CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
What must a vegetation management plan include?
A vegetation management plan under the CWUIC must include a copy of the site plan, detailed methods and schedules for removing or modifying fuels (slash, snags, dead trees, ladder fuels, vegetation near overhead lines, thinning of live trees), and a maintenance plan to keep the fuel‑reducing work effective; continuous maintenance is required if the area is to be treated as a fuel modification (see **§ B101.2** and **§ B101.3**) .
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
A vegetation management plan must describe all actions that will be taken to prevent a fire from being carried toward or away from the building and be submitted as part of permit plans for review by the code official — the required contents are listed in § B101.2. The plan must include: a copy of the site plan, methods and timetables for controlling/modifying vegetation (with specific elements listed), and a plan for maintaining the proposed fuel‑reduction measures (§ B101.2) . Appendix B itself is optional unless adopted by local ordinance; where adopted, these items become criteria to satisfy (§ B101.2) .
A vegetation management plan must explain, with a site plan, what you will do, when you will do it, and how you will keep it maintained so vegetation does not carry fire to or from the building (see § B101.2) .
Requirements in detail
Core required elements (plain language)
- Copy of the site plan — show building footprint, property boundaries and vegetation locations required by the plan (§ B101.2(1)) .
- Methods and timetables for controlling/changing/modifying areas on the property — must specifically address removal or treatment of slash, snags, vegetation that may grow into overhead electrical lines, other ground fuels, ladder fuels, dead trees, and thinning of live trees; include when work will be done and the method(s) used (§ B101.2(2)) .
- Plan for maintaining the proposed fuel‑reduction measures — ongoing maintenance strategy so fuel reduction is continuous and effective; continuous maintenance is required where fuel‑modification status is claimed (§ B101.2(3) and § B101.3) .
Decision table — what reviewers look for
| Decision item | What the plan must show | Typical deliverable / evidence | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site plan copy | Location of structure(s) and vegetation to which the plan applies | Scaled site map with legend, property lines and structure footprints | § B101.2(1) |
| Vegetation actions & means | Which fuels will be removed/treated and how (slash, snags, dead trees, ground fuels, ladder fuels, trees near lines) | Narrative + work methods (cut, remove, chip, herbicide, mechanical thinning) and contractor notes | § B101.2(2) |
| Timetable / schedule | When each action will occur (dates, seasons, phasing) | Project schedule, milestone dates, season restrictions | § B101.2(2) |
| Live‑tree thinning details | What thinning of live trees will be done (objectives and extent) | Thinning prescription (spacing, crown separation target, number of trees) | § B101.2(2) |
| Overhead‑line vegetation | Identification and treatment of vegetation that may grow into electrical lines | Marked trees, clearance prescriptions coordinated with utility | § B101.2(2) |
| Maintenance plan | Who maintains fuel reduction, frequency, and mechanisms for enforcement | Maintenance schedule, responsible party, legally binding maintenance statements where required | § B101.2(3) and § B101.3 |
| Fuel‑modification commitment | Evidence that clearance will be continuously maintained to be treated as a fuel modification | Covenants, CC&Rs, recorded maintenance obligations or ongoing inspection program | § B101.3 |
Additional content commonly expected (where other CWUIC sections apply)
When the plan supports landscaping or a fire protection plan, reviewers typically expect additional specifics that are required elsewhere in CWUIC (use these when applicable): delineation of 30‑foot and 100‑foot fuel management zones; plant species legend with scientific/common names and mature heights; irrigated vs. non‑irrigated zones; and legally binding community maintenance statements — see § 603.3.1 and § 602.3.2 for those detailed expectations .
Exceptions & special cases
- Appendix B is not mandatory statewide by itself — it applies only if the jurisdiction adopts Appendix B into local ordinance. If the local adopting ordinance does not include Appendix B, these specific appendix criteria are guidance only and not enforceable as code; check local adoption to determine mandatory status (note in document preface) .
- When a vegetation plan is part of a broader fire protection plan or landscape plan, additional CWUIC sections require mapping of species, irrigated areas, and fuel‑management zone delineations (see § 602.3.2 and § 603.3.1) .
- Claiming a treated area as a fuel modification requires demonstrable continuous maintenance (so a one‑time clearance without ongoing maintenance will not qualify) — § B101.3 .
