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Commission discusses Land Use Code updates to meet Wildland Urban Interface standards
Summary
Staff warned that adopting Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) requirements will likely conflict with current material and landscaping standards; commissioners favored adopting fire-resistance classifications (Class A/B/C) and discussed trade-offs with the town's color palette and tree-planting goals.
Director Niall Connolly told the commission that the town's upcoming adoption of Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) standards will create conflicts with existing land-use rules, particularly around permitted siding, roofing materials and landscaping that affect defensible space.
Mr. Connolly said some currently permitted wood materials, including wood siding and wood shingles, may not meet WUI fire-rating standards and suggested removing them from the approved materials list while adding fire-rated alternatives such as fiber-cement siding. Commissioners discussed using ignition-resistance classifications (Class A/B/C) rather than listing specific products so the code remains current as products evolve. They also noted that some fire-resistant roofing materials are only available in colors that do not meet the town's existing color palette, which may require code adjustments to encourage fire-safe products.
Discussion also addressed landscaping trade-offs: defensible-space requirements could conflict with current standards that encourage tree planting and replacement, especially on small lots where trees are close to structures. Mr. Connolly recommended the commission consider balancing wildfire safety with ecological and aesthetic values when drafting code amendments.
