Castle Dale committee outlines steps to adopt Wildland-Urban Interface code under HB 48

Kerry, who conducted the meeting, told the committee that state House Bill 48 requires municipalities to adopt a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) code and that Castle Dale must review its current rating and mapped roadways before any ordinance adoption. "Castle Dale is a 4 so we are good right now," Kerry said, noting the state will evaluate proposed roadway changes and could change the rating to a 5.

The committee discussed next steps: Nosh requested a map of proposed development and roadways; Kerry said she has a copy of the WUI code and will send it to Candy, who will circulate it to committee members prior to a public hearing. Kerry said the WUI designation should be reviewed every three years and explained there are two WUI categories that affect building and tax assessments differently; she added that properties in the '10' zone would be assessed in person for tax implications.

The committee did not adopt an ordinance at this meeting. Kerry said the state evaluation could trigger a requirement to change the town’s rating and that, if so, the city would need to hold a public hearing and adopt an ordinance. No final votes or deadlines for the hearing were set at this meeting.

The committee’s immediate action items are: Nosh will provide or clarify the development map; Kerry will send the WUI code to Candy; Candy will distribute the code to the committee; and the committee will schedule a public hearing if the state’s evaluation indicates a rating change.