CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

How to create an ember‑resistant zone within 5 feet of a structure?

Keep the immediate 5‑foot perimeter around your home free of anything an ember can ignite: remove combustible mulch and debris, clear under and on decks, harden vents and seal gaps, and use noncombustible or ignition‑resistant materials for fences and deck connections. These actions implement the CWUIC home‑hardening guidance in **§ G101** and the regulatory references collected under **§ H104.1**.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The CWUIC requires an ember‑resistant zone of within 5 feet of a structure (this is the required area for the highest level of fuel/combustible control) as described in the defensible‑space / home‑hardening provisions. See § G101 (voluntary home‑hardening recommendations including cleaning and removing combustibles within five feet) and the Title‑14/State regulation references collected under § H104.1 that implement state defensible‑space law and the ember‑resistant‑zone requirement.

The single most important rule: clear or replace anything that embers can ignite within 5 feet of the building (including attached decks) — keep that immediate 5‑ft band noncombustible or managed so embers cannot start a fire.

Requirements in detail

Summary: use the immediate 5‑ft band around the structure to eliminate/relocate loose fuels and combustible materials, keep decks and their undersides clean or constructed of noncombustible/ignition‑resistant materials, and harden openings (vents, gaps) so embers cannot enter. The CWUIC provides these home‑hardening and maintenance actions in § G101 and links to state regulations via § H104.1.

What to remove or change within the ember‑resistant zone (the inner 5 feet)

  • Remove loose combustible debris (leaves, needles, pine straw, mulch) from roof‑to‑wall intersections, gutters, decks and the ground within 5 ft.
  • Do not store exposed firewood or stacked combustibles within 5 ft (firewood guidance in G101 elevates storage distances further — see Related Provisions).
  • Replace or retrofit detached fences located within 5 ft with noncombustible or ignition‑resistant materials.
  • For attached decks, remove combustible materials on top of, under, and within 5 ft of the deck; decks are treated as part of the structure for this zone.

Structural hardening items that support the 5‑ft ember‑resistant zone

  • Use ember‑ and flame‑resistant vents or approved WUI vent products to prevent ember intrusion (mesh/vent specifications and testing are recommended in the home‑hardening guidance).
  • Seal gaps > 1/8 inch around exposed rafters, siding, and other penetrations to reduce ember entry.
  • Maintain Class A roof coverings and keep gutters free of combustible debris.

Decision‑relevant dimensions and values

Action / dimension Value / threshold Why it matters Code Reference
Ember‑resistant zone width 5 feet (1524 mm) Inner band where materials most likely to be ignited by embers must be removed/modified § G101, discussed as required under the defensible‑space law and referenced via § H104.1.
Defensible space overall 100 feet (with more intense management 5–30 ft) Larger fuel‑modification area; the 5‑ft ember zone is nested inside this. § 4291 (referenced in H materials summarized by § H104.1).
Zone 1 inner band 30 feet from structure (Zone 1 described) Zone 1 has stricter vegetation removal rules; 5‑ft ember zone is inside this. § 1299.03 / Zone definitions in CWUIC.
Chimney clearance 10 feet from chimney outlet To prevent flame/ember ignition from spark arrestor failures or embers. § G101 home‑hardening guidance.
Vent mesh size (temporary guidance) 1/16 in (1.6 mm) to 1/8 in (3.2 mm) openings Prevent ember intrusion while allowing ventilation (use OSFM‑approved WUI vents when possible). § G101 home‑hardening recommendations; vent test guidance found in CWUIC building sections.
Gaps sealing threshold > 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) Caulk/plug gaps larger than this to stop ember intrusion into attics and wall cavities. § G101 home‑hardening recommendations.

Steps to create the ember‑resistant zone (practical checklist)

  1. Clear all loose combustible debris on roof, gutters, deck surfaces, and ground within 5 ft.
  2. Move or cover firewood, propane tanks, barbeques and furniture so they are not within 5 ft of walls, windows, doors or decks.
  3. Replace nearby combustible mulch inside the 5‑ft band with inorganic surfacing (rock, concrete, pavers) or maintain with irrigated, well‑spaced, fire‑resistant plantings. (Guidance to be found in Board guidance documents referenced by H sections.)
  4. Harden openings: install OSFM‑approved WUI vents or use noncombustible mesh (mesh sizing per guidance) and seal gaps ≥ 1/8 in.
  5. For decks: remove combustibles on top/underneath, consider noncombustible deck materials or ignition‑resistant decking, and install flashing at deck‑to‑wall intersections.

Exceptions & special cases

  • The CWUIC guidance treats attached decks as part of the structure for the ember zone; removal of fuel on top or underneath a deck can be required. Decks are explicitly included.
  • The ember‑resistant‑zone requirement (as a statutory/regulatory mandate) is tied to updates by the Board of Forestry and the State Fire Marshal; implementation timing differs for new versus existing structures and depends on promulgated regulations and guidance updates. The code text indicates the ember‑resistant zone requirement will not take effect for new structures until the Board updates regulations and guidance documents; existing structures’ applicability follows after those updates as described in the enabling language.
  • Local ordinances may require greater distances or stricter measures than the 5‑ft ember band. Fuel modification beyond property lines requires written consent or specific legal authority.

If you need a formal determination for a specific property, consult your local enforcing agency — the CWUIC recognizes local adoption and possibly stronger local requirements.

Common mistakes

  • Leaving combustible mulch, wood chips, or stacked firewood within the 5‑ft band (these are common ember ignition sources).
  • Neglecting to clean gutters and roof‑to‑wall intersections — embers collect and ignite roofing/soffit materials.
  • Failing to install approved ember‑resistant vents or using mesh that is too coarse (allows ember entry). Check mesh/vent approvals and sizing guidance.
  • Assuming “green” planting equals safe — some ornamental plants and mulches still burn readily; the guidance favors fire‑resistant species and noncombustible ground covers inside 5 ft.
  • Forgetting that detached fences within 5 ft may need to be noncombustible.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: single‑family house with an attached wooden deck, gutters, and a shrub border.
Property facts:

  • Deck is attached; its outer edge is 3 ft from a bed of wood mulch and dry ornamental grasses.
  • There is a wood storage stack 12 ft from the house and a propane grill 4 ft from a patio door.

