Understanding
the Wildland Urban Interface

What is the WUI?

The Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), is the zone where structures and other human development meet undeveloped land. These zones are more susceptible to wildfire damage and require specific safety measures. Counties and municipalities map the WUI to enforce the Utah WUI Code.

Wildfires continue to threaten people and property across Utah as our communities are rapidly expanding into the WUI. Effects from long-term drought and high levels of combustible materials present major concerns for these communities.

High Risk WUI Zone

Within a WUI, there are certain areas identified as being at greater risk for wildfires.
The High-Risk WUI boundary is created by the state as required by 2025’s House Bill 48 (see to the right). Insurance companies are required to utilize this boundary to identify high-risk WUI.
Properties with structures within the high-risk WUI boundary will be assessed an annual fee and encouraged to have a certified WUI lot assessment. These assessments identify ways in which the property owner can reduce their wildfire risk through improving their defensible space and ignition resistant construction. Fees are based on the square footage of taxable structures on the property and may be adjusted according to the classification level assigned.

Are You in the High-Risk Zone?

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Quick explanation of House Bill 48

House Bill 48 (HB 48), titled “Wildland Urban Interface Modifications”, was passed during the 2025 General Legislative Session in Utah and went into effect on January 1, 2026. HB 48’s primary intent is to increase awareness of wildfire risk and encourage property owners to share the responsibility of reducing that risk in the wildland urban interface (“WUI”). Under this bill, property owners in the high-risk WUI may request lot assessments to develop personalized risk mitigation strategies. A property fee will help support these assessments.

What if my property is in the high-risk WUI?

Here’s some important information for you to know.

Fees

House Bill 48 requires the Division to assess a fee on all structures within the High Risk Wildland Urban Interface boundary.
2026–2027: $20 to $100 flat fee per structure, based on square footage of taxable structures on the property. Starting in 2028, fees will be tiered based on the triage score assigned to the property by a certified lot assessment. As the property owner reduces their wildfire risk, the fee may be reduced.

Take action to reduce your fees:

Request and receive a certified lot assessment

Complete some or all of the recommended actions specified in their lot assessment

Contact the Division to have property improvements verified.

Lot Assessments

House Bill 48 requires the Division to offer lot assessments for all properties within the High Risk Wildland Urban Interface.
A Lot Assessment can help you:
- Identify specific actions you can take on your property to reduce your wildfire risk and potentially reduce your triage score and fee.
- Provide official documentation of reduced individual property wildfire risk that can potentially result in more favorable treatment by insurers.

Request a Free Lot Assessment

Insurance

House Bill 48 requires insurance carriers to increase transparency and align with the state on defining High Risk WUI.
Mitigating wildfire risk may improve the insurability of a property
Insurers must use the Division’s new high risk WUI Boundary when labeling a structure “High Risk” for wildfire.
HB 48 requires insurers to follow the High Risk WUI boundary map, ensuring the state and insurers agree on which properties are labeled as “High Risk WUI”. This ensures that insurance companies won’t incorrectly assume a house is in a high-risk zone when deciding whether to insure it and how much to charge.

FAQs

How is the fee determined?

Fees are assessed per the taxable square footage of the structure in question. Additionally, starting in 2028, fees will be tiered based on the triage score assigned to the property by a certified lot assessment. As the property owner reduces their wildfire risk, the fee may be reduced.

Can I appeal the fee?

Yes. The appeals process will be defined in administrative rules.

Can I completely eliminate my fee by reducing the risk?

No, if the structure is in the High Risk WUI there will always be a fee. But the owner can reduce the fee amount by completing the work outlined in the lot assessment.

What is the criteria for the assessment?

Classification III (extreme risk) – the structure and vegetation do not meet the defensible space or ignition resistant construction requirements in the Utah WUI Code.
Classification II (very high risk) – either the structure or the vegetation meet the code, but not both.
Classification I (high risk) – both the structure and vegetation meet the requirements of the Utah WUI code.

Can I opt-out of the Lot Assessment?

Yes. However, you will be charged the highest fee and considered to be at the highest risk. Alternatively, you may hire a private assessor who is certified by the Division. Assessments are not legally required.

Can my insurance company use the WUI map to drop me?

HB 48 is intended to do the opposite and help property owners retain their insurance coverage, by ensuring their property is fairly classified and identifying risks and actions to reduce them.

What can I do if my insurance drops me or raises my premium

Property owners can request that insurer disclose their rationale to property owners when premiums rise >20% or when coverage is discontinued due to risks of wildfire.
Ask the insurer to provide precise reasons for its decision. You may find that the insurer’s decision was based on incorrect information. Or you may find that making fire-wise changes to your property will convince the insurer to provide coverage.
If the insurer hasn’t followed the map or new transparency rules, property owners may contact the Utah Insurance Department to report the issue. The Utah Insurance Department will then investigate and require the company to prove its compliance with the law.
Property owners can shop around for other coverage. Be willing to make fire-wise improvements to your property. In the Insurance Department’s experience, it’s more likely than not that another insurer will accept your application but likely at a higher cost.

Understandingthe Wildland Urban Interface