CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
When does vegetation work qualify as fuel modification?
Your vegetation work qualifies as fuel modification under the CWUIC only if you commit to and document ongoing (continuous) maintenance and include the required landscape/fire protection plan elements — notably the 30‑ft and 100‑ft fuel management zones, plant lists, irrigation/groundcover info, and legally binding maintenance obligations (see **§ B101.3**, **§ 603.3**, **§ 603.3.1**) file.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
Fuel-modification treatment in the CWUIC is not just any one‑time clearing or planting — it is vegetation work that is planned and kept up on an ongoing basis. To qualify as fuel modification the clearance or alteration must include continuous maintenance of the cleared/modified area (see § B101.3) . Landscape plans triggering fuel‑management requirements must also show the required fuel‑management zones and the development/maintenance requirements for those zones (see § 603.3 and § 603.3.1) .
The single most important rule: vegetation work is “fuel modification” under the CWUIC only when the clearance/alteration is followed by ongoing, continuous maintenance — a one‑time cut or planting without a maintenance program does not meet the code’s fuel‑modification criterion. § B101.3 .
Key terms first used
- Fuel modification — a method of reducing non‑fire‑smart vegetation or changing vegetation types to reduce fuel load; qualifies only with continuous maintenance (§ B101.3) and is described in the definitions and Appendix text .
- Fuel management zones — the 30‑foot and 100‑foot management/delineation distances from structures that must be shown on plans (§ 603.3.1) .
- Fire‑smart vegetation — vegetation that is less likely to ignite; CWUIC requires new plantings to be fire‑smart per Section § 603.4 (see related definitions) .
Requirements in detail
Threshold: maintenance is mandatory
- What matters most: the clearance must be maintained continuously to be treated as fuel modification under the code. This is the controlling test in § B101.3: “To be considered a fuel modification for purposes of this code, continuous maintenance of the clearance is required” .
Plan and documentation requirements
- If the code official requires a landscape/vegetation plan, that plan must include development and maintenance requirements for the vegetation management zones adjacent to structures and roadways (§ 603.3) .
- Required landscape plan contents include the delineation of the 30‑foot and 100‑foot fuel management zones, identification of existing and proposed vegetation, irrigated areas, a plant legend (botanical and common names), and ground coverings within the 30‑foot zone (§ 603.3.1) .
- Fire protection / final fire protection plans (where required) must include maps and legally binding statements about community or owner responsibility for maintenance of fuel modification zones and identification of irrigated vs non‑irrigated zones to support long‑term maintenance (§ 602.3.2) .
Decision dimensions (quick glance)
| Decision dimension | Relevant values / action | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance requirement | Continuous maintenance required for fuel modification status | § B101.3 |
| Fuel management distances to show on plan | 30‑foot and 100‑foot fuel management zones; show on landscape plan | § 603.3.1 |
| Plan content (vegetation) | Show existing/proposed vegetation, irrigated areas, plant legend, ground covers within 30 ft | § 603.3.1 |
| Species selection | New plantings must be fire‑smart vegetation (or satisfy approved exceptions) | § 603.4 (definition and acceptance) |
| Legal / maintenance obligations | Include legally binding statements/CC&Rs or maintenance agreements in final plans | § 602.3.2 |
| One‑time vs ongoing work | One‑time clearing without maintenance ≠ fuel modification | § B101.3 |
Exceptions & special cases
- Exception for certain trees: the CWUIC permits some non‑fire‑smart trees if they comply with the narrow allowance in § 603.4.2.1 (this is an exception to the fire‑smart planting rule) — see § 603.4 and its exception text for details .
- Local ordinances and state statutes referenced by the CWUIC can require greater distances or additional measures (for instance, statutory defensible‑space requirements are discussed elsewhere in the CWUIC appendices). When a local ordinance is adopted it may make particular vegetation programs mandatory and will often specify maintenance responsibility; check the local adopting ordinance and any referenced statutes for additional duties (the CWUIC text refers to these external requirements in related passages) .
- Fuel modification on adjacent property requires written consent of the adjacent landowner where local or state law would require modification beyond the property line (see the CWUIC references to defensible‑space statutes) .
If you need authoritative text for a specific exception (e.g., the full content of § 603.4.2.1 or a local ordinance), that text is not reproduced here in full; consult the cited CWUIC sections directly for exact phrasing .