Step‑by‑step compliance (numbers applied):

  1. Ember‑resistant zone: mark a continuous 5‑ft band around the house and attached deck. Remove the wood mulch and dry grasses inside that band; replace with pavers or decorative gravel. (Action grounded in § G101 guidance on removing combustibles within 5 ft.)
  2. Deck: remove combustibles stored on or under the deck. If decking is combustible, keep the 5‑ft band underneath clear and install vertical screening or enclosure of the underside with approved materials if needed. (Decks are treated as part of the structure for this zone.)
  3. Propane grill: relocate grill to at least 5 ft away from doors/windows and out of the ember‑resistant band, or cover and store when not in use.
  4. Vents and gaps: inspect vents and gaps around the deck‑to‑wall intersection and caulk any gaps > 1/8 in; install OSFM‑approved WUI vents or noncombustible mesh per guidance.
  5. Wood storage: move the wood stack to ≥ 30 ft away where practical (G101 recommends much greater distance for woodpiles; see Related Provisions).

After these steps the homeowner’s immediate 5‑ft ember band contains no loose fuels and the openings are hardened — conforming to the CWUIC home‑hardening guidance for an ember‑resistant zone.

Related provisions

  • § G101 — Appendix G home‑hardening features and explicit recommendations for cleaning and removing combustibles within 5 ft.
  • § H104.1 — CCR Title 14 Subchapter 2 (state minimum fire safe regulations) cited in the CWUIC; this section collects the Title 14 cross‑references that implement defensible‑space law.
  • § 4291 (Public Resources Code, summarized in CWUIC H appendix) — statutory defensible‑space requirements (100‑ft defensible space and the requirement for an ember‑resistant zone within 5 ft as directed by the Board).
  • § 1299.03 / Zone 1 & Zone 2 — CWUIC/related CCR guidance that defines Zone 1 (30 ft), Zone 2 (30–100 ft) and related vegetation controls; 5‑ft ember zone lies inside Zone 1.
  • CWUIC building provisions on vents and openings (ignition‑resistant construction / vents) — see the CWUIC building sections that describe vent testing and mesh sizing (e.g., Section 504.x) for ember‑resistant vent requirements.

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • California Wildland-Urban Interface Code High relevance — show source text

    (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains an occupied dwelling or occupied structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered land, shrub-covered land, grass-covered land, or land that is covered with flammable mate- rial, which area or land is within a very high fire hazard severity zone designated by the local agency pursuant to Section 51179, shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a condition so that a wildfire burning under average weather conditions would be unlikely to ignite the structure. This subparagraph does not apply to single specimens of trees or other vege- tation that are well-pruned and maintained so as to effectively manage fuels and not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to a structure or from a structure to other nearby vegetation or to interrupt the advance of embers toward a structure. The intensity of fuels management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being used between 5 and 30 feet around the structure, and an ember-resistant zone being required within 5 feet of the structure, based on regulations promulgated by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, to consider the elimination of materials in the ember-resistant zone that would likely be ignited by embers. Consistent with fuels management objectives, steps should be taken to minimize erosion, soil disturbance, and the spread of flammable nonnative grasses and weeds. (B) A greater distance than that required under subparagraph (A) may be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation. Fuel modification beyond the property line may only be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation in order to maintain 100 feet of defensible space from a structure. Fuel modification on adjacent property shall only be conducted following written consent by the adjacent landowner. Any local ordinance related to fuel modification shall be in compliance with all applicable state laws, regulations, and policies. Any local ordinance may include provisions to allocate costs for any fuel modification beyond the property line. (C) An insurance company that insures an occupied dwelling or occupied structure may require a greater distance than that required under subparagraph (A) if a fire expert, designated by the fire chief or fire official from the authority having jurisdiction, provides findings that the fuel modification is necessary to significantly reduce the risk of trans- mission of flame or heat sufficient to ignite the structure, and there is no other feasible mitigation measure possible to reduce the risk of ignition or spread of wildfire to the structure. The greater distance may not be beyond the property line unless allowed by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation. (2) Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe. (3) Maintain a tree, shrub, or other plant adjacent to or overhanging a building free of dead or dying wood. (4) _Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles, or other vegetative materials.

  • CWUIC § 11340.6 High relevance — show source text

    The_ guidance document shall include, but not be limited to, regionally appropriate vegetation management suggestions that preserve and restore native species that are fire resistant or drought tolerant, or both, minimize erosion, minimize the spread of flammable nonnative grasses and weeds, minimize water consumption, and permit trees and shrubs near homes for shade, aesthetics, and habitat; and suggestions to minimize or eliminate the risk of flammability of nonvegetative sources of combus- tion such as woodpiles, propane tanks, decks, and outdoor lawn furniture. (2) On or before January 1, 2023, the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, shall update the guidance document to include suggestions for creating an ember-resistant zone within five feet of a structure based on regulations promulgated by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, to consider the elimination of materials in the ember-resistant zone that would likely be ignited by embers.

    (d) For purposes of this section, a structure for the purpose of an ember-resistant zone shall include any attached deck. This section does not limit the authority of the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection or the Office of the State Fire Marshal to require the removal of fuel or vegetation on top of or underneath a deck pursuant to this section.

    SECTION H103—CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE

    Sections 4201–4204; 4290–4291.

    4201. The purpose of this article is to provide for the classification of lands within state responsibility areas in accordance with the severity of fire hazard present for the purpose of identifying measures to be taken to retard the rate of spreading and to reduce the potential intensity of uncontrolled fires that threaten to destroy resources, life, or property. 4202. The State Fire Marshal shall classify lands within state responsibility areas into fire hazard severity zones. Each zone shall embrace relatively homogeneous lands and shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors pres- ent, including areas where winds have been identified by the department as a major cause of wildfire spread.

    4203.

    (a) The State Fire Marshal shall, by regulation, designate fire hazard severity zones and assign to each zone a rating reflecting the degree of severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in the zone. (b) No designation of a zone and assignment of a rating shall be adopted by the State Fire Marshal until the proposed regulation has been transmitted to the board of supervisors of the county in which the zone is located at least 45 days before the adoption of the proposed regulation and a public hearing has been held in that county during that 45-day period. 4204. The State Fire Marshal shall periodically review zones designated and rated pursuant to this article and, as necessary, shall revise zones or their ratings or repeal the designation of zones. Any revision of a zone or its rating or any repeal of a zone shall conform to the requirements of Section 4203. In addition, the revision or repeal of a zone may be petitioned pursuant to Sections 11340.6 and 11340.7 of the Government Code.

    4290.

    (a) The board shall adopt regulations implementing minimum fire safety standards related to defensible space that are applicable to state responsibility area lands under the authority of the department, and to lands classified and designated as very high _fire hazard severity zones, as defined in subdivision (i) of Section 51177 of the Government Code.

  • CWUIC § 4291 High relevance — show source text

    4291.