Common mistakes
- Submitting a plan without a clear site plan copy tied to the vegetation prescriptions (misses § B101.2(1)) .
- Listing actions (e.g., “remove dead trees”) but providing no timetable or schedule for when work will be completed (misses § B101.2(2)) .
- Failing to address overhead electrical lines specifically — the code calls this out as an element to include (misses § B101.2(2)) .
- Treating fuel modification as a one‑off project and not providing an enforceable maintenance plan or recorded maintenance obligations — continuous maintenance is required for fuel‑modification treatment to be considered such (§ B101.3) .
- Forgetting to check whether Appendix B has been adopted locally; assuming appendix requirements are automatically mandatory can lead to unnecessary work or municipality back‑and‑forth — see Appendix preface statement .
Worked example — single‑house, 2‑acre parcel (concrete)
Scenario: Owner of a 2.0‑acre lot with a single-family dwelling in a jurisdiction that has adopted Appendix B.
Plan components you will submit (grounded in the code):
- Site plan copy: scaled site map showing the house, driveway, topography, and the stand of trees to the north and shrubs on the west property line — satisfies § B101.2(1) .
- Methods & timetables (per § B101.2(2)) :
- Remove 10 dead trees (snags) within 100 feet of the dwelling; work to occur within 60 days of permit approval (method: cut and haul to chipper).
- Remove ladder fuels under the tree canopy within 30 feet of the structure (coordinate prunings to clear lowest branches to achieve a minimum of 10 feet of vertical separation where shrubs are present — use § 603.4.1/603.4.2 guidance for shrub/tree spacing as needed) .
- Trim/remove vegetation that may grow into overhead electrical lines identified on the site plan; show utility coordination note and safety clearance prescription (as called out in § B101.2(2)) .
- Maintenance plan (per § B101.2(3) and § B101.3): owner will perform inspections each spring and fall, replace mulch within 5 ft of structure with noncombustible groundcover, and record a maintenance covenant in the property deed requiring annual professional inspection and corrective work within 60 days of notice; this continuous maintenance is necessary if the owner intends the cleared areas to be treated as an ongoing fuel modification (continuous maintenance required by § B101.3) .
Deliverables submitted with permit: scaled map, action schedule with dates, species/vegetation notes, contractor scope of work, and draft maintenance covenant.
Related provisions (quick reference)
- § B101.1 — Scope: submit vegetation management plans to the code official as part of permit plans .
- § B101.2 — Plan content (primary controlling section) .
- § B101.3 — Fuel modification: continuous maintenance required for fuel‑modification status .
- § 602.3.2 — Final fire protection plan: map of proposed plants and species details when a fire protection plan is required .
- § 603.3.1 — Landscape plans: delineation of 30‑foot and 100‑foot fuel management zones, plant legends and irrigated area identification (useful when vegetation plan incorporates landscaping) .
- § 106.4 — Vegetation management compliance at final: property must be in compliance with vegetation requirements prior to building permit final approval (inspection/ documentation methods identified) .
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CWUIC § 1.11. High 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:
- A copy of the site plan.
- 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.
- 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 § 603.2 High relevance — show source text
603.2 Application. All new plantings of vegetation in State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as a Fire Hazard Severity Zone shall comply with Sections 603.3 through 603.4.2.1.
603.3 Landscape plans. Landscape plans shall be provided when required by the code official. The landscape plan shall include devel- opment and maintenance requirements for the vegetation management zone adjacent to structures and roadways, and provide significant fire hazard reduction benefits for public and firefighting safety.
603.3.1 Contents. Landscape plans shall contain the following: 1. Delineation of the 30-foot (9144 mm) and 100-foot (30 480 mm) fuel management zones from all structures. 2. Identification of existing vegetation to remain and proposed new vegetation. 3. Identification of irrigated areas. 4. A plant legend with both botanical and common names, and identification of all plant material symbols. 5. Identification of ground coverings within the 30-foot (9144 mm) zone.
603.4 Vegetation. All new vegetation shall be fire-smart vegetation in accordance with this section.
Exception: Trees classified as nonfire-smart vegetation complying with Section 603.4.2.1.
To be considered fire-smart vegetation, vegetation must meet at least one of the following: 1. Be identified as fire-smart vegetation in an approved book, journal or listing from an approved organization. 2. Be identified as fire-smart vegetation by a licensed landscape architect with supporting justification. 3. Plants considered fire-smart vegetation and approved by the local enforcing agency.
