The Boulder City Environmental Advisory Board convened on August 8, 2025, to discuss key issues surrounding local environmental regulations and community concerns. The meeting focused on the implications of a proposed non-combustible zone and its impact on urban gardening.

The discussion began with council members expressing concerns about the regulation requiring a five-foot non-combustible zone around properties. Council member Schuhart and Mayor Brockett raised questions regarding whether growing food, which typically has high water content, could be considered a fire hazard. They emphasized the need for clarity on how this regulation might affect residents who utilize small spaces for food production.

A significant point of contention was whether the five-foot gap would unduly restrict those with limited yard space, particularly in areas like Holiday, where lot sizes are small. Some members argued that the regulation might not significantly impact food growers, while others highlighted the philosophical dilemma of balancing fire safety with the right to cultivate food.

The board also discussed the potential for variances in the non-combustible zone for smaller lots. The conversation shifted to the development of an approved plant list that would guide residents on suitable vegetation for these zones. The aim is to identify species that are both fire-resistant and capable of thriving in the designated areas, focusing on high water content and low-growing plants.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that while the non-combustible zone should remain in place, there is room for further exploration of how food production can coexist within these regulations. The board plans to continue discussions on this topic, seeking to find a balance that addresses both safety and community gardening needs.