Common mistakes
- Treating a single cut or “one‑time” clearing as fuel modification. The code’s test is continuous maintenance — without a maintenance program it does not qualify (§ B101.3) .
- Failing to show the 30‑foot and 100‑foot fuel management zones on the landscape plan and to identify what vegetation will remain vs be changed (§ 603.3.1) .
- Omitting maintenance responsibilities or legally binding statements (e.g., CC&Rs, HOA covenants, or owner commitments) from the final fire protection or landscape plan; those are specifically called out as required items when a fire protection plan is prepared (§ 602.3.2) .
- Planting non‑fire‑smart species in the 30‑foot zone or failing to distinguish irrigated vs non‑irrigated zones on plans (both required in § 603.3.1 and § 602.3.2) .
- Forgetting maintenance access: plans must consider points of access for equipment and personnel to maintain vegetation in common areas (§ 602.3.2) .
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A homeowner wants to convert vegetation around their house to reduce wildfire risk.
- They propose removing shrubs and understory from the area around the house and replanting low‑growing, irrigated ornamental grasses and a lawn within the first area, and thinning trees out to a 75‑foot distance from the structure.
- To qualify as fuel modification under the CWUIC:
- The owner must document and commit to continuous maintenance of the cleared/changed area (e.g., a maintenance schedule, assigned responsible party, and legally binding statements such as a recorded maintenance covenant). This is required by § B101.3 and by the plan documentation expectations in § 602.3.2 .
- The landscape plan submitted to the code official must delineate the 30‑foot and 100‑foot fuel management zones from the structure and identify the existing and proposed vegetation, irrigated areas, and ground covers within the 30‑foot zone in accordance with § 603.3.1 .
- If the owner’s treatment keeps the irrigated ornamental plantings and lawn within the 30‑foot zone and commits to watering and regular pruning/removal of dead material, and the plan shows the maintenance mechanisms and legal responsibilities, then the work can be treated and enforced as fuel modification. If instead the owner clears once and provides no maintenance program or legally binding maintenance commitment, the work will not qualify as fuel modification under § B101.3 .
Numbers called out:
- Be sure you mark 30 feet and 100 feet on the plan per § 603.3.1; in this example the owner’s thinning to 75 feet sits between those two zones and must be shown and governed by the plan’s maintenance rules § 603.3.1 and § 603.3 .
Related provisions (CWUIC sections)
- § B101.2 — Vegetation management plan content (methods, timetables, maintenance plan)
- § 602.3 / § 602.3.2 — Fire protection plan contents; mapping fuel modification zones and legal maintenance statements
- § 603.1 — General: selection of plantings to reduce vegetation near structures
- § 603.2 — Application: areas where new planting rules apply (SRA/LRA in fire hazard zones)
- § 603.3 / § 603.3.1 — Landscape plans required: development and maintenance requirements; delineation of 30‑ft and 100‑ft zones; plant legend and groundcover identification
- § 603.4 — Fire‑smart vegetation criteria and exceptions (see exception for certain trees)
- § 604 — Maintenance of defensible space; related maintenance obligations referenced in index and appendices
- § A107.3 — Fuel modification area requirements for water storage/pump facilities (defensible space)
(Where the CWUIC references statutes or other state code (for example, defensible‑space statutes), follow the CWUIC citations and your local adopting ordinance for the final on‑the‑ground obligations) .
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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APPENDIX B-2 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
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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 § 4291 High relevance — show source text
4291.
(a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered lands, shrub-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or land that is covered with flammable material, shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a condition so that a wildfire burning under average weather conditions would be unlikely to ignite the structure. This subparagraph does not apply to single specimens of trees or other vege- tation that are well-pruned and maintained so as to effectively manage fuels and not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to a structure or from a structure to other nearby vegetation or to interrupt the advance of embers toward a structure. The intensity of fuels management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being utilized between 5 and 30 feet around the struc- ture, and an ember-resistant zone being required within 5 feet of the structure, based on regulations promulgated by the board, in consultation with the department, to consider the elimination of materials in the ember-resistant zone that would likely be ignited by embers. Consistent with fuels management objectives, steps should be taken to mini- mize erosion, soil disturbance, and the spread of flammable nonnative grasses and weeds. For purposes of this subparagraph, “fuel” means any combustible material, including petroleum-based products, cultivated landscape plants, grasses, and weeds, and wildland vegetation. (B) A greater distance than that required under subparagraph (A) may be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation. Fuel modification beyond the property line may only be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation in order to maintain 100 feet of defensible space from a structure. Fuel modification on adjacent property shall only be conducted following written consent by the adjacent landowner. Any local ordinance related to fuel modification shall be in compliance with all applicable state laws, regulations, and policies. Any local ordinance may include provisions to allocate costs for any fuel modification beyond the property line.
