CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
What are inspection, enforcement and abatement authorities and procedures?
Under the CWUIC the code official can inspect work and buildings, require tests and reinspections (with fees), and issue corrective orders that must be properly served (personal service, posting and certified mail, or verbal then written confirmation); work requiring a permit must remain accessible until approved. **§ 109**, **§ 109.1**, **§ 109.2** .
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The code official has the authority to inspect permitted work and buildings as often as necessary, require tests and reinspections, and issue corrective orders and notices where violations or hazardous conditions are found (see § 109, § 109.1, § 109.2). Orders and notices may be served verbally, by personal delivery, by conspicuously posting on the premises and mailing by registered or certified mail; verbal notices must be confirmed in writing. Work must remain accessible for inspection until approved and reinspections may require payment of a reinspection fee before additional inspections are performed. § 109.1 § 109.2 § 109 .
The code official may enter, inspect, test and — when necessary — order correction or abatement; owners and permit holders must keep work accessible and comply with written notices. § 109.1
Requirements in detail
Who may inspect and what they may do
- The code official is authorized to perform inspections to identify conditions that could cause or spread fire or otherwise violate the code. § 109.1.2 .
- The code official may accept inspection reports from approved inspection agencies if those agencies meet qualifications and reliability requirements. § 109.1.2.1 .
- Where required, installations must be tested by the permit holder or their agent and observed by the code official; equipment and labor for tests are furnished by the permit holder. § 109.1.4, § 109.1.4.2 .
Access, visibility, and records
- Construction or work that requires a permit must remain visible and accessible for inspection until approved; the applicant is responsible for maintaining access. § 109.1.1 .
- The code official (and authorized representatives) have a right to enter premises for inspection; if entry is refused, the code official may seek an inspection warrant or other legal remedy. § 104.4 (cross-reference to inspection authority).
How enforcement is initiated and served
- When the code official finds violations, they are authorized to issue corrective orders and notices. § 109.2.1 .
- Service methods authorized by the code include: verbal notification (to be confirmed in writing), personal service, leaving a copy with a responsible person on the premises, affixing the notice to a conspicuous place (e.g., the entrance door) if no one is found, and mailing by registered or certified mail to the last known address. § 109.2.2 .
Reinspection, testing and fees
- If an initial inspection or test fails, the permit holder must correct deficiencies and resubmit the work for inspection and testing. § 109.1.4.3 .
- To obtain a reinspection, the permit holder/applicant shall pay the reinspection fee as set in the local fee schedule; no additional inspection will be performed until required fees have been paid. § 109.1.3 (reinspections) .
Abatement and follow-up (summary of available code references)
- The code includes provisions for compliance with orders and notices and for dealing with unsafe conditions, placarding, abatement, summary abatement, and abatement of violations (headings listed under § 109.3). The searchable index shows these subsections exist (e.g., § 109.3.1, § 109.3.5, § 109.3.5.4, § 109.3.8), but the full text of many abatement-specific subsections was not present in the retrieved excerpts. § 109.3 .
Requirements at-a-glance (decision dimensions)
| Decision dimension | Typical values / actions | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Who may inspect | Code official or approved inspection agency | § 109.1.2, § 109.1.2.1 |
| Requirement for access | Work must remain visible and accessible until approved | § 109.1.1 |
| Tests and who provides them | Tests done by permit holder/agent; apparatus and labor supplied by permit holder | § 109.1.4, § 109.1.4.2 |
| Reinspection fee | Local fee required before reinspection; no additional inspections until paid | § 109.1.3 (reinspection fee language) |
| Enforcement actions available | Corrective orders, notices, placarding, abatement, prosecution (headings) | § 109.2.1, § 109.3 |
| Methods of service | Verbal (confirmed in writing), personal service, leave with responsible person, post on door + certified/registered mail | § 109.2.2 |
Exceptions & special cases
- The CWUIC allows the code official to accept reports from approved inspection agencies, which can change who performs the inspection (not the code official’s authority). § 109.1.2.1 .
- The code does not prescribe a uniform time-to-comply in the retrieved excerpts; Title 19 guidance (reprinted text) instructs inspection authorities to exercise judgment and either require immediate compliance or grant a reasonable time to conform depending on life-safety risk. This means deadlines are set case-by-case by the enforcing authority. Title 19 reprint guidance is available in the code materials. .
