Los Alamos County Council Adopts Wildland Urban Interface Code

Published on June 13, 2025

Los Alamos County has adopted new building rules to help protect homes, families, and the environment from wildfires. The County approved Ordinance No. 02-368 in May 2025, using important parts of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC). These rules are made to keep buildings safer in areas where homes and wildland meet. 

The new code recognizes Los Alamos County is in what’s called a wildland-urban interface area, where homes are close to wildfire-prone vegetation. Because the county is in a Class 1 fire hazard zone—the highest level of risk—the changes are meant to make buildings much less prone to catching fire.

The ordinance includes Chapter 5: Class 1 Ignition-Resistance Construction and Materials, which sets new safety rules for roofs, outside walls, decks, and other structures. Any new construction or major repairs must use fire-resistant materials. These changes help reduce the chances of homes being damaged or destroyed during a wildfire. 

“These standards are critical to protecting lives, property, and the environment in a high-risk area like Los Alamos,” said David Martinez, Chief Building Officer for Los Alamos County. 

The new rules will be carried out by the County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Building Safety Division. 

To read the full ordinance and learn how it may affect future home building or repairs, visit https://lacnm.com/WUI-ord.