    (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered lands, shrub-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or land that is covered with flammable material, shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a condition so that a wildfire burning under average weather conditions would be unlikely to ignite the structure. This subparagraph does not apply to single specimens of trees or other vege- tation that are well-pruned and maintained so as to effectively manage fuels and not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to a structure or from a structure to other nearby vegetation or to interrupt the advance of embers toward a structure. The intensity of fuels management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being utilized between 5 and 30 feet around the struc- ture, and an ember-resistant zone being required within 5 feet of the structure, based on regulations promulgated by the board, in consultation with the department, to consider the elimination of materials in the ember-resistant zone that would likely be ignited by embers. Consistent with fuels management objectives, steps should be taken to mini- mize erosion, soil disturbance, and the spread of flammable nonnative grasses and weeds. For purposes of this subparagraph, “fuel” means any combustible material, including petroleum-based products, cultivated landscape plants, grasses, and weeds, and wildland vegetation. (B) A greater distance than that required under subparagraph (A) may be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation. Fuel modification beyond the property line may only be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation in order to maintain 100 feet of defensible space from a structure. Fuel modification on adjacent property shall only be conducted following written consent by the adjacent landowner. Any local ordinance related to fuel modification shall be in compliance with all applicable state laws, regulations, and policies. Any local ordinance may include provisions to allocate costs for any fuel modification beyond the property line.

    2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX H-7

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    APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

    (C) An insurance company that insures an occupied dwelling or occupied structure may require a greater distance than that required under subparagraph (A) if a fire expert, designated by the director, provides findings that the fuel modi- fication is necessary to significantly reduce the risk of transmission of flame or heat sufficient to ignite the structure, and there is no other feasible mitigation measure possible to reduce the risk of ignition or spread of wildfire to the structure. The greater distance may not be beyond the property line unless allowed by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation. (2) Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe. (3) _Maintain a tree, shrub,

  • CWUIC § 1299.04 High relevance — show source text

    of defensible space clearance shall be maintained in two distinct “Zones” as follows: “Zone 1” extends thirty_ feet (30 ft.) out from each “Building or Structure,” or to the property line, whichever comes first; “Zone 2” extends from thirty feet (30 ft.) to one hundred feet (100 ft.) from each “Building or Structure,” but not beyond the property line. The vegetation treatment requirements for Zone 1 are more restrictive than for Zone 2, as provided in (a) and (b) below. The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's “Prop- erty Inspection Guide, 2000 version, April 2000,” provides additional guidance on vegetation treatment within Zone 1 and Zone 2, but is not mandatory and is not intended as a substitute for these regulations. (a) Zone 1 Requirements: (1) Remove all dead or dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds, and pine needles from the Zone whether such vegetation occurs in yard areas around the “Building or Structure,” on the roof or rain gutters of the “Building or Structure,” or any other location within the Zone. (2) Remove dead tree or shrub branches that overhang roofs, below or adjacent to windows, or which are adjacent to wall surfaces, and keep all branches a minimum of ten feet (10 ft.) away from chimney and stovepipe outlets. (3) Relocate exposed firewood piles outside of Zone 1 unless they are completely covered in a fire resistant material. (4) Remove flammable vegetation and items that could catch fire which are adjacent to or under combustible decks, balco- nies and stairs.

    (b) Zone 2 Requirements: (1) In this zone create horizontal and vertical spacing among shrubs and trees using the “Fuel Separation” method, the “Continuous Tree Canopy” method or a combination of both to achieve defensible space clearance requirements. Further guidance regarding these methods is contained in the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection's, “General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space, February 8, 2006,” incorporated herein by reference, and the “Property Inspec- tion Guide” referenced elsewhere in this regulation. (2) In both the Fuel Separation and Continuous Tree Canopy methods the following standards apply: (A) Dead and dying woody surface fuels and aerial fuels shall be removed. Loose surface litter, normally consisting of fallen leaves or needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches, shall be permitted to a maximum depth of three inches (3 in.). (B) Cut annual grasses and forbs down to a maximum height of four inches (4 in.). (C) All exposed wood piles must have a minimum of ten feet (10 ft.) of clearance, down to bare mineral soil, in all directions.

    (c) For both Zones 1 and 2: (1) “Outbuildings” and Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) storage tanks shall have the following minimum clearance: ten feet (10 ft.) of clearance to bare mineral soil and no flammable vegetation for an additional ten feet (10 ft.) around their exterior. (2) Protect water quality. Do not clear vegetation to bare mineral soil and avoid the use of heavy equipment in and around streams and seasonal drainages. Vegetation removal can cause soil erosion, especially on steep slopes. Keep soil distur- bance to a minimum on steep slopes.

    1299.04 Additional clearance.

  • CWUIC § 51186 High relevance — show source text

    or if there is_ not an occupant, the owner of the structure, files with the State Fire Marshal, in a form as the State Fire Marshal shall prescribe, a written consent to the inspection of the interior and contents of the structure to ascertain whether this section and the regulations adopted under this section are complied with at all times. (d) The State Fire Marshal may authorize the removal of vegetation that is not consistent with the standards of this section. The State Fire Marshal may prescribe a procedure for the removal of that vegetation and make the expense a lien upon the build- ing, structure, or grounds, in the same manner that is applicable to a legislative body under Section 51186 of the Government Code.

    (e) (1) The board, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal, shall develop, periodically update, and post on its internet website a guidance document on fuels management pursuant to this chapter. The guidance document shall include, but not be limited to, regionally appropriate vegetation management suggestions that preserve and restore native species that are fire resistant or drought tolerant, or both, minimize erosion, minimize water consumption, and permit trees near homes for shade, aesthetics, and habitat; and suggestions to minimize or eliminate the risk of flammability of nonvege- tative sources of combustion, such as woodpiles, propane tanks, decks, outdoor furniture, barbecue equipment, and outdoor fire pits. (2) On or before January 1, 2023, the board, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal, shall update the guidance document to include suggestions for creating an ember-resistant zone within five feet of a structure, based on regulations promul- gated by the board, in consultation with the department, to consider the elimination of materials in the ember-resistant zone that would likely be ignited by embers. (f) The State Fire Marshal shall do both of the following: (1) Recommend to the board the types of vegetation or fuel that are to be excluded from an ember-resistant zone based on the probability that vegetation and fuel will lead to ignition by ember of a structure as a part of the update to the guid- ance document pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e). (2) Make reasonable efforts to provide notice to affected residents describing the requirements added by the amendments to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) made in Assembly Bill 3074 of the 2019–20 Regular Session before the imposition of penalties for violating those requirements. (g) (1) The requirement for an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) shall not take effect for new structures until the board updates the regulations, pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), and the guidance docu- ment, pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e). (2) The requirement for an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) shall take effect for existing structures one year after the effective date for the new structures. (h) The department shall not change defensible space inspection practices and forms or enforcement to implement the require- ment for an ember-resistant zone until the State Fire Marshal makes a written finding, which the State Fire Marshal shall post on the department’s internet website, that the Legislature has appropriated sufficient resources to do so.