603.4.1 Shrubs. All new plantings of shrubs shall comply with the following: 1. Shrubs shall not exceed 6 feet (1829 mm) in height. 2. Groupings of shrubs are limited to a maximum aggregate diameter of 10 feet (3048 mm). 3. Shrub groupings shall be separated from other groupings a minimum of 15 feet (4572 mm). 4. Shrub groupings shall be separated from structures a minimum of 30 feet (9144 mm). 5. Where shrubs are located below or within a tree’s drip line, the lowest tree branch shall be a minimum of three times the height of the understory shrubs or 10 feet (3048 mm), whichever is greater.
603.4.2 Trees. Trees shall be managed as follows within the 30-foot zone (9144 mm) of a structure: 1. New trees shall be planted and maintained so that the tree’s drip line at maturity is a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from any combustible structure. 2. The horizontal distance between crowns of new trees and crowns of adjacent trees shall not be less than 10 feet (3048 mm). 3. Existing trees shall be trimmed to provide a minimum separation of 10 feet (3048 mm) away from chimney and stovepipe outlets per California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 1299.03.
CWUIC § B101 High 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:
- A copy of the site plan.
- 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.
- 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-
CGSFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGT-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 § 6-3 High relevance — show source text
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FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
602.3.2 Final fire protection plan. Final fire protection plan shall include items listed in Section 602.3.1 and the following: 1. A map identifying all proposed plants in the fuel modification zones with a legend that includes a symbol for each proposed plant species. The plan shall include specific information on each species proposed, including but not limited to: 1.1. The plant life-form;
1.2. The scientific and common name; and
1.3. The expected height and width for mature growth. 2. Identification of irrigated and nonirrigated zones. 3. Requirements for vegetation reduction around emergency access and evacuation routes. 4. Identification of points of access for equipment and personnel to maintain vegetation in common areas. 5. Legally binding statements regarding community responsibility for maintenance of fuel modification zones. 6. Legally binding statements to be included in covenants, conditions and restrictions regarding property owner responsibili- ties for vegetation maintenance.
SECTION 603— VEGETATION PLAN
603.1 General. Planting of vegetation for new landscaping shall be selected to reduce vegetation in proximity to a structure and to maintain vegetation as it matures.
603.2 Application. All new plantings of vegetation in State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as a Fire Hazard Severity Zone shall comply with Sections 603.3 through 603.4.2.1.
603.3 Landscape plans. Landscape plans shall be provided when required by the code official. The landscape plan shall include devel- opment and maintenance requirements for the vegetation management zone adjacent to structures and roadways, and provide significant fire hazard reduction benefits for public and firefighting safety.
603.3.1 Contents. Landscape plans shall contain the following: 1. Delineation of the 30-foot (9144 mm) and 100-foot (30 480 mm) fuel management zones from all structures. 2. Identification of existing vegetation to remain and proposed new vegetation. 3. Identification of irrigated areas. 4. A plant legend with both botanical and common names, and identification of all plant material symbols. 5. Identification of ground coverings within the 30-foot (9144 mm) zone.
603.4 Vegetation. All new vegetation shall be fire-smart vegetation in accordance with this section.
Exception: Trees classified as nonfire-smart vegetation complying with Section 603.4.2.1.
To be considered fire-smart vegetation, vegetation must meet at least one of the following: 1. Be identified as fire-smart vegetation in an approved book, journal or listing from an approved organization. 2. Be identified as fire-smart vegetation by a licensed landscape architect with supporting justification. 3. Plants considered fire-smart vegetation and approved by the local enforcing agency.
CWUIC § 602.2 High relevance — show source text
602.2 Contents. The fire protection plan shall be based on a project-specific wildfire hazard assessment that includes considerations of location, topography, aspect and climatic and fire history.
The plan shall identify conformance with all applicable state wildfire protection regulations, statutes and applicable local ordi- nances, whichever are more restrictive.
The plan shall address fire department access, egress, road and address signage and water supply in addition to fuel reduction in accordance with Public Resources Code (PRC) 4290; the defensible space requirements in accordance with PRC 4291 or Government Code 51182; and the applicable building codes and standards for wildfire safety. The plan shall identify mitigation measures to address the project’s specific wildfire risk and shall include the information required in Sections 602.3 through 602.3.2.
