Council debates wildland‑urban interface map options, defers decision pending fire‑district and building‑inspector input

Council members discussed how Toquerville should adopt a Wildland‑Urban Interface (WUI) map required under recent state code changes. The decision will determine where upgraded building‑code requirements and inspection fees apply.

Staff explained a draft that exempted existing developed subdivisions but included undeveloped perimeters; the fire‑district’s initial proposal (not present because he was on call) had been more inclusive of built areas. Staff recommended a compromise: exclude entitled development areas (e.g., large future subdivisions) but subject homes on those developments’ outer perimeters — typically a 50–100 foot buffer — to the WUI code to address risk at building edges.

Council members raised several operational questions: how WUI designation affects building costs, whether insurance rates could change, who adopts and enforces the map, and how often the map would be updated. Staff estimated creation of a base GIS map could cost roughly $5,000–$10,000, after which in‑house adjustments would be feasible. The council asked staff to invite both the fire‑district battalion chief and the city building inspector to a future meeting to present the fire‑risk analysis and the specific building‑code implications before the council adopts a final map.

No final action was taken; council directed staff to arrange the joint presentation and to return with options that balance fire-risk mitigation and development practicality ahead of the state’s implementation timeline.

What happens next: Staff will coordinate to have the fire‑district battalion chief and the building inspector present the draft map, cost estimates and specific code impacts at a subsequent council meeting.