Beverly Hills Municipal Code Art. 17 Wildland-Urban Interface Code

The 2025 edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, excluding all appendices except Appendix F (Characteristics of Fire-Smart Vegetation), G (Voluntary Home Hardening Recommendations), U (Red Flag Restrictions in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones), V (Prohibited Vegetation) and W (Targeted Vegetation Species) is hereby adopted by reference, subject to the amendments set forth in Section 9-1-1702. (Ord. 25-O-2926, eff. 1-1-2026; amd. Ord. 25-O-2929, 12-9-2025)

The California Wildland-Urban Interface Code adopted pursuant to Section 9-1-1701 is hereby amended as follows:

Section 101.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

101.1 Title.

For the City of Beverly Hills, these regulations shall be known as the Beverly Hills Wildland-Urban Interface Code. The provisions contained in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code of the (compiled) California Building Standards Code as defined in section 18910, Health and Safety Code, may be cited as such and are referred to hereafter as 'these regulations' or 'these building standards' or 'this code.' These regulations shall also be collectively known as the 'California Wildland-Urban Interface Code' as amended by the Beverly Hills Municipal Code.

Section 101.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

101.2 Scope.

This code applies to building materials, systems and/or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings and structures including relocated structures, and additions and altered portions to existing buildings and structures located within a wildland-urban interface (WUI) area and contains minimum requirements to mitigate conditions that might cause a fire originating in a structure to ignite vegetation in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) area, and conversely, a wildfire burning in vegetative fuels to transmit fire to buildings and threaten to destroy life, overwhelm fire suppression capabilities or result in large property losses.

Section 101.3 ,excluding subsections, of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

101.3 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum citywide fire hazard reduction standards to reduce the likelihood of life and property loss due to a wildfire through the use of performance and prescriptive requirements for construction and development in areas designated as a Very High, high or moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone. or Non Fire Hazard Severity Zone.

Section 101.3.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

101.3.1 Application.

New buildings and structures including relocated structures, and additions and altered portions to existing buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Area designated by the enforcing agency constructed after the application date shall comply with the provisions of this code. This shall include all new buildings with residential, commercial, educational, institutional or similar occupancy type use, which shall be referred to in this code as “applicable buildings,” as well as new buildings and structures accessory to those applicable buildings.

Exceptions:

• 1. DELETE
• 2. DELETE.
• 3. DELETE
• 4. DELETE
• 5. DELETE

Section 101.3.1.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is deleted,

Section 101.4 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is deleted.

Section 101.5 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is deleted.

Section 101.6 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is deleted.

Section 103 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

SECTION 103 - CODE COMPLIANCE AGENCY.

There is hereby established in this jurisdiction a code enforcement agency which shall be under the administrative and operational control of the building and fire official pursuant to BHMC Section 9-1-105.

Section 104.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

104.1 Powers and duties of the code official. The code official is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this code.

Section 104.1.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code as follows:

104.1.1 Authority of Fire Chief to Modify Brush Clearing Requirements. Nothing contained in this subsection shall be deemed to preclude the Fire Chief from requiring more than the minimum specific requirements set forth above when the chief determines that conditions exist which necessitate greater fire protection measures.

Section 104.3.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

104.3.1 Verification The Fire Code Official has the authority to inspect the site as deemed necessary and prior to final approval to verify implementation and maintenance of the approved Fuel Modification Plan. Prior to final approval of the permit or certificate of occupancy, a landscape architect or qualified individual must certify the installation of all vegetation complies with the approved Fuel Modification Plan and this code.

The required removal of targeted vegetation will be verified prior to final approval of the permit and issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Any exceptions to the removal of targeted vegetation listed in Appendix W may only be granted by the Fire Chief.

Section 104.7.5.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

104.7.5.1 Cost The applicant shall pay all fees for plan review in accordance with the adopted schedule of fees and charges. The applicant will be assessed additional costs should the Fire Code Official require a third-party peer review or seek additional clarification, information and/or supporting documentation from another licensed or qualified arborist, botanist, horticulture expert, or other expert in a similar field, to substantiate submitted documentation.

Section 104.9.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is deleted.

Section 105.4.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is deleted.

