El Paso's Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zones include the Franklin Mountains interface, Scenic Drive, and desert-edge neighborhoods on the Westside and Northeast.
The El Paso Fire Marshal applies International Fire Code Chapter 49 to properties in WUI zones. New and renovated structures must use Class A roofing, ember-resistant vents, enclosed soffits, and noncombustible materials within five feet of the foundation. Landscape rules require native and fire-resistant plants and prohibit ornamental grasses under eaves. The Franklin Mountains, Castner Range, and northeast slopes are primary wildfire risk areas. El Paso experiences high winds and dry conditions from spring through early summer that create extreme fire behavior. Homeowners in these zones should maintain defensible space year-round.
Code violations: Class C misdemeanor, $100 to $500 first offense; stop-work orders on construction not meeting WUI standards. Civil liability may apply if a violation contributes to wildfire spread.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
El Paso, TX
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See how El Paso's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
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