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Springdale adopts state WUI code, limits local boundary to state 'extreme‑risk' URAP areas
Summary
To meet state requirements and maintain eligibility for state/federal suppression assistance, the council adopted the state Wildland‑Urban Interface code and used the state's URAP 'extreme‑risk' map blobs as the town's WUI boundary; council also authorized staff to refine mapping with the fire district and pursue a cooperative agreement with Hurricane Valley Fire. The decision responds to concerns over insurance, defensible‑space enforcement, and property‑line map anomalies.
The Springdale Town Council adopted Ordinance 2026‑13 on June 10, incorporating the state Wildland‑Urban Interface (WUI) code and designating the town’s WUI boundary consistent with the Utah Risk Assessment Portal (URAP) “extreme‑risk” areas. The action followed extensive staff and fire‑district discussion about where to draw the local WUI boundary and how to balance enforcement with practical on‑the‑ground risk.
Tom (staff) and Chief Decker both briefed council on the mandatory nature of the code and the discretionary mapping choices. Tom explained that the WUI code is forward‑looking for new construction but that defensible‑space requirements can apply to existing properties and may require property owners to trim vegetation and separate crowns. Chief Decker underscored operational considerations and the practical benefits of adopting a town map that aligns with high‑risk areas identified by the state: "The key thing to remember was saying is this is your guys's map... Once you adopt the WUI code, those are the areas that you have to enforce that WUI code on new construction."
Council debated three main options: adopt the entire town as WUI (what the broad URAP overlay would indicate), adopt the staff‑proposed refined map (packet map that cuts across parcels), or adopt only the state's extreme‑risk URAP blobs. Members raised concerns about satellite/AI mapping anomalies that bisect parcels and create hard‑to‑explain boundaries. Several council members and the fire chief favored a targeted approach focused on the state’s extreme‑risk areas to reduce the administrative burden while meeting state mandates. The council adopted the ordinance and the URAP extreme‑risk boundary by majority vote.
Adoption preserves the town’s eligibility for the Cooperative Wildfire System (CWS) benefits from Utah Forestry, Fire & State Lands; without CWS participation, the town could be liable for state/federal suppression costs after a catastrophic wildfire. Council directed staff to work with Hurricane Valley Fire (HVSSD) on a local memorandum of understanding to implement the town’s participation commitments and to refine the map where local data indicate necessary edits. The town said property owners may seek map adjustments if they believe their parcel was misclassified and that staff will accept requests for targeted refinement.
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