CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

When is a permit required and what work is exempt in WUI areas

Q: Who decides whether an activity listed in § 105.2 needs a permit?

The code official decides whether a permit is required for the activities enumerated in § 105.2; the code also authorizes the code official to impose conditions or refuse permits when public safety would be at risk (§ 105.3) .

If you build, alter, move, remove, convert, demolish, or change the use of a building/structure in a WUI area — or plan certain higher‑risk activities (tents, open flames, welding, open burning, etc.) — you will generally need permits under CWUIC § 105.2. CWUIC § 105.3 makes clear that exemptions are limited and do not excuse violations; the code official decides whether permits/conditions are required and may refuse permits where safety is at risk. For specific projects, submit the info required in § 105.4 and check local adoption and referenced appendices for detailed exemptions and requirements.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

Permits are required for buildings and structures regulated by the California Wildland‑Urban Interface Code (CWUIC) unless an exemption applies; the general rule is in § 105.1 and the specific permit requirement is in § 105.2. The code also clarifies that exemptions do not authorize work that violates other provisions and gives the code official authority to impose conditions or refuse permits where public safety would be at risk (see § 105.3). For activities in WUI areas that are likely to create ignition risk, the code explicitly calls out many operations that require a permit when the code official so directs (see § 105.2) .

The short rule: if your work erects, alters, moves, removes, converts, demolishes, or changes use/occupancy of a building/structure in a WUI area — or involves specific ignition/hazard activities listed in the code — get a permit from the code official (see § 105.2).

Requirements in detail

Who needs a permit (plain language)

Any owner or owner’s authorized agent proposing to erect, construct, alter, repair, move, remove, convert, demolish, or change the use or occupancy of a building or structure regulated by the CWUIC must obtain a permit, unless an exemption applies — see § 105.2. Separate permits are required for each building or structure. § 105.1 explains that the CWUIC supplements the California Building and Fire Codes and that permits follow Sections § 105.2–§ 105.10 .

Specific activities the code lists (where a permit may be required)

The CWUIC calls out a non‑exclusive list of activities, operations and functions that, where required by the code official, require a permit in WUI areas. Use the following decision table to determine whether an activity likely needs a permit:

Decision dimension	Typical values / thresholds	Permit required?	Code Reference
Work type	Erect/construct/alter/repair/move/remove/convert/demolish/change use or occupancy of a building or structure	Yes — separate permit for each building/structure unless exempt	§ 105.2
Temporary buildings/structures	Temporary uses (see A108.3 for temporary fairs/carnivals/etc.)	Permit required where code official requires it; special rules for temporary uses	§ 105.2, A108.3
High‑ignition activities	Examples: automobile wrecking yard; candles/open flames in assembly areas; explosives/blasting; fireworks; flammable liquids; hazardous materials; LP‑gas; lumberyards; fuel‑dispensing stations; open burning; pyrotechnics; tents/canopies/temp membrane structures; tire storage; welding/cutting	Where required by the code official, a permit shall be obtained for these activities	§ 105.2 (list items 1–14)
Exemption authority	Work described as “exempt from permit” in other codes/adopted appendices	Exemption may apply but does NOT authorize violating the code; check § 105.3 and local adopting ordinance	§ 105.3

Notes:

The list in § 105.2 is not limited to building construction — it explicitly includes a range of ignition/hazard activities that the code official can require permits for in WUI areas (see the enumerated list in § 105.2) .
The CWUIC also defers to other codes where not otherwise provided — see § 105.1 (interaction with the California Building Code and California Fire Code) .

How exemptions are stated

§ 105.3 does not provide a long list of permitted‑work exemptions inside the CWUIC text itself; instead it sets the legal principle: exemptions from permit requirements do not authorize work done in violation of this code or other laws, and the code official may stipulate conditions or refuse permits when public safety is at risk. The section makes clear that exemption is not a carte blanche to ignore other code provisions § 105.3 .
Some exemptions for accessory buildings and similar items may be referenced elsewhere (appendices or in the local adoption of CBC/CFC provisions). Where the CWUIC adopts or references other code sections or appendices, those documents (or local ordinances) may enumerate the specific exempt items — check the adopting ordinance and referenced codes for the list of specific exempt classes (see also the CBC/CWC parallel permit exemptions) .

