Section 202 — DEFINITIONS

ACCESSORY STRUCTURE. A building or structure used to shelter or support any material, equipment, chattel or occupancy other than a habitable building.

AGRICULTURE (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). Land used for agricultural purposes as defined in a Local Jurisdiction's zoning ordinances. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(a)]

APPLICABLE BUILDING. A building that has residential, commercial, educational, institutional or similar occupancy type use.

[A] APPROVED. Acceptable to the code official.

[A] APPROVED AGENCY. An established and recognized organization that is regularly engaged in conducting tests, furnishing inspection services or furnishing product evaluation or certification where such organization has been approved by the code official.

[A] BUILDING. Any structure intended for supporting or sheltering any occupancy.

BUILDING (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). Any Structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or Occupancy, except those classified as Utility and Miscellaneous Group U. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(c)]

[A] BUILDING OFFICIAL. The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the California Building Code, or the building official’s duly authorized representative.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION. Written documentation that the project or work for which a permit was issued has been completed in conformance with requirements of this code.

[A] CODE OFFICIAL. The official designated by the jurisdiction to interpret and enforce this code, or the code official’s authorized representative.

CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER. A set of weather conditions (usually a combination of low relative humidity and wind) whose effects on fire behavior make control difficult and threaten firefighter safety.

DEAD-END ROAD (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). A road that has only one point of vehicular ingress/egress, including cul-de- sacs and roads that loop back on themselves. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(e)]

DEFENSIBLE SPACE. See Sections 403.1.1 and 601.3.

DRIVEWAY (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). A vehicular pathway route that serves not more than four (4) Residential Units and any number of noncommercial or nonindustrial Utility or Miscellaneous Group U Buildings. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(i)]

[BG] DWELLING. A building that contains one or two dwelling units used, intended or designed to be used, rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied for living purposes.

EXTERIOR WALL ASSEMBLY. A system, including the exterior wall covering, framing and components such as weather-resistive barriers and insulating materials. This system provides protection of the building structural members and conditioned interior space from the detrimental effects of the exterior environment.

EXTERIOR WALL COVERING. A material or assembly of materials applied on the exterior side of exterior walls for the purpose of providing a weather-resisting barrier, insulation or for aesthetics, including but not limited to veneers, siding, exterior insulation and finish systems, rainscreen systems, architectural trim, and embellishments such as cornices, soffits, facias, gutters and leaders.

[F] FIRE CHIEF. The chief officer or the chief officer’s authorized representative of the fire department serving the jurisdiction.

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DEFINITIONS

FIRE CODE OFFICIAL. The fire chief or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the California Fire Code, or a duly authorized representative.

FIRE FLOW CALCULATION AREA. The floor area, in square feet (square meters), used to determine the adequate water supply.

FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES. Geographical areas designated pursuant to California Public Resources Codes, Sections 4201 through 4204 California Government Code, Sections 51175 through 51189.

The map, approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, is hereby incorporated by reference and entitled “State Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones,” dated September 29, 2023.

FIRE PROTECTION PLAN. A document prepared for a specific project or development proposed for the wildland-urban interface area. It describes ways to minimize and mitigate potential for loss from wildfire exposure.

FIRE WEATHER. Weather conditions favorable to the ignition and rapid spread of fire. In wildfires, this generally includes high temperatures combined with strong winds and low humidity. See “Critical fire weather.”

FIRE-RESISTANCE-RATED CONSTRUCTION. The use of materials and systems in the design and construction of a building or structure to safeguard against the spread of fire within a building or structure and the spread of fire to or from buildings or structures to the wildland-urban interface area.

FIRE-SMART VEGETATION. Plants, shrubs, trees and other vegetation that exhibit properties, such as high moisture content, little accu- mulation 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.

( Note: The following sources contain examples of types of vegetation that can be considered as fire-smart vegetation: Fire-resistant Plants for Home Landscapes, A Pacific Northwest Extension publication; Home Landscaping for Fire, University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Sunset Western Garden Book.)

[BG] FLAME SPREAD INDEX. A comparative measure, expressed as a dimensionless number, derived from visual measurements of the spread of flame versus time for a material tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.

FUEL. Any combustible material, including petroleum-based products, cultivated landscape plants, grasses, weeds and wildland vegetation.

FUEL BREAK (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). A strategically located area where the volume and arrangement of vegetation has been managed to limit fire intensity, fire severity, rate of spread, crown fire potential and/or ember production. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(n)]

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

FUEL MOSAIC. A fuel modification system that provides for the creation of islands and irregular boundaries to reduce the visual and ecological impact of fuel modification.

FUEL-LOADING. The oven-dry weight of fuels in a given area, usually expressed in pounds per acre (lb/a) (kg/ha). Fuel-loading may be referenced to fuel size or time-lag categories, and may include surface fuels or total fuels.

GREEN BELT (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). Open space, parks, wildlands, other areas or a combination thereof, as desig- nated by Local Jurisdictions, which are in, surround or are adjacent to a city or urbanized area, that may function as Fuel Breaks and where Building construction is restricted or prohibited. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(o)]

GREENWAYS (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). Linear open spaces or corridors that link parks and neighborhoods within a community through natural or manmade trails and paths. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(p)]

HAMMERHEAD/T (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). A “T” shaped, three-point turnaround space for fire apparatus on a road or driveway, being no narrower than the road or driveway that serves it. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(q)]

HAZARDOUS LAND USE (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). A land use that presents a significantly elevated potential for the igni- tion, prolonged duration or increased intensity of a wildfire due to the presence of flammable materials, liquids or gasses, or other features that initiate or sustain combustion. Such uses are determined by the local jurisdiction and may include, but are not limited to, power-generation and distribution facilities; wood processing or storage sites; flammable gas or liquids processing or storage sites; or shooting ranges. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(r)]

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. As defined in the California Fire Code .

