CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
Which state/local agencies and California adoptions apply to the CWUIC?
In plain terms: the CWUIC shows rules adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFM) and also reprints regulations from other California agencies (notably Title 14/Board of Forestry). SFM adoptions and local enforcement are identified with agency banners and the Matrix — bracketed Title 14 text is a reprint (not an SFM adoption). Appendices don’t apply unless specifically adopted. Always check the agency banners, Matrix/Appendix H, and your local AHJ before assuming a provision is mandatory.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The California Wildland‑Urban Interface Code (CWUIC) assigns primary adoption authority for wildland‑urban interface rules to the Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFM) and identifies additional California agencies (notably the Board of Forestry) whose regulations are shown in the CWUIC for user convenience. See § 1.11, § 1.12, and the appendix/appendix‑use rule § 101.2.1 for how those adoptions and reprints are presented and applied in the code. The CWUIC also explains that some California rules (for example, CCR Title 14 text) are reprinted but are not within SFM’s authority to adopt and are identified by square‑bracketed Title‑14 references and the Appendix H cross‑reference matrix.
The basic rule: if a provision in the CWUIC is marked as an SFM adoption it is enforceable under SFM authority; provisions reproduced from other California agencies (e.g., Title 14/Board of Forestry) are reprinted for convenience and are identified in‑text and in Appendix H — they are not automatically SFM adoptions.
Requirements in detail
Who adopts what (overview)
- Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFM) — primary State adopting agency for fire and WUI building rules in this code; SFM adoptions are identified with the agency banner and in the Matrix Adoption Tables. (See § 1.11.)
- Board of Forestry / CCR Title 14 (and other state agencies) — certain Title 14 Division 1.5 provisions are reprinted in the CWUIC for the user but are shown as reprints (square brackets referencing Title 14). These reprinted provisions are not within SFM’s authority to adopt; the CWUIC identifies them and links them to Appendix H cross‑references. (See § 1.12 / 1.12.2.)
- Local authorities / Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) — the CWUIC establishes duties and powers of the code official appointed by the AHJ to administer/enforce the code at the local level. The AHJ enforces adopted provisions within its jurisdiction.
Decision table — when to follow which agency text
| Decision question | Which text governs | How it is identified in the CWUIC | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is the provision an SFM adoption? | Follow the SFM‑adopted CWUIC text (enforceable under SFM authority) | Sections/banners and Matrix Adoption Tables indicate SFM adoptions | § 1.11 |
| Is the provision a Title 14 / Board of Forestry rule reprinted for convenience? | Follow the Board of Forestry (Title 14) regulation as adopted in CCR; the CWUIC reprint is a convenience copy only | Reprinted Title 14 provisions are shown with square brackets and linked to Appendix H cross‑references | § 1.12 / 1.12.2 |
| Are appendices mandatory? | Not unless the adopting jurisdiction or agency explicitly adopts them | Appendices do not apply automatically; they apply only when specifically adopted | § 101.2.1 |
| Who enforces adopted rules on a project in a city/county? | The local code official / AHJ enforces the locally adopted CWUIC provisions; state agencies enforce provisions where state law gives them jurisdiction | Chapter 1 establishes the duties/powers of the code official and how state agency adoptions are shown | § 1.1 & § 1.11 (code official / SFM) |
How the CWUIC shows agency adoptions
- SFM adoptions appear with an agency banner and are tracked in the Matrix Adoption Tables.
- Title 14 (Board of Forestry) and Title 19 provisions reprinted in the CWUIC are identified by square brackets and cross references to the CCR sections; they are reprints for convenience and may be enforced under their own statutory authority (not SFM) — see Appendix H for the cross‑reference matrix.
Exceptions & special cases
- Title 14 material shown in the CWUIC is a reprint and “is not within the State Fire Marshal’s authority to adopt.” Do not assume a bracketed Title 14 provision in the CWUIC is an SFM adoption.
- The CWUIC’s appendices are not mandatory unless a jurisdiction or adopting agency specifically adopts them; always check § 101.2.1 before relying on an appendix as a code requirement.
- Where a state agency other than SFM has statutory authority over a structure (for example, state schools, marine terminals, etc.), that agency’s rules and the CWUIC cross‑references determine which text applies; the CWUIC lists agency acronyms and where to find those adoptions.
Common mistakes
- Treating every provision printed in the CWUIC as an SFM adoption. (Remember: Title 14 provisions are reprints unless explicitly adopted by SFM — § 1.12 and Appendix H.)