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APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
(C) An insurance company that insures an occupied dwelling or occupied structure may require a greater distance than that required under subparagraph (A) if a fire expert, designated by the director, provides findings that the fuel modi- fication is necessary to significantly reduce the risk of transmission of flame or heat sufficient to ignite the structure, and there is no other feasible mitigation measure possible to reduce the risk of ignition or spread of wildfire to the structure. The greater distance may not be beyond the property line unless allowed by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation. (2) Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe. (3) _Maintain a tree, shrub,
CWUIC § 1270.01 High relevance — show source text
FIRE-RESISTANCE-RATED CONSTRUCTION. The use of materials and systems in the design and construction of a building or structure to safeguard against the spread of fire within a building or structure and the spread of fire to or from buildings or structures to the wildland-urban interface area.
FIRE-SMART VEGETATION. Plants, shrubs, trees and other vegetation that exhibit properties, such as high moisture content, little accu- mulation of dead vegetation and low sap or resin content, that make them less likely to ignite or contribute heat or spread flame in a fire than native vegetation typically found in the region.
( Note: The following sources contain examples of types of vegetation that can be considered as fire-smart vegetation: Fire-resistant Plants for Home Landscapes, A Pacific Northwest Extension publication; Home Landscaping for Fire, University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Sunset Western Garden Book.)
[BG] FLAME SPREAD INDEX. A comparative measure, expressed as a dimensionless number, derived from visual measurements of the spread of flame versus time for a material tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
FUEL. Any combustible material, including petroleum-based products, cultivated landscape plants, grasses, weeds and wildland vegetation.
FUEL BREAK (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). A strategically located area where the volume and arrangement of vegetation has been managed to limit fire intensity, fire severity, rate of spread, crown fire potential and/or ember production. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(n)]
FUEL MODIFICATION. A method of modifying fuel load by reducing the amount of nonfire-smart vegetation or altering the type of vegetation to reduce the fuel load.
FUEL MOSAIC. A fuel modification system that provides for the creation of islands and irregular boundaries to reduce the visual and ecological impact of fuel modification.
FUEL-LOADING. The oven-dry weight of fuels in a given area, usually expressed in pounds per acre (lb/a) (kg/ha). Fuel-loading may be referenced to fuel size or time-lag categories, and may include surface fuels or total fuels.
GREEN BELT (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). Open space, parks, wildlands, other areas or a combination thereof, as desig- nated by Local Jurisdictions, which are in, surround or are adjacent to a city or urbanized area, that may function as Fuel Breaks and where Building construction is restricted or prohibited. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(o)]
GREENWAYS (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). Linear open spaces or corridors that link parks and neighborhoods within a community through natural or manmade trails and paths. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(p)]
HAMMERHEAD/T (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). A “T” shaped, three-point turnaround space for fire apparatus on a road or driveway, being no narrower than the road or driveway that serves it. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(q)]
California Wildland-Urban Interface Code High relevance — show source text
(a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains an occupied dwelling or occupied structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered land, shrub-covered land, grass-covered land, or land that is covered with flammable mate- rial, which area or land is within a very high fire hazard severity zone designated by the local agency pursuant to Section 51179, shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a condition so that a wildfire burning under average weather conditions would be unlikely to ignite the structure. This subparagraph does not apply to single specimens of trees or other vege- tation that are well-pruned and maintained so as to effectively manage fuels and not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to a structure or from a structure to other nearby vegetation or to interrupt the advance of embers toward a structure. The intensity of fuels management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being used between 5 and 30 feet around the structure, and an ember-resistant zone being required within 5 feet of the structure, based on regulations promulgated by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, to consider the elimination of materials in the ember-resistant zone that would likely be ignited by embers. Consistent with fuels management objectives, steps should be taken to minimize erosion, soil disturbance, and the spread of flammable nonnative grasses and weeds. (B) A greater distance than that required under subparagraph (A) may be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation. Fuel modification beyond the property line may only be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation in order to maintain 100 feet of defensible space from a structure. Fuel modification on adjacent property shall only be conducted following written consent by the adjacent landowner. Any local ordinance related to fuel modification shall be in compliance with all applicable state laws, regulations, and policies. Any local ordinance may include provisions to allocate costs for any fuel modification beyond the property line. (C) An insurance company that insures an occupied dwelling or occupied structure may require a greater distance than that required under subparagraph (A) if a fire expert, designated by the fire chief or fire official from the authority having jurisdiction, provides findings that the fuel modification is necessary to significantly reduce the risk of trans- mission of flame or heat sufficient to ignite the structure, and there is no other feasible mitigation measure possible to reduce the risk of ignition or spread of wildfire to the structure. The greater distance may not be beyond the property line unless allowed by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation. (2) Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe. (3) Maintain a tree, shrub, or other plant adjacent to or overhanging a building free of dead or dying wood. (4) _Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles, or other vegetative materials.