HEAVY TIMBER CONSTRUCTION. As described in the California Building Code .

IGNITION-RESISTANT BUILDING MATERIAL. A type of building material that resists ignition or sustained flaming combustion sufficiently so as to reduce losses from wildfire exposure of burning embers and small flames.

LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY AREA (LRA). Areas of the state in which the financial responsibility of preventing and suppressing fires is the primary responsibility of a city, county, city and county, or district. See also “State Responsibility Area (SRA).”

LOG WALL CONSTRUCTION. A type of construction in which exterior walls are constructed of solid wood members and where the smallest horizontal dimension of each solid wood member is not less than 6 inches (152 mm).

MULTILAYERED GLAZED PANELS. Window or door assemblies that consist of two or more independently glazed panels installed parallel to each other, having a sealed air gap in between, within a frame designed to fill completely the window or door opening in which the assembly is intended to be installed.

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DEFINITIONS

NONCOMBUSTIBLE ROOF COVERING. A roof covering consisting of any of the following:

1. Cement shingles or sheets.
2. Exposed concrete slab roof.
3. Ferrous or copper shingles or sheets.
4. Slate shingles.
5. Clay or concrete roofing tile.
6. Approved roof covering of noncombustible material. OUTBUILDING (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). Buildings or structures that are less than 120 square feet (11.15 m2) in size and not used for human habitation. An “Outbuilding” is not a “Building” or “Structure” as defined herein. [CCR Title 14 §1299.02(c)]

[A] PEER REVIEW. An independent and objective technical review conducted by an approved third party.

RAFTER TAIL. The portion of roof rafter framing in a sloping roof assembly that projects beyond and overhangs an exterior wall.

[A] REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL. An architect or engineer, registered or licensed to practice professional architecture or engineering, as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state in which the project is to be constructed.

RESIDENTIAL UNIT (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). Any building or portion thereof which contains living facilities including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and/or sanitation, for one or more persons. Manufactured homes, mobile homes and factory-built housing are considered residential units. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(w)]

RIDGELINE (topography) (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). The line of intersection of two opposing slope aspects running parallel to the long axis of the highest elevation of land; or an area of higher ground separating two adjacent streams or watersheds. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(x)]

ROAD (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). A public or private vehicular pathway to more than four (4) residential units, or to any industrial or commercial occupancy. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(y)]

ROOF ASSEMBLY. A system designed to provide weather protection and resistance to design loads. The system consists of a roof covering and roof deck or a single component serving as both the roof covering and the roof deck. A roof assembly can include an underlayment, thermal barrier, ignition barrier, insulation or a vapor retarder.

ROOF COVERING. The covering applied to the roof deck for weather resistance, fire classification or appearance.

ROOF COVERING SYSTEM. See “Roof assembly.”

ROOF DECK. The flat or sloped surface not including its supporting members or vertical supports.

ROOF EAVE. The lower portion of a sloping roof assembly that projects beyond and overhangs an exterior wall at the lower end of the rafter tails. Roof eaves may be either “open” or “enclosed.” Open roof eaves have exposed rafter tails and an unenclosed space on the underside of the roof deck. Enclosed roof eaves have a boxed-in roof eave soffit with a horizontal underside or sloping rafter tails with an exterior covering applied to the underside of the rafter tails.

ROOF EAVE SOFFIT. An enclosed boxed-in soffit under a roof eave with exterior covering material applied to the soffit framing creating a horizontal surface on the exposed underside.

SLOPE. The variation of terrain from the horizontal; the number of feet (meters) rise or fall per 100 feet (30 480 mm) measured horizontally, expressed as a percentage.

STATE RESPONSIBILITY AREA (SRA). Lands that are classified by the Board of Forestry pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 4125 where the financial responsibility of preventing and suppressing forest fires is primarily the responsibility of the state.

STRATEGIC RIDGELINE (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). A ridgeline identified pursuant to Title 14 §1276.02(a) that may support fire suppression activities or where the preservation of the ridgeline as undeveloped would reduce fire risk and improve fire protection. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(dd)]

[A] STRUCTURE. That which is built or constructed , or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner.

[Z] SUBDIVISION. The division of a tract, lot or parcel of land into two or more lots, plats, sites or other divisions of land.

TREE CROWN. The primary and secondary branches growing out from the main stem, together with twigs and foliage.

UNDEVELOPED RIDGELINE (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). A ridgeline with no building. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(ii)]

UNENCLOSED ACCESSORY STRUCTURE. An accessory structure without a complete exterior wall system enclosing the area under roof or floor above.

VERTICAL CURVE (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). A curve at a high or low point of a road that provides a gradual transition between two road grades or slopes. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(kk)]

WILDFIRE. An uncontrolled fire spreading through vegetative fuels that threatens to destroy life, property or resources as defined in Public Resources Code Sections 4103 and 4104.

WILDFIRE EXPOSURE. One or a combination of radiant heat, convective heat, direct flame contact and burning embers being projected by vegetation fire to a structure and its immediate environment.

WILDLAND. An area in which development is essentially nonexistent, except for roads, railroads, power lines and similar facilities.

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DEFINITIONS

WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA. A geographical area identified by the state as a “Fire Hazard Severity Zone” in accordance with the Public Resources Code Sections 4201 through 4204 and Government Code Sections 51175 through 51189, and other areas designated by the enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires.

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CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 3 – WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREAS

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

• The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, Division 1.5 provisions that are found in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are not listed in the Matrix Adoption Tables as they are not within the State Fire Marshal’s authority to adopt. These provisions are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 14, Division 1.5 text for the code user’s convenience only and are identified in the body of the code by square brackets containing references to applicable Title 14 sections.

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