Section 609 — RIDGELINES, FUEL BREAKS AND GREENBELTS

(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. (6) Other factors, if any, deemed relevant by the local jurisdiction. (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 Ridgelines 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 wire- less 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.

[CCR T14 §1276.02]

When applications meet any of 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 or more new parcels, excluding lot line adjustments as specified in Government Code 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.

[CCR T14 §1276.03(a)]

609.2.1 Exposures. Fuel breaks required by the local jurisdiction, in consultation with the fire authority, shall be located, designed and maintained 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. [CCR T14 §1276.03(b)]

609.2.2 Fire department access. Fuel breaks shall have, at a minimum, one point of entry for firefighters 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. [CCR T14 §1276.03(c)]

609.2.3 Location of fuel breaks. Fuel breaks may be required at locations such as, but not limited to: (1) Directly adjacent to defensible space as defined by Title 14 CCR Section 1299.02 to reduce radiant and convective heat expo- sure and ember impacts, or support firefighting tactics. (2) Directly adjacent to roads to manage radiant and convective heat exposure and ember impacts, increase evacuation safety, or support firefighting 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 firefighting tactics. (4) Strategically located along ridgelines, in greenbelts, or in other locations to reduce radiant and convective heat exposure and ember impacts, or support community level firefighting tactics.

[CCR T14 §1276.03(d)]

609.2.4 Timing. Fuel breaks shall be completed prior to the commencement of any permitted construction. [CCR T14 §1276.03(e)]

609.2.5 Construction. 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 applica- tion of herbicides. [CCR T14 §1276.03(f)]

6-6 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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

FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

609.2.6 Maintenance of fuel breaks. Where a local jurisdiction requires fuel breaks, maintenance mechanisms shall be established to ensure the fire behavior objectives and thresholds are maintained over time.

The mechanisms required shall be binding upon the property for which the fuel break is established, shall ensure adequate main- tenance levels, and may include: written legal agreements; permanent fees, taxes, or assessments; assessments through a homeowners’ association; or other funding mechanisms. [CCR T14 §1276.03(g) and (h)]

609.2.7 Greenbelts, greenways, open spaces and parks. Where a greenbelt, greenway, open space, park, landscaped or natural area or portion thereof is intended to serve as a fuel break, the space or relevant portion thereof shall conform with the requirements in California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 1276.03. [CCR T14 §1276.04]