Bill > HB1254

This bill implements the International Wildland Urban Interface Code by establishing a comprehensive framework for addressing wildfire hazards in Washington state building codes. The legislation requires the state building code council to adopt the International Wildland Urban Interface Code by November 1, 2029, after the completion of statewide wildfire hazard and base-level wildfire risk maps for each county. The bill mandates that counties, cities, and towns issuing building permits in high and very high hazard areas must apply the new code. The Department of Natural Resources will develop and maintain statewide wildfire hazard and risk maps, collaborating with regional fire defense boards to ensure accuracy. Local governments can create their own wildfire maps until the statewide maps are complete, and they may adopt local amendments to the code with approval from the local fire marshal. The bill also requires coordination with various state agencies to ensure that defensible space requirements align with existing environmental regulations, and it provides a technical assistance and grant program to help local jurisdictions develop wildland urban interface area maps. This approach aims to improve building safety and resilience in wildfire-prone regions by implementing science-based building standards tailored to local wildfire risks.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1254&Year=2025&Initiative=false