Do not plant or install any species of juniper, also called Juniperus spp.
A juniper planted or installed before January 21, 2026 may be maintained. It may not be:
- Replanted
- Relocated
- Replaced with another juniper species
Fire hardening code
Louisville’s Fire Hardening Code sets minimum rules for fire-resistant building materials. The rules cover residential and commercial structures. This means homes and business buildings.
The code helps lower wildfire risk and slow fire from spreading between buildings.
The City adopted the following ordinances to update the Fire Hardening Code:
- Ordinance 1884, Series 2024 (Original Fire Hardening Code)
- Ordinance 1891, Series 2025 (Amending Fire Hardening Code)
- Emergency Ordinance 1913, Series 2026
When the code applies
The code applies to:
- New construction
- Accessory structures (another structure on the same property)
- Repairs or replacement of certain building parts
Emergency Ordinance 1913 took effect on January 21, 2026. Its changes apply to any permit application received on or after that date for:
- New residential or commercial construction
- Additions
- Replacement of building materials
The ordinance also added rules prohibit new planting or replacement of junipers.
Planning a building project?
Check the rules before you buy materials or start work. Ask your contractor to get the right permit and follow all fire hardening requirements.
Fire Hardening Checklist (English) Fire Hardening Checklist (Spanish)
What property owners need to know
The rules apply to new construction. They also apply to some repair or replacement projects, such as decks and fences.
Talk with your contractor before work starts. Make sure your contractor has the needed permit and knows the requirements outlined on this page.
Select a building part to read its requirements.
A fence within 5 feet of a home or commercial building must be fire- and ignition-resistant. This means the material is harder to ignite and spread flame.
The fence must meet one of these requirements:
- Have a Class A rating under ASTM E84 or UL 723
- Use an ignition-resistant material such as metal, masonry (brick/block work), or stone
Do not use a treated building material unless the treatment is rated to keep its Class A rating for the life of the material without reapplication.
Deck surfaces and railings must be fire- and ignition-resistant.
They must have:
- A maximum flame spread rating of 25
- A Class A rating under ASTM E84 or UL 723
A flame spread rating measures how fast flame moves across the surface.
Do not use a treated building material unless the treatment is rated to keep its Class A rating for the life of the material without reapplication.
Metal railings are allowed.
For decks that are 6 feet or lower to the ground, cover the area below the deck with one of these options:
- Gravel placed over 6-mil plastic sheeting
- A concrete slab
This keeps plants from growing below the deck.
Roof coverings and shingles must have a Class A rating under ASTM E108 or UL 790. These are standard tests for roof materials.
A Class A roof covering is expected to:
- Work during severe fire exposure
- Give a high level of protection to the roof deck
- Stay in place
- Not create a flying brand hazard
The roof deck is the base layer of the roof.
A flying brand hazard is a burning piece of material that can blow through the air.
Roof, attic, and foundation vents
Roof, attic, and foundation vents must be covered with metal mesh.
The mesh openings must be 1/8 inch or smaller.
Gutters must be metal.
- Vinyl gutters are not allowed.
- Gutters must have gutter guards.
- The guards must prevent debris from building up.
Siding and eave materials must be one of these types:
- Cementitious siding
- Stone
- Stucco
- A composite material with a Class A rating under ASTM E84
Cementitious siding means siding made with cement. James Hardie Siding and Nichiha fiber cement are examples.
An eave is the part of a roof that extends past an outside wall.
Do not use a treated building material unless the treatment is rated to keep its Class A rating for the life of the material without reapplication.
What contractors need to know
Contractors are responsible for:
- Getting a building permit
- Following all fire hardening code requirements
Read the complete requirements in:
Questions about the code? Contact our Chief Building Official
Email Chief Building official or call 303-335-4580.