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River Heights Council adopts wildland-urban interface code to remain compliant with state law
Summary
River Heights adopted Ordinance 7-20-25 to adopt the 2006 wildland-urban interface code and keep the city compliant with House Bill 48; the council recorded unanimous approval after a presentation from the city fire chief who said the city’s exposure is minimal.
River Heights City Council voted unanimously Dec. 16 to adopt Ordinance 7-20-25, which incorporates the 2006 wildland-urban interface (WUI) code into local law to maintain compliance with House Bill 48.
Mayor Blake Wright opened a public hearing and turned the floor to Logan City Fire Chief Nate Thompson, who summarized House Bill 48 and state mapping tools. Thompson said the bill creates a state high-risk map that could carry homeowner fees and that the state’s Division of Forestry and Fire and State Lands (FFSL) is still finalizing the details. He told the council the city’s structure exposure score (SES) is low and that “River Heights is also participating in the CWS” (Cooperative Wildfire System), so adopting the WUI code preserves eligibility for state mitigation support.
The chief described the difference between a municipality’s local WUI zone and the state’s high-risk fee map and noted the city currently has minimal exposure: “you’re not gonna have a lot of impact with your building at this point.” He singled out one structure (identified in the presentation as a barn) near the municipal boundary that drew potential attention on the draft maps but stressed the local effect is small and the ordinance includes a mechanism for the council to adjust boundaries later.
Council members asked how the state will collect fees and whether adopting the code before the final state map is published was required. Thompson said fee collection methods and the final red (high-risk) map remain under development and that the state has set deadlines that mean municipalities must pass ordinances to avoid noncompliance with the CWS program. He told the council the practical consequence of not adopting the code would be being listed as noncompliant and receiving a notice to cure the deficiency.
After closing the public hearing, a council member moved to approve Ordinance 7-20-25 adopting the WUI code, another seconded, and the motion passed with all recorded votes in agreement. The council and the chief said they will review the state’s final maps once issued and revise the city boundary or enforcement approach if needed.
What’s next: Chief Thompson said the state aims to finalize fee schedules by January 2026; the council recorded adoption of the code now to avoid CWS noncompliance and to preserve the ability to adjust the boundary after the state’s red map is released.
