2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code – ICC IWUIC-2021

Scope:
The 2021 IWUIC® establishes minimum requirements for land use and the built environment in designated wildland-urban interface areas. It provides prescriptive and performance-based provisions to mitigate wildfire hazards to structures and communities. Grounded in empirical fire data, global technical reports, and proven mitigation strategies, the code is a key regulatory and planning resource for jurisdictions at risk from wildland fires.

Key Features and Content Highlights:

• Wildfire Risk Reduction:
  Defines construction standards, vegetation management, defensible space, and fuel modification strategies aimed at reducing structural vulnerability and fire spread in interface zones.
• Dual Approach to Compliance:
  Offers both prescriptive methods and performance-based alternatives, allowing jurisdictions and designers flexibility while ensuring minimum safety thresholds are met.
• Land Use and Building Standards:
  Includes requirements for ignition-resistant construction, fire-resistive roofing, exterior walls, and eaves, as well as access roads, water supply, and emergency responder support infrastructure.
• Integration with Other I-Codes:
  Fully coordinated with the 2021 I-Codes® (including IBC, IFC, IRC), supporting streamlined adoption and enforcement in multi-hazard, multi-agency code systems.
• Backed by Broad Stakeholder Input:
  Developed with participation from the AIA, IAFC, NASFM, and NAHB, ensuring balanced representation of design, fire safety, regulatory, and construction industry perspectives.

The IWUIC serves code officials, planners, fire marshals, architects, and developers as a comprehensive framework to enhance community resilience and reduce wildfire risk in the expanding wildland-urban interface.