- If the inspector cannot obtain entry, the code official may pursue an inspection warrant or other legal remedy as allowed by § 104.4. § 104.4 .
Note: Full procedural text for abatement subsections (for example the exact administrative steps and timelines in § 109.3.5.4, § 109.3.5.5, § 109.3.8) was not included in the retrieved excerpts; where specific abatement steps or statutory deadlines are needed, consult the local adopting ordinance or the full CWUIC text for those subsections. § 109.3 .
Common mistakes
- Assuming an inspector’s verbal OK overrides written code requirements — verbal notices must be confirmed in writing. § 109.2.2 .
- Not keeping work visible and accessible for inspection (moving or concealing work before approval). § 109.1.1 .
- Failing to pay reinspection fees and then expecting additional inspections — the code says no further inspection until fees are paid. § 109.1.3 .
- Ignoring a posted notice by assuming mailing wasn’t effective — the code permits posting on the entry and mailing to the last known address as proper service. § 109.2.2 .
- Expecting a fixed statewide deadline to correct violations in every case — the retrieved text shows the authority may grant reasonable time or require immediate compliance depending on life-safety risk rather than a single fixed period. Title 19 guidance supports this discretion. .
Worked example — applying the rule with numbers
Scenario: A homeowner obtains a permit to replace roof coverings. During the required inspection the code official finds the new roof vent installation does not meet ignition‑resistant detail and records the violation.
Step-by-step using the code:
- Inspector issues a corrective order/notice under § 109.2.1 (reason: noncompliant vents). § 109.2.1 .
- The inspector serves the notice in person and also posts a copy on the front door and mails a certified letter to the homeowner’s last known address (all methods authorized by § 109.2.2). § 109.2.2 .
- The code official grants a reasonable time to correct the installation — for this example the authority sets 30 calendar days (the code excerpts do not mandate a particular number; Title 19 guidance allows the inspector to set a reasonable period based on risk). .
- If the homeowner fixes the vents and requests reinspection, they must pay any reinspection fee set by the jurisdiction before the code official performs the follow-up inspection. No additional inspection will occur until that fee is paid. § 109.1.3 .
- If the homeowner fails to comply and the condition is judged unsafe, the jurisdiction may proceed with abatement steps, placarding or prosecution per the enforcement/abatement provisions in § 109.3 (refer to the full text of those subsections for exact abatement mechanics). § 109.3 .
Related provisions
- § 109 (Inspection and enforcement — chapter heading and scope)
- § 109.1 (Inspection — general rules on accessibility, testing and inspections)
- § 109.2 (Enforcement — authority to issue orders and methods of service)
- § 109.3 (Compliance with orders and notices; abatement-related subsections listed)
- § 104.4 (Right of entry; warrants and remedies when entry is refused)
- Title 19 reprint / enforcement guidance (discretion to grant reasonable time vs immediate compliance)
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CWUIC § 109.1.4 High relevance — show source text
To obtain a reinspection, the applicant shall pay the reinspection fee as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by the jurisdiction. Where reinspection fees have been assessed, additional inspection of the work will not be performed until the required fees have been paid.
[A] 109.1.4 Testing. Installations shall be tested as required in this code and in accordance with Sections 109.1.4.1 through 109.1.4.3. Tests shall be made by the permit holder or authorized agent and observed by the code official.
[A] 109.1.4.1 New, altered, extended or repaired installations. New installations and parts of existing installations that have been altered, extended, renovated or repaired, shall be tested as prescribed herein to disclose defects.
[A] 109.1.4.2 Apparatus, instruments, material and labor for tests. Apparatus, instruments, material and labor required for testing an installation or part thereof shall be furnished by the permit holder or authorized agent.
[A] 109.1.4.3 Reinspection and testing. Where any work or installation does not pass an initial test or inspection, the necessary corrections shall be made so as to achieve compliance with this code. The work or installation shall then be resubmitted to the code official for inspection and testing.
[A] 109.2 Enforcement. Enforcement shall be in accordance with Sections 109.2.1 and 109.2.2.
[A] 109.2.1 Authorization to issue corrective orders and notices. Where the code official finds any building or premises that are in violation of this code, the code official is authorized to issue corrective orders and notices.
