discussion then shifted to the local landscape, highlighting which municipalities are planning to adopt new or updated codes in 2026 and the variation in adoption timelines and approaches. This section showcased the HBA’s code trackers, offering a clear snapshot of each municipality’s upcoming code adoptions and fire sprinkler requirements.

The session underscored the importance of collaboration between local governments and the homebuilding community to balance safety objectives with housing affordability and practical implementation, providing builders with actionable insight to plan ahead and engage effectively in local code adoption discussions.

All materials from the webinar - including the recording of the session, the HBA Code Trackers, and more - are available on the HBA Permitting Committee website at Permitting Committee - HBA of Metro Denver.

Upcoming Bill to Delay WUI Code Implementation

The Colorado Association of Home Builders has been hearing from local governments across the state that are finding it difficult, if not impossible, to adopt the model code by the deadline of April 1, 2026, given the work that is required to get them there. CAHB is trying to raise the volume of local governments reaching out to their legislative delegations and others about the need for an extension of time to implement.

At the same time, our growing coalition is working to refine the Code to (1) eliminate inconsistencies with the International Wildland Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) and (2) address unintended consequences, which are creating a supply chain problem and increasing building costs.

Key Points: The code is a significant departure from established national wildfire code standards. It is the first wildfire resiliency code in the United States that does not align with the model codes of the IWUIC. This introduces inconsistencies in defensible space requirements, structure hardening philosophy, and material performance criteria compared to widely accepted best practices. The code removes 37 percent of the siding product from the market, which we believe will have a significant impact on housing costs. Additionally, the code’s prohibitions are inconsistent in allowing combustible material (vinyl) but prohibiting material shown to have similar wildfire resistance to cement board, all without recognizing the importance of wall assembly and defensible space with regard to wildfire resiliency.

Here are (1) a Fact Sheet and (2) the Coalition Requested Changes. These were developed to help policy makers and the Wildfire Resiliency Code Board (WRCB) understand the concerns being raised and the reasonable suggested solutions, which will strengthen the code, ensure no inconsistencies, and continue to promote wildfire resiliency. We are working on a comprehensive set of recommendations for modifications to the CWRC to better align with IWUIC and address the problems we have identified. This will illustrate that we are not looking to undermine the code, but rather make it workable for Colorado.

Our overarching goals are to:

Reinstate performance-based options recognized in IWUIC.
Remove exceptions that permit combustible materials (e.g., vinyl) near/on structures.
Clarify technical requirements for ignition-resistant materials and fire retardant-treated wood.

Our policy request is to:

Delay the local government implementation deadline to allow for the needed continued refinement of the Code, ensure alignment with IWUIC and address unintended consequences.
Provide an immediate mechanism to revisit the policy, rather than waiting for the 3-year review.
Ensure the policy is a balanced approach that thoroughly weighs benefits and costs.
Provide a mechanism for appeal for products and other interested parties.
Requiring legislative reporting, since the significance of this policy change warrants reporting to the Legislature on progress during the annual SMART Act hearings.

Get Involved: 2026 HBA Advocacy Committees & Task Forces

As we begin the new year, we would like to invite all members to participate in our advocacy committees for 2026. Our committees play a key role in shaping industry collaboration, strengthening relationships with local jurisdictions, and ensuring our members stay informed on the issues that directly impact homebuilding and development across the metro Denver region.

Joint Task Forces
Our Joint Task Forces bring together members with representatives from the highest-growth building and planning departments in our region. These meetings provide valuable insight into municipal priorities, planned initiatives, and opportunities to ask questions directly to staff. In 2026, we will host Joint Task Force meetings with Arapahoe County, Aurora, Commerce City, Denver, Erie and Thornton.

Permitting Committee
The Permitting Committee serves as a roundtable forum for networking and best-practices discussions related to all aspects of permitting. Topics often include municipal code adoptions, fee updates, process changes, and more. Four times a year, we host dedicated “municipal update” meetings where representatives from many high-growth municipalities’ building departments join us to provide updates on their codes, permitting processes and upcoming changes.

Regulated Utilities Committee
The Regulated Utilities Committee offers members a venue to discuss land development, homebuilding and utility coordination. Representatives from major dry utility providers - such as Black Hills Energy, Xcel Energy, Core Electric, United Power and others - attend to answer member questions and provide updates on timelines and processes.

For information or to be added to the Joint Task Force invite lists, please contact Morgan Cullen at mcullen@hbadenver.com.

For more information or to be added to the invitation lists for the Permitting or Regulated Utilities Committees, please contact Albert Bozoki at abozoki@hbadenver.com.

HBA of Metro Denver Issue Tracker

Questions on what is happening in a specific city or county? The HBA is regularly monitoring the council and board activities in every political subdivision in the metro Denver area. Our Issue Tracker offers a great resource to learn about the issues being deliberated with links to agendas, packets and ordinances. The HBA of Metro Denver HBA Issue Tracker is available to all members here.

HBA is looking for Members to Participate in Advocacy, Regulatory and Technical Committees in 2026

As a volunteer-driven organization, the HBA's Jobsite Safety Committee, Permitting Committee, Regulated Utilities Committee and Stormwater Management Committee help guide the HBA's events and activities throughout the year. Consider joining one, or more, if you want to build strong, long-lasting relationships and make a difference to your fellow HBA members, while sharpening your leadership skills. Please visit the HBA website for more information or reach out to Morgan Cullen if you are ready to participate.