602.3 Project information. The final fire protection plan shall be reviewed and approved prior to start of construction.
602.3.1 Preliminary fire protection plan. When a preliminary fire protection plan is submitted, it shall include, at a minimum, the following: 1. Total size of the project. 2. Information on the adjoining properties on all sides, including current land uses, and if known, existing structures and densi- ties, planned construction, natural vegetation, environmental restoration plans, roads and parks. 3. A map with all project boundary lines, property lines, slope contour lines, proposed structure foundation footprints, and proposed roads and driveways. The map shall identify project fuel modification zones and method of identifying the fuel modification zone boundaries.
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FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
602.3.2 Final fire protection plan. Final fire protection plan shall include items listed in Section 602.3.1 and the following: 1. A map identifying all proposed plants in the fuel modification zones with a legend that includes a symbol for each proposed plant species. The plan shall include specific information on each species proposed, including but not limited to: 1.1. The plant life-form;
1.2. The scientific and common name; and
1.3. The expected height and width for mature growth. 2. Identification of irrigated and nonirrigated zones. 3. Requirements for vegetation reduction around emergency access and evacuation routes. 4. Identification of points of access for equipment and personnel to maintain vegetation in common areas. 5. Legally binding statements regarding community responsibility for maintenance of fuel modification zones. 6. Legally binding statements to be included in covenants, conditions and restrictions regarding property owner responsibili- ties for vegetation maintenance.
SECTION 603— VEGETATION PLAN
603.1 General. Planting of vegetation for new landscaping shall be selected to reduce vegetation in proximity to a structure and to maintain vegetation as it matures.
603.2 Application. All new plantings of vegetation in State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as a Fire Hazard Severity Zone shall comply with Sections 603.3 through 603.4.2.1.
CWUIC § 106.3 High relevance — show source text
[A] 106.3 Site plan. In addition to the requirements for plans in the California Building Code, site plans shall include topography, width and percent of grade of access roads, landscape and vegetation details, locations of structures or building envelopes, existing or proposed overhead utilities, occupancy classification of buildings, types of ignition-resistant construction of buildings, structures and their appendages, roof classification of buildings and site water supply systems. The code official is authorized to waive or modify the requirement for a site plan where the application for permit is for alteration or repair or where otherwise warranted.
[A] 106.4 Vegetation management compliance . Prior to the building permit final approval, the property shall be in compliance with the vegetation management requirements prescribed in Section 603, including California Public Resources Code 4291 or California Government Code Section 51182. Acceptable methods of compliance inspection and documentation shall be determined by the enforc- ing agency and shall be permitted to include any of the following: 1. Local, state or federal fire authority or designee authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements. 2. Enforcing agency.
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ADMINISTRATION
3. Third-party inspection and certification authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements. 4. Property owner certification authorized by the enforcing agency.
[A] 106.5 Fire protection plan. Where required by the code official pursuant to Section 602, a fire protection plan shall be prepared and shall be submitted to the code official for review and approved as a part of the plans required for a permit.
[A] 106.6 Other data and substantiation. Where required by the code official, the plans and specifications shall include classification of fuel loading, fuel model light, medium or heavy, and substantiating data to verify classification of fire-smart vegetation.
[A] 106.7 Vicinity plan. In addition to the requirements for site plans, plans shall include details regarding the vicinity within 300 feet (91 440 mm) of lot lines, including other structures, slope, vegetation, fuel breaks, water supply systems and access roads.
[A] 106.8 Retention of plans. One set of approved plans, specifications and computations shall be retained by the code official for a period of not less than 180 days from date of completion of the permitted work or as required by state or local laws; and one set of approved plans and specifications shall be returned to the applicant, and said set shall be kept on the site of the building, use or work at all times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress. Refer to Building Standards Law, Health and Safety Code Sections 19850 and 19851 for permanent retention of plans.
[A] 106.9 Examination of documents. The code official shall examine or cause to be examined the accompanying construction documents and shall ascertain by such examinations whether the construction indicated and described is in accordance with the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws or ordinances.
[A] 106.10 Amended construction documents. Work shall be installed in accordance with the approved construction documents, and changes made during construction that are not in compliance with the approved documents shall be resubmitted for approval as an amended set of construction documents.