[A] 109.2.2 Service of orders and notices. Orders and notices authorized or required by this code shall be given or served on the owner, the owner’s authorized agent, operator, occupant or other person responsible for the condition or violation either by verbal notification, personal service, or delivering the same to, and leaving it with, a person of suitable age and discretion on the premises; or, if such person is not found on the premises, by affixing a copy thereof in a conspicuous place on the door to the entrance of said premises and by mailing a copy thereof to such person by registered or certified mail to the person’s last known address.
Orders or notices that are given verbally shall be confirmed by service in writing as herein provided.
[A] 109.3 Compliance with orders and notices. Compliance with orders and notices shall be in accordance with Sections 109.3.1 through 109.3.8.
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ADMINISTRATION
[A] 109.3.1 General compliance. Orders and notices issued or served as provided by this code shall be complied with by the owner, the owner’s authorized agent, operator, occupant or other person responsible for the condition or violation to which the corrective order or notice pertains.
If the building or premises is not occupied, then such corrective orders or notices shall be complied with by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
[A] 109.3.2 Compliance with tags. A building or premises shall not be used when in violation of this code as noted on a tag affixed in accordance with Section 109.3.1.
CWUIC § 109.1.4.3 High relevance — show source text
2|Apparatus, instru-
ments, material and
labor for tests|N||||||||| |109.1.4.3|Reinspection and
testing|N|||||||||2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX H-23
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
2025 CWUIC—continued Col2 Adopted
Yes/NoIWUIC
SectionCBC
SectionCFC
SectionTitle 14,
Division 1.5
SectionTitle 19,
Division 1
SectionGov Code
SectionPRC
SectionHSC
SectionSection Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Chapter 1 _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration 109.2 Enforcement N 109.2.1 Authorization to issue
corrective orders and
noticesN 109.2.2 Service of orders and
noticesN 109.3 Compliance with
orders and noticesN 109.3.1 General compliance N 109.3.2 Compliance with tags N 109.3.3 Removal and
destruction of signs
and tagsN 109.3.4 Citations N 109.3.5 Unsafe conditions N 109.3.5.1 Record N 109.3.5.2 Notice N 109.3.5.2.1 Method of service N 109.3.5.3 Placarding N 109.3.5.3.1 Placard removal N 109.3.5.4 Abatement N 109.3.5.5 Summary abatement N 109.3.5.6 Evacuation N 109.3.6 Prosecution of
violationN 109.3.7 Violation penalties N 114 109.3.7.1 Unlawful acts Y 114.1 109.3.7.2 Notice of violation Y 114.2 109.3.8 Abatement of
violationN 110 Certificate of
occupancyY 111.1 110. CWUIC § 108.3 High relevance — show source text
[A] 108.3 Permit valuations. The applicant for a permit shall provide an estimated value of the work for which the permit is being issued at time of application. Such estimated valuations shall include the total value of work, including materials and labor, for which the permit is being issued. Where, in the opinion of the applicable governing authority, the valuation is underestimated, the permit shall be denied, unless the applicant can show detailed estimates acceptable to the applicable governing authority. The applicable governing authority shall have the authority to adjust the final valuation for permit fees.
[A] 108.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any person who commences any work before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee established by the applicable governing authority, which shall be in addition to the required permit fees.
[A] 108.5 Related fees. The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or demolition of work done in connection to or concurrently with the work or activity authorized by a permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that are prescribed by law.
[A] 108.6 Refunds. The applicable governing authority is authorized to establish a refund policy.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 1-21
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ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 109—INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT
[A] 109.1 Inspection. Inspections shall be in accordance with Sections 109.1.1 through 109.1.4.3.
[A] 109.1.1 General. Construction or work for which a permit is required by this code shall be subject to inspection by the code official and such construction or work shall remain visible and able to be accessed for inspection purposes until approved by the code official.
It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain visible and able to be accessed for inspection purposes. Neither the code official nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.
Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.
Where required by the code official, a survey of the lot shall be provided to verify that the mitigation features are provided and the building or structure is located in accordance with the approved plans.
[A] 109.1.2 Authority to inspect. The code official shall inspect, as often as necessary, buildings and premises, including such other hazards or appliances designated by the code official for the purpose of ascertaining and causing to be corrected any conditions that could reasonably be expected to cause fire or contribute to its spread, or any violation of the purpose of this code and of any other law or standard affecting fire safety.