CWUIC § 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 § 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:
- 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 Medium 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 § 4.1 Medium relevance — show source text
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APPENDIX A—GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
A105.3 Explosives. Explosives shall not be possessed, kept, stored, sold, offered for sale, given away, used, discharged, transported or disposed of within wildland-urban interface areas, except by permit from the code official.
A105.4 Combustible materials. Outside storage of combustible materials such as, but not limited to, wood, rubber tires, building materials or paper products shall comply with the other applicable sections of this code and this section. A105.4.1 Individual piles. Individual piles shall not exceed 5,000 square feet (465 m [2] ) of contiguous area. Piles shall not exceed 50,000 cubic feet (1416 m [3] ) in volume or 10 feet (3048 mm) in height.
A105.4.2 Separation. A clear space of not less than 40 feet (12 192 mm) shall be provided between piles. The clear space shall not contain combustible material or nonfire-smart vegetation.
SECTION A106—DUMPING
A106.1 Waste material. Waste material shall not be placed, deposited or dumped in wildland-urban interface areas or in, on or along trails, roadways or highways or against structures in wildland-urban interface areas .
Exception: Approved public and approved private dumping areas.
A106.2 Ashes and coals. Ashes and coals shall not be placed, deposited or dumped in or on wildland-urban interface areas.
Exceptions:
- In the hearth of an established fire pit, camp stove or fireplace.
- In a noncombustible container with a tightfitting lid, which is kept or maintained in a safe location not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from nonfire-smart vegetation or structures.
- Where such ashes or coals are buried and covered with 1 foot (305 mm) of mineral earth not less than 25 feet (7620 mm) from nonfire-smart vegetation or structures.
SECTION A107—PROTECTION OF PUMPS AND WATER STORAGE FACILITIES
A107.1 General. The reliability of the water supply shall be in accordance with Sections A107.2 through A107.5.
A107.2 Objective. The intent of this section is to increase the reliability of water storage and pumping facilities and to protect such systems against loss from intrusion by fire.
A107.3 Fuel modification area. Water storage and pumping facilities shall be provided with a defensible space of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) clear of nonfire-resistive vegetation or growth around and adjacent to such facilities.
Persons owning, controlling, operating or maintaining water storage and pumping systems requiring this defensible space are responsible for clearing and removing nonfire-smart vegetation and maintaining the defensible space on the property owned, leased or controlled by said person.
A107.4 Trees. Portions of trees that extend to within 30 feet (9144 mm) of combustible portions of water storage and pumping facilities shall be removed.
