Austin Fire Code has changed.

Starting July 2025, Austin's Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code will require that any fence attached to a building, or within 5 feet of a habitable structure, be built from ignition-resistant materials. This applies to new construction, remodels, and additions. Existing fences are not automatically required to be replaced.

The new requirements take effect July 2025. They will apply to building permits filed after that date.

Approved ignition-resistant fence materials include:

• Non-combustible metals (steel, aluminum, wrought iron)
• Concrete, stone, brick, or masonry fencing
• Certain composites and fiber cement products
• Fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW) specifically rated for exterior use (e.g., Saferwood, Thermex-FR, FRX) Vinyl and untreated wood fences are not compliant.

No. Existing fences are grandfathered. You don't need to replace them unless you are doing new construction, additions, or major remodels. However, if you build a new structure next to a fence that is non-compliant, the fence section attached to the structure may need to meet the ignition-resistant requirement.

The requirement only applies to fences attached to or within 5 feet of a structure. Fences beyond that distance are not covered by this rule.

Check the Austin Fire Department's list of approved materials or consult with a licensed contractor or building inspector. They can confirm if your fence meets ignition-resistant requirements and suggest approved alternatives.

The WUI code has different "proximity classes" (A, B, C) based on your distance from wildland areas, which change certain building requirements. But the 5-foot fence rule applies broadly in WUI-designated areas when a fence is attached to or very close to a building.

If your fence doesn't meet the code, the city can deny your building permit, issue a code violation, or require changes before final approval. To avoid delays, it's best to plan for compliant materials from the start.