Pima County, AZ Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2024 Intl. Wildland-Urban Interface Code
- Older edition
- 2018 WUI Code. Rural Forest Village only
- Citation
- Pima County Code § 15.04.020(A)(9)
- Scope
- Unincorporated Pima County only
Summary
Pima County adopted the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code for new construction, while the older 2018 edition still applies specifically to Rural Forest Village areas designated under the county comprehensive plan.
The 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, as amended by Exhibit I attached to Ordinance 2025-15. The 2018 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code applies only to areas designated Rural Forest Village under the Pima County Comprehensive Plan and areas encircled thereby;
10. The 2024 International Existing Building Code, as amended by Exhibit J attached to Ordinance 2025-15;
11. The 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, as amended by Exhibit K attached to Ordinance 2025-15;
B. The Pima County building code incorporates the following local ordinances and codes into the building code by reference:
1. The International Building Code Appendix F: Noise level reduction design and construction standards, Attached as Exhibit A to Ordinance 2008-119.
2. The 2012 City of Tucson/Pima County Outdoor Lighting Code, attached as Exhibit A to Ordinance 2012-14 (See
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-64: Contains Supplement, with local legislation through Ordinance 2026-9, passed 7-28-2026, current through 7-28-2026).
Full Breakdown
Pima County Code § 15.04.020(A)(9) adopts the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, as amended by Exhibit I to Ordinance 2025-15, as part of the county building code governing construction in wildfire-prone terrain. The same paragraph carves out an exception: the 2018 edition of the Wildland-Urban Interface Code continues to apply only in areas the county comprehensive plan designates Rural Forest Village, and areas encircled by them, mainly foothill and canyon subdivisions outside Tucson's city limits.
Violations & Fines
Building in a designated wildfire zone without complying with the adopted Wildland-Urban Interface Code is a civil infraction under § 15.04.050, enforced through the county hearing officer process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pima County regulate construction in wildfire zones?
Which areas use the older 2018 WUI Code instead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pima County
Compare Pima County to another location·View the Arizona fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.