Section 202 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, excluding all definitions not listed below, is amended by adding or deleting definitions (where indicated) as follows:

DEFENSIBLE SPACE: An area either natural or man-made, where material capable of allowing a fire to spread unchecked has been treated, cleared, or modified to slow the rate and intensity of an advancing wildfire and to create an area for fire suppression operations to occur.

DESIRABLE PLANT LIST: List of plants exhibiting characteristics of low fuel volume, fire resistance, and drought tolerance which would make them more desirable for planting in areas of high fire danger.

DRIP LINE. The area located directly under the circumference of a tree's canopy

FIRE-SMART VEGETATION (Deleted)

FIRE-RESISTANT VEGETATION. (Fire Smart Vegetation) Plants, shrubs, trees, and other vegetation that exhibit properties, such as high moisture content, little accumulation of dead vegetation, and low sap or resin content, that make them less likely to ignite or contribute heat or spread flame in a fire than native vegetation typically found in the region.

FLAMMABLE VEGETATION: Can include, but not limited to trees, brush, grasses, or other vegetation that can ignite quickly due to the following characteristics: high oil or resin content and or production of dense foliage or debris. A list of prohibited vegetation and targeted vegetation can be found in Appendices V and W of this code.

FUEL MODIFICATION: A method of modifying fuel load by reducing the amount of vegetation or altering the type of vegetation to reduce the fuel load.

FUEL MODIFICATION PLAN. A document prepared by a licensed professional, for a specific construction project, demolition, landscaping project, or development proposed to be undertaken within any fire hazard severity zone. It identifies all new and existing structures and vegetation on the site, and describes ways to minimize and mitigate potential for loss from wildfire exposure.

IGNITION-RESISTANT MATERIAL. A type of building material that complies with the requirements in Chapter 5 of the CWUIC as amended by the City of Beverly Hills.

LADDER FUELS: Vertically aligned vegetation arrangements that would allow the vertical transmission of fire into above waiting shrubs and tree canopies/crowns. Fire is able to carry from ground surface fuels into crowns with relative ease.

NON-VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE: All property within the city limits not designated as Very High, High, or Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone as set forth in the latest maps adopted by the City Council and maintained by the fire chief on file in the office of Community Risk Reduction.

PROHIBITED SPECIES: Those species of vegetation with inherent characteristics which make them highly combustible. These characteristics can be either physical or chemical. Physical properties include large amounts of dead material retained within the plant, rough or peeling bark, and the production of large amounts of litter. Chemical properties include the presence of volatile substances such as oils, resins, wax, and pitch. A sample list of these species is located in Appendix V.

SHRUB: A woody plant which is smaller than a tree and has several main stems arising at or near the ground.

SLOPE: Is the variation of terrain greater than or equal to 25 percent from horizontal plane; the number of feet, rise and fall per 100 feet, measured horizontally, expressed as a percentage.

TARGET SPECIES: Vegetation species that are highly combustible and generally removed as part of the fuel modification plan/permit. A sample list of these species is located in Appendix W.

THINNING: The process of partially and evenly reducing as a whole the density of the vegetation.

TREE CROWN: DELETED

VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE: That area included within the boundaries described and set forth in the latest map adopted by the City Council and maintained by the fire chief on file in the office of Community Risk Reduction.

Section 301.3 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

301.3 Authority

The City of Beverly Hills Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone identifies vegetation management areas that pose an increased threat to the community during a wildland fire. Within these areas the Fire Code Official has the authority to require property owners to reduce the amount of flammable vegetation within and outside the defensible space areas. These areas include both public and private lands.

All property within the city limits designated as High, Moderate or Non Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones are required to maintain their properties in accordance with the requirements of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.

Section 302.1.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

302.1.1 Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map.

The City of Beverly Hills City Council hereby designates a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone as recommended by the director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and as designated on the latest Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone map, adopted by the City Council, and retained on file at the Office of the Fire Marshal, 445 North Rexford Drive.

Section 501.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

501.1 Scope.

New buildings and structures, relocated structures, and additions or altered portions of existing buildings and structures located in a wildland-urban interface area shall be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code and this code.

