Eligible properties must meet all program requirements and be defined as: 

• Rental Apartments (Multifamily) 
  • Applicant: Building owner or managing entity 
  • Designation Recipient: Building owner  

• Owner-Occupied Attached Units with a Managing Entity (e.g., condominiums, HOA-governed properties)  
  • Properties must be governed by a managing entity (e.g., HOA, condo board, or similar authority) that has authority over exterior building features, including the roof, structure, and landscape. Eligible property types include:  
    • Condominiums  
    • Townhomes 
    • Duplexes
    • Multiplexes (3 or more units)  
    • Note: Additional shared-use or accessory structures serving the residential community may be included (e.g., clubhouse, detached garage, fitness center, laundry facility, pet spas).  

• Applicant: Managing entity (e.g., HOA, condo board) 

• Designation Recipient: Managing entity  

Yes.  

• The Base (Essential) level focuses on ember protection – the leading cause of structure ignitions.  
• The Plus (Enhanced) level includes all Base (Essential) requirements and adds protection against flames and radiant heat.  

Most existing structures start with Base (Essential) and may upgrade to Plus (Enhanced) over time. For example, after replacing windows or siding.

Complete all required actions for your selected level before applying. To be eligible for designation, the entire building and surrounding area to 30 feet must meet all program requirements. Individual units are not eligible for Multifamily designation.  

Once your property meets every requirement, apply, pay the fee, and submit clear eligibility photos demonstrating compliance. 

• Complete the required wildfire mitigation, using the Wildfire Prepared Multifamily: How-To Prepare Checklist, based on the Technical Standard. 
• Fill out the Wildfire Prepared Multifamily Inquiry Form  
• Once approved to apply, visit the website at https://wildfireprepared.org and click “Apply Now.” 
• Pay the nonrefundable application fee, per structure. 
• Submit eligibility photos for IBHS review.  

Yes. To earn a Wildfire Prepared Multifamily designation for each structure, you must complete and maintain all required actions for the selected level. Wildfire will find the weakest link, making comprehensive mitigation essential—partial mitigation will not qualify. 

Only structures that fully meet all program requirements are eligible for designation. Shared spaces, accessory structures, landscaping, and exposures within 30 feet may affect eligibility. 

Properties with multiple buildings may be evaluated individually or collectively depending on site layout and ownership structure.  

You may also be eligible for a Neighborhood designation which can be determined during the Inquiry phase. 

Yes. Many multifamily properties can complete work over time. However, a structure cannot receive a designation until all required actions for the selected designation level are completed.

Yes. Contractors, mitigation specialists, consultants, or property maintenance staff familiar with the program can help prepare your property.  

At this time, IBHS does not endorse specific contractors, but we provide resource links that may help you find support in your area. IBHS does work with a few strategic partners, such as Madronus, that are listed under Resources.

Follow the photo guide carefully and submit clear, well-lit images that show: 

• All sides of the structure 
• Key building features 
• The 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone 

If additional documentation is needed, IBHS staff will contact you through the portal. 

Some multifamily owners or Condo HOAs choose to consult a contractor or mitigation specialist first. However, if you choose to do-it-yourself and miss something that will be identified during the photo review or evaluation, IBHS will provide guidance on required corrections. 

If deficiencies are identified, you’ll receive written guidance in the portal on required corrections. You’ll have 60 days to complete updates and resubmit photo documentation. If the application closes due to inactivity, you will need to apply again and pay a new fee. 

The process typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly required mitigation work is completed and evaluator availability in your area. 

Applicants are responsible for complying with local laws and regulations. In some cases, conflicts with local requirements may affect eligibility for designation.

How long does it take for someone to come evaluate my property?

An evaluator will verify that all required mitigation actions have been completed and maintained. This includes reviewing: 

• Defensible space 
• Building features 
• Roof and vents 
• Attached and detached structures 
• Landscaping and combustible materials near the structure 

Evaluations are exterior only and typically do not require access to interior units.

No. Snow cover prevents proper vegetation and other defensible space assessments. Evaluations must occur when surfaces are visible. 

Expedited scheduling is not available. Complete the requirements, apply early, and communicate your timeline when scheduling. 

After your evaluation, documentation is uploaded to the portal and reviewed by IBHS. Reviews are typically completed within a couple of weeks. 

If additional work is required or questions arise, IBHS will notify you through the portal. Once approved, your designation certificate will be issued there as well.

You will receive an email, and the portal will update when your designation is approved. You can download your digital certificate from the portal. 

To maintain an active designation, you must apply for an annual photo-based review, which is required during years one and two. IBHS may request additional documentation if concerns arise regarding continued compliance.

To maintain your designation, you must continue meeting all program requirements. Adding combustible materials within 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone could affect the designation status. Planting outside of 5 feet can help with curb appeal. 

The managing entity is responsible for maintaining compliance with all program requirements affecting designated structures and surrounding areas. 

Failure to maintain requirements may affect designation status. 

The designation remains with the designated property for the remainder of the active designation period, provided all program requirements continue to be maintained. 

A structure is an individual building evaluated for designation. Multiple buildings on one property may require separate applications and evaluations, depending on layout and ownership structure. 

IBHS will provide additional guidance during the inquiry process. 

Insurance discounts are not guaranteed and vary by insurer and state. Some insurers may consider wildfire mitigation efforts and designation status when evaluating risk. Ask your insurance provider.  

Additional benefits include: 

• Documented risk reduction 
• Potential insurance eligibility improvements 
• Increased resale appeal 
• Greater peace of mind 

A structure is an individual building evaluated for designation. Multiple buildings on one property may require separate applications and evaluations, depending on layout and ownership structure. 

