The Pitkin County Board of Commissioners adopted wildfire building and land use code amendments at their February 25 meeting, approved first reading of a countywide flavored tobacco ban, granted $200,000 for mobile home park well improvements, and accepted conservation easements.
Wildfire Code Adoption
Commissioners adopted building and land use code amendments implementing the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, meeting the state’s April 1, 2026 adoption deadline. The amendments will take effect in late April or early May.
Chief Building Official Jeffrey Erickson and Deputy Director of Community Development Nicole Rebeck-Stout presented the codes, which establish two wildfire hazard classification levels. Class 1 areas require Class A fire-rated roofs. Class 2 areas require comprehensive structure hardening, including fire-rated construction materials, ember-resistant vents, and three defensible space zones around structures.
Commissioners moved to eliminate vinyl products—including siding, windows, and fencing within eight feet of structures—citing vinyl’s tendency to delaminate in fires, creating ember entry points and breathing hazards for first responders. Staff referenced lessons from Lahaina and California wildfires. The codes include slope-adjusted requirements and forest management guidance. Agricultural structures must be 50 feet from buildings or property lines with Class A roofs only. Exemptions apply to interior improvements and outbuildings under 120 square feet located more than 10 feet from structures. Fire districts provide free assessments, and ground-truthing can reduce classification levels.
Flavored Tobacco Ban
Commissioners advanced first reading of a flavored tobacco ban. Pitkin County would become the second Colorado county after Denver to restrict flavored tobacco products. Public Health Director Peter Mueller reported 94.1 percent of students using tobacco choose flavored varieties, and 30 percent of students reported vaping in the last 30 days during 2021 peak usage.
Students testified about Zyn nicotine pouches creating new enforcement challenges. Students said vape detectors in bathrooms work, but Zyn can be used anywhere—even in class—because it’s completely discreet. School Resource Officer Cam runs educational classes on substance use. Health teacher Kate Korn noted prevention efforts face obstacles from students with addiction who refuse to share information with peers.
Dr. Kimberly Levin, testifying online, called the measure “one of the most important pieces to pass to protect our youth.” Second reading is scheduled for March 11.
Conservation and Infrastructure
Commissioners approved a conservation easement on Peter Carvelli’s 7-acre property along Castle Creek with approximately 1,000 feet of creek frontage. The easement limits development to 2,250 square feet.
The board approved underground electrical easements for Holy Cross Energy at the Hunter Longhouse (40-year lease), Common Ground (50-year lease), and Solid Waste Center. Commissioners also approved a $100 annual license agreement for a utility line at Wheatley Open Space providing irrigation to the Roaring Fork Mill.
Phillips Mobile Home Park
Commissioners approved $200,000 in Department of Local Affairs Emergency and Intermunicipal Affairs Funding for three aging wells at Phillips Mobile Home Park, a 70-acre county-owned property. Property Manager Kevin Warner presented the grant request two weeks prior as an emergency first reading.
The board also approved first reading of a subdivision exemption creating four parcels: developed areas, infrastructure, open space, and transportation/utilities. Commissioners objected to application language stating “no new development proposed at this time,” calling it “inaccurate and disingenuous.” Housing staff characterized the process as “bifurcated”—separating boundary corrections from future development discussions.
Other Business
Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding for the PACT co-responder program, with Pitkin County contributing 39 percent ($55,000), Aspen 36 percent ($50,000), and Snowmass 25 percent ($35,000). Community Development Director Suzanne Wolff presented development covenants acceptance for 2025.
During Commissioner Comments, a wildlife biologist provided an update on the Colorado River Connectivity Channel. Fish population surveys showed 123 pounds per acre with 31 fish over 14 inches per acre, exceeding gold medal standards. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is managing tiger muskie at Shadow Mountain Reservoir to protect the channel fishery.
Second readings for wildfire code amendments are scheduled for March 25.
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