CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

What maps, notices, and review steps are required for zone adoption?

The State Fire Marshal prepares Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps and must transmit proposed changes to county supervisors at least 45 days before adoption and hold a public hearing; local agencies adopt ordinances to implement (or, with evidence, increase) mapped levels and must post maps for public review — the CWUIC and the PRC/Government Code text reproduced in Appendix H set these notices, timing and the **5‑year** review cadence (see **§ D101** and **§ H103**).

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The CWUIC requires that Fire Hazard Severity Zones be mapped and classified by the State Fire Marshal, with classifications based on fuel, slope, weather and other factors, and that mapped areas be periodically reviewed on a recurring basis. Key procedural steps for adoption or revision — including transmittal to county officials, public hearings/notice and local ordinances that implement or increase state-mapped zones — are set out in the California statutes reprinted or referenced in the CWUIC (see § H103 and the CWUIC mapping/review sections) and the CWUIC’s model local ordinance guidance (see § D101) .

The essential rule: maps are prepared by the State Fire Marshal; any formal change requires prescribed notice/hearing steps and periodic (generally every 5 years) review — local agencies then adopt ordinances to implement or, in limited cases, increase the mapped zone level.

Requirements in detail

Who prepares the maps

  • Map author: State Fire Marshal prepares and designates Fire Hazard Severity Zones (based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather and similar factors). See § H103 (PRC references) and CWUIC § 302.1.

Minimum procedural notices and hearings

  • Transmission & hearing requirement (state-level): A designation or rating by the State Fire Marshal may not be adopted until the proposed regulation has been transmitted to the county board of supervisors at least 45 days before adoption and a public hearing is held in that county during that 45-day period (PRC procedures reproduced in the CWUIC). See § H103 (PRC § 4203) and CWUIC cross-references.
  • Local posting: When the State Fire Marshal provides its map, the local agency must post a notice at the county recorder, county assessor and county planning agency identifying the map location; if the agency amends the map it must identify the location of the amended map in that notice. (PRC/Gov Code text reproduced in CWUIC appendices.)

Local adoption / ordinance mechanics

  • Local agency ordinance: After receiving State recommendations, a local agency shall designate by ordinance moderate/high/very-high zones within its jurisdiction (timing requirements are specified in the Government Code text reproduced in the CWUIC). A local agency may increase the zone level for areas within its jurisdiction (but may not decrease the State’s mapped level) and must transmit a copy of any local ordinance adoption to the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection within 30 days. See CWUIC references to Government Code § 51178–51179 in the H appendices and Appendix D (model ordinance) for a template approach § D101.

Periodic review

  • Review interval: The CWUIC and the reproduced PRC language require periodic review of mapped zones; the State Fire Marshal and local jurisdictions are to periodically review and recommend revisions every 5 years or more often as needed. CWUIC § 302.2 and the PRC text are explicit about the five-year review cadence.

Decision-relevant dimensions — quick reference table

Decision point Key value / action Who is responsible Code reference
Who prepares the statewide map? State Fire Marshal classifies lands into Fire Hazard Severity Zones State Fire Marshal § 302.1; § H103 (PRC § 4201–4204)
Public hearing before adoption? Transmit proposed regulation to county board at least 45 days before adoption; hold a public hearing in that county during the 45-day window State Fire Marshal / county PRC § 4203 reproduced in § H103
Local ordinance timing Local agency shall designate zones by ordinance after receiving State recommendations; may increase but not decrease mapped level; transmit ordinance copy within 30 days to State Board Local agency Gov. Code § 51179 and related text cited in CWUIC (Appendix H) and § D101 (model ordinance)
Map posting/availability Local agency shall make State maps available for public review in accessible formats (maps), and post notice at county recorder, assessor, planning offices Local agency Gov. Code/PRC cross-references in CWUIC Appendix H (cites to PRC and GC sections)
Review cadence Every 5 years (or more often if legislative body decides) State Fire Marshal and code official/local legislative body § 302.2 (CWUIC) and PRC § 4204 referenced in § H103
Model ordinance guidance Optional model ordinance and template language for LRAs (informational appendix) Local agency (adopts by ordinance if desired) § D101 (Appendix D — model ordinance)

How Appendix D (Model Ordinance) is used

  • § D101 in Appendix D is an informational model ordinance to guide local agencies on text and administrative steps to adopt fire hazard severity zones in Local Responsibility Areas (LRA). Appendix D is explicitly non-mandatory guidance but intended to standardize local ordinance content and procedural elements. Use Appendix D if you want a ready framework for ordinance language and steps.

