Section 104 — DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE CODE OFFICIAL

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

[A] 104.2 Determination of compliance. The code official shall have the authority to determine compliance with this code, to render interpretations of this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies and procedures:

1. Shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code.
2. Shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code.

[A] 104.2.1 Technical assistance. To determine compliance with this code, the code official is authorized to require the owner, the owner’s authorized agent or the person in possession or control of the building or premises to provide a technical opinion and report.

[A] 104.2.1.1 Costs. A technical opinion and report shall be provided without charge to the jurisdiction.

[A] 104.2.1.2 Preparer qualifications. The technical opinion and report shall be prepared by a qualified engineer, specialist, laboratory or fire safety specialty organization acceptable to the code official. The code official is authorized to require design submittals to be prepared by, and bear the stamp of, a registered design professional.

[A] 104.2.1.3 Content. The technical opinion and report shall analyze the properties of the design, operation or use of the building or premises, the facilities and appurtenances situated thereon and fuel management to identify and propose necessary recommendations.

[A] 104.2.1.4 Tests. Where there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this code, the code official shall have the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance. Test methods shall be as specified in this code or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized test standards, the code official shall approve the testing procedures. Such tests shall be performed by a party acceptable to the code official.

[A] 104.2.2 Alternative materials, design and methods. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved.

[A] 104.2.2.1 Approval authority. An alternative material, design or method shall be approved where the code official finds that the proposed alternative is satisfactory and complies with Sections 104.2.2.2 through 104.2.2.7, as applicable.

[A] 104.2.2.2 Application and disposition. Where required, a request to use an alternative material, design or method of construction shall be submitted in writing to the code official for approval. Where the alternative material, design or method of construction is not approved, the code official shall respond in writing, stating the reasons the alternative was not approved.

[A] 104.2.2.3 Compliance with code intent. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall comply with the intent of the provisions of this code.

[A] 104.2.2.4 Equivalency criteria. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall, for the purpose intended, be not less than the equivalent of that prescribed in this code with respect to all of the following, as applicable:

1. Quality.

2. Strength.

3. Effectiveness.

4. Durability.

5. Safety, other than fire safety.

6. Fire safety.

[A] 104.2.2.5 Tests. Tests conducted to demonstrate equivalency in support of an alternative material, design or method of construction application shall be of a scale that is sufficient to predict performance of the end use configuration. Tests shall be performed by a party acceptable to the code official.

[A] 104.2.2.5.1 Fire tests. Tests conducted to demonstrate equivalent fire safety in support of an alternative material, design or method of construction application shall be of a scale that is sufficient to predict fire safety performance of the end use configuration. Tests shall be performed by a party acceptable to the code official.

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

ADMINISTRATION

[A] 104.2.2.6 Reports. Supporting data, where necessary to assist in the approval of materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in this code, shall comply with Sections 104.2.2.6.1 and 104.2.2.6.2.

[A] 104.2.2.6.1 Evaluation reports. Evaluation reports shall be issued by an approved agency and use of the evaluation report shall require approval by the code official for the installation. The alternate material, design or method of construction and product evaluated shall be within the scope of the code official’s recognition of the approved agency. Criteria used for the evaluation shall be identified within the report and, where required, provided to the code official.

[A] 104.2.2.6.2 Other reports. Reports not complying with Section 104.2.2.6.1 shall describe criteria, including but not limited to any referenced testing or analysis, used to determine compliance with code intent and justify code equivalence. The report shall be prepared by a qualified engineer, specialist, laboratory or fire safety specialty organization acceptable to the code official. The code official is authorized to require design submittals to be prepared by, and bear the stamp of, a registered design professional.

[A] 104.2.2.7 Peer review. The code official is authorized to require submittal of a peer review report in conjunction with a request to use an alternative material, design or method of construction, prepared by a peer reviewer that is approved by the code official.

[A] 104.2.3 Modifications. Where there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the code official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, provided that the code official shall first find that one or more special individual reasons make the strict letter of this code impractical, that the modification is in conformance with the intent and purpose of this code, and that such modification does not lessen health, life and fire safety requirements. The details of the written request and action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered into the files of the code enforcement

agency.

[A] 104.3 Applications and permits. The code official is authorized to receive applications, review construction documents and issue permits for construction regulated by this code, issue permits for operations regulated by this code, inspect the premises for which such permits have been issued and enforce compliance with the provisions of this code.

[A] 104.4 Right of entry. Where it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this code, or where the code official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a structure or on any premises a condition that is contrary to or in violation of this code that makes the structure or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the code official is authorized to enter the structure or premises at all reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed by this code. If such structure or premises is occupied, the code official shall present proper credentials to the occupant and request entry. If such structure or premises is unoccupied, the code official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner, the owner’s authorized agent or other person having charge or control of the structure or premises and request entry. If such entry is refused, then the code official shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.

[A] 104.4.1 Warrant. Where the code official has first obtained a proper inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, an owner, the owner’s authorized agent, occupant or person having charge, care or control of the structure or premises shall not fail or neglect, after a proper request is made as herein provided, to permit entry therein by the code official for the purposes of inspection and examination pursuant to this code.

[A] 104.5 Identification. The code official shall carry proper identification when inspecting structures or premises in the performance of duties under this code.

[A] 104.6 Notices and orders. The code official shall issue all necessary notices or orders to ensure compliance with this code. Notices of violations shall be in accordance with Section 110.2.

[A] 104.7 Official records. The code official shall keep official records as required by Sections 104.7.1 through 104.7.5. Such official records shall be retained for not less than 5 years or for as long as the structure or activity to which such records relate remains in existence, unless otherwise provided by other regulations.

[A] 104.7.1 Approvals. A record of approvals shall be maintained by the code official and shall be available for public inspection during business hours in accordance with applicable laws.

[A] 104.7.2 Inspections. The code official shall keep a record of each inspection made, including notices and orders issued, showing the findings and disposition of each.

[A] 104.7.3 Code alternatives and modifications. Application for alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment in accordance with Section 104.2.2; modifications in accordance with Section 104.2.3; and documentation of the final decision of the code official for either shall be in writing and shall be retained in the official records.

[A] 104.7.4 Tests. The code official shall keep a record of tests conducted to comply with Sections 104.2.1.4 and 104.2.2.5.

[A] 104.7.5 Fees. The code official shall keep a record of fees collected and refunded in accordance with Section 108.

[A] 104.8 Liability. The code official, member of the board of appeals or employee charged with the enforcement of this code, while acting for the jurisdiction, in good faith and without malice in the discharge of the duties required by this code or other pertinent law or ordinance, shall not thereby be rendered personally liable, either civilly or criminally, and is hereby relieved from all personal liability for any damage accruing to persons or property as a result of an act or by reason of any act or omission in the discharge of official duties.

[A] 104.8.1 Legal defense. Any suit or criminal complaint instituted against any officer or employee because of an act performed by that officer or employee in the lawful discharge of duties and under the provisions of this code or other laws or ordinances

1-18 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

ADMINISTRATION

implemented through the enforcement of this code shall be defended by legal representatives of the jurisdiction until final termination of the proceedings. The code official or any subordinate shall not be liable for costs in an action, suit or proceeding that is instituted in pursuance of the provisions of this code.

[A] 104.9 Approved materials and equipment. Materials, equipment and devices approved by the code official shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval.

[A] 104.9.1 Materials and equipment reuse. Materials, equipment and devices shall not be reused unless such elements are in good working order and approved.

[A] 104.10 Other agencies. When requested to do so by the code official, other officials of this jurisdiction shall assist and cooperate with the code official in the discharge of the duties required by this code.