San Bernardino Municipal Code Ch. 15.10 Foothill Fire Zone Building Standards

The purpose of this chapter is to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of injury, death, or property damage that may result from wildland fires in the foothill areas of the city. The building standards contained in this chapter are intended to prevent the ignition of, or otherwise reduce the spread of fire on developed properties, by controlling the use of materials and methods of construction.

(Ord. MC-960, passed 3-6-1996; Ord. MC-1162, passed 1-6-2004; Ord. MC-1163, passed 1-23-2004; Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026)

Very high fire hazard severity zones are hereby designated in the city as recommended by the Director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection within the city as depicted on a map titled “City of San Bernardino Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones,” dated October 29, 2008, on file at the office of the City Clerk, 300 N. D Street, San Bernardino, California.

(Ord. MC-1309, passed 7-6-2009; Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026)

701A.3.2 Existing Structures. For existing structures, retrofitting of an element is required when more than 60% replacement of that element occurs. An addition to an existing structure need not comply with these standards if the addition does not exceed 60% of the floor are of the existing structure and the existing structure was not required to meet these construction standards when originally constructed. Retrofitting of an entire structure is required when a combination of elements is replaced or other repairs are made equal in value to 60% or more of the replacement cost of the structure as determined by the building official. Alterations made to a structure shall not increase the degree of non-conformity in regard to these standards.

(Ord. MC-1337, passed 11-15-2010; Ord. MC-1395, passed 1-6-2014; Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026)

The requirements of this chapter shall apply to those properties located in Foothill Fire Zones A, B, or C as defined in Chapter 19.15 and those properties located in a very high fire hazard severity zone as designated by the State of California.

(Ord. MC-960, passed 3-6-1996; Ord. MC-1162, passed 1-6-2004; Ord. MC-1163, passed 1-23-2004; Ord. MC-1261, passed 12-4-2007; Ord. MC-1262, passed 12-18-2007; Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026)

(A) The building standards contained in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, shall apply in the foothill fire zones and in state designated very high fire hazard severity zones.

(B) In addition, the following requirements shall apply as noted herein:

(1) Fencing shall be of approved noncombustible or ignition-resistant material.

(2) Vinyl window frame assemblies shall have the following characteristics:

(a) Frames shall have welded corners and metal reinforcement in the interlock area;

(b) Dual-paned insulated glazed units with at least one pane of tempered glass;

(c) Frame and sash profiles are certified in AAMA Lineal Certification Program (verified by an AAMA product label or a Certified Products Directory);

(d) Certified and labeled to ANSI/AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97 for structural requirements.

(3) Roof mounted turbine vents shall not be permitted.

(4) All roof coverings shall be of non-wood materials with at least a Class A fire-retardant rating.

(5) Paper-faced insulation shall be prohibited in attics or ventilated spaces.

(Ord. MC-960, passed 3-6-1996; Ord. MC-1162, passed 1-6-2004; Ord. MC-1163, passed 1-23-2004; Ord. MC-1261, passed 12-4-2007; Ord. MC-1262, passed 12-18-2007; Ord. MC-1337, passed 11-15-2010; Ord. MC-1395, passed 1-6-2014; Ord. MC-1525, passed 1-15-2020; Ord. MC-1643, passed 10-2-2024; Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026)