[A] 109.1.2.1 Approved inspection agencies. The code official is authorized to accept reports of approved inspection agencies, provided that such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualifications and reliability.
CWUIC § 1.11 High relevance — show source text
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1.11] Enforcement of Regulations.
In most instances, the application of the California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 to existing occupancies will necessitate the granting of sufficient time to effect the necessary changes. The inspection authority must, therefore, exercise good judgment in authorizing sufficient time to complete the required changes, taking into consideration the degree of danger to life in the event of a fire while rectification is being carried out. The inspection authority may require immediate compliance with any or all of the regulations, or he may grant a reasonable length of time in which to conform.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1.12] Enforcement Agency. (a) The provisions of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall be enforced by the State Fire Marshal, the chief of any city or county fire department or fire protection district, and their authorized representatives, in their respective areas of jurisdiction. (b) The division of authority for the enforcement of these regulations shall be in accordance with the following: (1) The chief of any city or county fire department or fire protection district, and their authorized representatives shall enforce the rules and regulations in their respective areas. (2) The State Fire Marshal shall have the authority to enforce the rules and regulations in areas outside of corpo- rate cities and county fire protection districts. (3) The State Fire Marshal shall have the authority to enforce the rules and regulations in corporate cities and county fire protection districts upon request of the chief fire official or the governing body.
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ADMINISTRATION
(c) Regardless of the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) above, these regulations shall be enforced in state institutions, and state-owned and state-occupied buildings in accordance with the provisions of Section 13108, Health and Safety Code.
(d) Regardless of the above provisions of this section, these regulations shall be enforced only by the State Fire Marshal in every jail or place of detention for persons charged with or convicted of a crime, unless the chief of a city or county fire department or fire protection district, or such chief’s authorized representative, indicates in writing to the State Fire Marshal that inspections of such jails or places of detention will be conducted by the chief or such person’s authorized representative, in their respective area of jurisdiction. The inspections shall be made at least once every two years for the purpose of enforcing the regulations adopted by the State Fire Marshal, pursuant to Section 13143. Reports of inspection conducted pursuant to this subsection shall be on forms provided by the State Fire Marshal and shall be submitted to the official in charge of the facility, the local governing body, the State Fire Marshal, and the Corrections Standards Authority within 30 days of the inspections.
1.11.2.1.2 Reprint of Health and Safety Code Section 13108
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13108, and except as otherwise provided in this section, building standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal published in the California Building Standards Code relating to fire and panic safety shall be enforced by _the State Fire Marshal in all state-owned buildings, state-occupied buildings, and state institutions throughout the state.
CWUIC § 504.7 High relevance — show source text
Ignition Source Control Appendix A, A104 Ignition-Resistant Building Material 202, 503 Ignition-Resistant Construction 504 Appendages 504.7 Detached accessory structures 504.11 Eaves 504.3
Exterior doors 504.9
Exterior walls 504.5
Gutters and downspouts 504.4 Protection of eaves 504.3 Roof covering 504.2 Underfloor protection 504.6 Vents 504.10
Windows 504.8 Ignition-Resistant Construction and Material 503 Inspection and Enforcement 109 Abatement 109.3.8 Authority to inspect 109.1.2 Citations 109.3.4
Enforcement 109.2 Placarding 109.3.5.3 Prosecution 109.3.6
Reinspections 109.1.3 Right of entry 104.4 Testing 109.1.4 Unsafe conditions 109.3.5
Key Box 403.1