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    APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

  • California Wildland-Urban Interface Code High relevance — show source text

    the construction or rebuilding of which requires a building permit, the owner shall obtain a certification_ from the local building official that the dwelling or structure, as proposed to be built, complies with all applicable state and local building standards, including those described in subdivision (b) of Section 51189 of the Government Code, and shall provide a copy of the certification, upon request, to the insurer providing course of construction insurance coverage for the building or structure. Upon completion of the construction or rebuilding, the owner shall obtain from the local building official, a copy of the final inspection report that demonstrates that the dwelling or structure was constructed in compliance with all applicable state and local building standards, including those described in subdivision (b) of Section 51189 of the Government Code, and shall provide a copy of the report, upon request, to the property insurance carrier that insures the dwelling or structure. (b) A person is not required under this section to manage fuels on land if that person does not have the legal right to manage fuels, nor is a person required to enter upon or to alter property that is owned by any other person without the consent of the owner of the property. (c) (1) Except as provided in Section 18930 of the Health and Safety Code, the State Fire Marshal may adopt regulations exempt- ing a structure with an exterior constructed entirely of nonflammable materials, or, conditioned upon the contents and composition of the structure, the director may vary the requirements respecting the removing or clearing away of flam- mable vegetation or other combustible growth with respect to the area surrounding those structures. (2) An exemption or variance under paragraph (1) shall not apply unless and until the occupant of the structure, or if there is not an occupant, the owner of the structure, files with the State Fire Marshal, in a form as the State Fire Marshal shall prescribe, a written consent to the inspection of the interior and contents of the structure to ascertain whether this section and the regulations adopted under this section are complied with at all times. (d) The State Fire Marshal may authorize the removal of vegetation that is not consistent with the standards of this section. The State Fire Marshal may prescribe a procedure for the removal of that vegetation and make the expense a lien upon the build- ing, structure, or grounds, in the same manner that is applicable to a legislative body under Section 51186 of the Government Code.

    (e) (1) The board, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal, shall develop, periodically update, and post on its internet website a guidance document on fuels management pursuant to this chapter. The guidance document shall include, but not be limited to, regionally appropriate vegetation management suggestions that preserve and restore native species that are fire resistant or drought tolerant, or both, minimize erosion, minimize water consumption, and permit trees near homes for shade, aesthetics, and habitat; and suggestions to minimize or eliminate the risk of flammability of nonvege- tative sources of combustion, such as woodpiles, propane tanks, decks, outdoor furniture, barbecue equipment, and outdoor fire pits. (2) On or before January 1, 2023, the board, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal, shall update the guidance document to include suggestions for creating an ember-resistant zone within five feet of a structure, based on regulations promul- gated by the board, in consultation with the department, to consider the elimination of materials in the ember-resistant _zone that would likely be ignited by embers.

  • CWUIC § 51189 High relevance — show source text

    the construction or rebuilding of which requires a building permit, the owner_ shall obtain a certification from the local building official that the dwelling or structure, as proposed to be built, complies with all applicable state and local building standards, including those described in subdivision (b) of Section 51189, and shall provide a copy of the certification, upon request, to the insurer providing course of construction insurance coverage for the building or structure. Upon completion of the construction or rebuilding, the owner shall obtain from the local building official, a copy of the final inspection report that demonstrates that the dwelling or structure was constructed in compliance with all applicable state and local building standards, including those described in subdivision (b) of Section 51189, and shall provide a copy of the report, upon request, to the property insurance carrier that insures the dwelling or structure.

    2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX H-5

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    APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

    (b) A person is not required under this section to manage fuels on land if that person does not have the legal right to manage fuels, nor is a person required to enter upon or to alter property that is owned by any other person without the consent of the owner of the property. (c)(1) The State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, shall develop, periodi- cally update, and post on its internet website a guidance document on fuels management pursuant to this chapter. The guidance document shall include, but not be limited to, regionally appropriate vegetation management suggestions that preserve and restore native species that are fire resistant or drought tolerant, or both, minimize erosion, minimize the spread of flammable nonnative grasses and weeds, minimize water consumption, and permit trees and shrubs near homes for shade, aesthetics, and habitat; and suggestions to minimize or eliminate the risk of flammability of nonvegetative sources of combus- tion such as woodpiles, propane tanks, decks, and outdoor lawn furniture. (2) On or before January 1, 2023, the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, shall update the guidance document to include suggestions for creating an ember-resistant zone within five feet of a structure based on regulations promulgated by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, to consider the elimination of materials in the ember-resistant zone that would likely be ignited by embers.

    (d) For purposes of this section, a structure for the purpose of an ember-resistant zone shall include any attached deck. This section does not limit the authority of the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection or the Office of the State Fire Marshal to require the removal of fuel or vegetation on top of or underneath a deck pursuant to this section.

    SECTION H103—CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE

    Sections 4201–4204; 4290–4291.

  • CWUIC § 4291.1. High relevance — show source text

    _

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    APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

    (i) For purposes of this section, a structure for the purpose of an ember-resistant zone shall include any attached deck. This section does not limit the authority of the board or the department to require the removal of fuel or vegetation on top of or underneath a deck pursuant to this section. (j) As used in this section, “person” means a private individual, organization, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation.

    4291.1.

    (a) Notwithstanding Section 4021, a violation of Section 4291 is an infraction punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100), nor more than five hundred dollars ($500). If a person is convicted of a second violation of Section 4291 within five years, that person shall be punished by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250), nor more than five hundred dollars ($500). If a person is convicted of a third violation of Section 4291 within five years, that person is guilty of a misde- meanor and shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500). If a person is convicted of a third violation of Section 4291 within five years, the department may perform or contract for the performance of work necessary to comply with Section 4291 and may bill the person convicted for the costs incurred, in which case the person convicted, upon payment of those costs, shall not be required to pay the fine. If a person convicted of a violation of Section 4291 is granted probation, the court shall impose as a term or condition of probation, in addition to any other term or condition of probation, that the person pay at least the minimum fine prescribed in this section. (b) If a person convicted of a violation of Section 4291 produces in court verification prior to imposition of a fine by the court, that the condition resulting in the citation no longer exists, the court may reduce the fine imposed for the violation of Section 4291 to fifty dollars ($50).

    4291.3.

