EXPLORING RESILIENCY

AND SUSTAINABILITY DESIGN

Barry J. Long, Jr., AIA, LEED AP,  principal and president of Urban Design Associates (UDA), said a strict building code helps, but it doesn’t ensure a property is insurable.

UDA creates resilient design that helps make properties insurable, while mitigating the costs of insurance in high-risk areas.

After UDA’s work, Paradise adopted its own wildfire ordinance to require that people maintain their lots to reduce combustible material.

“Paradise has very strong code enforcement now.” Long said.

“There is no such thing as a fireproof home,” Long said. “You can harden by having a fire-resistant roof, closing up vents to keep embers out and using windows that don’t melt and fall out.

Fireproofing the lot means nothing combustible within five feet of the structure. Set aside the [aesthetics] of plants and mulch around the foundation, and don’t build wood fences up to the side of a home.”