Exceptions:

1. Deleted

2. Deleted

Section 501.2.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

501.2.1 General

Materials and construction methods for exterior wildfire exposure protection shall be applied within geographical areas where a wildfire burning in vegetative fuels may readily transmit fire to buildings and threaten to destroy life, overwhelm fire suppression capabilities, or result in large property losses.

Sections 501.5 and 501.6 are added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

501.5 New Construction/Demolition Vegetation Maintenance

In Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone areas, any construction or demolition work which requires a permit from the City of Beverly Hills shall comply with the vegetation management and defensible space requirements of Section 604.

Prior to, and for the duration of permitted construction or demolition activities, the entire site shall be maintained in compliance with the requirements of Section 604. The Fire Code Official has the authority to inspect the site as deemed necessary and prior to final approval to verify ongoing compliance with all vegetation management requirements. When the Fire Code Official finds the site being maintained in a manner that is contrary to this code, the Fire Code Official is authorized to issue a stop work order. Upon issuance of a stop work order, all construction and demolition work shall cease until the site is brought into compliance with this code.

501.6 Abandoned Construction.

In Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone areas, any permitted construction project that does not have a valid permit or that has a permit and has been abandoned for a period of twelve months or more, or, with exposed wood or other combustible building materials, may be a hazard. Such projects shall be assessed by the Building and Fire Departments to determine if the structure and/or materials are a "Fire Hazard" and/or "Unsafe" as defined per BHMC Title 9, Chapters 1 and 2. Abatement measures including demolition and removal of construction materials and all costs incurred can be imposed on the property owner.

Section 503.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

503.1 General.

New buildings and structures, relocated structures, and additions or altered portions of existing buildings and structures hereafter constructed, modified or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall meet the construction requirements in accordance with Chapter 5. Materials required to be ignition-resistant building materials shall comply with the requirements of Section 503.2.

Exceptions:

• 1. Deleted
• 2. Deleted
• 3. Deleted

Section 503.2.3 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is deleted.

Section 503.3.4 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is deleted.

Section 504.2, excluding subsections, of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

504.2 Roof assembly. Roofs shall have a roof assembly that complies with a Class A fire classification when tested in accordance with ASTM E108 or UL 790.

Exceptions:

• 1. Deleted
• 2. Deleted
• 3. Deleted
• 4. Deleted

Section 504.3.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

504.3.1 Protection of open eaves.

The exposed roof deck on the underside of unenclosed roof eaves shall consist of one or more of the following:

1. Noncombustible material.

2. Ignition-resistant building material.

3. Fire-retardant-treated wood labeled for exterior use and complying with Section 2303.2 of the California Building Code.

4. Materials approved for not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction on the exterior side, as tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263.

5. DELETED

6. One layer of 5 / 8 -inch (16 mm) Type X gypsum sheathing applied behind an exterior covering on the underside of the roof deck.

7. The exterior portion of a 1-hour fire-resistance-rated exterior assembly, as tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263, applied to the underside of the roof deck designed for exterior fire exposure, including assemblies using the gypsum panel and sheathing products listed in the Gypsum Association Fire Resistance Design Manual.

Facias, if provided, shall be fire-retardant-treated wood labeled for exterior use and complying with Section 2303.2 of the California Building Code, ignition-resistant building materials, materials approved for not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction or 2-inch (51 mm) nominal dimension lumber.

Section 504.7.3.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

504.7.3.2 Decking surfaces.

The walking surface material of decks, porches, balconies and stairs shall be constructed with any of the following materials:

1. Material that complies with the performance requirements of Section 504.7.3.3 when tested in accordance with ASTM E2632 and ASTM E2726.

2. Ignition-resistant building material that complies with the performance requirements of Section 503.2.4.

3. Material that complies with the performance requirements of both SFM Standard 12-7A-4 and Section 503.2.4.

4. Deleted

5. Noncombustible material.

6. Any material that complies with the performance requirements of SFM Standard 12-7A-4A and any attached exterior wall covering that is noncombustible or ignition-resistant building materials.

Exception: Wall material shall be permitted to be of any material that otherwise complies with this chapter when the decking surface material complies with the performance requirements of ASTM E84 or with a Class A flame spread index.

