Appendix H — REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

This appendix is for informational purposes and is not intended for adoption.

User notes:

About this appendix: Appendix H contains portions of California statutes and regulations located in other documents. Much of the text in the CWUIC is based on the requirements found in these other documents.

The text is reprinted below to aid the user in understanding the requirements applicable to wildland-urban interface areas and to provide a background for the provisions.

(aa) Same Practical Effect: As used in this subchapter, means an Exception or alternative with the capability of applying accepted wildland fire suppression strategies and tactics, and provisions for fire fighter safety, including: (1) access for emergency wildland fire equipment, (2) safe civilian evacuation, (3) signing that avoids delays in emergency equipment response, (4) available and accessible water to effectively attack Wildfire or defend a Structure from Wildfire, and (5) fuel modification sufficient for civilian and fire fighter safety.

(a) Subchapter 2 has been prepared and adopted for the purpose of establishing state minimum Wildfire protection standards in conjunction with Building, construction, and Development in the State Responsibility Area (SRA) and, after July 1, 2021, the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, as defined in Government Code § 51177(i) (VHFHSZ). (b) The future design and construction of Structures, subdivisions and Developments in the SRA and, after July 1, 2021, the VHFHSZ shall provide for basic emergency access and perimeter Wildfire protection measures as specified in the following articles. (c) These standards shall provide for emergency access; signing and Building numbering; private water supply reserves for emer- gency fire use; vegetation modification, Fuel Breaks, Greenbelts, and measures to preserve Undeveloped Ridgelines. Subchapter 2 specifies the minimums for such measures.

(a) Subchapter 2 shall apply to: (1) the perimeters and access to all residential, commercial, and industrial Building construction within the SRA approved after January 1, 1991, and those approved after July 1, 2021 within the VHFHSZ, except as set forth below in subsection (b). (2) the siting of newly installed commercial modulars, manufactured homes, mobilehomes, and factory-built housing, as defined in Health and Safety Code sections 18001.8, 18007, 18008, and 19971; (3) all tentative and parcel maps or other Developments approved after January 1, 1991; and (4) applications for Building permits on a parcel approved in a pre-1991 parcel or tentative map to the extent that conditions relating to the perimeters and access to the Buildings were not imposed as part of the approval of the parcel or tentative

map. (b) Subchapter 2 does not apply where an application for a Building permit is filed after January 1, 1991 for Building construction on a parcel that was formed from a parcel map or tentative map (if the final map for the tentative map is approved within the time prescribed by the local ordinance) approved prior to January 1, 1991, to the extent that conditions relating to the perime- ters and access to the Buildings were imposed by the parcel map or final tentative map approved prior to January 1, 1991.

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(c) Affected activities include, but are not limited to: (1) permitting or approval of new parcels, excluding lot line adjustments as specified in Government Code (GC) section 66412(d); (2) application for a Building permit for new construction not relating to an existing Structure; (3) application for a use permit; (4) Road construction including construction of a Road that does not currently exist, or extension of an existing Road. (d) The standards in Subchapter 2 applicable to Roads shall not apply to Roads used solely for Agriculture; mining; or the manage- ment of timberland or harvesting of forest products.

This Subchapter shall be applied as follows: (a) the Local Jurisdictions shall provide the Director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) or their designee with notice of applications for Building permits, tentative parcel maps, tentative maps, and installation or use permits for construction or Development within the SRA, or if after July, 1 2021, the VHFHSZ. (b) the Director or their designee may review and make fire protection recommendations on applicable construction or develop- ment permits or maps provided by the Local Jurisdiction. (c) the Local Jurisdiction shall ensure that the applicable sections of this Subchapter become a condition of approval of any appli- cable construction or Development permit or map.

(a) Subchapter 2 shall serve as the minimum Wildfire protection standards applied in SRA and VHFHSZ. However, Subchapter 2 does not supersede local regulations which equal or exceed the standards of this Subchapter. (b) A local regulation equals or exceeds a minimum standard of this Subchapter only if, at a minimum, the local regulation also fully complies with the corresponding minimum standard in this Subchapter. (c) A Local Jurisdiction shall not apply exemptions to Subchapter 2 that are not enumerated in Subchapter 2. Exceptions requested and approved in conformance with § 1270.07 (Exceptions to Standards) may be granted on a case-by-case basis. (d) Notwithstanding a local regulation that equals or exceeds the State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations, Building construction shall comply with the State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations.

