Vancouver adopts the International Fire Code (IFC) by reference under VMC Ch. 16.04. The IFC and Washington State's adopted Wildland-Urban Interface Code require vegetation management to reduce fire hazard near structures, enforced by the Vancouver Fire Marshal.
VMC Chapter 16.04 adopts the International Fire Code as amended by RCW 19.27 and WAC 51-54A. IFC Chapter 49 (Wildland-Urban Interface) and Section 315 (Combustible Material Storage) require property owners to manage vegetation and combustible materials near structures to reduce fire hazard. The Vancouver Fire Marshal's Office enforces these provisions. Washington State separately adopted the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC), which applies in designated WUI areas and requires 30-foot defensible space zones with cleared vegetation. Local amendments to the IFC are codified in VMC 16.04.050. Permits may be required for certain land-clearing activities near critical areas under VMC 20.740.
Violations of VMC Ch. 16.04 fire code provisions are enforced by the Fire Marshal; orders to abate fire hazards may be issued, with civil fines and potential criminal penalties for non-compliance.
Vancouver, WA
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Vancouver, WA
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See how Vancouver's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
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