    (a) Subject to any other applicable law, a state or local fire official, at their discretion, may authorize an owner of property, or the owner’s agent, to construct a firebreak, or implement appropriate vegetation management techniques, to ensure that defensi- ble space is adequate for the protection of a hospital, adult residential care facility, school, aboveground storage tank, hazardous materials facility, or similar facility on the property. The firebreak may be for a radius of up to 300 feet from the facil- ity, or to the property line, whichever distance is shorter. (b) The director may authorize an owner of a property not listed in subdivision (a) to construct a firebreak, or implement appropri- ate vegetation management techniques, within a radius of up to 300 feet from a structure, or to the property line, whichever distance is shorter, if it is determined by the director as necessary to protect life, property, and natural resources from unrea- sonable risks associated with wildland fires.

    4291.5.

    (a) _For purposes of this section,

  • California Wildland-Urban Interface Code High relevance — show source text

    (e) The State Fire Marshal shall prepare and adopt a model ordinance that provides for the establishment of very high fire hazard severity zones. (f) Any ordinance adopted by a local agency pursuant to this section that substantially conforms to the model ordinance of the State Fire Marshal shall be presumed to be in compliance with the requirements of this section. (g) A local agency shall post a notice at the office of the county recorder, county assessor, and county planning agency identifying the location of the map provided by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 51178. If the agency amends the map, pursuant to subdivision (b) or (c) of this section, the notice shall instead identify the location of the amended map. 51181. The State Fire Marshal shall periodically review the areas in the state identified as very high fire hazard severity zones pursuant to this chapter, and as necessary, shall make recommendations relative to very high fire hazard severity zones. This review shall coincide with the review of state responsibility area lands every five years and, when possible, fall within the time frames for each county’s general plan update. Any revision of areas included in a very high fire hazard severity zone shall be made in accordance with Sections 51178 and 51179.

    51182. The State Fire Marshal shall periodically review the areas in the state identified as very high fire hazard severity zones pursuant to this chapter, and as necessary, shall make recommendations relative to very high fire hazard severity zones. This review shall coincide with the review of state responsibility area lands every five years and, when possible, fall within the time frames for each county’s general plan update. Any revision of areas included in a very high fire hazard severity zone shall be made in accordance with Sections 51178 and 51179.

    (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains an occupied dwelling or occupied structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered land, shrub-covered land, grass-covered land, or land that is covered with flammable mate- rial, which area or land is within a very high fire hazard severity zone designated by the local agency pursuant to Section 51179, shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a condition so that a wildfire burning under average weather conditions would be unlikely to ignite the structure. This subparagraph does not apply to single specimens of trees or other vege- tation that are well-pruned and maintained so as to effectively manage fuels and not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to a structure or from a structure to other nearby vegetation or to interrupt the advance of embers toward a structure. The intensity of fuels management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being used between 5 and 30 feet around the structure, and an ember-resistant zone being required within 5 feet of the structure, based on regulations promulgated by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, to consider the _elimination of materials in the ember-resistant zone that would likely be ignited by embers.

  • CWUIC § 4291.1. Medium relevance — show source text

    _ (f) The State Fire Marshal shall do both of the following: (1) Recommend to the board the types of vegetation or fuel that are to be excluded from an ember-resistant zone based on the probability that vegetation and fuel will lead to ignition by ember of a structure as a part of the update to the guid- ance document pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e). (2) Make reasonable efforts to provide notice to affected residents describing the requirements added by the amendments to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) made in Assembly Bill 3074 of the 2019–20 Regular Session before the imposition of penalties for violating those requirements. (g) (1) The requirement for an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) shall not take effect for new structures until the board updates the regulations, pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), and the guidance docu- ment, pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e). (2) The requirement for an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) shall take effect for existing structures one year after the effective date for the new structures. (h) The department shall not change defensible space inspection practices and forms or enforcement to implement the require- ment for an ember-resistant zone until the State Fire Marshal makes a written finding, which the State Fire Marshal shall post on the department’s internet website, that the Legislature has appropriated sufficient resources to do so.

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    APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

    (i) For purposes of this section, a structure for the purpose of an ember-resistant zone shall include any attached deck. This section does not limit the authority of the board or the department to require the removal of fuel or vegetation on top of or underneath a deck pursuant to this section. (j) As used in this section, “person” means a private individual, organization, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation.

    4291.1.

    (a) Notwithstanding Section 4021, a violation of Section 4291 is an infraction punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100), nor more than five hundred dollars ($500). If a person is convicted of a second violation of Section 4291 within five years, that person shall be punished by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250), nor more than five hundred dollars ($500). If a person is convicted of a third violation of Section 4291 within five years, that person is guilty of a misde- meanor and shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500). If a person is convicted of a third violation of Section 4291 within five years, the department may perform or contract for the performance of work necessary to comply with Section 4291 and may bill the person convicted for the costs incurred, in which case the person convicted, upon payment of _those costs, shall not be required to pay the fine.

  • CWUIC § 1299.02 Medium relevance — show source text

    1299.02 Definitions. The following definitions apply to this article: (a) Defensible space. The buffer that landowners are required to create on their property between a “Building or Structure” and the plants, brush and trees or other items surrounding the “Building or Structure” that could ignite in the event of a fire.

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    APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

    (b) Building or Structure. Anything constructed that is designed or intended for support, enclosure, shelter, or protection of persons, animals, or property, having a permanent roof that is supported by walls or posts that connect to, or rest on the ground. (c) Outbuilding. Buildings or structures that are less than one hundred-twenty (120) square feet in size and not used for human habitation. For purposes of this Section, an “Outbuilding” is not a “Building or Structure” as defined in subsection (b) above.

    1299.03 Requirements. Defensible space is required to be maintained at all times, whenever flammable vegetative conditions exist. One hundred feet (100 ft.) of defensible space clearance shall be maintained in two distinct “Zones” as follows: “Zone 1” extends thirty feet (30 ft.) out from each “Building or Structure,” or to the property line, whichever comes first; “Zone 2” extends from thirty feet (30 ft.) to one hundred feet (100 ft.) from each “Building or Structure,” but not beyond the property line. The vegetation treatment requirements for Zone 1 are more restrictive than for Zone 2, as provided in (a) and (b) below. The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's “Prop- erty Inspection Guide, 2000 version, April 2000,” provides additional guidance on vegetation treatment within Zone 1 and Zone 2, but is not mandatory and is not intended as a substitute for these regulations. (a) Zone 1 Requirements: (1) Remove all dead or dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds, and pine needles from the Zone whether such vegetation occurs in yard areas around the “Building or Structure,” on the roof or rain gutters of the “Building or Structure,” or any other location within the Zone. (2) Remove dead tree or shrub branches that overhang roofs, below or adjacent to windows, or which are adjacent to wall surfaces, and keep all branches a minimum of ten feet (10 ft.) away from chimney and stovepipe outlets. (3) Relocate exposed firewood piles outside of Zone 1 unless they are completely covered in a fire resistant material. (4) Remove flammable vegetation and items that could catch fire which are adjacent to or under combustible decks, balco- nies and stairs.