7. Any material that complies with the performance requirements of Section 504.7.3.4 when tested in accordance with ASTM E2632 and any attached exterior wall covering that is noncombustible or ignition-resistant building materials.

Exception: Wall material shall be permitted to be of any material that otherwise complies with this chapter when the decking surface material complies with the performance requirements of ASTM E84 or with a Class A flame spread index.

Section 504.11 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is deleted.

Section 507 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is deleted.

Section 601.3 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is deleted:

Sections 603 (excluding subsections) and 603.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are amended to read as follows:

SECTION 603 VEGETATION PLAN / FUEL MODIFICATION

603.1 General. Fuel modification shall be accomplished to reduce the risk of transmission of flame or heat sufficient to ignite structures and includes the removal, thinning, spacing and modification of flammable and combustible vegetation.

Section 603.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

603.2 Application. All new plantings of vegetation in State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as a Very High Hazard Severity Zone shall comply with Sections 603.3 through 603.4.2.1.

Sections 603.2.1, 603.2.2, and 603.2.3 are added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

603.2.1 When Required

Fuel modification is required for the following types of projects:

1. Any project involving a combined total area of new landscaping or re-landscaping of twenty-five hundred square feet (2,500 sq. ft) or more within a 12-month period.

2. The construction of a new dwelling unit

3. The construction of an addition, alteration, or repair that requires the installation of fire sprinklers per Section 903.2.

4. Any structure that changes occupancy classification from any other class to Group R (residential) occupancy.

603.2.2 Mandatory Requirements

1. Areas of new planting shall comply with Section 603.4

2. Targeted vegetation as shown in Appendix W within 30 feet of any structure shall be removed.

3. Areas of existing vegetation shall comply with the maintenance requirements of Section 604.6.

4. Relocate or remove combustible materials, such as organic mulch, non fire resistive vegetation, and wood fences within 5 feet of any structure.

603.2.3 Additional Requirements

In addition to meeting the mandatory requirements for fuel modification, projects such as new construction, additions, and/or remodels with a building permit valuation of $1,000,000 or more, shall be required to implement additional measures intended to reduce the spread of fire. Examples of such measures include:

1. Replacement of any existing exterior building element(s) to comply with this code.

2. Removal of existing targeted vegetation listed in Appendix W, beyond 30 feet from any structure and replacing existing vegetation with new planting using native, drought tolerant, and fire resistant species.

3. Other improvements to buildings, structures, landscape materials, vegetation, defensible space, or other devices or safeguards intended to further the objectives of this Section and based on recognized principles.

The proposed measure(s) to meet this Section should be recommendations by the licensed design professional for the project intended to those elements that provide the greatest level of fire protection for structures and be based on factors such as site conditions, effectiveness, and feasibility. The cost of compliance for the additional requirements shall be limited to 10% of the building permit valuation and shall be in addition to any costs for compliance with the mandatory measures.

The Fire Code Official is authorized to grant modifications for individual cases where there are documented practical difficulties in carrying out the provisions of this Section.

Sections 603.3 and 603.3.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are amended to read as follows:

603.3 Plans Required

A fuel modification plan and all supporting documentation shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect and/or qualified professional and submitted to the Fire Code Official for review and approval. The fuel modification plans shall be submitted with an application and all required fees.

Fuel modification plans shall show compliance with the minimum Mandatory Requirements in Section 603.2.2 and if required, all Additional Requirements in Section 603.2.3. The applicant is responsible for coordinating the fuel modification plans with landscaping plans for compliance with the Model Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance.

603.3.1 Contents of Plans

Fuel modification plans shall be drawn to scale, dimensioned, and include all main and accessory structures and new and existing vegetation on the property and identify each of the following:

1. Delineation of 5 foot, 30 foot, 100 foot, and 200 foot fuel management areas from all structures.

• 2. All property lines, setbacks, utility poles, easements, fire department access
• 3. The topography of any slopes
• 4. All vegetated and hardscaped areas
• 5. Location and type of any public or private trees within 10 feet of property line

6. A plant legend with common and scientific names and expected height and width at maturity of all new and existing vegetation

• 7. Proposed irrigation systems
• 8. Tree canopy distances from structures and other canopies
• 9. Confirmation that no prohibited vegetation will be placed on the site.

