How will new WUI rules affect Park City homeowners and HOAs — and what might enforcement look like locally?
Starting January 1, 2026, Park City begins enforcing Utah’s Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) code — a major shift in how homes and communities prepare for wildfire risk. Here’s what every homeowner and HOA needs to know to stay compliant and protect their properties.
Understanding the WUI: What It Is and Why It Matters
The Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) refers to areas where homes and vegetation meet — zones at elevated risk for wildfire damage. Across Utah, and particularly in mountain towns like Park City, this interface includes thousands of homes built near forested slopes and open-space terrain.
In 2025, the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands (FFSL) required all participating municipalities to formally adopt and enforce WUI codes by January 1, 2026, to qualify for state wildfire cost-sharing programs. Park City, already recognized for its sustainability leadership, finalized its adoption earlier this year through an amendment to the 2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC).
The goal is simple: reduce wildfire vulnerability through better building standards, vegetation management, and defensible space enforcement.
But for property owners and HOAs, the details matter — and compliance begins now.
How Park City Is Enforcing the WUI Code
Starting in 2026, any new construction, remodel, or major landscape alteration inside Park City’s mapped WUI zones must comply with WUI building and vegetation requirements.
Key Enforcement Agencies
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Park City Building Department: Reviews and approves new construction and remodel plans for compliance.
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Park City Fire District (PCFD): Oversees defensible space inspections and vegetation clearance enforcement.
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HOAs and Property Managers: Expected to align community covenants, landscaping policies, and building guidelines with the WUI standards.
Inspections will focus on both new and existing properties, with priority given to high-risk neighborhoods identified by the city’s WUI risk map. Park City’s fire marshal and code enforcement officers will have the authority to cite noncompliance or issue remediation notices.
To check your property’s status, you can review the interactive WUI map on ParkCity.gov’s Building Department page.
What the WUI Code Requires for Homeowners
If your home falls within a designated WUI area, you’ll need to follow specific standards for defensible space, materials, and maintenance. The main principles are prevention and mitigation.
1. Defensible Space Zones
Homeowners must maintain three key defensible zones:
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Zone 1 (0–5 feet): Create a noncombustible zone immediately around your home. Use gravel, stone, or fire-rated hardscaping. Remove dead vegetation and flammable debris.
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Zone 2 (5–30 feet): Keep vegetation low and spaced apart. Trim trees so branches stay at least 10 feet from structures and other canopies.
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Zone 3 (30–100 feet or property boundary): Manage native vegetation and remove dense brush to slow potential fire spread.
Failure to maintain defensible space could result in inspection flags or HOA notices starting in 2026.
2. Building Materials
The WUI code requires ignition-resistant construction for exterior components:
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Roofing: Must be Class A fire-rated (metal, tile, composite shingles).
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Siding: Use noncombustible materials like fiber cement, stucco, or masonry.
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Decks and fences: Use ignition-resistant wood or composites; avoid open gaps beneath decks where embers can collect.
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Vents and eaves: Install ember-resistant vent screens and enclosed eaves to block windborne embers.
These standards already apply to new construction, but homeowners performing remodels or exterior replacements in 2026 will be required to meet them as well.
3. Landscaping and Vegetation
Park City’s WUI guidelines emphasize fire-adaptive landscaping — meaning plants that resist ignition and reduce flame spread.
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Avoid conifers, junipers, and tall ornamental grasses near structures.
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Use irrigated ground cover and low-moisture plants.
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Maintain clearance around propane tanks, fences, and woodpiles.
The city’s Defensible Space Guide provides plant lists, spacing diagrams, and examples.
What WUI Enforcement Means for HOAs
Homeowners’ associations play a central role in compliance — especially for neighborhoods with shared landscaping, trails, and architectural oversight. Under the new code, HOAs can be held responsible for ensuring common areas and collective properties meet vegetation and defensible space standards.
HOA Responsibilities Include:
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Community Risk Assessment: Review the HOA’s property map to identify lots or open areas within WUI boundaries.