Land Use Limitations Appendix A, A108 Legal Defense of the Code Official 104.8.1 Liability of the Code Official 104.8
Log Wall Construction 202 LP-Gas Installations 606
Maintenance 101.6 Maintenance of Defensible Space 604 Modified area 604.2 Responsibility 604.3 Trees 604.4 Mapping of Wildland-Urban Interface Area 302.2 Multilayered Glazed Panels 202
Noncombustible Roof Covering 202
Outbuilding 202
Peer Review 104.2.2.7, 202 Permits
Application 105.4 Approval 105.5 Expiration 105.8 Issuance 105.6 Preliminary inspection 105.4.1 Refusal to issue 105.6.1
Required 105.2 Retention 105.9
Revocation 105.10 Validity 105.7 Work exempt from permit 105.3 Placarding as Unsafe 109.3.5.3 Powers and Duties of the Code
Official 104.1
Practical Difficulties 104.2.3 Protection of Pumps and Water Storage Facilities Appendix A, A107
Rafter Tail 202 Referenced Standards 102.4, Chapter 7 Registered Design Professional 104.2.1.2, 104.2.2.6.2, 106.1, 202 Residential Unit 202 Retroactivity 101.4 Ridgelline 202 Road 202 Roof Covering 202 Roof Covering System 202 Roof Coverings, Replacement or Repair of 507
Roof Deck 202
Scope 101 Self-Defense Mechanism Appendix G Service Utilities 111
Slope 202 Spark Arrestors 605 Stop Work Order 113 Storage of Firewood and Combustible Materials 607 Strategic Ridgeline 202 Structure 202
Subdivision 202
CWUIC § 601.3 High relevance — show source text
Dead-end Road 202 Defensible Space 403, 601.3 Vegetation Plan 603 Definitions 202 Designation of Wildland-Urban Interface Area 302.1
Director 202 Driveway 202 Dumping Appendix A, A106 Dwelling 202
Exterior Covering 202
INDEX
Fees 109 Findings of Fact Appendix E Fire Chief 202 Fire Danger Rating System Appendix D Fire Flow Calculation Area Application 404.5 Defined 202 Fire Hazard Severity Zones 1.1.2, 202, 302.1, 302.2, Appendix D, Appendix H Fire Protection Plans 602
Fire Weather 202
Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction 501.3 Fire-Resistive Vegetation Appendix F Fire-Retardant-Treated Lumber or
Wood 503.2, 504.5, 504.7, 504.11 Flame Spread Index 202 Flashing 504.2.1, 504.5.1 Fuel Break 202, 609 Fuel Models Appendix D Fuel Modification 202
Fuel Modification Distance 603.2
Fuel Mosaic 202 Fuel-Loading 202
General Requirements Appendix A Green Belt 202
Greenways 202
Hammerhead/T 202 Hazardous Land Use 202
Hazardous Materials 202 Heavy Timber Construction 202
Ignition Source Control Appendix A, A104 Ignition-Resistant Building Material 202, 503 Ignition-Resistant Construction 504 Appendages 504.7 Detached accessory structures 504.11 Eaves 504.3
Exterior doors 504.9
Exterior walls 504.5
Gutters and downspouts 504.4 Protection of eaves 504.3 Roof covering 504.2 Underfloor protection 504.6 Vents 504.10
Windows 504.8 Ignition-Resistant Construction and Material 503 Inspection and Enforcement 109 Abatement 109.3.8 Authority to inspect 109.1.2 Citations 109.3.4
Enforcement 109.2 Placarding 109.3.5.3 Prosecution 109.3.6
Reinspections 109.1.3 Right of entry 104.4 Testing 109.1.4 Unsafe conditions 109.3.5
Key Box 403.1
Land Use Limitations Appendix A, A108 Legal Defense of the Code Official 104.8.1 Liability of the Code Official 104.8
Log Wall Construction 202 LP-Gas Installations 606
Maintenance 101.6 Maintenance of Defensible Space 604 Modified area 604.2 Responsibility 604.3 Trees 604.4 Mapping of Wildland-Urban Interface Area 302.2 Multilayered Glazed Panels 202
Noncombustible Roof Covering 202
Outbuilding 202
CWUIC § 106.11 High relevance — show source text
10|Amended construc-
tion documents|Y||||||||| |106.11|Previous approvals|N||||||||| |106.12|Phased approval|N||||||||| |107|Temporary structures
and uses|Y||||||||| |107.1|General|Y||||||||| |107.2|Conformance|Y||||||||| |107.3|Temporary service
utilities|Y||||||||| |107.4|Termination of
approval|Y||||||||| |108|Fees|N||||||||| |108.1|Payment of fees|N||||||||| |108.2|Schedule of permit
fees|N||||||||| |108.3|Permit valuations|N||||||||| |108.4|Work commencing
before permit
issuance|N||||||||| |108.5|Related fees|N||||||||| |108.6|Refunds|N||||||||| |109|Inspection and
enforcement|N||||||||| |109.1|Inspection|Y||||||||| |109.1.1|General|Y||||||||| |109.1.2|Authority to inspect|Y||||||||| |109.1.2.1|Approved inspection
agencies|Y||||||||| |109.1.2.2|Inspection requests|Y||||||||| |109.1.2.3|Approval required|Y||||||||| |109.1.3|Reinspections|N||||||||| |109.1.4|Testing|N||||||||| |109.1.4.1|New, altered,
extended or repaired
installations|N||||||||| |109.1.4.2|Apparatus, instru-
ments, material and
labor for tests|N||||||||| |109.1.4.3|Reinspection and