Exceptions & special cases

  • The CWUIC reproduces and cross-references PRC and Government Code language that allows a local agency to increase a mapped zone level (e.g., designate additional very-high areas) only after a finding supported by substantial evidence and other statutory steps; a local agency cannot decrease the State’s mapped level. See the Government Code text reproduced in Appendix H.
  • Appendix D is informational only — a jurisdiction may follow a different ordinance format provided it satisfies the statutory notice/hearing/transmittal procedures cited in PRC/Government Code. The CWUIC states Appendix D is not itself mandatory.
  • If the local jurisdiction adopts an ordinance that substantially conforms to the State Fire Marshal model ordinance, that ordinance is presumptively in compliance with statutory requirements (per State statute text reproduced in the CWUIC appendices).

Common mistakes

  • Treating Appendix D as mandatory code language — Appendix D is a model (informational) and not automatically binding; the local ordinance is the legal instrument. See § D101.
  • Assuming the State map can be changed locally without the required deliberations and findings — local agencies may increase zone severity but may not reduce the State’s mapped severity and must follow the required procedures. See Government Code/PRC texts referenced in CWUIC Appendix H.
  • Forgetting the timeline and notice steps for State-level changes: the PRC requires the 45-day transmittal and a county-level hearing before adoption; skipping these steps invalidates a formal designation. See § H103 (PRC § 4203) as reproduced in the CWUIC.
  • Not making maps accessible: the CWUIC reproduces requirements that maps be made available in an understandable format for public review (e.g., maps posted at county offices). Don’t substitute an obscure technical report for public maps.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: The State Fire Marshal proposes a new Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) addition covering 1,200 acres in County X.

  1. State Fire Marshal prepares map and proposed regulation (mapping based on fuels, slope, weather) — CWUIC cites the State’s mapping authority § 302.1 and PRC § 4201–4204 (see § H103) .
  2. The State Fire Marshal transmits the proposed regulation to County X’s board of supervisors at least 45 days before adoption and ensures a public hearing is held in County X during that 45-day period (PRC § 4203 as cited in CWUIC). If the State fails to transmit 45 days in advance or hold the hearing, the adoption process is procedurally defective.
  3. County X posts a notice (or the local agency posts notice) identifying the map location at the county recorder, assessor and planning agency offices so the public can review the map per the CWUIC/PRC guidance.
  4. After the State finalizes the designation, County X has the option (within its ordinance process) to adopt a local ordinance implementing the changes (or to adopt more restrictive rules). If County X wants to designate additional areas as VHFHSZ beyond the State’s mapping, it must document substantial evidence supporting that increase and follow the local ordinance process; it cannot lower the State’s rating. See Government Code provisions reproduced in CWUIC.
  5. The State Fire Marshal and local agencies will reevaluate the designation on a 5-year cycle and recommend revisions as necessary; County X should schedule reviews to coincide with that cadence. See § 302.2.

Related provisions

  • § D101 — Model ordinance for designation of fire hazard severity zones in Local Responsibility Areas (Appendix D, informational)
  • § H103 — California Public Resources Code excerpts (PRC §§ 4201–4204; 4290–4291) reproduced/cited in Appendix H of the CWUIC (procedural requirements for mapping, hearings, periodic review)
  • CWUIC § 302.1 and § 302.2 — Mapping and 5-year review requirements for wildland-urban interface area designations (cross-references to PRC/Gov Code)
  • Government Code / PRC provisions referenced in CWUIC Appendices — e.g., Gov. Code § 51178–51179 (local agency ordinance timing and transmittal requirements) as reproduced in CWUIC Appendix H

Note about § 1.1.4: I could not find § 1.1.4 in the provided CWUIC files or Appendix H excerpts. If you intended a different section (for example, § 1.11 or § 1.11.x), please tell me or upload the page that contains § 1.1.4; I will add grounded citation and incorporate any additional requirements it contains. (I will not invent or assume content that is not present in the source.)

Code references

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

  • CWUIC § 1-2 High relevance — show source text
    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.

    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.

    Chapter 5 Special Building Construction Regulations.

    The regulations in Chapter 5 establish minimum standards for the location, design and construction of buildings and structures based on construction within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone or a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Area.