Application and preliminary review

Permit applications must identify and describe the work and the land, state the use/occupancy and be accompanied by plans/specifications as required in § 105.4 and § 106. The code official may require a preliminary inspection prior to issuance (see § 105.4 and § 105.4.1) .

Exceptions & special cases

Exemptions do not permit violations: § 105.3 explicitly states that exemption from permit requirements “shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances.” That means you can’t rely on a general exemption to avoid compliance with WUI construction or ignition‑control requirements § 105.3 .
Temporary events (fairs, carnivals, public exhibitions) in a WUI area are generally disallowed except by permit from the code official — see A108.3. Where permitted, the code official will attach conditions intended to safeguard public safety (access, emergency vehicle areas, ingress/egress) A108.3 .
Uses or equipment that generate heat, sparks or open flames may require a permit in WUI areas — see Appendix A ignition‑control provisions (A104.5, A104.7, etc.) — and some activity categories (e.g., fireworks) are controlled or prohibited unless a permit is specifically issued A104.5–A104.7 .
Local adoption matters: the CWUIC supplements the jurisdiction’s building and fire codes; the adopting ordinance may include or exclude appendices and may adopt more detailed exemption lists (see CWUIC introductory language and Appendix adoption notes) .

Common mistakes

Assuming “exempt” means “no review”: many assume a permit exemption eliminates all scrutiny. In the WUI context, exemptions never relieve compliance obligations with code provisions; the code official can require conditions or refuse permits where safety is at risk (see § 105.3) .
Forgetting the separate‑permit rule: people sometimes treat multi‑building projects as one permit — the CWUIC requires a separate permit for each building or structure unless exempt (see § 105.2) .
Ignoring non‑building activities: many homeowners overlook non‑building permit triggers (e.g., tents/canopies, open burning, welding, fireworks) listed in § 105.2; these activities can require permits in WUI areas even if no structure is being altered .
Relying solely on state code text without checking local adoption: CWUIC appendices may not be adopted by a jurisdiction; local ordinance may modify exemptions and permit requirements — always confirm with the local code official (see CWUIC introductory notes about appendices/adoption) .
Skipping the preliminary inspection/application documentation: permit issuance may be delayed or refused if plans/required information (site plan, vegetation management plan where required) are missing — see § 105.4 and Appendix B (vegetation management plans) .

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A homeowner in a designated WUI area wants to host a 2‑day outdoor wedding on their lot. The plan includes a 30′ × 50′ temporary membrane tent, candles for table centerpieces in an assembly area, and a small ceremonial bonfire (open burning).

Apply the CWUIC rules:

Temporary membrane structures (tents/canopies) are listed in § 105.2 (item 12) as an activity for which a permit shall be obtained where required by the code official — so expect to need a permit for the tent in the WUI § 105.2 .
Candles and open flames in assembly areas are specifically listed in § 105.2 (item 2) — the code official may require a permit for candles in an assembly area inside a WUI § 105.2 .
Open burning for a bonfire is also named in § 105.2 (item 10) — in WUI areas outdoor fires are tightly regulated; Appendix A (A104.7) also states that outdoor fires are not permitted in a WUI area except by written permit from the code official § 105.2, A104.7 .
Action steps for the homeowner:
- Submit a permit application describing each activity and the site (per § 105.4) and include a site plan and any required vegetation/fuel‑modification detail if requested (see § 106 and Appendix B) .
- Expect the code official to attach conditions (e.g., minimum clearances, fire watch, approved containerized cooking devices only, prohibition of open burning) or to refuse the permit if public safety is at risk (§ 105.3) .
- If any part of the event is within the exemption scope of a local ordinance, verify that exemption does not conflict with WUI provisions — exemptions do not authorize code violations (§ 105.3) .

Result: Tent + candles + bonfire will very likely require one or more permits and conditions; treat each building/structure or high‑hazard activity as potentially needing a separate permit and coordinate with the code official early.

