Fire Protection Criteria Manual Update - Wildland-Urban Interface Code
Fire Protection Criteria Manual Update - Wildland-Urban Interface Code
Austin Fire is seeking feedback on proposed updates to the Fire Protection Criteria Manual. These changes would align the Fire Protection Criteria Manual and 2024 Wildland-Urban Interface Code (WUI Code) content. If adopted, the changes are expected to take effect in 2026.
Overview
The Fire Protection Criteria Manual (FPCM) is a technical manual referenced in Austin’s Land Development Code. The FPCM outlines how to follow the Fire and WUI Codes. It includes rules, examples, and local interpretations.
The proposed version of the FPCM has been shaped by public input and includes guidelines about how the WUI map will be kept up to date, permit and development submission requirements, fire and wildfire truck access rules, options for sites that are not easily compatible with the code, access solutions for areas impacted by new zoning, and answers to building material and design FAQs.
Proposed Update
If adopted, the proposed updates to the FPCM will impact:
- Section 1: Introduction | Table of Contents
- Section 4: Wildland-Urban Interface
- Section 7: Inspections | 7.2.12: WUI Code Inspection Criteria
The changes are expected to take effect in 2026.
Get Involved
Provide feedback on the proposed changes at the bottom of this page before January 2, 2026.
WUI Code Background
In April 2025, the City of Austin adopted the updated 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code with updated local amendments (WUI Code). This ordinance went into effect on July 10, 2025 and superseded the 2015 Wildland-Urban Interface Code implemented January 1, 2021.
Using the latest wildfire science, the 2024 WUI Code updates support wildfire response and safety planning, create clear zones around wildland areas to guide building rules (proximity zones), improve the WUI map to highlight vulnerable areas and make past interpretations official.
Frequently Asked Questions
Updating the criteria manual is necessary to reflect changes to the 2024 WUI Code, current processes, and current interpretations. Together, the updated WUI Code and this manual help make homes safer from wildfires and give people clear steps the follow.
Austin Fire staff will incorporate the public input gathered during this feedback process into the proposed changes, which will then be presented at two meetings of the Technical Advisory Review Panel (TARP) in January and April 2026.
The proposed changes may undergo another round of revisions depending on the feedback of the TARP and additional public comment periods. Once finalized, the changes will be formally adopted.
Additional changes will be proposed throughout 2026 for the remaining sections of the Fire Protection Criteria Manual. The FPCM has not been updated since March 22, 2021 to reflect the previous edition of the WUI Code and needs to reflect current codes and practices.
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Who’s Listening?
Austin Fire
Engineering and Plan Review - WUI Team