Frequently Asked Questions

The IWUIC is one of the adopted series of the International Code Council’s set of model building codes.  The code sets requirements for vegetation management and ignition resistant construction within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) boundary.   

Teton County defines the WUI as “The line, area, or zone where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels. This general interface term technically refers to the areas where communities, structures, critical infrastructure, essential resources, and values at risk encroach onto wildfire-prone landscapes and vegetation. In Teton County, the land, developments, and communities adjacent to and surrounded by wildlands are at risk from flames or firebrands of a wildfire event.”  

Teton County first adopted the IWUIC in 2006 and is currently operating under the 2024 IWUIC.

Effective January 1, 2025 all private land parcels in Teton County and the Town of Jackson fall within the adopted WUI map.  The map can be viewed on the Teton County  GIS

An application for a WUI review must be submitted through SmartGov prior to take-in for a permit.  The application requires a dimensioned site plan that shows the footprint of the building in relation to other buildings and the property boundaries.  After the WUI review is completed by this department, a memo indicating if any Ignition Resistant construction is required will be provided for the applicant. 

All utilities in must be underground and require a permit per county ordinances.  Radiant and direct heat from wildland fires can expand the gas within the above-ground tanks.  This expansion causes tanks to vent off live gas, adding fuel to the fire.  A buried tank will not heat up during a fire.

The Town of Jackson allows burning two times per year, once in the spring and once in the fall during Town Clean-Up.   Any fire must be 50 feet from all combustibles including cars, buildings, fences, trees, etc.   Only vegetative waste can be burned including branches, brush, leaves and grass clippings.   During Burn week Teton County Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling offers free drop-off for yard waste up to 500 pounds.  JH Fire/EMS strongly recommends using alternative sources of waste removal in lieu of burning.