HomeMy WebLinkAboutPEC_WUI_Code_Adoption 090618.docxTo: Planning and Environmental Commission
From: Paul Cada, Wildland Program Administrator
Date: September 10, 2018
Subject: Proposed Adoption of the 2018 ICC WUI Code with Amendments
Background
Over the past 16 years the Town of Vail and Eagle County have acknowledged the potential threat that wildfire presents to the safety, health and vitality of the community. To address
this threat Eagle County adopted wildfire specific building regulations in 2003. These building regulations have been directly attributed to structural survivability during the recent
Lake Christine Fire. In 2016 the Town of Vail incorporated guidelines within the design code to acknowledge the importance of ignition resistant construction and landscapint.
Current Situation
As part of the 2018 code adoption cycle Vail Fire is proposing that the Town adopt the 2018 International Code Council (ICC) International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUI Code) with
amendments. An amended version of the IWUI code is attached to this memo. To support the adoption of the IWUI code it is also recommended that sections 14-10-5 and 14-10-8 of the Town
Codes be amended. A red line version of these sections are attached to the memo.
The ICC IWUI code is a comprehensive code addressing all aspects of community protection from wildfire. Adopting this code will substantially reduce the potential for catastrophic loss
of property due to wildfire, providing for an overall safer community. This strategy also greatly enhances the sustainability and resiliency of our community, as wildfire poses a significant
risk to Gore Creek, the environment, and the economic vitality of our community.
This code is consistent with current building and landscaping practices within the Town and adjacent Unincorporated Eagle County.
The IWUI code as proposed will codify current design and building practices prescribed in the current design guidelines.
Adoption of this code will not cause substantial added time or expense to the development of a property.
A substantial number of products, including many currently in use within the Town, are available to meet the various requirements of the code.
The code provides for a number of methods to achieve compliance.
The code will not negatively impact the ability to comply with the requirements of the design code.
Local builders are required to meet many of the same requirements when completing projects in unincorporated Eagle County to comply with the Eagle County Wildfire Mitigation Codes.
The code has been amended to address the unique building and environmental challenges of the area and to conform with local building practices.
Results of the 2018 community survey show that more than 85% of respondents support design standards that facilitate the creation of defensible space and increasing community safety.
Vail Fire feels that the amended version of the IWUI code provides substantial choices in building material and design to meet the current Town design guidelines. The use of ignition
resistant building materials is currently strongly encouraged in the design guidelines and most projects currently underway within the Town are complying with the proposed code. The
most substantial change from the Town’s current practices and the proposed adoption of the code would be the requirement to inspect landscape installations to ensure that they are installed
as designed.
Staff Recommendation
1. Review the proposed code body provide feedback to staff.
2. Review the amendments to sections 14-10-5 and 14-10-8 and provide a recommendation for adoption to Town Council.