CWUIC § 7106P-01 High relevance — show source text
SUMMARY
This procedure describes how to perform pre-inspection patrols specific to the Enhanced Vegetation Management (EVM) program in effort to reduce vegetation related risks to electric distribution and transmission facilities.
Level of Use: Informational Use
TARGET AUDIENCE
Vegetation management (VM) operational employees and contractors involved in preinspection (PI) activities.
SAFETY
NA
BEFORE YOU START
NA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUBSECTION TITLE PAGE
1 General Expectations ........................................................................................ 2
2 Overhanging Vegetation .................................................................................... 2
3 Primary Conductor Radial Clearance ................................................................ 2
4 Trees with Strike Potential ................................................................................. 3
5 LIDAR Based Vegetation Points ........................................................................ 3
6 Customer Refusal ............................................................................................. 4
Appendix A, Diagram of EVM Tree Work Standards ............................................................ 6
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Utility Procedure: TD-7106P-01
Publication Date: 05/12/2020 Rev: 0
PROCEDURE STEPS
1 General Expectations
1.1 All overhead electric distribution and transmission facilities must be inspected for the following conditions:
- Vegetation overhanging the conductors, per Section 2. - Vegetation currently or potential to encroach within 4-ft. of the primary conductorbefore the next routine cycle, per Section 3.
- Vegetation tall enough to strike the facilities, per Section 4.1.2 IF there is any known risk to the electric facilities, THEN prescribe the tree for work.
1.3 IF the prescribed tree work will create a subsequent hazard, THEN prescribe tree for removal.
1.4 IF the tree is observed within the minimum distance requirements (MDR) (see Utility
“ ” Procedure TD-7102P-01, Vegetation Management Distribution Routine Patrol Procedure ) or the tree is failing,
“ THEN follow Utility Procedure TD-7103P-09, Vegetation Management Hazard Notification Procedure.”
1.5 WHEN an abnormal field condition is identified, THEN follow Utility Procedure TD-7102P-09, “Reporting Abnormal Field Conditions Procedure.
2 Overhanging Vegetation
2.1 The PI must prescribe clearance of any vegetation if:
- The vegetation is currently within the 4-ft. vertical plane (see Appendix A) of primaryconductor, or
- The vegetation will enter the 4-ft. vertical plane before the next routine/compliancecycle.
3 Primary Conductor Radial Clearance
3.1 For vegetation with the potential to encroach within a 4-ft. radius of the primary conductor before the next routine/compliance tree work cycle, PRESCRIBE a minimum of 12-ft. radial clearance.
CWUIC § 7102P-01 High relevance — show source text
“ ” Procedure TD-7102P-01, Vegetation Management Distribution Routine Patrol Procedure ) or the tree is failing,
“ THEN follow Utility Procedure TD-7103P-09, Vegetation Management Hazard Notification Procedure.”
1.5 WHEN an abnormal field condition is identified, THEN follow Utility Procedure TD-7102P-09, “Reporting Abnormal Field Conditions Procedure.
2 Overhanging Vegetation
2.1 The PI must prescribe clearance of any vegetation if:
- The vegetation is currently within the 4-ft. vertical plane (see Appendix A) of primaryconductor, or
- The vegetation will enter the 4-ft. vertical plane before the next routine/compliancecycle.
3 Primary Conductor Radial Clearance
3.1 For vegetation with the potential to encroach within a 4-ft. radius of the primary conductor before the next routine/compliance tree work cycle, PRESCRIBE a minimum of 12-ft. radial clearance.
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Utility Procedure: TD-7106P-01
Publication Date: 05/12/2020 Rev: 0
3.2 Coastal redwoods and giant sequoias are not required to be removed or mitigated below conductor height (i.e. “topped") when the tree trunk occurs within the 4-ft. radius of the primary conductor, IF the tree has no indications of any of the following conditions:
- Re-sprouting from the bole of the tree resulting in annual non-compliance. - Significant defects. - Poor trunk attachments related to secondary re-growth from past trunk failures.4 Trees with Strike Potential
4.1 INSPECT all trees tall enough to strike facilities.
4.2 IF the tree is tall enough to strike, CREATE a vegetation point. For LIDAR generated vegetation points, refer to Section 5.