testing|N|||||||||2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX H-23
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
2025 CWUIC—continued Col2 Adopted
Yes/NoIWUIC
SectionCBC
SectionCFC
SectionTitle 14,
Division 1.5
SectionTitle 19,
Division 1
SectionGov Code
SectionPRC
SectionHSC
SectionSection Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Chapter 1 _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration 109.2 Enforcement N 109.2. CWUIC § 1-4 Medium relevance — show source text
1.11 Office of the State Fire Marshal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
1.12 Board of Forestry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
PART 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
101 Scope and General Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
104 Duties and Powers of the Code Official . . . . . . . . . 1-17
105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
106 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
107 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems . . . . . . 1-21
108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
109 Inspection and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
110 Certificate of Completion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
112 Means of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
113 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
CHAPTER 3 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREAS . . . . 3-3
CWUIC § 105.10 Medium relevance — show source text
Division 1
Section|Gov Code
Section|PRC
Section|HSC
Section| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Section|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title| |Chapter 1|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration| |105.10|Revocation of permits|Y||||||||| |106|Construction
documents|Y||||||||| |106.1|General|Y||107.1||||||| |106.2|Information on plans
and specifications|Y||||||||| |106.3|Site plan|Y||||||||| |106.4|Vegetation manage-
ment_compliance_|Y||701A.5||||||| |106.5|Fire protection plan|Y||||||||| |106.6|Other data and
substantiation|N||||||||| |106.7|Vicinity plan|Y||||||||| |106.8|Retention of plans|Y||1.11.3.5||||||| |106.9|Examination of
documents|N||||||||| |106.10|Amended construc-
tion documents|Y||||||||| |106.11|Previous approvals|N||||||||| |106.12|Phased approval|N||||||||| |107|Temporary structures
and uses|Y||||||||| |107.1|General|Y||||||||| |107.2|Conformance|Y||||||||| |107.3|Temporary service
utilities|Y||||||||| |107.4|Termination of
approval|Y||||||||| |108|Fees|N||||||||| |108.1|Payment of fees|N||||||||| |108.2|Schedule of permit
fees|N||||||||| |108.3|Permit valuations|N||||||||| |108.4|Work commencing
before permit
issuance|N||||||||| |108.5|Related fees|N||||||||| |108.6|Refunds|N||||||||| |109|Inspection and
enforcement|N||||||||| |109.1|Inspection|Y||||||||| |109.1.1|General|Y||||||||| |109.1.2|Authority to inspect|Y||||||||| |109.1.2.1|Approved inspection
agencies|Y||||||||| |109.1.2.2|Inspection requests|Y||||||||| |109.1.2.3|Approval required|Y||||||||| |109.1.3|Reinspections|N||||||||| |109.1.4|Testing|N||||||||| |109.1.4.1|New, altered,
extended or repaired
installations|N||||||||| |109.1.4.2|Apparatus, instru-
ments,CWUIC § 104.4 Medium relevance — show source text
[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.
CWUIC § 1270.06 Medium relevance — show source text
(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.
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 Exception 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.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 1-13
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ADMINISTRATION
[California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, §1270.08] Distance Measurements.
All specified or referenced distances are measured along the ground unless otherwise stated.
1.12.2 Agency identification. The provisions of this code applicable to wildland-urban interface areas identified in Section 1.12 are identified in the body of the code by square brackets containing references to applicable Title 14 sections and in the Cross Reference Table located in Appendix H, Section H107.
1-14 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
DIVISION II
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 is in two parts: Part 1–General Provisions (Sections 101–102) and Part 2—Administration and Enforcement (Sections 103–113). Section 101 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other California Codes as applicable.
