CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
What project information and approvals are needed for the final fire protection plan?
Your final fire protection plan must (1) be based on a project‑specific wildfire hazard assessment, (2) show maps with fuel modification zones, slope, footprints and access, (3) include a species-level plant schedule and irrigated/nonirrigated zones, (4) specify vegetation reduction for emergency routes, and (5) include legally binding CC&R/maintenance language — and it must be reviewed and approved before construction begins under **§ 602.2** and **§ 602.3/§ 602.3.2**.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The final fire protection plan must be based on a project-specific wildfire hazard assessment that documents location, topography, aspect, climatic and fire history, and must identify conformance with state wildfire regulations and applicable local ordinances — § 602.2 . The plan must address fire department access, egress, signage, water supply, fuel reduction (including PRC 4290 and PRC 4291 or Gov. Code 51182 where applicable) and include the project information listed in Sections 602.3 through 602.3.2; the final plan must be reviewed and approved prior to the start of construction — § 602.2 and § 602.3 . In short: the final plan = hazard assessment + compliance demonstration + project maps/specifications + legally binding maintenance commitments, all approved before construction begins — § 602.3 and § 602.3.2 .
The single most important rule: the final fire protection plan must contain the project-specific hazard assessment and the detailed project information (maps, plant schedules, access/water info and legally binding maintenance commitments) and be approved before construction starts. § 602.2, § 602.3, § 602.3.2
Requirements in detail
The final fire protection plan includes (a) the general content required by § 602.2 and (b) the project-level details required by § 602.3.1 (preliminary items) and the additional items listed specifically for the final plan in § 602.3.2. All bullets below are drawn from those sections.
Core foundation (what the plan must be based on)
- Project-specific wildfire hazard assessment (location, topography, aspect, climatic and fire history) — § 602.2 .
- Identification of conformance with relevant state wildfire regulations, statutes and local ordinances (whichever are more restrictive) — § 602.2 .
Operational elements the plan must address
- Fire department access, egress, roads and address signage — § 602.2 .
- Water supply (identify onsite/offsite water sources and how they meet firefighting needs; show compliance with PRC 4290 where applicable) — § 602.2 .
- Fuel reduction strategy and mapping (fuel modification zones, defensible space requirements per PRC 4291 or Gov. Code 51182) — § 602.2 .
Project information that must be included (final plan = preliminary items + final-only items)
- Preliminary items (minimums required when a preliminary plan is submitted — these are also required in the final) include: total size of the project, information on adjoining properties (land uses, structures, vegetation), and a map showing project boundaries, property lines, slope contours, proposed structure footprints, roads/driveways, and identification of fuel modification zones and their boundaries — § 602.3.1 .
- Final-only requirements (in addition to § 602.3.1):
- A map identifying all proposed plants in the fuel modification zones with a legend/symbol for each species; the plan must include specific information for each species: life‑form, scientific and common name, and expected mature height and width — § 602.3.2(1) .
- Identification of irrigated and nonirrigated zones — § 602.3.2(2) .
- Requirements for vegetation reduction around emergency access and evacuation routes — § 602.3.2(3) .
- Identification of points of access for equipment and personnel to maintain vegetation in common areas — § 602.3.2(4) .
- Legally binding statements regarding community responsibility for maintenance of fuel modification zones — § 602.3.2(5) .
- Legally binding statements to be included in covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) regarding property owner responsibilities for vegetation maintenance — § 602.3.2(6) .
Decision-relevant dimensions at a glance
| Decision / item | What the plan must show or specify | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Who prepares the plan | Prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist, or specialist acceptable to the code official (see § 602.1 context) | § 602.1 (context for § 602.2/602.3) |
| Hazard assessment elements | Location, topography, aspect, climatic & fire history | § 602.2 |
| Map content | Project boundary lines, property lines, slope contours, proposed foundation footprints, roads/driveways, fuel modification zones | § 602.3.1 and § 602.3.2 |
| Plant schedule | Symbol legend; life-form; scientific & common names; expected mature height & width | § 602.3.2(1) |
| Irrigation zones | Identify irrigated vs nonirrigated areas | § 602.3.2(2) |
| Emergency route vegetation | Vegetation reduction requirements around emergency access & evacuation routes | § 602.3.2(3) |
| Maintenance access | Points of access for maintenance equipment & personnel | § 602.3.2(4) |
| Legal commitments | Community maintenance responsibilities & CC&R language for property-owner obligations | § 602.3.2(5)–(6) |
| Approval timing | Final plan reviewed & approved prior to start of construction | § 602.3 |
(Each row above is grounded in the CWUIC Sections 602.2, 602.3, 602.3.1, and 602.3.2 as indicated.)