Related provisions (CWUIC sections to consult)

§ 105.1 — General permit rule and relationship to CBC/CFC
§ 105.2 — Permits required; enumerated activities in WUI areas (items 1–14)
§ 105.3 — Work exempt from permit; limits on exemptions and code official authority
§ 105.4 / § 105.4.1 — Permit application requirements and preliminary inspection
Appendix A — A104 / A108 — Ignition source control and temporary uses in WUI areas (e.g., A104.5–A104.7, A108.3)
Appendix B — B101 — Vegetation Management Plans (when plans must be submitted with permits)
§ 106 — Construction documents and plan content required with many permits (see § 105.4 reference)

If you need, I can:

Draft a short, permit‑ready checklist you can use when you meet the code official, or
Review a proposed scope of work and point out which CWUIC activities/sections will typically trigger a permit.

Code references

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

CWUIC § 104.9.1 High relevance — show source text
[A] 104.9.1 Materials and equipment reuse. Materials, equipment and devices shall not be reused unless such elements are in good working order and approved.

[A] 104.10 Other agencies. When requested to do so by the code official, other officials of this jurisdiction shall assist and cooperate with the code official in the discharge of the duties required by this code.

SECTION 105—PERMITS

[A] 105.1 General. Where not otherwise provided in the requirements of the California Building Code or California Fire Code, permits are required in accordance with Sections 105.2 through 105.10.

[A] 105.2 Permits required. Unless otherwise exempted, buildings or structures regulated by this code shall not be erected, constructed, altered, repaired, moved, removed, converted, demolished or changed in use or occupancy unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the code official.

For buildings or structures erected for temporary uses, see Section A108.3.

Where required by the code official, a permit shall be obtained for the following activities, operations, practices or functions within a wildland-urban interface area:
1. Automobile wrecking yard.
2. Candles and open flames in assembly areas.
3. Explosives or blasting agents.
4. Fireworks.
5. Flammable or combustible liquids.
6. Hazardous materials.
7. Liquefied petroleum gases.
8. Lumberyards.
9. Motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stations.
10. Open burning.
11. Pyrotechnical special effects material.
12. Tents, canopies and temporary membrane structures.
13. Tire storage.
14. Welding and cutting operations.
[A] 105.3 Work exempt from permit. Exemption from the permit requirements of this code or in other Parts of Title 24 shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

The code official is authorized to stipulate conditions for permits. Permits shall not be issued where public safety would be at risk, as determined by the code official.

[A] 105.4 Permit application. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application therefor in writing on a form furnished by the code enforcement agency for that purpose. Every such application shall:
1. Identify and describe the work, activity, operation, practice or function to be covered by the permit for which application is made.
2. Describe the land on which the proposed work, activity, operation, practice or function is to be done by legal description, street address or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building, work, activity, operation, practice or function.
3. Indicate the use or occupancy for which the proposed work, activity, operation, practice or function is intended.
4. Be accompanied by plans, diagrams, computation and specifications and other data as required in Section 106 of this code.
5. State the valuation of any new building or structure or any addition, remodeling or alteration to an existing building.
6. Be signed by the applicant or the applicant’s authorized agent.
7. Give such other data and information as required by the code official.
[A] 105.4.1 Preliminary inspection. Before a permit is issued, the code official is authorized to inspect and approve the systems, equipment, buildings, devices, premises and spaces or areas to be used.
CWUIC § 104.2.2.7 High relevance — show source text
Outbuilding 202

Peer Review 104.2.2.7, 202 Permits

Application 105.4 Approval 105.5 Expiration 105.8 Issuance 105.6 Preliminary inspection 105.4.1 Refusal to issue 105.6.1

Required 105.2 Retention 105.9

Revocation 105.10 Validity 105.7 Work exempt from permit 105.3 Placarding as Unsafe 109.3.5.3 Powers and Duties of the Code

Official 104.1

Practical Difficulties 104.2.3 Protection of Pumps and Water Storage Facilities Appendix A, A107

Rafter Tail 202 Referenced Standards 102.4, Chapter 7 Registered Design Professional 104.2.1.2, 104.2.2.6.2, 106.1, 202 Residential Unit 202 Retroactivity 101.4 Ridgelline 202 Road 202 Roof Covering 202 Roof Covering System 202 Roof Coverings, Replacement or Repair of 507