(a) Inspections in the SRA shall be made by: (1) the Director, or (2) Local Jurisdictions that have assumed state fire protection responsibility on SRA lands, or (3) Local Jurisdictions where the inspection duties have been formally delegated by the Director to the Local Jurisdictions, pursuant to subsection (b). (b) The Director may delegate inspection authority to a Local Jurisdiction subject to all of the following criteria: (1) The Local Jurisdiction represents that they have appropriate resources to perform the delegated inspection authority. (2) The Local Jurisdiction acknowledges that CAL FIRE's authority under subsection (d) shall not be waived or restricted. (3) The Local Jurisdiction consents to the delegation of inspection authority. (4) The Director may revoke the delegation at any time. (5) The delegation of inspection authority, and any subsequent revocation of the delegation, shall be documented in writ- ing, and retained on file at the CAL FIRE Unit headquarters that administers SRA fire protection in the area. (c) Inspections in the VHFHSZ shall be made by the Local Jurisdiction. (d) Nothing in this section abrogates CAL FIRE's authority to inspect and enforce state forest and fire laws in the SRA even when the inspection duties have been delegated pursuant to this section. (e) Reports of violations within the SRA shall be provided to the CAL FIRE Unit headquarters that administers SRA fire protection in the Local Jurisdiction.

(f) When inspections are conducted, they shall occur prior to: the issuance of the use permit or certificate of Occupancy; the recor- dation of the parcel map or final map; the filing of a notice of completion; or the final inspection of any project or Building permit.

(a) Upon request by the applicant, an Exception to standards within this Subchapter may be allowed by the Inspection entity in accordance with 14 CCR § 1270.06 (Inspections) where the Exceptions provide the Same Practical Effect as these regulations towards providing Defensible Space. Exceptions granted by the Local Jurisdiction listed in 14 CCR § 1270.06, shall be made on a case-by-case basis only. Exceptions granted by the Local Jurisdiction listed in 14 CCR § 1270.06 shall be forwarded to the appro- priate CAL FIRE unit headquarters that administers SRA fire protection in that Local Jurisdiction, or the county in which the Local Jurisdiction is located and shall be retained on file at the Unit Office.

(b) Requests for an Exception shall be made in writing to the Local Jurisdiction listed in 14 CCR § 1270.06 by the applicant or the applicant's authorized representative.

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At a minimum, the request shall state the specific section(s) for which an Exception is requested; material facts supporting the contention of the applicant; the details of the Exception proposed; and a map showing the proposed location and siting of the Exception. Local Jurisdictions listed in § 1270.06 (Inspections) may establish additional procedures or requirements for Excep- tion requests. (c) Where an Exception is not granted by the inspection entity, the applicant may appeal such denial to the Local Jurisdiction. The Local Jurisdiction may establish or utilize an appeal process consistent with existing local building or planning department appeal processes. (d) Before the Local Jurisdiction makes a determination on an appeal, the inspector shall be consulted and shall provide to that Local Jurisdiction documentation outlining the effects of the requested Exception on Wildfire protection. (e) If an appeal is granted, the Local Jurisdiction shall make findings that the decision meets the intent of providing Defensible Space consistent with these regulations. Such findings shall include a statement of reasons for the decision. A written copy of these findings shall be provided to the CAL FIRE Unit headquarters that administers SRA fire protection in that Local Jurisdiction.

All specified or referenced distances are measured along the ground, unless otherwise stated.

Article 2 Ingress and Egress.

Roads, and driveways, whether public or private, unless exempted under 14 CCR § 1270.03(d), shall provide for safe access for emergency wildfire equipment and civilian evacuation concurrently, and shall provide unobstructed traffic circulation during a wildfire emergency consistent with 14 CCR §§ 1273.00 through 1273.09.