- Assuming appendices are automatically enforceable. Appendix text only applies if specifically adopted — see § 101.2.1.
- Not checking the Matrix Adoption Tables or agency banners to see which state agency adopted a section — the Matrix and banners show who adopted/has authority.
- Overlooking the role of the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) — many provisions are enforced locally even when the code text displays state adoptions; Chapter 1 sets out the AHJ/code official role.
Worked example — step‑by‑step scenario
Scenario: A homeowner plans a new exterior alteration to a dwelling located inside a parcel shown as State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone on the local fire‑map.
- Determine whether the CWUIC provision you plan to rely on is an SFM adoption or a reprinted Title 14/Board of Forestry rule. Look for the agency banner, the Matrix Adoption Table entry, or square brackets pointing to Title 14. If the provision is SFM‑adopted, it is enforceable under SFM authority; if it is a reprinted Title 14 rule, it is a convenience copy and the original CCR Title 14 rule governs enforcement. (See § 1.11, § 1.12 / 1.12.2.)
- Check Appendix H Cross‑Reference Table to find the authoritative CCR citation for any bracketed Title 14 text (so you can confirm the controlling Title 14 section). Appendix H lists the Title 14 cross‑references used in the CWUIC.
- Confirm whether the jurisdiction adopted any CWUIC appendices (for example, a vegetation‑management appendix); because § 101.2.1 says appendices do not apply unless adopted, you must verify local adoption before relying on the appendix as a mandatory requirement.
- Finally, file plans with your local code official / AHJ and confirm which version and which agency adoptions they will enforce on your project (local AHJ enforces adopted provisions; Chapter 1 explains the code official’s duties).
(If you follow those steps, you avoid the common trap of assuming every provision printed in the CWUIC is an SFM requirement.)
Related provisions
- § 1.11 — Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFM) — SFM adoption authority and applicability.
- § 1.12 — Board of Forestry / CCR Title 14 reprints and identification within the CWUIC.
- § 101.2.1 — Appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.
- § 1.1.2 — Scope / areas the CWUIC is intended to address (SRA, LRA, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones).
- Chapter 1 (administration) — establishes duties and powers of the code official / AHJ (see Table of Contents and Chapter text).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CWUIC § 1.5 High relevance — show source text
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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 2 Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Multilayered glazed
panelsY Noncombustible roof
coveringY Outbuilding (T14) Y 1299.02(c) Peer review Y Rafter tail Y 702A Registered design
professionalY Residential unit (T14) Y 1270.01(w) Ridgeline
(topography) (T14)Y 1270.01(x) Road (T14) Y 1270.01(y) Roof assembly Y Roof covering Y Roof covering system Y Roof deck Y Roof eave Y 702A Roof eave soffit Y 702A Slope Y State Responsibility
Area (SRA)Y 702A 4902.1 Strategic
ridgeline (T14)Y 1270.01(dd) Structure Y 202 1270.01(ee) Subdivision Y Tree crown Y Undeveloped
ridgeline (T14)Y 1270.01(ii) Unenclosed acces-
sory structureY Vertical curve (T14) Y 1270.01(k) Wildfire Y 702A 4902.1 Wildfire exposure Y 702A 4902.1 Wildland Y Wildland-urban inter-
face areaY 702A 4902.1 Chapter 3 Wildland-urban interface areas Wildland-urban interface areas Wildland-urban interface areas Wildland-urban interface areas Wildland-urban interface areas Wildland-urban interface areas Wildland-urban interface areas Wildland-urban interface areas Wildland-urban interface areas Wildland-urban interface areas 301 General Y 301.1 Scope Y 4201 301. CWUIC § 4.1 High relevance — show source text
4|Combustible
materials|N||||||||| |A105.4.1|Individual piles|N||||||||| |A105.4.2|Separation|N||||||||| |A106|Dumping|N||||||||| |A106.1|Waste material|N||||||||| |A106.2|Ashes and coals|N||||||||| |A107|Protection of pumps
and water storage
facilities|N||||||||| |A107.1|General|N||||||||| |A107.2|Objective|N||||||||| |A107.3|Fuel modification