Exceptions & special cases
- The code official may require a preliminary fire protection plan before submission of the final plan; the preliminary plan content is specified in § 602.3.1 and must be included in the final plan as well — § 602.1 and § 602.3.1 .
- The final plan must show conformance with applicable state regulations (for example PRC 4290 or PRC 4291) and local ordinances; where local or state rules differ, the more restrictive requirement applies — § 602.2 .
- The code gives the code official discretion over acceptability of the plan preparer and whether additional studies or details are required; follow the code official’s direction when they request extra substantiation — context in § 602.1 (authorization to require plans and acceptable preparers) .
Common mistakes
- Submitting a plan that omits a detailed map of fuel modification zones or fails to show slope contours and proposed foundation footprints (required in § 602.3.1) — § 602.3.1 .
- Failing to include a species-level plant schedule (life-form, scientific/common name, mature height/width) for plants within fuel modification zones — § 602.3.2(1) .
- Not distinguishing irrigated vs nonirrigated zones, which affects maintenance needs and plant selection — § 602.3.2(2) .
- Neglecting legally binding language for ongoing maintenance (community/CC&R commitments) — those statements are explicitly required in the final plan — § 602.3.2(5)–(6) .
- Beginning construction before the final plan has been reviewed and approved — the code requires approval before construction starts — § 602.3 .
Worked example — concrete scenario (applies the rule, illustrative numbers)
Scenario: a 25‑acre new subdivision (20 single-family lots) on a slope that averages 20%, located in a mapped wildland-urban interface area.
What to include in the final fire protection plan (per § 602.2 and § 602.3.2):
- A project-specific wildfire hazard assessment documenting the slope, aspect, historical fire events and prevailing winds for the site, and concluding that the site requires fuel modification zones (per § 602.2) .
- A site map showing: property lines for the 25 acres, contour lines (to reflect the 20% slope zones), the 20 building foundation footprints, proposed roads and driveways, and clearly drawn fuel modification zone boundaries (e.g., Zone A = 0–30 ft from structures; Zone B = 30–100 ft) — maps are required by § 602.3.1 and § 602.3.2 .
- A plant schedule legend for the fuel modification zones listing each proposed species, its life-form (e.g., shrub, groundcover, tree), scientific & common name, and expected mature height & width (e.g., Ceanothus integerrimus / Deerbrush — shrub — mature 6–8 ft tall) — required by § 602.3.2(1) .
- Clear labels of irrigated vs nonirrigated areas (for example: landscaped lot frontages irrigated; native slope mixes nonirrigated) as required by § 602.3.2(2) .
- A description of vegetation reduction adjacent to the subdivision primary and secondary access roads and emergency evacuation routes (what will be cleared/maintained) — per § 602.3.2(3) .
- Identification of maintenance access points for fuel reduction equipment at community open-space edges and common areas — § 602.3.2(4) .
- Draft CC&R language that will be recorded, stating property‑owner obligations for maintaining fuel modification zones and community maintenance responsibilities — required by § 602.3.2(5)–(6) .
- Documentation of how the water supply for firefighting will be met (e.g., nearest hydrant locations, on‑site storage, or tender access) and how it conforms with PRC 4290 where applicable — the plan must address water supply per § 602.2 .
Note: the example’s numeric zone widths and the 500 gpm/2‑hr water-duration commonly used in some local ordinances are illustrative here. The CWUIC requires the plan to address water supply and conformance with PRC 4290; any numerical water‑supply standard must be verified against PRC 4290 and local fire agency requirements (not all numeric values are specified directly in § 602.2 or § 602.3.2) — § 602.2 .