(a) All roads shall be constructed to provide a minimum of two ten (10) foot traffic lanes, not including shoulder and striping. These traffic lanes shall provide for two-way traffic flow to support emergency vehicle and civilian egress, unless other stan- dards are provided in this article or additional requirements are mandated by Local Jurisdictions or local subdivision requirements. Vertical clearances shall conform to the requirements in California Vehicle Code section 35250. (b) All One-way Roads shall be constructed to provide a minimum of one twelve (12) foot traffic lane, not including Shoulders. The Local Jurisdiction may approve One-way Roads. (1) All one-way roads shall, at both ends, connect to a road with two traffic lanes providing for travel in different directions, and shall provide access to an area currently zoned for no more than ten (10) Residential Units. (2) In no case shall a One-way Road exceed 2,640 feet in length. A turnout shall be placed and constructed at approximately the midpoint of each One-way Road. (c) All driveways shall be constructed to provide a minimum of one (1) ten (10) foot traffic lane, fourteen (14) feet unobstructed horizontal clearance, and unobstructed vertical clearance of thirteen feet, six inches (13′ 6″).

Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

(a) Roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing at least 75,000 pounds and provide an aggregate base. (b) Road and driveway structures shall be designed and maintained to support at least 40,000 pounds. (c) Project proponent shall provide engineering specifications to support design, if requested by the local jurisdiction.

Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

(a) At no point shall the grade for all roads and driveways exceed 16 percent. (b) The grade may exceed 16%, not to exceed 20%, with approval from the local jurisdiction and with mitigations to provide for same practical effect.

Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

(a) No road or road structure shall have a horizontal inside radius of curvature of less than fifty (50) feet. An additional surface width of four (4) feet shall be added to curves of 50-100 feet radius; two (2) feet to those from 100-200 feet. (b) The length of vertical curves in roadways, exclusive of gutters, ditches, and drainage structures designed to hold or divert water, shall be not less than one hundred (100) feet.

Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

(a) Turnarounds are required on driveways and dead-end roads. (b) The minimum turning radius for a turnaround shall be forty (40) feet, not including parking, in accordance with the figures in 14 CCR §§ 1273.05(e) and 1273.05(f). If a hammerhead/T is used instead, the top of the “T” shall be a minimum of sixty (60) feet in length. (c) Driveways exceeding 150 feet in length, but less than 800 feet in length, shall provide a turnout near the midpoint of the drive- way. Where the driveway exceeds 800 feet, turnouts shall be provided no more than 400 feet apart.

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(d) A turnaround shall be provided on driveways over 300 feet in length and shall be within fifty (50) feet of the building. (e) Each dead-end road shall have a turnaround constructed at its terminus. Where parcels are zoned five (5) acres or larger, turn- arounds shall be provided at a maximum of 1,320-foot intervals. (f) Figure A. Turnarounds on roads with two ten-foot traffic lanes. (g) Figure B. Turnarounds on driveways with one ten-foot traffic lane.

Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

FIGURE FOR CCR 1273.05—TURNAROUND EXAMPLES

Turnouts shall be a minimum of twelve (12) feet wide and thirty (30) feet long with a minimum twenty-five (25) foot taper on each end.

Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

(a) The maximum length of a dead-end road, including all Dead-end Roads accessed from that dead-end road, shall not exceed the following cumulative lengths, regardless of the number of parcels served:

Parcels zoned for less than one acre – 800 feet

Parcels zoned for 1 acre to 4.99 acres – 1,320 feet

Parcels zoned for 5 acres to 19.99 acres – 2,640 feet

Parcels zoned for 20 acres or larger – 5,280 feet All lengths shall be measured from the edge of the road surface at the intersection that begins the road to the end of the road surface at its farthest point. Where a dead-end road crosses areas of differing zoned parcel sizes requiring different length limits, the shortest allowable length shall apply. (b) See Section 1273.05 for dead-end road turnaround requirements.

Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

(a) Gate entrances shall be at least two (2) feet wider than the width of the traffic lane(s) serving that gate and a minimum width of fourteen (14) feet unobstructed horizontal clearance and unobstructed vertical clearance of thirteen feet, six inches (13' 6”). (b) All gates providing access from a road to a driveway shall be located at least thirty (30) feet from the roadway and shall open to allow a vehicle to stop without obstructing traffic on that Road. (c) Where a one-way road with a single traffic lane provides access to a gated entrance, a forty (40) foot turning radius shall be used.

(d) Security gates shall not be installed without approval. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. Approval shall be by the local authority having jurisdiction. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times.

Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

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(a) Appropriate signing, including but not limited to weight or vertical clearance limitations, one-way road or single traffic lane conditions, shall reflect the capability of each bridge. (b) Where a bridge or an elevated surface is part of a fire apparatus access road, the bridge shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, 17th Edition, published 2002 (known as AASHTO HB-17), hereby incorporated by reference. Bridges and elevated surfaces shall be designed for a live load sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus. Vehicle load limits shall be posted at both entrances to bridges when required by the local authority having jurisdiction. (c) Where elevated surfaces designed for emergency vehicle use are adjacent to surfaces which are not designed for such use, barriers, or signs, or both, as approved by the local authority having jurisdiction, shall be installed, and maintained. (d) A bridge with only one traffic lane may be authorized by the local jurisdiction; however, it shall provide for unobstructed visibil- ity from one end to the other and turnouts at both ends.

Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

Article 3 Signing and Building Numbering

1274.00. Intent. To facilitate locating a fire and to avoid delays in response, all newly constructed or approved Roads and Buildings shall be designated by names or numbers posted on signs clearly visible and legible from the Road. This section shall not restrict the size of letters or numbers appearing on road signs for other purposes.

(a) Newly constructed or approved Roads must be identified by a name or number through a consistent system that provides for sequenced or patterned numbering and/or non-duplicative naming within each Local Jurisdiction. This section does not require any entity to rename or renumber existing roads, nor shall a Road providing access only to a single commercial or industrial Occupancy require naming or numbering. (b) The size of letters, numbers, and symbols for Road signs shall be a minimum four (4) inch letter height, half inch (.5) inch stroke, reflectorized, contrasting with the background color of the sign.

(a) Road signs shall be visible and legible from both directions of vehicle travel for a distance of at least one hundred (100) feet. (b) Signs required by this article identifying intersecting Roads shall be placed at the intersection of those Roads. (c) A sign identifying traffic access or flow limitations, including but not limited to weight or vertical clearance limitations, dead- end roads, one-way roads, or single lane conditions, shall be placed: (1) at the intersection preceding the traffic access limitation, and (2) no more than one hundred (100) feet before such traffic access limitation. (d) Road signs required by this article shall be posted at the beginning of construction and shall be maintained thereafter.

(a) All Buildings shall be issued an address by the Local Jurisdiction which conforms to that jurisdiction's overall address system. Utility and miscellaneous Group U Buildings are not required to have a separate address; however, each Residential Unit within a Building shall be separately identified. (b) The size of letters, numbers, and symbols for addresses shall conform to the standards in the California Fire Code, California Code of Regulations title 24, part 9. (c) Addresses for residential Buildings shall be reflectorized.

(a) All buildings shall have a permanently posted address which shall be plainly legible and visible from the Road fronting the property. (b) Where access is by means of a private Road and the address identification cannot be viewed from the public way, an unob- structed sign or other means shall be used so that the address is visible from the public way. (c) Address signs along one-way Roads shall be visible from both directions. (d) Where multiple addresses are required at a single driveway, they shall be mounted on a single sign or post. (e) Where a Road provides access solely to a single commercial or industrial business, the address sign shall be placed at the near- est Road intersection providing access to that site, or otherwise posted to provide for unobstructed visibility from that intersection.

(f) In all cases, the address shall be posted at the beginning of construction and shall be maintained thereafter.

Article 4 Emergency Water Standards

Emergency water for Wildfire protection shall be available, accessible, and maintained in quantities and locations spec- ified in the statute and these regulations in order to attack a Wildfire or defend property from a Wildfire.

The provisions of this article shall apply in the tentative and parcel map process when new parcels are approved by the Local Jurisdiction.