area|N||||||||| |A107.4|Trees|N||||||||| |A107.5|Protection of electri-
cal power supplies|N||||||||| |A108|Land use limitations|N||||||||| |A108.1|General|N||||||||| |A108.2|Objective|N||||||||| |A108.3|Permits|N||||||||| |A108.4|Access roadways|N||||||||| |A109|Referenced standards|N||||||||| |A109.1|General|N|||||||||APPENDIX H-34 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
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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 Appendix B Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan B101 General N B101.1 Scope N B101.2 Plan content N B101.3 Fuel modification N Appendix C Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework **_Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) CWUIC § 1.7 High relevance — show source text
1.7_|Turnouts|Y||||1273.06||||| |403.1.8|Road and driveway
structures|Y||||1273.07(a)
1273.07(b)
1273.07(c)
1273.07(d)||||| |403.1.9|Dead-end roads|Y||||1273.08(a)
1273.08(b)||||| |403.10|Gate Entrances|Y||||1273.09(a)
1273.09(b)
1273.09(c)
1273.09(d)||||| |403.2|Signing and Building
Numbering|Y||||Article 3||||| |403.2.1|Intent|Y||||1274.00||||| |403.2.2|Road signs|Y||||1274.01||||| |403.2.3|Road Sign
Installation, Location
and Visibility|Y||||1274.02(a)
1274.02(b)
1274.02(c)
1274.02(d)||||| |403.2.4|Addresses for
Buildings|Y||||1274.03(a)
1274.03(b)
1274.03(c)||||| ||||||||||||2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX H-27
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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 4 Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements 403.2.5 Address installation,
location, and visibilityY 1274.04(a)
1274.04(b)
1274.04(c)
1274.04(d)
1274.04(e)
1274.04(f)404 Water supply Y 1275.02 404.1 General Y 507 1275.02(b) 404.2 Required water supply Y 1275.02(c) 404.3 Draft sites Y 404.3.1 Access Y 507.5.4 404.3. CWUIC § 302.1 High relevance — show source text
2|Purpose|Y|||||||51176|4201| |302|Wildland-Urban
Interface Area
Designations|Y||||||||| |302.1|Mapping|Y|||4904.2||||51178|4202
4203(a)
4204| |302.2|Review of wildland-
urban interface areas|Y|||||||51181|4204| |Chapter 4|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements| |401|General|Y||||||||| |401.1|Scope|Y||||||||| |401.2|Objective|Y||||1273.00||||| |401.3|General safety
precautions|Y||||||||| |402|Applicability|Y|||||||||APPENDIX H-26 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
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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 4 Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements 402.1 Subdivisions Y 402.1.1 Access Y 503 402.1.2 Water supply Y 507 402.1.2.1 Parcel map approval Y 1275.01 402.2 Individual structures Y 503
507402.2.1 Access Y 503 402.2.2 Water supply Y 507 402.3 Existing conditions N 505.1 403 Access Y 1273 403.1 General Y 1273.00 403.1.1 Section 403 definitions Y 1270.01(f) 403.1.2 Width Y 1273.01(a)
1273.CWUIC § 1270.01 High relevance — show source text
1|||||| ||Strategic
ridgeline (T14)|Y||||1270.01(dd)||||| ||Structure|Y|202|||1270.01(ee)||||| ||Subdivision|Y||||||||| ||Tree crown|Y||||||||| ||Undeveloped
ridgeline (T14)|Y||||1270.01(ii)||||| ||Unenclosed acces-
sory structure|Y||||||||| ||Vertical curve (T14)|Y||||1270.01(k)||||| ||Wildfire|Y||702A|4902.1|||||| ||Wildfire exposure|Y||702A|4902.1|||||| ||Wildland|Y||||||||| ||Wildland-urban inter-
face area|Y||702A|4902.1|||||| |Chapter 3|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas| |301|General|Y||||||||| |301.1|Scope|Y||||||||4201| |301.2|Purpose|Y|||||||51176|4201| |302|Wildland-Urban
Interface Area
Designations|Y||||||||| |302.1|Mapping|Y|||4904.2||||51178|4202
4203(a)
4204| |302.2|Review of wildland-
urban interface areas|Y|||||||51181|4204| |Chapter 4|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements| |401|General|Y||||||||| |401.1|Scope|Y||||||||| |401.2|Objective|Y||||1273.00||||| |401.3|General safety
precautions|Y||||||||| |402|Applicability|Y|||||||||APPENDIX H-26 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
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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,California Wildland-Urban Interface Code High relevance — show source text
