Proposed Project Overview
This text amendment would adopt what is called an “Wildland Urban Interface Fire Code” (WUI, for short) for Salt Lake City. A WUI code requires special regulations intended to:
- Reducing the risk created by wildfires;
- Protect life and property;
- Support emergency management best practices;
WUI codes are typically applied to properties that are next to or close to larger areas with natural vegetation.
Adoption of the Wildland Urban Interface Fire Code would subject certain properties to additional fire code requirements related to the construction of new buildings, additions to existing buildings, roofing materials, building materials, and creating defensible space by adding specific landscaping provisions intended to provide spaces between landscaping and buildings.
Only the properties highlighted in the Map of Wild Urban Interface Parcels below would be subject to the WUI code.
Earlier this year the Utah Legisltature passed a law that requires cities to adopt the same wildland urban interface code that the State has adopted in order to be eligible for state level financial reimbursement for fighting wildfires. The state requires cities to adopt this fire code before January 1, 2026 to avoid being noncompliant.
The proposal will give precedence to the fire code in situations where the Wildland Urban Interface Fire Code and the Zoning Code conflict. The zoning code regulates building materials, fence materials, and landscaping that may not be allowed under the WUI code. This is likely to occur in the Foothill Residential Zoning Districts, in local historic districts where properties are adjacent to natural lands, and potentially in other zoning districts where building materials and landscaping are regulated. It could also impact setbacks of some types of buildings, including garages and sheds.
Review Project Materials
What is the Role of the Planning Staff in this Process?
This proposal has been crafted by the Fire Department, Building Services, Emergency Management, and the Planning Division. Each of these departments will have some responsibility of administering the WUI if it is adopted. This will primarily be done by Building Services and the Fire Department.
The Planning Division will be involved in helping determine and resolve conflicts between the WUI Code and the Zoning Code. The Planning Division is also responsible for processing this proposal through the Planning Commission and City Council.
Public engagement will primarily be handled by the Fire Department.
Next Steps
There is a 45-day public input associated with this proposed zoning text amendment. People who are interested in this proposal can submit written comments to the contact listed on this page.
Public Comment Period: August 7 to September 21, 2025
Notice of this application has been sent to the Chair of all community organizations that are registered with the city. There will be no formal community council presentations associated with the proposal because it applies to multiple community councils and recognized organizations.
During and following the comment period, the Fire Department, Building Services, and the Planning Department will evaluate the public input to determine if changes are warranted and develop a recommendation for the Planning Commission.
Public Hearings & Final Decisions
The Planning Commission will then hold a public hearing for additional public comments and make a recommendation to the City Council. It is anticipated that the commission will hold a public hearing on this item in September or October 2025.
The City Council will also hold a public hearing before making a final decision on this matter. This will occur after the Planning Commission makes a recommendation.
Petition Details
Project Location:
This effects properties adjacent to or close to natural areas in the foothills, along rivers and streams, and some larger areas with natural vegetation.
Application Type:
Text Amendment
Petition Number:
PLNPCM2025-00626
Council District:
Citywide
Submit a Comment
We want to hear from you! To submit a comment or question please contact the staff planner via email or leave a voicemail, your questions will be answered within a week after the comment period has ended.
Comment Period:
August 7 – September 21, 2025
Contact Info:
Tony Allred,
Fire Prevention Bureau Division Chief
anthony.allred@slc.gov
(801) 799-4162