IBHS will provide additional guidance during the inquiry process. 

A structure is an individual building evaluated for designation. Multiple buildings on one property may require separate applications and evaluations, depending on layout and ownership structure. 

IBHS will provide additional guidance during the inquiry process. 

Yes. Detached structures within 30 feet of a structure must meet program requirements. The Base (Essential) level allows limited structures with specific spacing and mitigation requirements. The Plus (Enhanced) level requires no detached structures within 30 feet of the main structure.

No. Properties under active construction are not eligible. Apply once construction is complete and the structure can be evaluated against all requirements.

Research conducted by IBHS has shown that embers igniting combustibles which turn to flames near the structure can lead to home and building ignitions during wildfires. Reducing combustible materials closest to the structure significantly improves survivability. 

Research shows buildings most often ignite from embers accumulating next to the structure or from flames and heat from materials burning within five feet. Plants, mulch, and other combustibles near exterior walls create an ignition pathway. 

The 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone is one of the most effective actions a multifamily owner can take to reduce ignition risk.  

No. The 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone must contain only noncombustible materials. Even low-growing or drought-tolerant plants can ignite when winds are whipping, embers are flying, and items near structures are igniting. There are no exceptions, even if plants are irrigated or classified as fire-resistant. 

Measure horizontally from the exterior wall outward five feet in all directions. 

If you have an attached deck, patio, or projection: 

• Measure from the outermost posts if combustible. 
• If fully noncombustible (concrete, metal, stucco, fiber cement), measure from the exterior wall. 

The zone extends vertically to the sky. 

No. Vinyl (plastic) fencing is considered combustible. During extreme wildfire conditions, vinyl can melt, ignite, or contribute to fire spread. 

All fencing materials within the 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone must be noncombustible. Vinyl fencing within five feet of the building must be replaced with a noncombustible material, such as metal or concrete. 

For a Base (Essential) level designation, measure five feet from the outermost deck posts.  

For a Plus (Enhanced) level designation, decking must be fully noncombustible to qualify. 

If the patio is noncombustible and extends five feet from the wall, and the balconies are fully noncombustible material, it satisfies the requirement in that area. Measure from the wall outward.

Hot tubs must: 

• Be at least 10 feet from exterior walls and other large combustibles, and not under a combustible overhead structure (e.g., balcony).  

• Have noncombustible material extending 2 feet around all sides if located on combustible decking (wood or composite).  

• If on a noncombustible patio or deck, maintain the 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone around them. 

No. Fire-retardant materials can still burn, even though they’ve been chemically treated to burn slower. Move all combustible furniture at least 5 feet away to help ensure your furniture doesn’t ignite your structure.  

Store firewood and wood piles at least 30 feet away from the structure, unless it’s in an approved accessory structure. Fire-retardant tarps are not compliant within 30 feet. 

Option 1: 30-Foot Separation 

• The tank is located at least 30 feet from the structure. 

OR 

Option 2: 10-Foot Placement with Required Clearance 

The tank must be at least 10 feet from the structure and have the following minimum clearance: 

From 0–10 Feet (Surrounding the Tank): 

• Maintain 10 feet of noncombustible clearance to bare mineral soil by removing vegetation, groundcover, fences, and all combustible materials. 
• Permitted materials include gravel, pavers, river rock, decomposed granite, steppingstones, or concrete. 
• Healthy, mature trees may remain but must be limbed up with at least 6 feet of clearance above the tank. 

From 10–20 Feet (Surrounding the Tank): 

• Extend clearance an additional 10 feet by: 
  • Cutting grass to less than 4 inches 
  • Removing shrubs, bushes, small trees, and dead vegetation (limbs, logs, stumps)
• Healthy, mature trees may remain but must be limbed up with at least 6 feet of clearance above the tank. 

Yes, for Base (Essential) level, exterior walls must include at least 6 inches of noncombustible material at the ground level and above attached horizontal surfaces (e.g., deck or patio). 

This can be achieved by already having exposed concrete foundation or by installing noncombustible material (e.g., fiber-cement siding, metal flashing, brick or stone masonry, stucco) at the base of the wall. Purchase a matching or contrasting color or paint to match or complement your existing siding. 

Combustible materials can ignite and burn when exposed to embers, flames, or heat. Common examples include: 

• Siding: Vinyl, insulated vinyl, plastic composite (polymer), wood lap/shake/shingle siding, engineered wood 
• Fences/Decks: Any type of wood (even if “fire-resistant”), composite decking, vinyl decking, decks built on wood joists 
• Other materials: Cloth or fabric, mulch (wood or rubber), pine needles, grass, vegetation (even if irrigated), plastic items, trash bins, propane, straw 

Noncombustible materials will not ignite or burn when exposed to fire. 

Common examples include: 

• Siding: Three-coat stucco, fiber-cement, brick, stone, masonry veneer, metal 
• Decks: Steel joists, lightweight concrete, tile, stone, pavers, brick, aluminum 
• Groundcover / hardscape: Gravel, river rock, decomposed granite (DG), steppingstones, concrete 

(Materials that meet ASTM E136 are considered noncombustible.) 

• Download the Wildfire Prepared Multifamily: How-To Prepare Checklist to understand how to reduce your wildfire risk. 
• Fill out the Wildfire Prepared Multifamily Inquiry Form 
• Review the Wildfire Prepared Multifamily Technical Standard for additional guidance. 
• Once you apply, submit questions through the Wildfire Prepared Portal and an IBHS team member will assist you.