e**|MAXIMUM CANTILEVER SPAN
(uplift force at backspan support in lb)d, e|MAXIMUM CANTILEVER SPAN
(uplift force at backspan support in lb)d, e|MAXIMUM CANTILEVER SPAN
(uplift force at backspan support in lb)d, e|MAXIMUM CANTILEVER SPAN
(uplift force at backspan support in lb)d, e|MAXIMUM CANTILEVER SPAN
(uplift force at backspan support in lb)d, e|MAXIMUM CANTILEVER SPAN
(uplift force at backspan support in lb)d, e|MAXIMUM CANTILEVER SPAN
(uplift force at backspan support in lb)d, e|MAXIMUM CANTILEVER SPAN
(uplift force at backspan support in lb)d, e|MAXIMUM CANTILEVER SPAN
(uplift force at backspan support in lb)d, e|MAXIMUM CANTILEVER SPAN
(uplift force at backspan support in lb)d, e| |MEMBER & SPACING|** Ground snow load**|** Ground snow load**|** Ground snow load**|** Ground snow load**|** Ground snow load**|** Ground snow load**|** Ground snow load**|** Ground snow load**|** Ground snow load**|** Ground snow load**|** Ground snow load**|** Ground snow load**| |MEMBER & SPACING|≤ 20 psf|≤ 20 psf|≤ 20 psf|30 psf|30 psf|30 psf|** 50 psf**|** 50 psf**|** 50 psf**|70 psf|70 psf|70 psf| |MEMBER & SPACING|** Roof width**|** Roof width**|** Roof width**|** Roof width**|** Roof width**|** Roof width**|** Roof width**|** Roof width**|** Roof width**|** Roof width**|** Roof width**|** Roof width**| |MEMBER & SPACING|24 ft|32 ft|40 ft|24 ft|32 ft|40 ft|24 ft|32 ft|40 ft|24 ft|32 ft|40 ft| |2 × 8 @ 12″|20″
(177)|15″
(227)|—|18″
(209)|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—| |2 × 10 @ 16″|29″
(228)|21″
(297)|16″
(364)|26″
(271)|18″
(354)|—|20″
(375)|—|—|—|—|—| |2 × 10 @ 12″|36″
(166)|26″
(219)|20″
(270)|34″
(198)|22″
(263)|16″
(324)|26″
(277)|—|—|19″
(356)|—|—| |2 × 12 @CWUIC § 1-3 Medium relevance — show source text
Appendix G Voluntary Home-Hardening Recommendations.
Appendix G is an informational appendix that provides discussion of some elements of the proposed self-defense mechanisms and their role in enhancing the protection of exposed structures in the wildland-urban interface. The items provided in this appendix provide owners with suggestions for increasing the survivability of their structure. These items are not mandatory but can be considered by owners to increase the safety of structures.
Appendix H Referenced California Documents.
Appendix H contains portions of California statutes and regulations located in other documents. They are reprinted in Appendix H to aid the user in understanding the requirements applicable to wildland-urban interface areas and to provide a background for the provi- sions. Much of the text in the CWUIC is based on the requirements found in these other documents.
Appendix I Board of Appeals.
Appendix I contains the provisions for appeal and the establishment of a board of appeals. The provisions include the application for an appeal, the makeup of the board of appeals and the conduct of the appeal process.
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
DIVISION I CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION
1.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
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
CWUIC § 25.4 Medium relevance — show source text
Minimum Grade 33 ksi steel shall be used for 33 mil and 43 mil thicknesses. Minimum Grade 50 ksi steel shall be used for 54 and 68 mil thicknesses.
d. Listed allowable spans are not applicable for 350S162-33, 350S162-43, 550S162-33, 550S162-43 and 800S162-43 continuous joist members.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mil = 0.0254 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
a. Deflection criterion:L/240 for total loads.
b. Ceiling deal load = 5 psf.
c. Minimum Grade 33 ksi steel shall be used for 33 mil and 43 mil thicknesses. Minimum Grade 50 ksi steel shall be used for 54 and 68 mil thicknesses.
d. Listed allowable spans are not applicable for 350S162-33, 350S162-43, 550S162-33, 550S162-43 and 800S162-43 continuous joist members.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mil = 0.0254 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
a. Deflection criterion:L/240 for total loads.
b. Ceiling deal load = 5 psf.
c. Minimum Grade 33 ksi steel shall be used for 33 mil and 43 mil thicknesses. Minimum Grade 50 ksi steel shall be used for 54 and 68 mil thicknesses.
