Responding to an increased risk of wildfire, Austin became the first major city in Texas to adopt a code aimed at curbing wildfires.
The action came after an internal audit suggested the action could reduce the risk of wildfires, particularly in areas outside the urban core. The new ordinance is based on the International Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code.
Austin’s Public Safety Commission had recommended tighter wildfire protection standards for structures built between the city’s wildlands and urban center, and endorsed the adoption of a WUI code. In April 2020, the city council unanimously adopted the code—an action that came after four years of study and planning.
The new WUI code requires that all new homes and businesses constructed near wildland areas be built with special ignition-resistant construction materials, and mandates the safe storage of combustible materials like liquefied petroleum gas. Properties that are particularly vulnerable could be required to better manage vegetation.
Related Stories
| Jun 21, 2012
Brazilian engineering/construction firm Odebrecht sues Florida over ban on companies doing business in Cuba
Odebrecht Construction Inc., a Brazilian engineering and construction company, is suing the State of Florida over a new law that bans governments from hiring companies with business ties to Cuba.
| Jun 21, 2012
String of shattered glass balcony panels prompts call for code reform in Ontario
Since last summer, glass balconies have shattered at 13 different buildings in Toronto.
| Jun 21, 2012
California adds window film to building code
California is the first state to add window film into its building code. Window film, a polymer material, offers cost-effective energy savings.
| Jun 21, 2012
New ISO standard to improve environmental management of concrete
A new ISO standard will help the construction industry better manage the environmental impacts of concrete.
| Jun 21, 2012
On net-zero projects, Building Teams will be held accountable for energy-efficiency performance
The building team will be held accountable for how net-zero energy buildings perform two, five, and maybe ten years after completion.
| Jun 14, 2012
USGBC co-founder launches rating system for building product manufacturers
U.S. Green Building Council co-founder David Gottfried’s new venture, Regenerative Ventures, has established a rating system for building product manufacturers.
| Jun 14, 2012
Green standard set for single-ply roofing membrane
A sustainability standard has been established for single-ply roofing membranes used on commercial buildings.
| Jun 14, 2012
Minnesota Vikings stadium plan gets legislative go-ahead
Legislation that approved the construction of a new billion dollar stadium for the Minnesota Vikings passed the Minnesota legislature.
| Jun 14, 2012
Report alleges New York’s prevailing construction wages are miscalculated, costing billions
A miscalculation in how prevailing wages are calculated in New York reportedly costs the state $3 billion a year in public-infrastructure projects.