This code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Note: Sections adopted or amended by state agencies are specifically indicated by an agency banner or indicated in the Matrix Adoption Table.
PART 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
CWUIC § 109.2.2 Medium relevance — show source text
1|Authorization to issue
corrective orders and
notices|N||||||||| |109.2.2|Service of orders and
notices|N||||||||| |109.3|Compliance with
orders and notices|N||||||||| |109.3.1|General compliance|N||||||||| |109.3.2|Compliance with tags|N||||||||| |109.3.3|Removal and
destruction of signs
and tags|N||||||||| |109.3.4|Citations|N||||||||| |109.3.5|Unsafe conditions|N||||||||| |109.3.5.1|Record|N||||||||| |109.3.5.2|Notice|N||||||||| |109.3.5.2.1|Method of service|N||||||||| |109.3.5.3|Placarding|N||||||||| |109.3.5.3.1|Placard removal|N||||||||| |109.3.5.4|Abatement|N||||||||| |109.3.5.5|Summary abatement|N||||||||| |109.3.5.6|Evacuation|N||||||||| |109.3.6|Prosecution of
violation|N||||||||| |109.3.7|Violation penalties|N||114||||||| |109.3.7.1|Unlawful acts|Y||114.1||||||| |109.3.7.2|Notice of violation|Y||114.2||||||| |109.3.8|Abatement of
violation|N||||||||| |110|Certificate of
occupancy|Y||111.1||||||| |110.1|General|Y||701A.4 #2||||||| |110.2|Certificate of
occupancy|Y||||||||| |110.3|Temporary
occupancy|Y||||||||| |110.4|Revocation|Y||||||||| |111|Service utilities|Y||||||||| |111.1|Connection of service
utilities|Y||||||||| |111.2|Temporary
connection|Y||||||||| |111.3|Authority to discon-
nect service utilities|Y||||||||| |112|Means of appeals|N||||||||| |112.1|General|N||||||||| |112.2|Limitations on
authority|N||||||||| |112.3|Qualifications|N||||||||| |112.4|Administration|N||||||||| |113|Stop work order|Y||||||||| |113.1|Authority|Y||||||||| |113.2|Issuance|Y||||||||| |113.3|Emergencies|Y||||||||| |113.4|Failure to comply|Y|||||||||APPENDIX H-24 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
|2025 CWUIC—continued|Col2|Adopted
Yes/No|IWUIC
Section|CBC
Section|CFC
Section|Title 14,
Division 1.5
Section|Title 19,
Frequently asked questions
Who must comply with an order or notice?
The owner, the owner’s authorized agent, operator, occupant or other person responsible for the condition must comply with orders and notices issued under the code. § 109.3.1
Can the code official accept a third‑party inspection report instead of conducting the inspection?
Yes—reports from approved inspection agencies may be accepted if those agencies meet required qualifications and reliability standards. § 109.1.2.1
What happens if I fail an inspection?
You must correct the defects and resubmit the work for inspection/testing; reinspections may require payment of a reinspection fee before another inspection is scheduled. § 109.1.4.3, § 109.1.3
Is a verbal notice enforceable?
Yes, but verbal orders or notices must be confirmed in writing as provided in the code. § 109.2.2
If I refuse entry to an inspector, what can happen?
If entry is refused the code official may seek an inspection warrant or other legal remedies to secure entry under the right-of-entry provisions. § 104.4
More in California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
- Administration and Definitions
- Board of Appeals, Administration & Enforcement (permits, code official duties, appeals process)
- Wildland‑Urban Interface Area Designation & Mapping
- Fire Service Access & Water Supply (fire apparatus roads, driveways, hydrants, draft sites, standby power)
- Wildland‑Urban Interface Area Requirements (access, water, premises identification, key boxes)
- Referenced Standards & Test Methods
- Special Building Construction Regulations (ignition‑resistant construction, roof/vent/assembly requirements)
- Appendices and Model Ordinances (vegetation plans, severity‑zone adoption, home‑hardening guidance)
- Fire Protection Requirements (fire protection plans, systems, safety element provisions)
- Referenced California Documents & Matrix (CCR/Title 14 & 19 cross‑references, statutory references)
- Vegetation Management & Defensible Space (vegetation plans, maintenance, fire‑smart characteristics)
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