Austin's Wildfire (WUI) Code for Homeowners

Much of west and southwest Austin, and pockets elsewhere along greenbelts and preserves, sits inside the city's Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) code area. If your home is in it, the code affects roof replacements, additions, decks and even where you put the grill. Here's how to find out and what changes.

Step 1: find your proximity zone

The Austin Fire Department publishes an interactive WUI code map. Zones are based on distance to wildland:

If the map puts you in Zone A or B, the fire department says to confirm on site by measuring to the nearest wildland. The zone determines which requirements apply.

Step 2: what the code requires

For everyone in the WUI area:

• Roofs: Class A fire-rated roof coverings, with valleys and gaps fire-stopped or covered with an approved cap sheet. Under Austin's amendments, replacing 50% or more of a roof requires a full replacement to WUI standards, and it takes a permit, even for asphalt-to-asphalt work that is otherwise exempt.
• Ember Ignition Zone: a five-foot noncombustible zone around structures. That means no mulch, combustible decking or flammable plants right against the house.
• Outdoor fires, grills and fireplaces: the code references a 30-foot noncombustible zone and fire-resistive vegetation for outdoor fire features.

Additional rules in Zone A (within 50 feet of wildland):

• Ignition-resistant building materials, tested to a 30-minute standard.
• No soffit vents, plus ignition-resistant materials at eaves.
• Stricter requirements for decks, siding and other exterior components.

The fire department's WUI page links each requirement to the code section. Use it with your designer.

How it affects common projects

Re-roofing. Replacing less than half the roof may stay permit-exempt, but replacing 50% or more triggers full WUI compliance and a permit. Budget for Class A assemblies and compliant vents. See our roofing guide.

Additions and ADUs. New construction must meet WUI construction standards. HOME Phase 2's small-lot option initially excluded WUI properties. See our ADU guide.

Decks and patios. Combustible decking right against the house conflicts with the five-foot ember zone. Consider noncombustible surfaces next to the house and ignition-resistant decking beyond.

Outdoor kitchens and fire pits. Plan for the noncombustible zone and keep fire features away from structures and vegetation. See our outdoor living guide.

Landscaping. Gravel or stone in the first five feet, fire-resistive plants, and limbed-up trees reduce risk.

Retrofits worth doing even without a project

• Replace vent screens with fine metal mesh or ember-resistant vents.
• Clear gutters and roof valleys of leaves and needles.
• Move firewood and combustible storage away from the house and from under decks.
• Swap mulch for gravel in the five-foot zone.
• Make sure wood fences don't attach directly to the house. Use a metal section or gate.

Insurance and resale

Wildfire risk increasingly affects homeowners insurance in Texas. Documenting WUI-compliant upgrades (roof rating, vents, defensible space) can help when you shop for coverage or sell.

A practical home-hardening checklist

Whether or not your remodel triggers WUI requirements, these steps reduce ember risk:

• Clear the first 5 feet around the house of wood mulch, dead plants and stored firewood. Use gravel, pavers or bare soil.
• Clean gutters and roof valleys of leaves and needles, especially before summer.
• Screen vents with fine metal mesh (1/8 inch is a common target) to stop embers entering attics and crawl spaces.
• Enclose the underside of decks, or keep the space under them clear of combustibles.
• Swap wood fence sections that attach directly to the house for metal or masonry.
• Trim tree branches away from the roof and chimney.
• Keep a hose that reaches all sides of the home.

The Austin Fire Department and Texas A&M Forest Service publish home-hardening resources and can help you assess wildfire risk.