Date: 10/30/2015
Final
Public Testimony
WILDFIRE MATTERS REVIEW COMMITTEE
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09:05 AM -- Public Testimony
09:05 AM -- Meghan Dollar, Colorado Municipal League, and Eric Bergman, Colorado Counties, Inc., spoke in opposition of mandated requirements for local governments, specifically requirements on building codes. Mr. Bergman discussed the current laws and programs regarding building and fire mitigation codes. He also discussed the varying issues in local governments and the current process for mitigation requirements.
The committee dialogued with the witnesses regarding whether local governments and communities have met the requirements to protect against wildfire risks.
09:15 AM
Mr. Begman and Ms. Dollar continued to answer questions from the committee, specifically on the current wildfire mitigation requirements and building codes. Ms. Dollar said that she is concerned that the cost would defer funds from other local programs.
Representative Hamner asked questions regarding requirements for wildfire mitigation plans for local governments. Ms. Dollar said that CML and CCI support the Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant Program. Mr. Bergman discussed additional incentives that could be used to support wildfire mitigation programs at the local level.
Representative Becker K. discussed the costs associated with adopting building codes and fire mitigation codes for wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas. Mr. Bergman said that the current draft bill requires fire mitigation codes for all jurisdictions, regardless of proximity to the WUI. Ms. Dollar discussed the process for adopting and enforcing building codes on the local level, and the potential costs associated with additional staff.
09:26 AM
The committee continued to discuss the costs associated with adopting fire mitigation codes.
Mr. Bergman answered questions from the committee regarding the number of counties that have adopted wildfire mitigation codes.
09:35 AM -- Ted Leighty, representing the Colorado Association of Realtors, spoke in support of Bill 4. He said that it is important to provide incentives for mitigation on private property. Mr. Leighty distributed a handout to the committee members (Attachment A).
151030 AttachA.pdf
09:39 AM -- Paul Weissmann, representing himself, spoke on the need to consider legislation related to property damaged during a natural disaster. He discussed a case in Boulder County regarding a private property owner who lost occupancy status. He distributed two handouts (Attachment B and C). Mr. Weissmann answered questions from the committee regarding the lending types for reverse mortgages and the process for foreclosures.
151030 AttachB.pdf
151030 AttachC.pdf
09:46 AM -- Paul Cooke, Director, Division of Prevention and Control in the Department of Public Safety, spoke for clarifying purposes. He answered a question from the committee regarding projections for people moving into the WUI.