Roof Deck 202

Scope 101 Self-Defense Mechanism Appendix G Service Utilities 111

Slope 202 Spark Arrestors 605 Stop Work Order 113 Storage of Firewood and Combustible Materials 607 Strategic Ridgeline 202 Structure 202

Subdivision 202

Technical Assistance 104.2.1 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems 107 Tree Crown 202

Trees 603.4.2

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INDEX

Undeveloped Ridgeline 202 Unenclosed Accessory Structure 202

Vegetation Control Appendix A, A102 Vegetation management compliance 106.4 Vegetation Management Plan Appendix B Vents 504.10

Vertical Curve 202

Water Supply Adequate water supply 404.5 Applicability 402 Draft sites 404.3 Hydrants 404.4 Identification 404.8

Obstructions 404.7 Reliability 404.10 Required water supply 404.2 Subdivisions 402.1 Testing and maintenance 404.9 Water sources 404.2

Wildfire 202

Wildland 202

Wildland-Urban Interface Area 202

Wildland-Urban Interface Area Designations 302 Declaration 302.1

Mapping 302.2 Review 302.3

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HISTORY NOTE APPENDIX

2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 7

HISTORY:
CWUIC § 104.7.5 High relevance — show source text
[A] 104.7.5 Fees. The code official shall keep a record of fees collected and refunded in accordance with Section 108.

[A] 104.8 Liability. The code official, member of the board of appeals or employee charged with the enforcement of this code, while acting for the jurisdiction, in good faith and without malice in the discharge of the duties required by this code or other pertinent law or ordinance, shall not thereby be rendered personally liable, either civilly or criminally, and is hereby relieved from all personal liability for any damage accruing to persons or property as a result of an act or by reason of any act or omission in the discharge of official duties.

[A] 104.8.1 Legal defense. Any suit or criminal complaint instituted against any officer or employee because of an act performed by that officer or employee in the lawful discharge of duties and under the provisions of this code or other laws or ordinances

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ADMINISTRATION

implemented through the enforcement of this code shall be defended by legal representatives of the jurisdiction until final termination of the proceedings. The code official or any subordinate shall not be liable for costs in an action, suit or proceeding that is instituted in pursuance of the provisions of this code.

[A] 104.9 Approved materials and equipment. Materials, equipment and devices approved by the code official shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval.

[A] 104.9.1 Materials and equipment reuse. Materials, equipment and devices shall not be reused unless such elements are in good working order and approved.

[A] 104.10 Other agencies. When requested to do so by the code official, other officials of this jurisdiction shall assist and cooperate with the code official in the discharge of the duties required by this code.

SECTION 105—PERMITS

[A] 105.1 General. Where not otherwise provided in the requirements of the California Building Code or California Fire Code, permits are required in accordance with Sections 105.2 through 105.10.

[A] 105.2 Permits required. Unless otherwise exempted, buildings or structures regulated by this code shall not be erected, constructed, altered, repaired, moved, removed, converted, demolished or changed in use or occupancy unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the code official.

For buildings or structures erected for temporary uses, see Section A108.3.

Where required by the code official, a permit shall be obtained for the following activities, operations, practices or functions within a wildland-urban interface area:
1. Automobile wrecking yard.
2. Candles and open flames in assembly areas.
3. Explosives or blasting agents.
4. Fireworks.
5. Flammable or combustible liquids.
6. Hazardous materials.
7. Liquefied petroleum gases.
8. Lumberyards.
9. Motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stations.
10. Open burning.
11. Pyrotechnical special effects material.
12. Tents, canopies and temporary membrane structures.
13. Tire storage.
14. Welding and cutting operations.

