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Committee backs measure letting WUI property owners clear defensible space despite local ordinances

Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Standing Committee · February 17, 2026

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Summary

First substitute House Bill 215 would preempt local and HOA rules in wildland‑urban interface areas to allow homeowners to create defensible space; sponsors said it protects property owners and may help insurance access. The committee voted to forward the bill.

Representative Peterson presented first substitute House Bill 215, described as a narrow change to protect property owners in the wildland‑urban interface (WUI) from ordinances—city, county or HOA—that would prohibit clearing defensible space around homes.

"It just protects property owners that are in the wildland urban interface from city, county, or HOA ordinances that would prohibit them from clearing the defensible space around their home," Representative Peterson said, calling the bill simple and focused. Sponsor and supporters said the measure could be a step toward addressing insurance and safety concerns for homeowners in fire-prone areas.

Carson Eilers, on behalf of the Utah League of Cities and Towns, said he was neutral and thanked the sponsor for addressing wording concerns; Tas Biesenewer of the Utah Home Builders Association expressed support. Senator Vickers moved to recommend the first substitute favorably; the committee recorded a favorable 6-0 vote to forward the bill.

What happens next: HB215 was recommended favorably and will go to the full Senate for further consideration.