Interlaken Town council briefed on House Bill 48, urged to adopt WUI code ahead of 2028 fee changes
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Summary
Council heard a detailed update on state House Bill 48 and the state Wildland‑Urban Interface map, was told most properties are currently mapped as high risk, and agreed to redraft a local ordinance and host fire‑district assessments to help residents comply before fee changes take effect in 2028.
Interlaken Town council members were briefed March 3 on state House Bill 48 and the town’s obligation to adopt a Wildland‑Urban Interface (WUI) code and map that the state is applying to properties.
The Chair said the map currently places the majority of town properties in a high‑risk zone and warned residents that compliance affects insurance coverage and future fees. "It's going to have a big impact on our community, your ability to insure your home," the Chair said, adding that the state map and risk levels are visible online.
Staff member S1 said the council met for about an hour and a half with Wasatch Fire District personnel (identified in the meeting as Troy Morgan and a battalion chief) and that the district is prepared to give town residents a presentation and perform home assessments. "They have a prepared slideshow that goes over ... their recommendations about defensible space," S1 said. The town plans to schedule that session at the fire station and to publish guidance and maps on the town website.
Council members emphasized the timeline. The Chair and staff noted the town must adopt a WUI ordinance to align local code with the state‑provided map; until the ordinance is adopted, the town may have limited access to certain state firefighting resources, the Chair said. Town staff also told residents the state intends to begin assessing higher fees tied to square footage beginning Jan. 1, 2028, and encouraged property owners to complete mitigation work before that date.
The council said it will redraft the ordinance in light of ongoing legislative changes, circulate clear guidance (including sample defensible‑space distances referenced in the district presentation), and bring an adoption item back to the next meeting. The planned fire‑district presentation will include opportunities for residents to ask questions and to request on‑site assessments.
The council did not vote on an ordinance at the March 3 meeting; members said more legislative details and a revised draft are needed before formal adoption.