Questions on Rebuilding Requirements

In the aftermath of the Marshall Fire, many residents have been in contact with their insurance companies to understand their coverage and the rebuilding process. We have heard from residents regarding reports of underinsurance and concerns about estimated costs to rebuild. This includes potential expenses related to the City’s green building codes and adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) net zero energy requirements.

The City is committed to working with residents to further understand the costs of rebuilding, from meeting current building safety requirements to incorporating wildfire resistant and energy efficient standards. We are also committed to identifying resources to support residents’ needs as it relates to these efforts. Additionally, the City is working to streamline processes to expedite rebuilding. We are compiling information to answer questions, discussing potential paths forward with residents, neighborhood groups and HOAs and considering ways to speed up permit review and issuance.

In regards to the green building codes, the City is partnering with the Town of Superior, Boulder County, Colorado Energy Office, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project and other organizations to understand the projected costs related to the energy efficient standards. This cohort is working to identify financial resources that could assist residents with rebuilding, as well. The City will share information as it becomes available.

While we have been looking into these issues, the City has not released any information or frequently asked questions for residents whose homes were lost regarding building codes, rebuilding costs or energy efficiency program details, other than what is currently shared on www.louisvilleco.gov/MarshallFire. Information shared by the Louisville Sustainability Advisory Board was not distributed by the City and does not reflect the City’s findings.