4.3 ASSESS the tree using the tree assessment tool (TAT) within GISArc Collector.
- For trees with an “abate” result, PRESCRIBE the tree work to remove the risk. - For trees with a “do not abate” result, POPULATE fields as follows: - Status select “No Work Required under EVM.” - Prescription select “NW_No Work.”5 LIDAR Based Vegetation Points
NOTE
Vegetation points based on LIDAR data are considered accurate. Physical validation is required before the inspection is considered complete. This will ensure all trees with strike potential are properly identified and mitigated.
5.1 All LIDAR based vegetation points must be validated by a PI.
5.2 The PI must assess each vegetation point, as specified in Step 1.1.
CWUIC § 102.4 High relevance — show source text
The chapter includes mitigation strategies to reduce the hazards of fire originating within a structure spreading to wildland and fire originating in wildland spreading to structures.
Chapter 7 Referenced Standards.
Chapter 7 lists all of the product and installation standards and codes that are referenced throughout Chapters 1 through 6 and includes identification of the promulgators and the section numbers in which the standards and codes are referenced. As stated in Section 102.4, these standards and codes become an enforceable part of the code (to the prescribed extent of the reference) as if printed in the body of the code.
Appendix A General Requirements.
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 wildlandurban interface areas; protection of pumps and water supplies; and limits on temporary uses within the wildland-urban interface area.
Appendix B Vegetation Management Plan.
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.
Appendix C Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework.
Appendix C contains a preliminary Community WUI Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework as a suggested methodology to begin to support communities at risk in the identification of their unique hazards and to provide common metrics for comparisons between communities. This preliminary framework includes information on community size, population and fuels; on notification and evacuation; and on the community infrastructure and firefighting response potential. Aspects of this framework may already be included in various community- level documents, such as Community Wildfire Protection Plans or evacuation plans. Development of a standard framework will (1) consolidate relevant WUI fire hazard and planning information in one place, and (2) allow for cross-community comparisons.
The evaluation required to implement this framework will support prefire hazard assessment and during-fire response operations. An increased understanding of fire evacuation, fire structural response and fire defensive action relationships is needed to assess the over- all community WUI fire hazard. The quantification of these relationships will enable communities to optimize the community-level response to WUI fire hazards in a more integrated approach and result in increased life safety and reduced losses.
Appendix D Model Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Adoption.
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.
Appendix E Reserved.
Appendix F Characteristics of Fire-Smart Vegetation.
Appendix F is an informational appendix provided for the convenience of the code user. It is simply a compilation of the eight characteristics of fire-smart vegetation that can be used effectively within wildland-urban interface areas to reduce the likelihood of fire spread through vegetation.
**App
CWUIC § 5453B-002 Medium relevance — show source text
*Must be considered a ‘Utility’ as defined in Utility Standard S5453, “Joint Trench.”
Notes 4, 5, 7, and 13 are located in Utility Standard S5453, Exhibit B, “Joint Trench Configurations and Occupancy Guide.”
** For exceptions, refer to G.O. 128 rule, Section B, Items (1) and (2).
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Utility Bulletin: TD-5453B-002 Publication Date: 07/10/2015 Effective Date: 07/31/2015 Rev:
1
DOCUMENT APPROVER
Jim Herren, Manager, Gas Distribution Engineering and Design
DOCUMENT CONTACT
Lisseth Villareal, Electric Standards Engineer, Sr
David Krause, Gas Engineer, Codes and Standards - Design and Construction
John Pickering, Expert Business Process Analyst, Distribution Engineering and Design Support
Daniel Jantz, Expert Engineering Standards Technical Specialist, EAM Distribution Standards
INCLUSION PLAN
This update will be included in the next revision of Electric Standard 0662288 “Underground
” “ ” Conduits and Utility Standard S5453, Joint Trench, Exhibit B.
PG&E Internal ©2016 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. Page 3 of 3
Utility Procedure: TD-7106P-01
Publication Date: 05/12/2020 Rev: 0
SUMMARY
This procedure describes how to perform pre-inspection patrols specific to the Enhanced Vegetation Management (EVM) program in effort to reduce vegetation related risks to electric distribution and transmission facilities.
Level of Use: Informational Use
TARGET AUDIENCE
Vegetation management (VM) operational employees and contractors involved in preinspection (PI) activities.