    The construction provisions of Chapter 5 are intended to supplement the requirements of the California Building Code and Califor- nia Residential Code and address mitigation of the unique hazards posed to buildings by wildfire and to reduce the hazards of building fires spreading to wildland fuels. This is accomplished by requiring ignition-resistant construction materials.

    Chapter 6 Fire Protection Requirements.

    Chapter 6 contains additional requirements for development and construction in Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and areas designated by the State Fire Marshal as State Responsibility Areas (SRA). While many of these provisions are found in Title 14 and Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations, they are replicated here for the code user. The local jurisdiction has the authority to apply the same regulations to LRA when the regulations are adopted by local ordinance.

    The requirements in this chapter reference the process for adoption of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the LRA; criteria for evaluating existing subdivisions that are at significant fire risk and are without an adequate secondary egress; and criteria for fire safety provisions required in the Safety Element of a city or county General Plan.

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  • CWUIC § 1.5 High 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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    3 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREAS

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 3 provides for the fundamental aspect of applying the code—the legal declaration and establishment of wildlandurban interface areas within the adopting jurisdiction, mapping of the area, periodic review and updates.

    SECTION 301—GENERAL

    301.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter provide methodology to establish and record wildland-urban interface areas in accor- dance with California Public Resources Code (PRC) and California Government Code (GC).

    301.2 Purpose . The purpose of this chapter is to classify lands in the state in accordance with the level of fire hazard present for the purpose of identifying measures that will retard the rate of spread and reduce the potential intensity of uncontrolled fires that threaten to destroy resources, life or property, and to require that those measures be taken.

    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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  • CWUIC § 302.1 High 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 § B101 Medium relevance — show source text

    SECTION B101—GENERAL

    B101.1 Scope. Vegetation management plans shall be submitted to the code official for review and approval as part of the plans required for a permit.

    B101.2 Plan content. Vegetation management plans shall describe all actions that will be taken to prevent a fire from being carried toward or away from the building. A vegetation management plan shall include the following information:

    1. A copy of the site plan.
    2. Methods and timetables for controlling, changing or modifying areas on the property. Elements of the plan shall include removal of slash, snags, vegetation that may grow into overhead electrical lines, other ground fuels, ladder fuels and dead trees, and the thinning of live trees.
    3. A plan for maintaining the proposed fuel-reduction measures.

    B101.3 Fuel modification. To be considered a fuel modification for purposes of this code, continuous maintenance of the clearance is required.

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    CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE APPENDIX C – COMMUNITY WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE (WUI) FIRE HAZARD EVALUATION FRAMEWORK

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

    (Not adopted by the State Fire Marshal)

    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 SFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 T-24 T-19* 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
    Adopt Entire Chapter
    Adopt Entire Chapter as
    amended (amended sections
    listed below)
    Adopt only those sections that
    are listed below
    [California Code of Regulations,
    Title 19, Division 1]
    Chapter / Section
  • CWUIC § 302.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    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.)

    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 SFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 T-24 T-19* 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
    Adopt Entire Chapter
    Adopt Entire Chapter as
    amended (amended sections
    listed below)    		 X
    Adopt only those sections that
    are listed below
    [California Code of Regulations,
    Title 19, Division 1]
    Chapter / Section
    402 †
    402.1.1 X
    402.1.2 X
    402.1.2.1 X
    402.2.1 X
    402.2.2 X
    402.
  • California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Medium 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 § 11340.6 Medium relevance — show source text

    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. These regulations apply to the perimeters and access to all residential, commercial, and industrial building construction within state responsibility areas approved after January 1, 1991, and within lands classified and designated as very high fire hazard severity zones, as defined in subdivision (i) of Section 51177 of the Government Code after July 1, 2021. The board may not adopt building standards, as defined in Section 18909 of the Health and Safety Code, under the authority of this section. As an integral part of fire safety stan- dards, the State Fire Marshal has the authority to adopt regulations for roof coverings and openings into the attic areas of buildings specified in Section 13108.5 of the Health and Safety Code. The regulations apply to the placement of mobile homes as defined by National Fire Protection Association standards. These regulations do not apply where an application for a build- ing permit was filed prior to January 1, 1991, or to parcel or tentative maps or other developments approved prior to January 1, 1991, if the final map for the tentative map is approved within the time prescribed by the local ordinance. The regulations shall include all of the following: (1) Road standards for fire equipment access. (2) Standards for signs identifying streets, roads, and buildings. (3) Minimum private water supply reserves for emergency fire use. (4) Fuel breaks and greenbelts. (b) The board shall, on and after July 1, 2021, periodically update regulations for fuel breaks and greenbelts near communities to provide greater fire safety for the perimeters to all residential, commercial, and industrial building construction within state responsibility areas and lands classified and designated as very high fire hazard severity zones, as defined in subdivision (i) of Section 51177 of the Government Code, after July 1, 2021. These regulations shall include measures to preserve undeveloped