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(a) When a water supply for structure defense is required to be installed, such protection shall be installed and made serviceable prior to and during the time of construction except when alternative methods of protection are provided and approved by the Local Jurisdiction.

(b) Water systems equaling or exceeding the California Fire Code, California Code of Regulations title 24, part 9, or, where a munic- ipal-type water supply is unavailable, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1142, “Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting,” 2017 Edition, hereby incorporated by reference, shall be accepted as meeting the require- ments of this article.

(c) Such emergency water may be provided in a fire agency mobile water tender, or naturally occurring or man made containment structure, as long as the specified quantity is immediately available. (d) Nothing in this article prohibits the combined storage of emergency Wildfire and structural firefighting water supplies unless so prohibited by local ordinance or specified by the local fire agency. (e) Where freeze or crash protection is required by Local Jurisdictions, such protection measures shall be provided.

(a) The hydrant or fire valve shall be eighteen (18) inches above the finished surface. Its location in relation to the road or driveway and to the building(s) or structure(s) it serves shall comply with California Fire Code, California Code of Regulations title 24, part 9, Chapter 5, and Appendix C. (b) The hydrant head shall be a two and half (2 [1] / 2 ) inch National Hose male thread with cap for pressure and gravity flow systems and four and a half (4 [1] / 2 ) inch for draft systems. (c) Hydrants shall be wet or dry barrel and have suitable freeze or crash protection as required by the local jurisdiction.

(a) Each hydrant, fire valve, or access to water shall be identified as follows: (1) if located along a driveway, a reflectorized blue marker, with a minimum dimension of three (3) inches shall be located on the driveway address sign and mounted on a fire retardant post, or (2) if located along a road, (i) a reflectorized blue marker, with a minimum dimension of three (3) inches, shall be mounted on a fire retardant post. The sign post shall be within three (3) feet of said hydrant or fire valve, with the sign no less than three (3) feet nor greater than five (5) feet above ground, in a horizontal position and visible from the driveway, or (ii) as specified in the State Fire Marshal's Guidelines for Fire Hydrant Markings Along State Highways and Freeways, May 1988.

Article 5 Building Siting, Setbacks, and Fuel Modification

To reduce the intensity of a Wildfire, reducing the volume and density of flammable vegetation around Development through strategic fuel modification, parcel siting and Building setbacks, and the protection of Undeveloped Ridgelines shall provide for increased safety for emergency fire equipment, including evacuating civilians, and a point of attack or defense from a Wildfire.

(a) All parcels shall provide a minimum thirty (30) foot setback for all Buildings from all property lines and/or the center of a Road, except as provided for in subsection (b). (b) A reduction in the minimum setback shall be based upon practical reasons, which may include but are not limited to, parcel dimensions or size, topographic limitations, Development density requirements or other Development patterns that promote low-carbon emission outcomes; sensitive habitat; or other site constraints, and shall provide for an alternative method to reduce Structure-to-Structure ignition by incorporating features such as, but not limited to: (1) non-combustible block walls or fences; or (2) non-combustible material extending five (5) feet horizontally from the furthest extent of the Building; or (3) hardscape landscaping; or (4) a reduction of exposed windows on the side of the Structure with a less than thirty (30) foot setback; or (5) the most protective requirements in the California Building Code, California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 2, Chapter 7A, as required by the Local Jurisdiction.

(a) The Local Jurisdiction shall identify Strategic Ridgelines, if any, to reduce fire risk and improve fire protection through an assessment of the following factors: (1) Topography; (2) Vegetation; (3) Proximity to any existing or proposed residential, commercial, or industrial land uses; (4) Construction where mass grading may significantly alter the topography resulting in the elimination of Ridgeline fire risks;

(5) Ability to support effective fire suppression; and (6) Other factors, if any, deemed relevant by the Local Jurisdiction.