  • CWUIC § 65302.5 Medium relevance — show source text

    _ (3) Adoption of the board’s recommendations to improve the safety element pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 65302.5 of the Government Code.

    (4) Recently developed or updated community wildfire protection plans. (c) The board shall post the “Fire Risk Reduction Community” list on its internet website.

    4290.5.

    (a) On or before July 1, 2021, and every five years thereafter, the board, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal, shall survey local governments, including counties, cities, and fire districts, to identify existing subdivisions located in a state responsibility area or a very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code, without a secondary egress route that are at significant fire risk. (b) (1) The board, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal and the local government that identified the subdivision, shall develop recommendations to improve the subdivision’s fire safety. The recommendations may include, but are not limited to, the following: (A) Creating secondary access to the subdivision. (B) Improvements to the existing access road. (C) Other additional fire safety measures. (2) The board shall provide the final recommendations developed pursuant to this subdivision to the local government that identified the subdivision and to the residents of the subdivision.

    (c) The board may enter into contracts with an independent group to conduct the survey required in subdivision (a). (d) For purposes of this section, “subdivision” means an existing residential development of more than 30 dwelling units. (e) The board shall maintain a list of the subdivisions identified in subdivision (a) and the status of the implementation of the recommendations provided pursuant to subdivision (b).

    4291.

    (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered lands, shrub-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or land that is covered with flammable material, shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a condition so that a wildfire burning under average weather conditions would be unlikely to ignite the structure. This subparagraph does not apply to single specimens of trees or other vege- tation that are well-pruned and maintained so as to effectively manage fuels and not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to a structure or from a structure to other nearby vegetation or to interrupt the advance of embers toward a structure. The intensity of fuels management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being utilized between 5 and 30 feet around the struc- ture, and an ember-resistant zone being required within 5 feet of the structure, based on regulations promulgated by the board, in consultation with the department, to consider the elimination of materials in the ember-resistant zone that would likely be ignited by embers. Consistent with fuels management objectives, steps should be taken to mini- _mize erosion, soil disturbance, and the spread of flammable nonnative grasses and weeds.

  • CWUIC § 3.1 High relevance — show source text

    Detached fences that are located within 5_ feet (1524 mm) of the structure should be replaced with noncombustible or ignition-resistant building materials.

    G101.3 Defensible space features. The maintenance and defensible space features listed in Section G101.3.1 were developed as a best practices guide to assist homeowners to increase the effectiveness of their defensible space and improve the effects of the home-harden- ing features to increase the survivability of their homes from wildfires.

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    APPENDIX G—VOLUNTARY HOME-HARDENING RECOMMENDATIONS

    G101.3.1 Maintenance and defensible space. The following maintenance and operational procedures assist to limit the impact on a home from an approaching wildfire. 1. Roofs—regularly clean your roof, including roof-to-wall intersections and skylights to remove accumulated fallen leaves, needles and other flammable materials; repair damaged or deteriorated sections of the roof or roof covering; remove all trees, branches, shrubs or other plants adjacent to or overhanging buildings. 2. Rain gutters—keep roof gutters free of combustible debris. 3. Decks—regularly clean your deck, including deck-to-wall intersections to avoid the accumulation of fallen leaves, needles and other flammable materials; ensure that all combustible materials are removed from underneath, on top of or within five feet (1524 mm) of a deck or balcony. 4. Chimneys—ensure spark arrestor is in place; remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney or stovepipe outlet. 5. Windows—remove or relocate all combustibles away from windows. Older windows that are single-pane or double-pane without tempering can be vulnerable to direct flame contact or radiant heat exposure; remove vegetation or other combus- tible materials that are within five feet of windows.

    6. Doors—inspect the door for dry rot, gaps, cracks and warping and caulk or plug gaps greater than [1] / 8 inch. Install weather stripping to fill gaps greater than [1] / 8 inch (3.2 mm) between garage doors and door frames to prevent ember intrusion; remove vegetation or other combustible materials that are within five feet (1524 mm) of doors. 7. Exterior walls—inspect exterior siding for dry rot, gaps, cracks and warping and caulk or plug gaps greater than [1] / 8 inch in siding and replace any damaged boards, including those with dry rot. 8. Firewood—exposed firewood is stored at least 30 feet (9144 mm) away from structures or completely covered in a fire-resis- _tant material that will not allow embers to penetrate.

  • 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:

    1. Fire service access to the property that is to be protected, including fire apparatus access roads and off-road driveways.

    2. Premises identification.

  • CWUIC § 1.5 Medium relevance — show source text

    (g) Any local governmental entity that is qualified to conduct defensible space assessments pursuant to this section in very high and high fire hazard severity zones, as identified by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Article 9 (commencing with Section 4201) of this chapter or by a local agency pursuant to Section 51179 of the Government Code and reports that information to the department, shall report that information using the common reporting platform established pursuant to subdivision (c). (h) (1) On December 31, 2023, and annually thereafter, the department shall report to the Legislature all defensible space data collected pursuant paragraph (2) of subdivision (c). The report may include information on the proportion of unique parcels that were inspected, the degree of compliance with requirements set forth in Section 4291, any enforcement actions that may have been taken for noncompliant parcels, and the proportion of parcels that were found to be in compliance across jurisdictions. At minimum, the report shall include data with sufficient detail to facilitate comparisons of community compliance with the requirements of Section 4291 between local governmental entities qualified to conduct defensible space assessments pursuant to this section and local governmental entities that are not. (2) A report submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

    (i) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.

    SECTION H104—CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 14, DIVISION 1.5

    H104.1 Subchapter 2 State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations.

    1270.01 Definitions.

    (aa) Same Practical Effect: As used in this subchapter, means an Exception or alternative with the capability of applying accepted wildland fire suppression strategies and tactics, and provisions for fire fighter safety, including: (1) access for emergency wildland fire equipment, (2) safe civilian evacuation, (3) signing that avoids delays in emergency equipment response, (4) available and accessible water to effectively attack Wildfire or defend a Structure from Wildfire, and (5) fuel modification sufficient for civilian and fire fighter safety.

    1270.02 Purpose. (a) Subchapter 2 has been prepared and adopted for the purpose of establishing state minimum Wildfire protection standards in conjunction with Building, construction, and Development in the State Responsibility Area (SRA) and, after July 1, 2021, the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, as defined in Government Code § 51177(i) (VHFHSZ). (b) The future design and construction of Structures, subdivisions and Developments in the SRA and, after July 1, 2021, the VHFHSZ shall provide for basic emergency access and perimeter Wildfire protection measures as specified in the following articles. (c) These standards shall provide for emergency access; signing and Building numbering; private water supply reserves for emer- gency fire use; vegetation modification, Fuel Breaks, Greenbelts, and measures to preserve Undeveloped Ridgelines. Subchapter 2 specifies the minimums for such measures.

