San Luis Obispo staff urge adoption of state WUI code; propose education-first enforcement and three-year grace for nearest zones

San Luis Obispo officials on Tuesday recommended the city adopt the state—9s newly released Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) code and return next month to introduce the implementing ordinance, while asking council to direct staff on outreach, inspections and limited local amendments.

City staff said the WUI code adoption is a required, statewide step that will apply building-hardening rules citywide and defensible-space rules in the city—9s "very high" fire-hazard areas, which now include roughly 60% of city parcels after recent map updates.

The study session matters because the new maps and code expand the number of properties covered and create near-term duties for property owners, but staff told council they plan an education-first approach, will use complaint-driven enforcement initially, and propose a three-year implementation window before the 0–5-foot ember-protection requirements are enforced.

"We are not the victims here. We have control," Fire Chief Tuggle told the council while outlining how defensible space, vegetation management and home hardening together can reduce risk and buy firefighters time to respond. He and Fire Marshal Josh Daniel walked the council through the WUI code structure: chapter 3 (area definition and maps), chapter 4 (access and water supply), chapter 5 (special building construction/home hardening, citywide) and chapter 6 (defensible space, to apply in the "very high" zones).

Key points and staff recommendations - Staff recommended the council receive the presentation and direct staff to return next month with the ordinance to adopt the WUI code "as is," and to provide policy direction on 15 next steps that focus on implementation and community assistance rather than substantive local amendments. - Chapter 5 (building construction/home hardening) would apply citywide to new…