CWUIC § 7.5 High relevance — show source text

7.5|Fees|N||||||||| |104.8|Liability|Y||||||||| |104.8.1|Legal defense|Y||||||||| |104.9|Approved materials
and equipment|N||||||||| |104.9.1|Material and
equipment reuse|N||||||||| |104.10|Other agencies|N||||||||| |105|Permits|Y||||||||| |105.1|General|Y||||||||| |105.2|Permits required|Y||||||||| |105.3|Work exempt from
permit|Y||||||||| |105.4|Permit application|Y||||||||| |105.4.1|Preliminary
inspection|N||||||||| |105.4.2|Time limitation of
application|N||||||||| |105.5|Permit approval|N||||||||| |105.6|Permit issuance|N||||||||| |105.6.1|Refusal to issue a
permit|N||||||||| |105.7|Validity of permit|N||||||||| |105.8|Expiration|Y||105.5.1||||||| |105.9|Retention of permits|N|||||||||

APPENDIX H-22 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

2025 CWUIC—continued	Col2	Adopted Yes/No	IWUIC Section	CBC Section	CFC Section	Title 14, Division 1.5 Section	Title 19, Division 1 Section	Gov Code Section	PRC Section	HSC Section
Section	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title
Chapter 1	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration
105.10	Revocation of permits	Y
106	Construction documents	Y
106.1	General	Y		107.1
106.2	Information on plans and specifications	Y
106.3	Site plan	Y
106.4	Vegetation manage- ment_compliance_	Y		701A.5
106.5	Fire protection plan	Y
106.6	Other data and substantiation	N
106.7	Vicinity plan	Y
106.8	Retention of plans	Y		1.11.3.5
106.9	Examination of documents	N
106.

CWUIC § 403.2 Medium relevance — show source text
APPENDIX I-4 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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Access Applicability 402 Driveways 403.2 Fire apparatus access roads 403.3 Grade 403.7

Individual structures 402.2 Marking of roads 402.3, 403.4 Restricted 403.1

Subdivisions 402.1 Accessory Buildings and Miscellaneous Structures

Defined 202

Detached 504.11 Exempt from permit 105.3 Additions or Alterations 101.5

Address Markers 402.3 Agriculture 202 Alternative Materials or Methods 104.2.2

Appeals 112 Appendices 101.2.1 Applicable Building 202 Applicability 102 Approved 202 Approved Agency 104.2.2.6.1, 202 Authority of Code Official 104

Building 202 Building Official 202

Certificate of Completion 111 Certificate of occupancy 111.2 Revocation 111.4

Temporary occupancy 111.3

Code Official 202 Code Official, Authority 104 Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Appendix C Compliance Alternatives 105 Construction Documents 106

Amended 106.10

Examination of 106.9 Information on plans and specifications 106.2 Phased 106.12

Previous approval 106.11 Retention of 106.8 Site plan 106.3 Vegetation management plans 106.4 Control of Storage Appendix A, A105 Critical Fire Weather 202

Dead-end Road 202 Defensible Space 403, 601.3 Vegetation Plan 603 Definitions 202 Designation of Wildland-Urban Interface Area 302.1

Director 202 Driveway 202 Dumping Appendix A, A106 Dwelling 202

Exterior Covering 202

INDEX

Fees 109 Findings of Fact Appendix E Fire Chief 202 Fire Danger Rating System Appendix D Fire Flow Calculation Area Application 404.5 Defined 202 Fire Hazard Severity Zones 1.1.2, 202, 302.1, 302.2, Appendix D, Appendix H Fire Protection Plans 602

Fire Weather 202

Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction 501.3 Fire-Resistive Vegetation Appendix F Fire-Retardant-Treated Lumber or

Wood 503.2, 504.5, 504.7, 504.11 Flame Spread Index 202 Flashing 504.2.1, 504.5.1 Fuel Break 202, 609 Fuel Models Appendix D Fuel Modification 202

Fuel Modification Distance 603.2

Fuel Mosaic 202 Fuel-Loading 202

General Requirements Appendix A Green Belt 202

Greenways 202
CWUIC § 104.8 Medium relevance — show source text
[A] 104.8 Liability. The code official, member of the Board of Appeals, officer or employee charged with the enforcement of this code, while acting for the jurisdiction in good faith and without malice in the discharge of the duties required by this code or other pertinent law or ordinance, shall not thereby be rendered personally liable, either civilly or criminally, and is hereby relieved from personal liability for any damage accruing to persons or property as a result of any act or by reason of an act or omission in the discharge of official duties.