10. Confirmation that existing trees listed in Appendix W within 30 feet of any structure are to be removed.

11. Signed Fuel Modification Affidavit

Sections 603.4 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

603.4 Vegetation. All new vegetation shall be fire-smart vegetation in accordance with this section. Prohibited vegetation listed in Appendix V shall not be planted on any property within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The following requirements shall be met when planting or placing any new vegetation on the site.

Exception: Trees classified as nonfire-smart vegetation complying with Section 603.4.2.1.

To be considered fire-smart vegetation, vegetation must meet at least one of the following:

1. Be identified as fire-smart vegetation in an approved book, journal or listing from an approved organization.

2. Be identified as fire-smart vegetation by a licensed landscape architect with supporting justification.

• 3. Plants considered fire-smart vegetation and approved by the local enforcing agency.

• 603.4.1 Shrubs.

• 1. Shrubs shall not exceed 6 feet in height.

2. Privacy hedges shall not exceed 7 feet in height, and shall maintain a minimum of 5 feet horizontal clearance to all structures. Trees shall not be used as privacy walls in the VHFHSZ area.

3. Groupings of shrubs are limited to a maximum aggregate diameter of 10 feet (3048 mm).

4. Shrub groupings shall be separated from other groupings a minimum of 15 feet (4572 mm).

5. Shrub groupings shall be separated from structures a minimum of 30 feet (9144 mm).

6. Where shrubs are located below or within a tree's drip line, the distance between the lowest tree branches shall be a minimum of one-third of the height of the tree. For trees taller than 18 feet, the minimum separation shall be 6 feet.

603.4.2 Trees

Trees shall be managed on the site as follows:

1. New trees shall be planted and maintained so that the tree's drip line at maturity is a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from any structure.

2. The horizontal distance between crowns of new trees and crowns of adjacent trees shall not be less than 10 feet (3048 mm).

3. No new trees shall be planted that are listed in Appendix V as prohibited

603.4.2.1 Nonfire-smart vegetation. New trees not classified as fire-smart vegetation, such as conifers, palms, pepper trees and eucalyptus species, shall be permitted provided the tree is planted and maintained in accordance with one of the following:

1. The tree is planted so that the tree’s drip line at maturity is a minimum of 30 feet (9144 mm) from an applicable building.

2. The tree is planted so that the tree’s drip line at maturity is a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from any combustible structure, and is well pruned and maintained so as not to form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to the structure or from the structure to nearby vegetation or to interrupt the advance of embers toward a structure.

Section 603.4.3 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

603.4.3 Ground Fuels

1. All new vegetation shall be fire resistant as identified by a licensed landscape architect or equivalent professional with supporting documentation, or be listed in an approved publication from an approved organization.

Sections 603.5 and 603.6 are added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

603.5 Prohibited Vegetation

The planting of prohibited vegetation listed in Appendix V is a violation of this code and shall be removed at the expense of the property owner

603.6 Maintenance

All landscaping and vegetation approved and installed as part of the Fuel Modification Plan shall be managed and maintained at all times by the property owner in conformance with the approved Fuel Modification Plan and Section 603. Vegetation that becomes dead or diseased shall be replaced with vegetation that is not prohibited and consistent with the requirements of the approved Fuel Modification Plan.

Section 604.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

604.1 General

Vegetation and fuels shall be managed to reduce the severity of potential exterior wildfire exposure to buildings and to reduce the risk of fire spreading to buildings as required by Section 604.

Section 604.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

604.2 Application

Buildings and structures located in the following areas shall maintain the required hazardous vegetation and fuel management:

1. Land designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone shall comply with Section 604.6.

2. Land defined as Non High Fire Hazard Severity Zones shall comply with Section 604.7.

Section 604.3 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

604.3 Very high fire hazard severity zones required maintenance.

Persons owning, leasing, controlling, operating, or maintaining buildings or structures in, upon or adjoining Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, and persons owning, leasing, controlling, operating or maintaining land adjacent and within two hundred feet (200') of such buildings or structures, shall at all times comply with the following:

1. Remove all dead, dry, and overgrown brush, weeds, grass, and hazardous vegetation for a distance of two hundred feet (200') of any structure, regardless of whether said structure is located upon such land or upon adjacent land.

