Responding to an increased risk of wildfire, Austin became the first major city in Texas to adopt a code aimed at curbing wildfires.
The action came after an internal audit suggested the action could reduce the risk of wildfires, particularly in areas outside the urban core. The new ordinance is based on the International Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code.
Austin’s Public Safety Commission had recommended tighter wildfire protection standards for structures built between the city’s wildlands and urban center, and endorsed the adoption of a WUI code. In April 2020, the city council unanimously adopted the code—an action that came after four years of study and planning.
The new WUI code requires that all new homes and businesses constructed near wildland areas be built with special ignition-resistant construction materials, and mandates the safe storage of combustible materials like liquefied petroleum gas. Properties that are particularly vulnerable could be required to better manage vegetation.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 9, 2021
ASHRAE updates health care facility ventilation standard
Includes improved guidance on thermal comfort, revisions to air filtration requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2021
American Wood Council releases new fire design specification
For design of wood members, assemblies, and connections to meet code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jun 7, 2021
Guide provides strategies to overcome barriers to sustainable affordable housing
International Living Future Institute document helps with social, regulatory, and financial hurdles.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2021
Conversion of large office buildings to residential will require revamped regulations
Post-1960 offices present ventilation, daylighting, and other challenges.
Codes and Standards | Jun 2, 2021
Dept. of Energy releases EnergyPlus and OpenStudio updates
New features include Python Plugin features and additional tabular reporting options.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2021
Federal plan to double Canadian lumber tariffs draws intense criticism
Builders advised to stock up to deal with shortages.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2021
Passive House standards proving their worth in multifamily sector
Energy performance beats conventionally built by 32% to 58%.
Codes and Standards | May 27, 2021
Pittsburgh combats construction fraud
Crackdown on tax, insurance, and workers’ comp malfeasance.
Codes and Standards | May 26, 2021
Proposal to add photovoltaic panels to the R2 Standard for electronics recycling
Hundreds of facilities in 33 countries could begin recycling PVs.
Codes and Standards | May 25, 2021
International Energy Agency lays out roadmap to net zero
Focus is on energy generation, but building efficiency also plays a role.