[A] 104.8.1 Legal defense. Any suit or criminal complaint instituted against any officer or employee because of an act performed by that officer or employee in the lawful discharge of duties and under the provisions of this code or other laws or ordinances implemented through the enforcement of this code shall be defended by legal representatives of the jurisdiction until the final termination of the proceedings. The code official or any subordinate shall not be liable for cost in any action, suit or proceeding that is instituted in pursuance of the provisions of this code.

[A] 104.9 Approved materials and equipment. Materials, equipment and devices approved by the code official shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval.

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ADMINISTRATION

[A] 104.9.1 Materials and equipment reuse. Materials, equipment and devices shall not be reused unless such elements are in good working condition and approved.

SECTION 105—PERMITS

[A] 105.1 Required. Any owner or owner’s authorized agent who intends to repair, add to, alter, relocate, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or to repair, install, add, alter, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the code official and obtain the required permit.

[A] 105.1.1 Annual permit. Instead of an individual permit for each alteration to an already approved electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing installation, the code official is authorized to issue an annual permit on application therefor to any person, firm or corporation regularly employing one or more qualified trade persons in the building, structure, or on the premises owned or operated by the applicant for the permit.

[A] 105.1.2 Annual permit records. The person to whom an annual permit is issued shall keep a detailed record of alterations made under such annual permit. The code official shall have access to such records at all times, or such records shall be filed with the code official as designated.

[A] 105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:
CWUIC § 5.1 Medium relevance — show source text
A103.4 Use of motorcycles, motor scooters, ultralight aircraft and motor vehicles. Motorcycles, motor scooters, ultralight aircraft and motor vehicles shall not be operated within wildland-urban interface areas, without a permit by the code official, except on clearly established public or private roads. Permission from the property owner shall be presented when requesting a permit.

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APPENDIX A—GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A103.5 Tampering with locks, barricades, signs and address markers. Locks, barricades, seals, cables, signs and address markers installed within wildland-urban interface areas, by or under the control of the code official, shall not be tampered with, mutilated, destroyed or removed.

A103.5.1 Gates, doors, barriers and locks. Gates, doors, barriers and locks installed by or under the control of the code official shall not be unlocked.

SECTION A104—IGNITION SOURCE CONTROL

A104.1 General. Ignition sources shall be controlled in accordance with Sections A104.2 through A104.10.

A104.2 Objective. Regulations in this section are intended to provide the minimum requirements to prevent the occurrence of wildfires.

A104.3 Clearance from ignition sources. Clearance between ignition sources and grass, brush or other combustible materials shall be maintained at not less than 30 feet (9144 mm).

A104.4 Smoking. Where required by the code official, signs shall be posted stating NO SMOKING. Persons shall not smoke within 15 feet (4572 mm) of combustible materials or nonfire-smart vegetation.

Exception: Places of habitation or in the boundaries of established smoking areas or campsites as designated by the code official.

A104.5 Equipment and devices generating heat, sparks or open flames. Equipment and devices generating heat, sparks or open flames capable of igniting nearby combustibles shall not be used in wildland-urban interface areas without a permit from the code official.

Exception: Use of approved equipment within inhabited premises or designated campsites that are not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from grass-, grain-, brush- or forest-covered areas.

A104.6 Fireworks. Fireworks shall not be used or possessed in wildland-urban interface areas.

Exception: Fireworks allowed by the code official under permit in accordance with the California Fire Code where not prohibited by applicable local or state laws, ordinances and regulations.

A104.6.1 Authority to seize. The code official is authorized to seize, take, remove or cause to be removed fireworks in violation of this section.

A104.7 Outdoor fires. Outdoor fires in wildland-urban interface areas shall comply with Sections A104.7.1 through A104.7.3.

A104.7.1 General. Persons shall not build, ignite or maintain any outdoor fire of any kind for any purpose in or on any wildland- urban interface area, except by the authority of a written permit from the code official.

Exception: Outdoor fires within inhabited premises or designated campsites where such fires are in a permanent barbecue, portable barbecue, outdoor fireplace, incinerator or grill and are not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from any combustible material or nonfire-smart vegetation.
CWUIC § 101.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
This code shall supplement the jurisdiction’s building and fire codes, if such codes have been adopted, to provide for special regulations to mitigate the fire- and life-safety hazards of the wildland-urban interface areas.