    1270.03 Scope. (a) Subchapter 2 shall apply to: (1) the perimeters and access to all residential, commercial, and industrial Building construction within the SRA approved _after January 1, 1991, and those approved after July 1,

  • CWUIC § 1270.01 Medium 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|||||||||

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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,

  • CWUIC § 1.5 Medium relevance — show source text

    structure.

    (c) (1) The director shall establish a common reporting platform that allows defensible space and home hardening assessment data, collected by the qualified entities, to be reported to the department and shall establish any necessary quality control measure to ensure that the assessment data is accurate and reliable.

    (2) The department shall compile the data submitted pursuant to paragraph (1). (d) The director may use the defensible space and home hardening assessment data to do any of the following: (1) Direct inspection and enforcement resources away from landowners who meet or exceed the department’s standards and regulations for maintaining defensible space.

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    APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

    (2) Direct inspection and enforcement resources toward landowners who do not meet the department’s standards and regulations for maintaining defensible space. (3) Direct educational resources toward landowners who own or maintain structures that can be hardened to make them more resistant to fire.

    (4) Assist in estimating defensible space compliance in the state responsibility area. (e) The department may expand or amend existing programs for the implementation of this section. (f) This section does not grant any right of entry onto private land or regulatory or enforcement authority to participating quali- fied entities.

    (g) Any local governmental entity that is qualified to conduct defensible space assessments pursuant to this section in very high and high fire hazard severity zones, as identified by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Article 9 (commencing with Section 4201) of this chapter or by a local agency pursuant to Section 51179 of the Government Code and reports that information to the department, shall report that information using the common reporting platform established pursuant to subdivision (c). (h) (1) On December 31, 2023, and annually thereafter, the department shall report to the Legislature all defensible space data collected pursuant paragraph (2) of subdivision (c). The report may include information on the proportion of unique parcels that were inspected, the degree of compliance with requirements set forth in Section 4291, any enforcement actions that may have been taken for noncompliant parcels, and the proportion of parcels that were found to be in compliance across jurisdictions. At minimum, the report shall include data with sufficient detail to facilitate comparisons of community compliance with the requirements of Section 4291 between local governmental entities qualified to conduct defensible space assessments pursuant to this section and local governmental entities that are not. (2) A report submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

    (i) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.

    SECTION H104—CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 14, DIVISION 1.5

    H104.1 Subchapter 2 State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations.

    1270.01 Definitions.

  • CWUIC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
    • 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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    APPENDIX A-2 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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    A GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

    The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically referenced in the adopting ordinance.

    User notes:

    About this appendix: Appendix A, while not part of the code, can become part of the code when specifically included in the adopting ordinance. Its purpose is to provide fire protection measures supplemental to those found in Chapter 6 to reduce the threat of wildfire in a wildland-urban interface area and improve the capability for controlling such fires. This appendix includes detailed requirements for vegetation control; the code official’s authority to close wildland-interface areas in times of high fire danger; control of fires, fireworks usage and other sources of ignition; storage of hazardous materials and combustibles; bans on the dumping of waste materials and ashes and coals in wildland-urban interface areas; protection of pumps and water supplies; and limits on temporary uses within the wildland-urban interface area.

    SECTION A101—GENERAL

    A101.1 Scope. The provisions of this appendix establish general requirements applicable to new and existing properties located within wildland-urban interface areas .

    A101.2 Objective. The objective of this appendix is to provide necessary fire protection measures to reduce the threat of wildfire in a wildland-urban interface area and improve the capability of controlling such fires.

    SECTION A102—VEGETATION CONTROL

    A102.1 General. Vegetation control shall comply with Sections A102.2 through A102.4.

    A102.2 Clearance of brush or vegetative growth from roadways. The code official is authorized to require areas within 10 feet (3048 mm) on each side of portions of fire apparatus access roads and driveways to be cleared of nonfire-smart vegetation growth.

    Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental vegetative fuels or cultivated ground cover, such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants used as ground cover, provided they do not form a means of readily transmitting fire.

  • CWUIC § 1.5 Medium relevance — show source text

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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,
    Division 1
    Section    		 Gov Code
    Section    		 PRC
    Section    		 HSC
    Section
    Section Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title
    Chapter 2 Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions
    Multilayered glazed
    panels    		 Y
    Noncombustible roof
    covering    		 Y
    Outbuilding (T14) Y 1299.02(c)
    Peer review Y
    Rafter tail Y 702A
    Registered design
    professional    		 Y
    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 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.
  • CWUIC § 302.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    SECTION 302—WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA DESIGNATIONS

    302.1 Mapping . The State Fire Marshal shall classify lands into Fire Hazard Severity Zones in accordance with California Public Resources Code, Sections 4201 through 4204 for State Responsibility Areas and in accordance with Government Code, Sections 51175 through 51189 for Local Responsibility Areas. The State Fire Marshal shall designate areas in the state as fire hazard severity zones and assign each zone based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Each fire hazard severity zone shall embrace relatively homogeneous lands, and the classification shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather and other relevant factors including areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread and other areas designated by the enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires.

    302.2 Review of wildland-urban interface areas. The code official shall reevaluate and recommend modification to the wildlandurban interface areas in accordance with Section 302.1 on a 5-year basis or more frequently as deemed necessary by the legislative body. The State Fire Marshal shall periodically review the areas in the state identified as fire hazard severity zones and, as necessary, shall make recommendations relative to fire hazard severity zones. This review shall coincide with the review of state responsibility area lands every five years and, when possible, fall within the time frames for the county’s general plan update.

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    CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 4 – WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS

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

  • CWUIC § 4-1 Medium relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 4-1

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    4 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 4 provides requirements that apply to all occupancies in the wildland-urban interface and pertain to all of the following:

    1. Fire service access to the property that is to be protected, including fire apparatus access roads and off-road driveways.

    2. Premises identification.

    3. Key boxes to provide ready access to properties secured by gated roadways or other impediments to rapid fire service access.

    4. Fire protection water supplies, including adequate water sources, pumper apparatus drafting sites, fire hydrant systems and system reliability.

    5. Fire department access to equipment such as fire suppression equipment and fire hydrants.

    SECTION 401—GENERAL

    401.1 Scope. Wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with emergency vehicle access and water supply in accordance with this chapter.