For properties containing a slope, as defined in Section 202, the vegetation clearance distance shall be no less than two hundred and fifty feet (250') from any structure. This may be accomplished by reducing vegetation through thinning, pruning or removal per the Fire Code Official.

2. Erosion to hillsides and slopes shall be prevented by the following:

3. Dead and dry, grass or vegetation, on a hillside or slope shall be maintained no taller than 3" in height to prevent disturbance to soil.

4. Dead trees removed on a hillside or slope are permitted to have a stump up to 3 feet in height to prevent disturbance to soil.

5. All brush, weeds, grass, and hazardous vegetation within ten feet (10') of any combustible fence shall be maintained at a height of not more than three inches (3") above the ground.

6. Remove all vegetation underneath all decks, platforms, and balconies. No combustible debris shall be allowed to accumulate underneath said areas.

7. Vines and climbing plants attached to structures must be maintained in a well-watered condition, free of excessive dead material and trimmed to minimize fire propagation. Failure to maintain shall require immediate abatement.

8. All roofs and rain gutters on any structure shall be kept free of combustible material such as fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones and small branches.

9. Trees shall be maintained to establish a minimum five foot (5') separation from any portion of the roof. For structures with existing wood roofs, that minimum separation shall be extended to a ten foot (10') separation from any portion of the roof.

Exception: Existing trees that are maintained, thinned out, and/or trimmed to the satisfaction of the Fire Code Official.

8. Trees shall be maintained so that no portion is closer than ten foot (10') from the outlet of any chimney, stovetop, and approved open flame decorative device.

9. Any existing Cedar, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Juniper or Pine Tree, shall be maintained to minimize the fire risk and hazard, as directed by the Fire Code Official. Tree crowns and canopies shall be separated a minimum of ten feet (10') horizontally, from all other tree crowns and canopies located on private, public, or adjoining properties. In cases where trimming or thinning is not adequate, cutting or removal of the tree may be required. No intertwining of vertical or horizontal ladder fuels into public or private tree canopies shall take place.

10. Where shrubs are located below or within a tree's drip line, the distance between the lowest tree branches shall be a minimum of one-third of the height of the tree. For trees taller than 18 feet, the minimum separation shall be 6 feet.

11. All vegetation on private property, adjacent to a public street, alley, or sidewalk, shall be trimmed and maintained so as not to cause an obstruction to pedestrian and vehicular access. Fire Department apparatus access requires a minimum of 14 feet in height from grade.

12. Dead material shall be removed from live plants, trees, or other vegetation. Dead material includes deadwood, parts of dead or dry vegetation, and dry bearded palm fronds. All dead trees and vegetation shall be completely removed from the property.

13. All vegetation shall be maintained in such a manner to lessen the fuel supply and to augment the spread or intensity of a fire by breaking fuel continuity. Separation shall be provided between ground, ladder, and aerial fuel vegetation as specified by the Fire Code Official.

14. Other Safety Measures: Firewood piles shall be located 15 feet away from any structure unless covered by an approved fire resistive tarp or placed in a non-combustible bin. Organic mulch, woodchips or similar combustible products shall not be placed within 5 feet of any structure or combustible perimeter fence.

15. Remove and safely dispose of all cut or bagged vegetation debris which includes grass, shrubs, trees, or similar combustible vegetation/waste.

Sections 604.3.1, 604.3.2, 604.3.3, and 603.3.4 are added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

604.3.1 Authority of Fire Chief to Modify Brush Clearing Requirements.

Nothing contained in this subsection shall be deemed to preclude the Fire Chief from requiring more than the minimum specific requirements set forth above when the chief determines that conditions exist which necessitate greater fire protection measures.

604.3.2 Issuance of brush clearance notice.

In addition to any other remedies for violations provided by law, including those remedies set forth in this code, the Fire Department may issue a "vegetation clearance notice" to the record owner and any tenant, lessee, or other possessor of the affected properties, specifying the condition(s) required to be corrected, and setting forth a date by which corrective action must be taken.