101.3.1 Application. New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Area designated by the enforcing agency constructed after the application date shall comply with the provisions of this code. This shall include all new buildings with residential, commercial, educational, institutional or similar occupancy type use, which shall be referred to in this code as “applicable buildings,” as well as new buildings and structures accessory to those applicable buildings.

Exceptions: 1. Group U occupancy accessory buildings of any size located at least 50 feet (15 240 mm) from an applicable building on the same lot.

2. Group U occupancy agricultural buildings, as defined in Section 202 of the California Building Code of any size located at least 50 feet (15 240 mm) from an applicable building. 3. Group C occupancy special buildings conforming to the limitations specified in Section 450.4.1 of the California Building Code. 4. New accessory buildings and miscellaneous structures specified in Section 504.11 shall comply only with the requirements of that section.

5. Additions to and remodels of buildings originally constructed prior to July 1, 2008.

101.3.1.1 Application date and where required. New buildings for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after July 1, 2008, located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface Area shall comply with this code, including all of the following areas:

All unincorporated lands designated by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection as State Responsibility Area (SRA) including:

Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

Land designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by cities and other local agencies.

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ADMINISTRATION

Land designated as a wildland-urban interface area by cities and other local agencies.

Exceptions: 1. New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within a State Responsibility Area, for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after January 1, 2008, shall comply with this code. 2. New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within a State Responsibility Area or any wildland-urban interface area designated by cities and other local agencies for which an application for a building permit is submit- ted on or after December 1, 2005, but prior to July 1, 2008, shall only comply with the following sections of this chapter: 2.1. Section 507 – Replacement or Repair of Roof Coverings.

2.2. Section 504.10 – Vents.

[A] 101.4 Retroactivity. The provisions of the code shall apply to conditions arising after the adoption thereof, conditions not legally in existence at the adoption of this code and conditions that, in the opinion of the code official, constitute a distinct hazard to life or property.

Exception: Provisions of this code that specifically apply to existing conditions are retroactive.
CWUIC § 102.4 Medium relevance — show source text
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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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.
CWUIC § 2.1.3 Medium relevance — show source text
2.1.3|Content|N||||||||| |104.2.1.4|Tests|N||||||||| |104.2.2|Alternative
materials, design and
methods|Y||1.11.2.4
1.11.2.5||||||| |104.2.2.1|Approval authority|N||||||||| |104.2.2.2|Application and
disposition|N||1.11.2.4
1.11.2.5||||||| |104.2.2.3|Compliance with
code intent|N||||||||| |104.2.2.4|Equivalency criteria|N||||||||| |104.2.2.5|Tests|N||||||||| |104.2.2.6|Reports|N||||||||| |104.2.2.6.1|Evaluation reports|N||||||||| |104.2.2.6.2|Other reports|N||||||||| |104.2.2.7|Peer review|N||||||||| |104.2.3|Modifications|N||||||||| |104.3|Applications and
permits|Y||||||||| |104.4|Right of entry|N||||||||| |104.4.1|Warrant|N||||||||| |104.5|Identification|N||||||||| |104.6|Notices and orders|Y||||||||| |104.7|Official records|N||||||||| |104.7.1|Approvals|N||||||||| |104.7.2|Inspections|N||||||||| |104.7.3|Code alternatives
and modifications|N||||||||| |104.7.4|Tests|N||||||||| |104.7.5|Fees|N||||||||| |104.8|Liability|Y||||||||| |104.8.1|Legal defense|Y||||||||| |104.9|Approved materials
and equipment|N||||||||| |104.9.1|Material and
equipment reuse|N||||||||| |104.10|Other agencies|N||||||||| |105|Permits|Y||||||||| |105.1|General|Y||||||||| |105.2|Permits required|Y||||||||| |105.3|Work exempt from
permit|Y||||||||| |105.4|Permit application|Y||||||||| |105.4.1|Preliminary
inspection|N||||||||| |105.4.2|Time limitation of
application|N||||||||| |105.5|Permit approval|N||||||||| |105.6|Permit issuance|N||||||||| |105.6.1|Refusal to issue a
permit|N||||||||| |105.7|Validity of permit|N||||||||| |105.8|Expiration|Y||105.5.1||||||| |105.9|Retention of permits|N|||||||||