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    APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

  • CWUIC § 1270.04 Medium relevance — show source text

    1270.04 Provisions for application of these regulations. This Subchapter shall be applied as follows: (a) the Local Jurisdictions shall provide the Director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) or their designee with notice of applications for Building permits, tentative parcel maps, tentative maps, and installation or use permits for construction or Development within the SRA, or if after July, 1 2021, the VHFHSZ. (b) the Director or their designee may review and make fire protection recommendations on applicable construction or develop- ment permits or maps provided by the Local Jurisdiction. (c) the Local Jurisdiction shall ensure that the applicable sections of this Subchapter become a condition of approval of any appli- cable construction or Development permit or map.

    1270.05 Local regulations. (a) Subchapter 2 shall serve as the minimum Wildfire protection standards applied in SRA and VHFHSZ. However, Subchapter 2 does not supersede local regulations which equal or exceed the standards of this Subchapter. (b) A local regulation equals or exceeds a minimum standard of this Subchapter only if, at a minimum, the local regulation also fully complies with the corresponding minimum standard in this Subchapter. (c) A Local Jurisdiction shall not apply exemptions to Subchapter 2 that are not enumerated in Subchapter 2. Exceptions requested and approved in conformance with § 1270.07 (Exceptions to Standards) may be granted on a case-by-case basis. (d) Notwithstanding a local regulation that equals or exceeds the State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations, Building construction shall comply with the State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations.

    1270.06 Inspections. Inspections shall conform to the following requirements: (a) Inspections in the SRA shall be made by: (1) the Director, or (2) Local Jurisdictions that have assumed state fire protection responsibility on SRA lands, or (3) Local Jurisdictions where the inspection duties have been formally delegated by the Director to the Local Jurisdictions, pursuant to subsection (b). (b) The Director may delegate inspection authority to a Local Jurisdiction subject to all of the following criteria: (1) The Local Jurisdiction represents that they have appropriate resources to perform the delegated inspection authority. (2) The Local Jurisdiction acknowledges that CAL FIRE's authority under subsection (d) shall not be waived or restricted. (3) The Local Jurisdiction consents to the delegation of inspection authority. (4) The Director may revoke the delegation at any time. (5) The delegation of inspection authority, and any subsequent revocation of the delegation, shall be documented in writ- ing, and retained on file at the CAL FIRE Unit headquarters that administers SRA fire protection in the area. (c) Inspections in the VHFHSZ shall be made by the Local Jurisdiction. (d) Nothing in this section abrogates CAL FIRE's authority to inspect and enforce state forest and fire laws in the SRA even when the inspection duties have been delegated pursuant to this section. (e) Reports of violations within the SRA shall be provided to the CAL FIRE Unit headquarters that administers SRA fire protection in the Local Jurisdiction.

  • CWUIC § 11340.6 Medium 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 § 611.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    611.3 Implementation. The Board shall maintain a list of the subdivisions identified and the status of the implementation of the recom- mendations provided.

    611.4 Re-survey. Beginning July 1, 2021, the Board shall conduct this survey every 5 years.

    SECTION 612—GENERAL PLAN SAFETY ELEMENT

    612.1 General. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65302(g)(3), the safety element of a city or county’s General Plan shall be reviewed and updated as necessary to address the risk of fire for land classified as SRA, as defined in Section 4102 of the Public Resources Code, and land classified as an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as defined in Section 51177.

    612.2 Submission to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and local fire agencies. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65302.5(b)(1), the draft element of, or draft amendment to, the safety element of a county or a city’s general plan shall be submitted to the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and to every local agency that provides fire protection to territory in the city or county at least 90 days prior to either of the following: the adoption or amendment to the safety element of its general plan for each county that contains state responsibility areas; or the adoption or amendment to the safety element of its general plan for each city or county that contains a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone as defined pursuant to subdivision (i) of Section 51177.

