SBCC executive committee debates whether to begin WUI code work ahead of DNR mapping and pending legislation

Committee members discussed whether the State Building Code Council should begin drafting an optional WUI code now or wait until the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) completes mapping and pending legislation (HB 1254) moves through the legislature.

Staff noted the WUI code currently lacks an effective state code text “until the maps are developed by DNR” and that pending legislation (HB 1254) would authorize an optional WUI code for local adoption. Members recognized several scenarios: do no new work and wait for the bill and maps; begin drafting defensible-space and building-hardening provisions now to be ready if the bill passes; or limit work because of staff capacity and the council’s other schedule commitments.

Dave (assistant deputy official for Spokane), who sits on a DNR steering committee for mapping, told the group a DNR steering committee has begun and that the target date for maps is June 30, 2026. He noted some jurisdictions (including Spokane, Chelan, and Yakima County) have already adopted the model WUI code or are using elements of it. Committee members said preparing now could help the council respond quickly if the legislature acts; others cautioned the council lacks staff capacity to do meaningful work on an optional code in a condensed timeframe.

Committee members agreed to continue assembling a WUI tag and to revisit the question after the bill’s movement; staff will continue outreach and report back to the council.