The Fire Department may take corrective action at the owner's expense in the event the required correction is not completed. If the owner fails to pay the cost incurred by the Fire Department to correct such condition(s) following notice of the cost and an opportunity to be heard, the city council may make the expense a lien upon the property where such condition exists.

604.3.3 Clearance of Brush or Vegetative Growth from Roadways.

All native brush, weeds, grass, and hazardous vegetation situated within ten (10') feet of the outer edge or edges of the usable road surface of any highway, street, alley, or driveway serving more than one residence shall be maintained at a height of not more than three (3") inches above the ground.

604.3.4 Vegetation Assessment. The Fire Code Official can require a vegetation assessment by a licensed arborist to verify and confirm the health of tree species and or vegetation without charge to the jurisdiction.

Sections 604.6 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows

604.6 Non-Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Required Maintenance.

Persons owning, leasing, controlling, operating, or maintaining property in the Non-Very High Hazard Severity Zone areas shall at all times comply with the following:

1. All trees, shrubs, bushes, and other growing vegetation or portions thereof, adjacent to or overhanging any structure shall be kept free of dead limbs, branches, and other combustible matter.

2. All roof structures shall be kept free of substantial accumulations of leaves, needles, twigs, and other combustible matter.

3. Remove all cut vegetation and debris and legally dispose of. All vegetation, native or otherwise, shall be maintained so as not to constitute a fire hazard or public nuisance.

4. Remove dead material from live plants, trees, or other vegetation which include dead and or dry bearded palm fronds. All dead trees and vegetation shall be completely removed from the property.

5. Maintain all vegetation in such a condition as not to provide an available fuel supply to augment the spread or intensity of a fire.

Appendices U, V and W are added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

APPENDIX U – RED FLAG RESTRICTIONS IN VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES

SECTION U101 – GENERAL

U101.1 Scope

The provisions of this appendix establish general requirements applicable to new and existing properties located within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone of the City of Beverly Hills for activities during periods that have been declared as having Red Flag Weather Conditions.

U101.2 Findings and Purpose

The findings and purpose of the provisions of this appendix are as follows.

1. The City of Beverly Hills contains areas designated by CalFire as a “Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone” (VHFHSZ), which are subject to elevated wildfire risk due to topography, vegetation, and weather conditions.

2. During periods of Red Flag Weather Conditions, wildfire ignition and spread are significantly more likely and more dangerous.

3. The City finds that temporary restrictions on certain activities during Red Flag conditions are necessary to protect life, property, and the environment within the VHFHSZ.

U101.3 Applicability

The provisions of this appendix shall apply only to parcels and properties located within the City’s designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as may be amended from time to time.

SECTION U102 – DEFINITIONS

U102.1 Red Flag Weather Conditions

Meteorological conditions defined by the National Weather Service or a regional fire authority indicating critical fire danger, including but not limited to high temperatures, low relative humidity, and strong winds. A Red Flag declaration is made by the Mayor or their designee.

U102.2 Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ)

Those areas of the City designated by CalFire and adopted by the City Council pursuant to Government Code § 51179 as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

U102.3 Hot Work or Hot Machinery

Includes, but is not limited to, equipment or tools that emit sparks or flames or generate heat capable of igniting combustible materials. Examples include welding torches, grinders, chainsaws, and internal combustion-powered landscaping equipment.

U102.4 Brush Cutting Tools

Motorized or electrically powered tools used to trim, cut, or remove brush and vegetation.

U102.5 Mayor or Designee

The Mayor of Beverly Hills or any City official or employee designated by the Mayor, including the Fire Chief, Police Chief, or City Manager.

SECTION 103 – DECLARATION AND NOTIFICATION

U103.1 Notification

Upon declaration of Red Flag Weather Conditions by the Mayor or designee, the City shall promptly notify the public by:

• 1. Posting on the official City website and social media platforms;
• 2. Issuing alerts via email/text notification systems;
• 3. Coordinating with local media and public safety agencies;
• 4. Placing temporary signage as appropriate.

U103.2 Duration

The declaration shall specify the duration of the Red Flag condition, which may be extended or rescinded as conditions change.