    612.3 Review by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and local fire agencies. The State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection shall, and a local agency may, review the draft or an existing safety element and recommend changes to the planning agency within 60 days of its receipt regarding the requirements in Government Code Section 65302.5(b)(2). The review by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection is governed by Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Article 6.

    612.4 Adoption of the safety element. Prior to the adoption of its draft element or draft amendment, the board of supervisors of the county or the council of a city shall consider the recommendations, if any, made by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and any local agency that provides fire protection to territory in the city or county. The board of supervisors or city council shall respond to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and any local agency providing fire protection in compliance with Government Code Section 65302.5(b)(3) and (b)(4) and Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Article 6.

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    CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 7 – REFERENCED STANDARDS

  • 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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    B VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

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

    User notes:

    About this appendix: Appendix B, while not part of the code, can become part of the code when specifically included in the adopting ordinance. Its purpose is to provide criteria for submitting vegetation management plans, specifying their content and establishing a criterion for considering vegetation management as being a fuel modification.

    SECTION B101—GENERAL

    B101.1 Scope. Vegetation management plans shall be submitted to the code official for review and approval as part of the plans required for a permit.

    B101.2 Plan content. Vegetation management plans shall describe all actions that will be taken to prevent a fire from being carried toward or away from the building. A vegetation management plan shall include the following information:

    1. A copy of the site plan.
    2. Methods and timetables for controlling, changing or modifying areas on the property. Elements of the plan shall include removal of slash, snags, vegetation that may grow into overhead electrical lines, other ground fuels, ladder fuels and dead trees, and the thinning of live trees.
    3. A plan for maintaining the proposed fuel-reduction measures.

    B101.3 Fuel modification. To be considered a fuel modification for purposes of this code, continuous maintenance of the clearance is required.

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    CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE APPENDIX C – COMMUNITY WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE (WUI) FIRE HAZARD EVALUATION FRAMEWORK

  • CWUIC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text

    APPENDIX D – MODEL ORDINANCE FOR FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE ADOPTION

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

    (Not adopted by the State Fire Marshal)

    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 SFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 T-24 T-19* 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
    Adopt Entire Chapter
    Adopt Entire Chapter as
    amended (amended sections
    listed below)
    Adopt only those sections that
    are listed below
    [California Code of Regulations,
    Title 19, Division 1]
    Chapter / Section
    • 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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    D MODEL ORDINANCE FOR FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE ADOPTION

    This appendix is for informational purposes and is not intended for adoption.

    User notes:

  • CWUIC § 610.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    610.2 Subdivision map findings. Pursuant to Government Code (GC), Section 66474.02, before approving a tentative map, or a parcel map for which a tentative map was not required, for an area located in an SRA or an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as both are defined in GC Section 51177, a legislative body of a county, except as provided in GC Section 66474.02(c), shall make findings regarding compliance with the SRA Fire Safe Regulations and the availability of structural fire protection and suppression services. These findings and accompanying map shall be transmitted to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and comply with the requirements in Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 1, Article 1.

    SECTION 611—SUBDIVISION REVIEW SURVEY

    611.1 Subdivision identification. Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 4290.5 and Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 1, Article 2, the Board, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, shall survey local governments to identify existing subdivi- sions, as defined in Article 2, located in an SRA area or an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone without a secondary egress route that is at significant fire risk.

    611.2 Fire safety recommendations. The Board, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the local government that identified the subdivision, shall develop recommendations to improve the subdivision’s fire safety. The Board shall provide the final recommendations to the local government that identified the subdivision and to the residents of the subdivision.

    611.3 Implementation. The Board shall maintain a list of the subdivisions identified and the status of the implementation of the recom- mendations provided.

    611.4 Re-survey. Beginning July 1, 2021, the Board shall conduct this survey every 5 years.

    SECTION 612—GENERAL PLAN SAFETY ELEMENT

    612.1 General. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65302(g)(3), the safety element of a city or county’s General Plan shall be reviewed and updated as necessary to address the risk of fire for land classified as SRA, as defined in Section 4102 of the Public Resources Code, and land classified as an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as defined in Section 51177.

    612.2 Submission to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and local fire agencies. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65302.5(b)(1), the draft element of, or draft amendment to, the safety element of a county or a city’s general plan shall be submitted to the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and to every local agency that provides fire protection to territory in the city or county at least 90 days prior to either of the following: the adoption or amendment to the safety element of its general plan for each county that contains state responsibility areas; or the adoption or amendment to the safety element of its general plan for each city or county that contains a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone as defined pursuant to subdivision (i) of Section 51177.

