Louisville homeowners who are looking to rebuild their fences or decks must comply with the city’s new Fire Hardening Building Code, which is meant to protect the community against any future wildfire, according to city materials.

Louisville City Council members also recently amended the code to allow homeowners to buy less expensive flame-resistant materials and still meet the city code requirements. The aim with the amendment is to give homeowners more affordable options when they’re trying to meet the city code, said Rob Zuccaro, community development director.

City staffers researched local prices for flame-resistant materials, including composite decking, before suggesting the amendment to the code. They found that Class A composite decking, which is the least likely to burn, cost $7.64 per linear foot at some local home supply stores. Class B composite decking, which was slightly more likely to burn, cost $6.12 per linear foot.

The new amendment allows for both Class A-rated and Class B-rated materials, both of which are rated based on how non-combustible the materials are and how quickly they spread a flame.

During a meeting last week, the council voted 6-1 to allow for both Class A and Class B materials to be used for fencing and deck materials. Councilmember Caleb Dickinson voted against the ordinance.

The Fire Hardening Building Code went into effect in December. It places fire standards on materials used for roofs, attics, gutters and siding among other things. The code applies to new construction for commercial and residential buildings.

Louisville’s focus on flame-resistant materials comes after the December 2021 Marshall Fire, which killed two people, destroyed more than 1,000 homes in Superior and Louisville and caused more than $2 billion in damage.