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Vegetation Management: Coordinate seasonal maintenance of community landscaping, retaining walls, and shared open space to ensure defensible space continuity between lots.
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Covenant Alignment: Update CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) and design guidelines to reflect WUI requirements. Prohibit flammable materials in new fences, decks, or exterior remodels.
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Communication and Education: Provide residents with annual fire preparedness notices or host WUI workshops with local fire officials.
Some HOAs may also be eligible for state grants through the Utah Firewise Communities Program to offset vegetation management costs.
Enforcement Timeline and Inspections
| Date | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | WUI enforcement begins | All new builds and remodels must comply; initial inspections commence. |
| Spring–Summer 2026 | Citywide homeowner outreach | Park City Fire District will issue educational materials and schedule property assessments. |
| Late 2026 onward | Ongoing inspection cycle | Repeat inspections for high-risk areas; potential citation or re-inspection fees for noncompliance. |
Homeowners will receive advance notice before any city-initiated inspection. Voluntary compliance is strongly encouraged — Park City aims to achieve full adoption through collaboration rather than punitive action.
Common Compliance Questions
Q: Does WUI apply to existing homes?
Yes. While existing homes aren’t required to retroactively replace materials immediately, they must maintain defensible space and may need upgrades when permits for exterior work are filed.
Q: What if my HOA handles landscaping?
Owners remain responsible for defensible space on their individual lots, but HOAs must coordinate shared-area compliance. Collaboration is key — enforcement agencies may hold both parties accountable if risk zones overlap.
Q: Will the city issue fines for noncompliance?
Initially, enforcement will focus on education and remediation notices. Repeated or willful noncompliance may result in citations or delayed permit approvals.
Q: How can I find out if I’m in a WUI zone?
You can view Park City’s official WUI map on the Building Department’s webpage or request verification from the Fire District.
Insurance and Financial Implications
Although WUI enforcement is a safety initiative, it may also impact homeowners’ insurance. Many insurers now assess wildfire mitigation compliance as part of coverage and premium calculations. Maintaining documented compliance — including vegetation management logs or inspection reports — could reduce premium risk or demonstrate due diligence if claims arise.
Tip: Homeowners should retain digital copies of any WUI-related inspection or mitigation work for future insurance purposes.
Preparing for January 1, 2026: Action Plan for Homeowners and HOAs
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Review the Map: Confirm whether your property or HOA falls within Park City’s WUI boundary.
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Schedule a Home Assessment: Request a voluntary inspection through the Park City Fire District or consult a certified wildfire mitigation specialist.
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Update Maintenance Practices: Replace combustible mulch, trim vegetation, and remove flammable debris before spring 2026.
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Communicate with Your HOA: Align on landscaping contractors, compliance policies, and community risk planning.
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Plan for Future Upgrades: When replacing roofing, siding, or decking, select ignition-resistant materials that meet IWUIC standards.
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Document Everything: Keep a digital record of photos, receipts, and inspections — proof of compliance benefits both resale and insurance.
The Bigger Picture: A Safer Park City
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense across the West, and Park City’s proactive stance positions it as a model for mountain towns nationwide. The city’s combination of strict WUI code adoption, public education, and partnership with HOAs ensures long-term community resilience.
For property owners, the transition period between now and January 1, 2026 is the perfect time to prepare. Compliance isn’t just about meeting regulations — it’s about protecting lives, preserving property value, and strengthening the collective safety of Park City’s neighborhoods.
Bottom Line:
WUI enforcement may sound technical, but it’s ultimately about peace of mind. By understanding the new code and taking proactive steps now, Park City homeowners and HOAs can avoid compliance headaches later — and help ensure that this incredible mountain community remains both beautiful and safe for generations to come.
Written by Wayne Levinson, Park City Real Estate Professional – specializing in mountain properties and community compliance. For additional resources or guidance on WUI readiness, visit ParkCity.gov’s WUI Code Page or contact the Park City Fire District for inspection scheduling.