SAFETY
NA
BEFORE YOU START
NA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUBSECTION TITLE PAGE
1 General Expectations ........................................................................................ 2
2 Overhanging Vegetation .................................................................................... 2
3 Primary Conductor Radial Clearance ................................................................ 2
4 Trees with Strike Potential ................................................................................. 3
5 LIDAR Based Vegetation Points ........................................................................ 3
6 Customer Refusal ............................................................................................. 4
Appendix A, Diagram of EVM Tree Work Standards ............................................................ 6
PG&E Internal ©2020 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. Page 1 of 6
Utility Procedure: TD-7106P-01
Publication Date: 05/12/2020 Rev: 0
PROCEDURE STEPS
1 General Expectations
1.1 All overhead electric distribution and transmission facilities must be inspected for the following conditions:
- Vegetation overhanging the conductors, per Section 2. - Vegetation currently or potential to encroach within 4-ft. of the primary conductorbefore the next routine cycle, per Section 3.
- Vegetation tall enough to strike the facilities, per Section 4.1.2 IF there is any known risk to the electric facilities, THEN prescribe the tree for work.
1.3 IF the prescribed tree work will create a subsequent hazard, THEN prescribe tree for removal.
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/NoIWUIC
SectionCBC
SectionCFC
SectionTitle 14,
Division 1.5
SectionTitle 19,
Division 1
SectionGov Code
SectionPRC
SectionHSC
SectionSection Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Appendix B Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan B101 General N B101.1 Scope N B101.2 Plan content N B101.3 Fuel modification N Appendix C Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework **_Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) CWUIC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
Additionally, make sure you have 10 feet (3048 mm) of clearance_ around your wood piles. 9. Fences—remove or relocate all vegetation, combustibles and combustible debris adjacent to and underneath fences. 10. Replace wood mulch products within five feet (1524 mm) of all structures with noncombustible products such as dirt, stone, or gravel. 11. Remove all dead or dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds, and pine needles within 30 feet (9144 mm) of all structures or to the property line. 12. Be sure to store combustible outdoor furnishings away from your home when not in use. 13. Remember to properly store retractable awnings and umbrellas when not in use so they do not collect leaves and embers.
APPENDIX G-4 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
APPENDIX H – REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
(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-
CGSFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGT-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.
Frequently asked questions
Who must sign or certify a vegetation management plan?
The CWUIC text itself requires submission to the code official but does not prescribe a specific signer; however, when a fire protection plan or landscape plan is required, professional documentation (e.g., licensed landscape architect) and legally binding maintenance statements are commonly required by other sections (see § 602.3.2 and § 603.3.1) .
Is Appendix B mandatory everywhere in California?
No. Appendix B is not mandatory unless a jurisdiction adopts it by ordinance; confirm local adoption before treating Appendix B requirements as mandatory .
If I clear vegetation once, does that count as a fuel modification?
Not by itself. To be considered a fuel modification under the CWUIC you must show continuous maintenance of the clearance — one‑time clearance without ongoing maintenance will not satisfy § B101.3 .
Must the plan address vegetation near power lines?
Yes — vegetation that may grow into overhead electrical lines is explicitly listed as an element the plan must address (§ B101.2(2)) .
Are there specific distances I must show in the plan (e.g., 30 ft)?
Appendix B’s § B101.2 does not itself prescribe every distance, but other CWUIC sections do: e.g., landscape plans commonly delineate 30‑foot and 100‑foot fuel management zones and tree/shrub spacing rules appear in § 603.3.1 and § 603.4 — include these delineations when your plan serves landscaping or defensible‑space purposes .
More in California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
- Administration and Definitions
- Board of Appeals, Administration & Enforcement (permits, code official duties, appeals process)
- Wildland‑Urban Interface Area Designation & Mapping
- Fire Service Access & Water Supply (fire apparatus roads, driveways, hydrants, draft sites, standby power)
- Wildland‑Urban Interface Area Requirements (access, water, premises identification, key boxes)
- Referenced Standards & Test Methods
- Special Building Construction Regulations (ignition‑resistant construction, roof/vent/assembly requirements)
- Appendices and Model Ordinances (vegetation plans, severity‑zone adoption, home‑hardening guidance)
- Fire Protection Requirements (fire protection plans, systems, safety element provisions)
- Referenced California Documents & Matrix (CCR/Title 14 & 19 cross‑references, statutory references)
- Vegetation Management & Defensible Space (vegetation plans, maintenance, fire‑smart characteristics)
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