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Council adopts updated wildland-urban interface code, asks manager for annual implementation report
Summary
Council approved updates to the city's wildland-urban interface (WUI) code and directed the manager to report annually on implementation and explore voluntary retrofit programs to mitigate wildfire risk.
The Austin City Council adopted an updated wildland-urban interface (WUI) code on April 10 and approved an amendment directing the city manager to provide an annual report on implementation and to explore options to increase voluntary retrofit programs for residential wildfire mitigation.
Council members and staff emphasized that Austin remains among the U.S. cities with many homes at high wildfire risk, and that changing climate patterns increase the urgency of mitigation. Councilmember Mark Duchin said the updated map and code help convey wildfire risk to homeowners and support outreach and mitigation activity. Fire officials and outside experts at the meeting highlighted embers and ember cast as the primary cause of structure ignitions during wildfires, and they urged adoption of the updated code and accompanying public outreach.
During debate, council adopted Watson Amendment 1 directing the manager to report on implementation of the 2024 WUI code at least annually and to explore options to increase voluntary retrofitting of existing residences. Councilmembers said insurers and national experts view the adoption of WUI codes positively and that the changes could help communities protect structures and insurance access.
The motion passed and the council asked staff to coordinate across departments and jurisdictions and to seek funding and program options, including pilot land-management and fuel mitigation work in parks.