    401.2 Objective. The objective of this chapter is to establish the minimum requirements for emergency vehicle access and water supply for buildings and structures located in the wildland-urban interface areas.

    401.3 General safety precautions. General safety precautions shall be in accordance with this chapter. See also Appendix A.

    SECTION 402—APPLICABILITY

    402.1 Subdivisions. Subdivisions shall comply with Sections 402.1.1 and 402.1.2.

    402.1.1 Access. New subdivisions, as determined by this jurisdiction, shall be provided with fire apparatus access roads in accordance with the California Fire Code; the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 2; and access requirements in accordance with Section 403.

    402.1.2 Water supply. New subdivisions as determined by this jurisdiction shall be provided with water supply in accordance with Section 507 of the California Fire Code; California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 4; and Section 404.

    402.1.2.1 Parcel map approval. Water supply requirements shall apply in the tentative and parcel map process when new parcels are approved by the local jurisdiction.

    402.2 Individual structures. Individual structures shall comply with Sections 402.2.1 and 402.2.2.

    402.2.1 Access. Individual structures hereafter constructed or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with fire apparatus access in accordance with the California Fire Code; the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Subsection 1273; and Section 403 .

    402.2.2 Water supply. Individual structures hereafter constructed or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with a conforming water supply in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 4; California Fire Code Section 507; and Section 404.

  • CWUIC § 1505.1.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    1
    1505.1.2||||||| |Chapter 6|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements| |601|General|Y||||||||| |601.1|Scope|Y||||||||| |601.2|Objective|Y|||4901.1|||||| |601.3|Chapter 6 definitions|Y||||||1299.02(a)||| |602|Fire protection plans|Y|||4903|||||| |602.1|General|Y|||4903.1|||||| |602.2|Contents|Y|||4903.2|||||| |602.3|Project information|Y|||4903.2.1|||||| |602.3.1|Preliminary fire
    protection plan|Y|||4903.2.1.1|||||| |602.3.2|Fire protection plan|Y|||4903.2.1.2|||||| |603|Vegetation plan|Y|||4906|||||| |603.1|General|Y|||4906.1|||||| |603.2|Application|Y|||4906.2||||51182(a)|| |603.3|Landscape plans|Y|||4906.3|||||| |603.3.1|Contents|Y|||4906.3.1||3.07(b)(2)||51182(a)|4291| |603.4|Vegetation|Y|||4906.4||||||

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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,
    Division 1
    Section    		 Gov Code
    Section    		 PRC
    Section    		 HSC
    Section
    Section Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title
    Chapter 6 Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements
    603.4.1 Shrubs Y 4906.4.1
    603.4.2 Trees Y 4906.4.2 1299.03 3.07(b)(3)
    603.4.2.1 Nonfire-smart
    vegetation    		 Y 4906.4.2.1
    604 Maintenance of
    defensible space    		 Y 4907
    604.
  • CWUIC § 302.1 Medium 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|||||||||

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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,
    Division 1
    Section    		 Gov Code
    Section    		 PRC
    Section    		 HSC
    Section
    Section 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
    507
    402.2.1 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 § 4.1 Medium 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|||||||||

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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,
    Division 1
    Section    		 Gov Code
    Section    		 PRC
    Section    		 HSC
    Section
    Section 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 § 1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    CBC—25: California Building Code R101.2, R202, R301.1.1, R301.1.3, R301.2.1.1, R301.2.2.1.1, R301.2.2.1.2, R301.3, Table R302.1(1), Table R302.1(2), R302.2.1, R302.2.2, R302.3, R302.15.4, R322.1, R322.3, R324.5, R403.1.8, Table R602.10.3(3), Table R606.12.2.1, R609.2, R905.10.3

    CEBC—25: California Existing Building Code [®]

    R110.2, N1109.2

    CFC—25: California Fire Code [®]

    R102.6, R329.2, N1109.2, M2201.7, G2402.3, G2412.2

    CWUIC—25: California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

    R102.8, R337, R806.1.1, R907.1.1

    ICC 400—2022: Standard on the Design and Construction of Log Structures

    R301.1.1, R502.1.4, R602.1.4, R703.1, R802.1.3

    ICC 500—2020: ICC/NSSA Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters

    R307.1

    ICC 600—2020: 2020 Standard for Residential Construction in High-Wind Regions

    R301.2.1.1

    ICC 1100—2019: Standard for Spray-applied Polyurethane Foam Plastic Insulation

    R303.1.1

    IPMC—24: International Property Maintenance Code [®]

    R102.6

    ISO International Organization for Standardization Chemin de Blandonnet 8 Geneva, Switzerland CP 401 - 1214

    8336—2009: Fibre-cement Flat Sheets—Product Specification and Test Methods Table R503.2.1.1(1), Table R503.2.1.1(2), Table R602.3(2), Table R702.4.2, R703.10.1, R703.10.2

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    REFERENCED STANDARDS

    NFPA National Fire Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA 02169-7471

    13D— 25 : Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes as amended*

    R309.1.1, R309.2.1, R309.3.1, R309.3.1.1, R309.3.2.3, R309.3.6.1, R329.6.2.1

    *See California Fire Code for amendments

    *NFPA 13D, Amended Sections as follows:

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is “ember‑resistant zone”?

The CWUIC uses “ember‑resistant zone” to mean the immediate area adjacent to a structure where materials likely to ignite from embers are eliminated or made noncombustible; in practice this is the 5‑ft band discussed in the code guidance (see § G101 and the Title‑14 references summarized under § H104.1).

Are decks included in the ember‑resistant zone?

Yes — an attached deck is considered part of the structure for ember‑resistant‑zone purposes; removal or modification of fuels on top of or underneath a deck can be required.

If my town has stricter rules, which applies — local or CWUIC guidance?

Local ordinances may require greater distances or stricter measures. Where a local ordinance is adopted it can be more stringent; CWUIC and state law allow localities to require greater fuel modification where justified.

Do I have to remove all plants within 5 feet?

No — the requirement is to eliminate materials that are likely to be ignited by embers. That often means removing combustible mulches and dense flammable shrubs within 5 ft, but low‑fuel, well‑maintained, fire‑resistant plantings are acceptable per guidance. The State Board guidance documents referenced under H sections provide planting suggestions.

When does the ember‑resistant requirement legally take effect?

The CWUIC notes the ember‑resistant requirement is tied to regulations and guidance updates by the Board of Forestry and State Fire Marshal; the effective dates differ for new and existing structures and are conditioned on those updates. Check the Board/OSFM postings for final effective dates.

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What home‑hardening features are recommended for survivability?

What defensible‑space features and maintenance are recommended?

Voluntary Home‑Hardening & Defensible Space (Appendix G)

California Wildland-Urban Interface Code