SECTION U104 – PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES DURING RED FLAG CONDITIONS

U104.1 Prohibited Activities

During declared Red Flag Weather Conditions, the following activities shall be prohibited within the VHFHSZ.

U104.1.1 Parking Restrictions

1. No person shall park or leave standing any vehicle on a street or roadway posted with “No Parking on Red Flag Days” signage.

2. Vehicles in violation may be cited and towed at the owner's expense pursuant to California Vehicle Code § 22651.

U104.1.2 Use of Hot Work or Hot Machinery

1. No person shall operate any hot work or hot machinery outdoors.

2. Exceptions may be made for emergency utility repairs or work performed by public agencies with appropriate fire safety measures in place.

U104.1.3 Use of Brush Cutting Tools

1. The use of mechanical or motorized brush cutting tools is prohibited in outdoor areas.

2. Manual tools (e.g., hand shears, rakes) may be used cautiously.

U104.1.4 Open Flames and Outdoor Fire Features

1. No person shall ignite or maintain open flames including, but not limited to, charcoal or wood-burning barbecues, fire pits, or outdoor fireplaces.

2. Propane or natural gas grills may be used on non-combustible surfaces, provided they are attended at all times and equipped with a fire extinguisher or hose.

SECTION U105 - EXEMPTIONS

U105.1 Exempt agencies and personnel

The following are exempt from the prohibitions outlined in this appendix.

1. Law enforcement, fire protection agencies, and emergency responders acting in the course of official duty.

2. Utility providers performing emergency work to maintain or restore services.

3. Persons or entities granted a written exemption by the Fire Chief or their designee, subject to conditions necessary to mitigate fire risk.

SECTION U106 - ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES

U106.1 Enforcement agencies

This Chapter shall be enforced by the Beverly Hills Police Department, Fire Department, and Code Enforcement.

U106.2 Penalties

Violations of this Chapter shall constitute an administrative offense and may result in the following.

• 1. Administrative citation and fines pursuant to BHMC Title 1, Chapter 3.
• 2. Immediate cessation of prohibited activity.
• 3. Removal of vehicles in violation of parking restrictions.
• 4. Recovery of City costs related to fire suppression or damage, where applicable.

APPENDIX V – PROHIBITED VEGETATION

SECTION V101 – GENERAL

V101.1 Scope

Some plants are particularly susceptible to fire due to their characteristics. These characteristics can be either physical or chemical. Examples of physical properties would be large amounts of dead material retained within the plant, rough peeling bark, and the production of copious amounts of litter. Examples of chemical properties would be presence of volatile substances such as oils, resins, wax, and pitch. Certain native plants are notorious for containing these volatile substances.

V101.2 Applicability

Any vegetation with these characteristics shall not be planted on properties located in the Very High Fire Hazard Zone. Should these species listed in Table V103.1 exist within the VHFHSZ, they should be removed or aggressively maintained. Replanting prohibited existing vegetation that becomes dead or diseased shall be replaced with vegetation that is not indicated below. The prohibited vegetation list comprises information from surrounding fire departments such as Santa Barbara, Ventura, Orange County, Montecito, and Rancho Cucamonga.

SECTION V103 - PROHIBITED PLANT LIST

Table V103.1 Prohibited Plant List

*Identified as target species. Existing target vegetation species located in the fuel modification zone shall be removed due to the potential threat they pose to any structure in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone as identified in Appendix W.

APPENDIX W - TARGET VEGETATION SPECIES

SECTION W101 - GENERAL

W101.1 Scope

Along with prohibited vegetation as referenced on Appendix V, indicated in Table W103.1 is a list of target vegetation species that requires removal. Should any of the listed species below exist on the property that triggers a fuel modification permit/plan, the target vegetation species shall be removed. They are referred to as target vegetation species since their complete removal is a critical part of hazard reduction.

W101.2 Applicability

These fire-prone vegetation species include, but not limited to, those listed in table W103.1.

SECTION W103 - FIRE PRONE PLANT SPECIES

Table W103.1 Fire Prone Plant Species (Mandatory Removal)

(Ord. 25-O-2926, eff. 1-1-2026; amd. Ord. 25-O-2929, 12-9-2025)