d. Listed allowable spans are not applicable for 350S162-33, 350S162-43, 550S162-33, 550S162-43 and 800S162-43 continuous joist members.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mil = 0.0254 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
a. Deflection criterion:L/240 for total loads.
b. Ceiling deal load = 5 psf.
c. Minimum Grade 33 ksi steel shall be used for 33 mil and 43 mil thicknesses. Minimum Grade 50 ksi steel shall be used for 54 and 68 mil thicknesses.
d. Listed allowable spans are not applicable for 350S162-33, 350S162-43, 550S162-33, 550S162-43 and 800S162-43 continuous joist members.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mil = 0.0254 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
a. Deflection criterion:L/240 for total loads.
b. Ceiling deal load = 5 psf.
c. Minimum Grade 33 ksi steel shall be used for 33 mil and 43 mil thicknesses. Minimum Grade 50 ksi steel shall be used for 54 and 68 mil thicknesses.
d. Listed allowable spans are not applicable for 350S162-33, 350S162-43, 550S162-33, 550S162-43 and 800S162-43 continuous joist members.||TABLE R804.3.1.1(3)—NUMBER OF
CWUIC § 1.5 Medium relevance — show source text
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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1-2 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
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1 ADMINISTRATION
DIVISION I
CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 1.1—GENERAL
1.1.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as “this code.” The California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is Part 7 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publica- tion of the adoptions, amendment, and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part incorporates by adoption of the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code of the International Code Council (ICC) with necessary California amendments.
1.1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish minimum requirements to reduce the likelihood of life and property loss due to a wildfire through the use of performance and prescriptive requirements for construction and development in all Fire Hazard Severity Zones in State Responsibility Areas (SRA), and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, and increase the ability of buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within State Responsibility Areas (SRA), or Wildland-Urban Inter- face (WUI) Areas, to resist the intrusion of flames or burning embers projected by a vegetation fire and contributes to a systematic reduction in conflagration losses and reduce the likelihood of life and property loss due to a wildfire.
1.1.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equip- ment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal, and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such building structures throughout the State of California.
This code establishes regulations affecting or relating to buildings, structures, processes, premises, and a reasonable degree of life and property safeguards regarding: 1. The hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling, or use of structures, materials, or devices. 2. Conditions hazardous to life, property, or public welfare in the use or occupancy of buildings, structures, or premises. 3. Fire hazards in the buildings, structures, orp on-premises from use of, occupancy of, or operation. 4. Matters related to the construction, extension, repair, alteration, or removal of fire suppression or alarm systems. 5. Conditions affecting the safety of firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
CWUIC § 104.6 Medium relevance — show source text
3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |104.6|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |104.8|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |104.8.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.8|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.10|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |106.1 – 106.5|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |106.8|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |106.10|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |107|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |109.1 – 109.1.2.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |109.3.7.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |109.3.7.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |110 – 111|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |113|||X|||||||||||||||||||||
- 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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1 ADMINISTRATION
DIVISION I
CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 1.1—GENERAL
1.1.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as “this code.” The California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is Part 7 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publica- tion of the adoptions, amendment, and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part incorporates by adoption of the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code of the International Code Council (ICC) with necessary California amendments.
_**1.1.2 Purpose.
CWUIC § 1-2 Medium relevance — show source text
Population growth and the expanding urban development into traditionally nonurban areas have increasingly brought humans into contact with wildfires. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), every year, wildfires burn across the United States and a growing number of people are living where wildfires are a real risk. In 2018 more than 58,000 fires burned nearly 9 million acres across the US. More than 25,000 structures were destroyed, including 18,137 residences and 229 commercial structures. California accounted for the highest number of structures lost in one state due to the number of significant fires, including the Mendocino Complex, Carr, Camp and Woolsey fires.
The IWUIC is a model code that is intended to be adopted and used supplemental to the adopted building and fire codes of a jurisdiction. The unrestricted use of property in wildland-urban interface areas is a potential threat to life and property from fire and resulting erosion. The IWUIC has as its objective the establishment of minimum special regulations for the safeguarding of life and
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property from the intrusion of fire from wildland fire exposures and fire exposures from adjacent structures and to prevent structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels, even in the absence of fire department intervention.
Safeguards to prevent the occurrence of fires and to provide adequate fire protection facilities to control the spread of fire in wildland-urban interface areas are provided in a tiered manner commensurate with the relative level of hazard present.
ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CWUIC
The format of the CWUIC allows each chapter to be devoted to a particular subject. The following table shows how the CWUIC is divided. The chapter synopses detail the scope and intent of the provisions of the CWUIC.
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 CHAPTER SUBJECT 1-2 Administration and Definitions 3-4 Wildland-Urban Interface Area Designation and Requirements 5 Building Construction Regulations 6 Fire Protection Requirements 7 Referenced Standards Appendices A-I Adoptable and Informational Appendices Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. 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.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.
Chapter 3 Wildland-Urban Interface Areas.
Chapter 3 provides for the fundamental aspect of applying the code—the legal declaration and establishment of wildland-urban interface areas within the adopting jurisdiction, mapping of the area, periodic review and updates.
Chapter 4 Wildland-Urban Interface Area Requirements.
The requirements of Chapter 4 apply to all occupancies in the wildland-urban interface and pertain to all of the following:
Fire service access to the property that is to be protected, including fire apparatus access roads and off-road driveways.
Premises identification.
CWUIC § 10-8 Medium relevance — show source text
000|10-8|12-6|9-8|10-0|9-0|8-2|7-7|6-4|6-2| |24|2-#4
1-#6|60,000|12-11|15-2|11-9|12-2|11-0|9-11|9-3|7-8|7-6| |24|2-#5|40,000|15-2|17-9|13-9|14-3|12-10|11-7|10-10|9-0|8-9| |24|2-#5|60,000|18-4|21-6|16-7|17-3|15-6|14-0|13-1|10-4|10-0| |24|2-#6|40,000|18-0|21-1|16-4|16-11|14-10|12-9|11-8|9-2|8-11| |24|2-#6|60,000|21-7|25-4|19-2|20-4|17-2|14-9|13-4|10-4|10-0| |24|Center distance_A_k, l|Center distance_A_k, l|4-6|6-2|3-8|4-0|3-3|2-8|2-3|1-7|1-6| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa, Grade 40 = 280 MPa, Grade 60 = 420 MPa.
a. See Table R608.3 for tolerances permitted from nominal thickness.
b. Table values are based on concrete with a minimum specified compressive strength of 2,500 psi. See Note j.
c. Table values are based on uniform loading. See Section R608.8.2 for lintels supporting concentrated loads.
d. Deflection criterion is_L_/240, where_L_ is the clear span of the lintel in inches, or1/2 inch, whichever is less.
e. Linear interpolation is permitted between ground snow loads and between lintel depths.
f. DR indicates design required.
g. Lintel depth,D, is permitted to include the available height of wall located directly above the lintel, provided that the increased lintel depth spans the entire length of the
lintel.
h. Stirrups shall be fabricated from reinforcing bars with the same yield strength as that used for the main longitudinal reinforcement.
i. Allowable clear span without stirrups applicable to all lintels of the same depth,D. Top and bottom reinforcement for lintels without stirrups shall be not less than the least
amount of reinforcement required for a lintel of the same depth and loading condition with stirrups. All other spans require stirrups spaced at not more than_d_/2.
j. Where concrete with a minimum specified compressive strength of 3,000 psi is used, clear spans for lintels without stirrups shall be permitted to be multiplied by 1.05.
Frequently asked questions
Who enforces a particular CWUIC section — the state or the local jurisdiction?
Enforcement depends on which agency adopted the section: SFM‑adopted sections are under SFM authority and are identified in the Matrix; many provisions are enforced by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) — check the agency banner and Matrix in the CWUIC.
Are Title 14 (Board of Forestry) rules in the CWUIC binding?
The CWUIC contains reprints of Title 14 Division 1.5 text for convenience, identified by square brackets and Appendix H cross‑references. Those reprints are not within SFM’s authority to adopt — the authoritative Title 14 CCR text is the controlling regulation for Board of Forestry matters.
Do the CWUIC appendices apply automatically?
No. § 101.2.1 states appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted by the jurisdiction or adopting agency. Verify local adoption before treating an appendix as mandatory.
Where do I find which agency adopted a specific CWUIC provision?
Look for the agency banner in the code section and consult the Matrix Adoption Tables and Appendix H cross‑reference table; the CWUIC also uses agency acronyms to identify adopting entities.
If my project is in an SRA, which agency rules should I check first?
Check SFM‑adopted CWUIC provisions first (SFM is the primary adopting agency for fire/WUI building rules) and then any Board of Forestry/Title 14 rules reprinted in the CWUIC for fuel‑management and related matters — but always confirm which text your AHJ enforces.
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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