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APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

|2025 CWUIC—continued|Col2|Adopted
Yes/No|IWUIC
Section|CBC
Section|CFC
Section|Title 14,
Division 1.5
Section|Title 19,
CWUIC § 1.8.3.2.3 Medium relevance — show source text
Exception: Mobilehome parks where the Department of Housing and Community Development is the enforcing agency.

1.8.3.2.3 Special Occupancy Parks Act. Refer to the Special Occupancy Parks Act, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 2.3, commencing with Section 18860 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 2.2, commencing with Section 2000 for special occupancy park administrative and enforcement authority, permits, fees, violations, inspections and penal- ties both within and outside of special occupancy parks.

Exception: Special occupancy parks where the Department of Housing and Community Development is the enforcing agency.

1.8.3.2.4 Employee Housing Act. Refer to the Employee Housing Act, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 1, commencing with Section 17000 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, commencing with Section 600 for employee housing administrative and enforcement authority, permits, fees, violations, inspections and penalties.

1.8.3.2.5 Factory-Built Housing Law. Refer to the Factory-Built Housing Law, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 6, commencing with Section 19960 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 3, Subchapter 1, commencing with Section 3000 for factory-built housing administrative and enforcement authority, permits, fees, violations, inspections and penalties.

SECTION 1.8.4—PERMITS, FEES, APPLICATIONS AND INSPECTIONS

1.8.4.1 Permits. A written construction permit shall be obtained from the enforcing agency prior to the erection, construction, recon- struction, installation, moving or alteration of any building or structure.

Exceptions: 1. Work exempt from permits as specified in Chapter 1, Scope and Application, Division II, Administration, Section R105.2. 2. Changes, alterations or repairs of a minor nature not affecting structural features, egress, sanitation, safety or accessibility as determined by the enforcing agency. 3. Retroactive permits issued in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 17958.12.

Exemptions from permit requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of other provisions of law or this code.

1.8.4.2 Fees. Subject to other provisions of law, the governing body of any city, county, or city and county may prescribe fees to defray the cost of enforcement of rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. The amount of the fees shall not exceed the amount reasonably necessary to administer or process permits, certificates, forms or other documents, or to defray the costs of enforcement. For additional information, see State Housing Law, Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 1.5, Section 17951 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1, Article 3, commencing with Section 6.

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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APPENDIX B-4 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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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

Frequently asked questions

Do small detached sheds always need a WUI permit?

Not always. The CWUIC’s § 105.3 states the exemption principle but does not list specific size/area exemptions itself; specific exempt accessory‑structure thresholds are often found in the California Building Code or local ordinance. Check with the local code official to confirm whether your shed meets any local exemption and remember exemptions don’t relieve other CWUIC requirements (§ 105.3) .

My project is only landscaping/vegetation clearing — do I need a permit?

Vegetation management plans are often required to show fuel‑reduction methods when tied to a permit (see Appendix B/B101). However, § 105.3 clarifies that exemption from a permit doesn’t authorize violating code requirements; consult the local code official about whether your vegetation work triggers a permit or requires a submitted vegetation management plan .

Who decides whether an activity listed in § 105.2 needs a permit?

The code official decides whether a permit is required for the activities enumerated in § 105.2; the code also authorizes the code official to impose conditions or refuse permits when public safety would be at risk (§ 105.3) .

Are temporary events allowed in WUI areas?

Temporary fairs, carnivals and similar uses are generally not allowed in WUI areas except by permit from the code official (A108.3); such permits carry conditions for ingress/egress and emergency access .

If I’m changing only interior finishes, do I need a permit under CWUIC?

CWUIC § 105.2 focuses on erecting/altering buildings and specific hazardous activities. Interior finish changes may be exempt under other codes, but confirm with the local code official because CWUIC interacts with the California Building and Fire Codes and local adoption may affect applicability (§ 105.1) .

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