Boulder first adopted the International Wildland Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) in 2014 and since then has updated the code every six years. City Council recently adopted the 2024 IWUIC with local amendments. The WUI code requirements will apply to building permits for properties in the WUI Area on Aug. 1, 2025.
Wildland Urban Interface Map
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Frequently Asked Questions
I'm in the WUI area - what does that mean?
If your property is in the proposed WUI area, there are additional building code requirements that help to mitigate risk of wildfire and harden and protect your building and site.
There are three classes of ignition-resistant construction required in the WUI area, depending on fire hazard severity. The 2024 IWUIC and local amendments lay out certain standards for the building elements whenever a building or structure is constructed, modified or moved.
When do these requirements apply?
The requirements apply when a building permit is issued and are limited to the proposed scope of work. For example, if a permit is pulled to replace a deck, only the specific deck requirements are required to be met. Some of the site requirements apply generally to ensure sites are maintained to reduce the risk of wildfire, but fuel modification requirements only apply to new construction.
What can I do to my home that will make it more wildfire resilient?
- Get a Detailed Home Assessment: The first step would be to sign up for a free detailed home assessment (DHA) from Boulder Fire-Rescue. During a DHA, a risk reduction specialist will take a tour of your property with you and identify different opportunities that you might have to harden your home or create more defensible space. At the end of the assessment, you will receive a detailed report with suggestions on making your home more wildfire resilient. Sign up here.
- Mitigate your property and home: even just clearing debris, keeping the lawn tidy and installing screens over your vents can go a long way.
- Do not be a source of ignition! The city has strict fire regulations, follow them.
How can I learn more about wildfire resilience in the city?
Visit Wildfire Ready for information about projects that the city is undertaking to create a more wildfire resilient community as well as things you, as a property owner or community member, can do.
Where can I learn more about emergency preparedness related to wildfires?
Visit Wildfire Ready to learn more. To immediately sign up for alerts check out BOCO Alerts. BOCO Alerts will send you customized alerts for specific destinations (that you choose) to your method of communication.
Receive text alerts by texting BOCOinfo to the number 888777. The request only needs to be made once. The service is free, except for any data usage charges that might apply.