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
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APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
2025 CWUIC—continued Col2 Adopted
Yes/NoIWUIC
SectionCBC
SectionCFC
SectionTitle 14,
Division 1.5
SectionTitle 19,
Division 1
SectionGov Code
SectionPRC
SectionHSC
SectionSection Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Appendix B Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan B101 General N B101.1 Scope N B101.2 Plan content N B101.3 Fuel modification N Appendix C Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework **_Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) CWUIC § 4911 Medium relevance — show source text
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) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework|Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework| |C101|Community WUI Fire
Hazard Evaluation
Framework|N|||Appendix
P|||||| |C101.1|Definitions|N||||||||| |C101.2|Community|N||||||||| |C101.3|Fuels|N||||||||| |C101.4|Population|N||||||||| |C101.5|Notification|N||||||||| |C101.6|Evacuation|N||||||||| |C101.7|Infrastructure/
COOP/COG|N||||||||| |C101.8|Firefighting Response|N||||||||| |Appendix D|Model Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Adoption|Model Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Adoption|Model Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Adoption|Model Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Adoption|Model Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Adoption|Model Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Adoption|Model Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Adoption|Model Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Adoption|Model Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Adoption|Model Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Adoption| |D101|Model ordinance|N|||4911|||||| |Appendix E|RESERVED|RESERVED|RESERVED|RESERVED|RESERVED|RESERVED|RESERVED|RESERVED|RESERVED|RESERVED| |Appendix F|Characteristics offire-smart vegetation|Characteristics offire-smart vegetation|Characteristics offire-smart vegetation|Characteristics offire-smart vegetation|Characteristics offire-smart vegetation|Characteristics offire-smart vegetation|Characteristics offire-smart vegetation|Characteristics offire-smart vegetation|Characteristics offire-smart vegetation|Characteristics offire-smart vegetation| |F101|General|Y||||||||| |F101.CWUIC § 4902.1 Medium relevance — show source text
01(i)||||| ||Exterior wall assembly|Y||702A||||||| ||Exterior wall covering|Y||702A||||||| ||Fire chief|Y||||||||| ||Fire code official|Y|||202|||||| ||Fire flow calculation
area|Y||||||||| ||Fire hazard severity
zones|Y||702A|4902.1|||2201||| ||Fire protection plan|Y||702A|4902.1|||||| ||Fire weather|Y||||||||| ||Fire-resistance-rated
construction|Y||||||||| ||Fire-smart vegetation|Y|||4902.1|1271.01||||| ||Flame spread index|Y||||||||| ||Fuel|Y||||||||4291(a)(1)(A)| ||Fuel break_(T14)|Y||||1270.01(n)||||| ||Fuel modification|Y||||||||| ||Fuel mosaic|Y||||||||| ||Fuel-loading|Y||||||||| ||Green belt(T14)|Y||||1270.01(o)||||| ||Greenways (T14)|Y||||1270.01(p)||||| ||Hammerhead/T (T14)|Y||||1270.01(q)||||| ||Hazardous land use
(T14)_|Y||||1270.01(r)||||| ||Hazardous materials|Y||||||||| ||Heavy timber
construction|Y||||||||| ||Ignition-resistant
building material|Y||||||||| ||Local responsibility
area (LRA)|Y||702A|4902.1|||||| ||Log wall construction|Y|||||||||2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX H-25
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
2025 CWUIC—continued Col2 Adopted
Yes/NoIWUIC
SectionCBC
SectionCFC
SectionTitle 14,
Division 1.5
SectionTitle 19,
Division 1
SectionGov Code
SectionPRC
SectionHSC
SectionSection Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Chapter 2 Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Multilayered glazed
panelsY Noncombustible roof
coveringY Outbuilding (T14) Y 1299.02(c) Peer review Y Rafter tail Y 702A Registered design
professionalY Residential unit (T14) Y 1270.01(w) Ridgeline
(topography) (T14)Y 1270.01(x) Road (T14) Y 1270. CWUIC § 602.2 Medium 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.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 6-3
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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.
Frequently asked questions
When is a single vegetation clearing treated as fuel modification?
A single clearing is not enough. The CWUIC requires continuous maintenance of the cleared area for the work to qualify as fuel modification (see § B101.3) .
What distances must I show on a landscape plan to be evaluated for fuel modification?
You must delineate the 30‑foot and 100‑foot fuel management zones from structures on the landscape plan as required by § 603.3.1 .
Must plant species be fire‑smart to be part of a fuel modification plan?
New plantings are required to be fire‑smart vegetation unless a specific exception applies (see § 603.4 and its exception) and the plan must identify species in a plant legend (§ 603.3.1) .
Do maintenance responsibilities need to be legally documented?
Yes. Final fire protection plans are expected to include legally binding statements (e.g., covenants, CC&Rs, or recorded maintenance agreements) assigning maintenance responsibility for fuel modification zones (§ 602.3.2) .
Who decides whether proposed vegetation work counts as fuel modification?
The code official (or the enforcing agency) determines plan submittal requirements and whether the project meets fuel‑modification criteria — the plan must document continuous maintenance and required plan contents per § B101.3 and § 603.3/§ 603.3.1 file.
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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