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(b) Preservation of Undeveloped Ridgelines identified as strategically important shall be required pursuant to this section. (c) New Buildings on Undeveloped Ridgelines identified as strategically important are prohibited, as described in subsections (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3). (1) New Residential Units are prohibited within or at the top of drainages or other topographic features common to Ridge- lines that act as chimneys to funnel convective heat from Wildfires. (2) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to alter the extent to which utility infrastructure, including but not limited to wireless telecommunications facilities, as defined in Government Code section 65850.6, subdivision (d)(2), or Storage Group S or Utility and Miscellaneous Group U Structures, may be constructed on Undeveloped Ridgelines. (3) Local Jurisdictions may approve Buildings on Strategic Ridgelines where Development activities such as mass grading will significantly alter the topography that results in the elimination of Ridgeline fire risks. (d) The Local Jurisdiction may implement further specific requirements to preserve Undeveloped Ridgelines.

(a) When Building construction meets the following criteria, the Local Jurisdiction shall determine the need and location for Fuel Breaks in consultation with the Fire Authority: (1) the permitting or approval of three (3) or more new parcels, excluding lot line adjustments as specified in Government Code (GC) section 66412(d); or (2) an application for a change of zoning increasing zoning intensity or density; or (3) an application for a change in use permit increasing use intensity or density. (b) Fuel Breaks required by the Local Jurisdiction, in consultation with the Fire Authority, shall be located, designed, and main- tained in a condition that reduces the potential of damaging radiant and convective heat or ember exposure to Access routes, Buildings, or infrastructure within the Development. (c) Fuel Breaks shall have, at a minimum, one point of entry for fire fighters and any Fire Apparatus. The specific number of entry points and entry requirements shall be determined by the Local Jurisdiction, in consultation with the Fire Authority. (d) Fuel Breaks may be required at locations such as, but not limited to: (1) Directly adjacent to defensible space as defined by 14 CCR § 1299.02 to reduce radiant and convective heat exposure, ember impacts, or support fire suppression tactics; (2) Directly adjacent to Roads to manage radiant and convective heat exposure or ember impacts, increase evacuation safety, or support fire suppression tactics; (3) Directly adjacent to a Hazardous Land Use to limit the spread of fire from such uses, reduce radiant and convective heat exposure, or support fire suppression tactics; (4) Strategically located along Ridgelines, in Greenbelts, or other locations to reduce radiant and convective heat exposure, ember impacts, or support community level fire suppression tactics. (e) Fuel Breaks shall be completed prior to the commencement of any permitted construction. (f) Fuel Breaks shall be constructed using the most ecologically and site appropriate treatment option, such as, but not limited to, prescribed burning, manual treatment, mechanical treatment, prescribed herbivory, and targeted ground application of herbicides.

(g) Where a Local Jurisdiction requires Fuel Breaks, maintenance mechanisms shall be established to ensure the fire behavior objectives and thresholds are maintained over time. (h) The mechanisms required shall be binding upon the property for which the Fuel Break is established, shall ensure adequate maintenance levels, and may include written legal agreements; permanent fees, taxes, or assessments; assessments through a homeowners' association; or other funding mechanisms.

(a) Where a Greenbelt, Greenway, open space, park, landscaped or natural area, or portions thereof, is intended to serve as a Fuel Break, the space or relevant portion thereof shall conform with the requirements in § 1276.03 (Fuel Breaks).

The disposal, including burning or removal to a site approved by the Local Jurisdiction, in consultation with the Fire Authority, of flam- mable vegetation and fuels caused by site construction, Road, and Driveway construction shall be in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Article 3. Fire Hazard Reduction Around Buildings and Structures

The intent of this regulation is to provide guidance for implementation of Public Resources Code Section 4291 to improve safety for fire fighters defending a home as well as increase the survivability of a “Building or Structure” as defined, that exists in grass, brush, and forest covered lands within the designated State Responsibility Area (SRA) of California.

(a) Defensible space. The buffer that landowners are required to create on their property between a “Building or Structure” and the plants, brush and trees or other items surrounding the “Building or Structure” that could ignite in the event of a fire.

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(b) Building or Structure. Anything constructed that is designed or intended for support, enclosure, shelter, or protection of persons, animals, or property, having a permanent roof that is supported by walls or posts that connect to, or rest on the ground. (c) Outbuilding. Buildings or structures that are less than one hundred-twenty (120) square feet in size and not used for human habitation. For purposes of this Section, an “Outbuilding” is not a “Building or Structure” as defined in subsection (b) above.

