The council voted to adopt the Utah Wildland Urban Interface Code (per state legislation commonly called HB 48) and a municipal map identifying a local wildland‑urban interface area in Spanish Fork, principally covering portions of the Oaks neighborhood.

Fire Chief Hales told the council the measure mirrors the state law and requires municipalities to adopt the code and identify interface areas. "This outlines the type of building construction, the type of water suppression system that's required, and also the type of landscaping that's also required and, spacing for those landscaping is to prevent wildfires in that area," the chief said. Staff noted this action is the first of two steps under HB 48; the city will later consider a cooperative agreement required by the statute.

The ordinance passed by roll call vote. Staff emphasized that the state forestry/fire agency and state lands are holding public town-hall meetings for residents in interface areas and encouraged residents to attend; staff said the ordinance would take effect Jan. 1 and that the county’s state‑map-driven fee zones (if applicable) are governed at the state level and may differ from the municipal enforcement map.

Council members asked how the ordinance would affect existing buildings and remodeling. Staff clarified the new code applies primarily to future building and remodel projects that trigger the code requirements; it does not automatically force retroactive changes to all existing structures absent a remodel that triggers the code.

Authorities referenced in discussion: HB 48 (state legislation) and the Utah Wildland‑Urban Interface Code as adopted in state law.