  • CWUIC § D101 Medium relevance — show source text

    D MODEL ORDINANCE FOR FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE ADOPTION

    This appendix is for informational purposes and is not intended for adoption.

    User notes:

    About this appendix: Appendix D is an informational appendix that is a sample ordinance designed as guidance for a city, county, city and county, or fire district to establish and designate fire hazard severity zones within their jurisdiction.

    SECTION D101—MODEL ORDINANCE FOR DESIGNATION OF FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES IN LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY AREAS (LRA)

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    E RESERVED

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    CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    APPENDIX F – CHARACTERISTICS OF FIRE-SMART VEGETATION

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

    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 SFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 T-24 T-19* 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
    Adopt Entire Chapter
    Adopt Entire Chapter as
    amended (amended sections
    listed below)    		 X
    Adopt only those sections that
    are listed below
    [California Code of Regulations,
    Title 19, Division 1]
    Chapter / Section
    F101.1 X
  • 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 § 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

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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 § 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 § 402.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text


    Title 19, Division 1]|||||||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section|||||||||||||||||||||||| |402|||†||||||||||||||||||||| |402.1.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.1.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.1.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.2.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.5|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.6_Reserved_|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.7|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.8|||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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    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.

  • CWUIC § 1.7 Medium 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)||||| ||||||||||||

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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
    403.2.5 Address installation,
    location, and visibility    		 Y 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 § 404.10.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    404.10.2 Clearance of fuel. Defensible space shall be provided around water tank structures, water supply pumps and pump houses in accordance with Section 603.

    2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 4-7

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

    WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS

    404.10.3 Standby power. Standby power shall be provided to pumps, controllers and related electrical equipment so that stationary water supply facilities within the wildland-urban interface area that are dependent on electrical power can provide the required water supply. The standby power system shall be in accordance with Section 2702 of the California Building Code and Section 1203 of the California Fire Code . The standby power source shall be capable of providing power for not less than 2 hours.

    Exceptions:

    1. Where approved by the code official, a standby power supply is not required where the primary power service to the stationary water supply facility is underground.
    2. A standby power supply is not required where the stationary water supply facility serves not more than one singlefamily dwelling.

    �

    4-8 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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

    CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 5 – SPECIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS

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

    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 SFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 T-24 T-19* 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
    Adopt Entire Chapter
    Adopt Entire Chapter as
    amended (amended sections
    listed below)    		 X
    Adopt only those sections that
    are listed below
    [California Code of Regulations,
    Title 19, Division 1]
    Chapter / Section
    501.1 X
    501.2 X
    501.4 – 501.4.1 X
    502_Reserved_ X
    503.1 X
    503.
  • 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|||||||||

    APPENDIX H-34 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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

    APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

    2025 CWUIC—continued Col2 Adopted
    Yes/No    		 IWUIC
    Section    		 CBC
    Section    		 CFC
    Section    		 Title 14,
    Division 1.5
    Section    		 Title 19,
    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)

Frequently asked questions

Who actually has the final say over the statewide map?

The State Fire Marshal prepares and designates the statewide Fire Hazard Severity Zones; local agencies adopt ordinances to implement or, in limited cases, increase the mapped severity — but the State’s map and its statutory procedures control the baseline mapping process.

How often must zones be reviewed?

The code and the reproduced PRC text call for periodic review every 5 years (or sooner if the legislative body deems necessary). See CWUIC § 302.2 and the PRC cross-references in § H103.

Is Appendix D mandatory?

No. § D101 is a model ordinance and is informational; it is provided as a template local agencies can use but is not mandatory unless the local agency adopts it by ordinance.

What public-notice steps are required before adoption?

At the State level, proposed regulations must be transmitted to the county board at least 45 days before adoption and a public hearing held during that period (PRC § 4203 as reproduced in § H103). Locally, the map location must be posted at county offices for public review.

Can a city or county reduce a State-designated severity?

No. A local agency shall not decrease the level identified by the State Fire Marshal; it may only increase the level (and then only with prescribed findings and process). See Government Code/PRC text reproduced in CWUIC Appendix H.

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Related in the CWUIC

How to use the model ordinance to designate fire hazard severity zones

When does a local ordinance conforming to the model get presumed compliant?

Model Ordinance — Fire Hazard Severity Zone Adoption (Appendix D)

California Wildland-Urban Interface Code