Defensible space is required to be maintained at all times, whenever flammable vegetative conditions exist. One hundred feet (100 ft.) of defensible space clearance shall be maintained in two distinct “Zones” as follows: “Zone 1” extends thirty feet (30 ft.) out from each “Building or Structure,” or to the property line, whichever comes first; “Zone 2” extends from thirty feet (30 ft.) to one hundred feet (100 ft.) from each “Building or Structure,” but not beyond the property line. The vegetation treatment requirements for Zone 1 are more restrictive than for Zone 2, as provided in (a) and (b) below. The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's “Prop- erty Inspection Guide, 2000 version, April 2000,” provides additional guidance on vegetation treatment within Zone 1 and Zone 2, but is not mandatory and is not intended as a substitute for these regulations. (a) Zone 1 Requirements: (1) Remove all dead or dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds, and pine needles from the Zone whether such vegetation occurs in yard areas around the “Building or Structure,” on the roof or rain gutters of the “Building or Structure,” or any other location within the Zone. (2) Remove dead tree or shrub branches that overhang roofs, below or adjacent to windows, or which are adjacent to wall surfaces, and keep all branches a minimum of ten feet (10 ft.) away from chimney and stovepipe outlets. (3) Relocate exposed firewood piles outside of Zone 1 unless they are completely covered in a fire resistant material. (4) Remove flammable vegetation and items that could catch fire which are adjacent to or under combustible decks, balco- nies and stairs.

(b) Zone 2 Requirements: (1) In this zone create horizontal and vertical spacing among shrubs and trees using the “Fuel Separation” method, the “Continuous Tree Canopy” method or a combination of both to achieve defensible space clearance requirements. Further guidance regarding these methods is contained in the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection's, “General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space, February 8, 2006,” incorporated herein by reference, and the “Property Inspec- tion Guide” referenced elsewhere in this regulation. (2) In both the Fuel Separation and Continuous Tree Canopy methods the following standards apply: (A) Dead and dying woody surface fuels and aerial fuels shall be removed. Loose surface litter, normally consisting of fallen leaves or needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches, shall be permitted to a maximum depth of three inches (3 in.). (B) Cut annual grasses and forbs down to a maximum height of four inches (4 in.). (C) All exposed wood piles must have a minimum of ten feet (10 ft.) of clearance, down to bare mineral soil, in all directions.

. Loose surface litter, normally consisting of_ fallen leaves or needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches, shall be permitted to a maximum depth of three inches (3 in.). (B) Cut annual grasses and forbs down to a maximum height of four inches (4 in.). (C) All exposed wood piles must have a minimum of ten feet (10 ft.) of clearance, down to bare mineral soil, in all directions.

(c) For both Zones 1 and 2: (1) “Outbuildings” and Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) storage tanks shall have the following minimum clearance: ten feet (10 ft.) of clearance to bare mineral soil and no flammable vegetation for an additional ten feet (10 ft.) around their exterior. (2) Protect water quality. Do not clear vegetation to bare mineral soil and avoid the use of heavy equipment in and around streams and seasonal drainages. Vegetation removal can cause soil erosion, especially on steep slopes. Keep soil distur- bance to a minimum on steep slopes.

(a) An insurance company that insures an occupied “Building or Structure” may require additional clearance beyond that required under § 1299.03 only if a fire expert designated by the Director provides findings that the clearing is necessary. (b) Within the intent of the regulations, a fire expert designated by the Director may require more than one hundred feet (100 ft.) of defensible space. A fire expert cannot require additional defensible space clearance beyond the property line. (c) Further guidance to property owners on implementation of this regulation is contained in the “General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space” and the “Property Inspection Guide,” both of which are referenced elsewhere in this regulation.

The provisions of these regulations are not intended to exclude alternative methods not specifically prescribed by these regulations. A fire expert designated by the Director may approve alternative practices which provide for the same practical effects as those stated in these regulations.