Related provisions (CWUIC sections)
- § 602.1 — General authority to require fire protection plans and qualifications of the plan preparer (context for §§ 602.2–602.3.2) .
- § 602.3 — Project information; final plan approval required prior to construction (explicit approval timing) .
- § 602.3.1 — Preliminary fire protection plan minimum contents (these items also must appear in the final) .
- § 603 — Vegetation plan and planting/landscape guidance that relates to fuel modification and plant selection referenced in the fire protection plan .
- § 604 — Maintenance of defensible space (interfaces with required CC&R/maintenance statements in § 602.3.2) .
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CWUIC § 601.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 601—GENERAL
601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter establish general requirements for new and existing buildings, structures and premises located within wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas .
601.2 Objective. The objective of this chapter is to establish minimum requirements to mitigate conditions that might cause a fire originating in a structure to ignite vegetation in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) area, and conversely, a wildfire burning in vegetative fuels to transmit fire to buildings and threaten to destroy life, overwhelm fire suppression capabilities or result in large property losses.
601.3 Chapter 6 definitions. Where used in this chapter, the term listed below shall be defined as follows:
DEFENSIBLE SPACE. The buffer that landowners are required to create on their property between a “Building or Structure” and the plants, brush and trees or other items surrounding the “Building or Structure” that could ignite in the event of a fire. [CCR Title 14 §1299.02(a)]
SECTION 602— FIRE PROTECTION PLANS
602.1 General. The code official is authorized to require the owner or owner’s authorized agent to provide a fire protection plan. The fire protection plan shall be prepared to determine the acceptability of fire protection and life safety measures designed to mitigate wildfire hazards presented for the property under consideration.
The fire protection plan shall be prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist or similar specialist acceptable to the code official and shall analyze the wildfire risk of the building, project, premises or region to recommend necessary changes.
The code official is authorized to require a preliminary fire protection plan prior to the submission of a final fire protection plan.
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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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 § 6-1 High relevance — show source text
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6 FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
User notes:
About this chapter: In addition to the building construction requirements in the California Building Code and California Residential Code, this chapter contains 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.
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. These strategies are included in the following requirements:
1. Development of fire protection plans.
2. Development of landscape plans and long-term vegetation management.
3. Creation and maintenance of defensible space to protect structures and subdivisions.
SECTION 601—GENERAL
601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter establish general requirements for new and existing buildings, structures and premises located within wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas .
601.2 Objective. The objective of this chapter is to establish minimum requirements to mitigate conditions that might cause a fire originating in a structure to ignite vegetation in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) area, and conversely, a wildfire burning in vegetative fuels to transmit fire to buildings and threaten to destroy life, overwhelm fire suppression capabilities or result in large property losses.
601.3 Chapter 6 definitions. Where used in this chapter, the term listed below shall be defined as follows:
DEFENSIBLE SPACE. The buffer that landowners are required to create on their property between a “Building or Structure” and the plants, brush and trees or other items surrounding the “Building or Structure” that could ignite in the event of a fire. [CCR Title 14 §1299.02(a)]
SECTION 602— FIRE PROTECTION PLANS
602.1 General. The code official is authorized to require the owner or owner’s authorized agent to provide a fire protection plan. The fire protection plan shall be prepared to determine the acceptability of fire protection and life safety measures designed to mitigate wildfire hazards presented for the property under consideration.
The fire protection plan shall be prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist or similar specialist acceptable to the code official and shall analyze the wildfire risk of the building, project, premises or region to recommend necessary changes.
The code official is authorized to require a preliminary fire protection plan prior to the submission of a final fire protection plan.
CWUIC § 3301.2 High relevance — show source text
3301.2 Purpose. This chapter prescribes minimum safeguards for construction, alteration and demolition operations to provide reasonable safety to life and property from fire during such operations.
SECTION 3302—DEFINITIONS
3302.1 Terms defined in Chapter 2. Words and terms used in this chapter and defined in Chapter 2 shall have the meanings ascribed to them as defined therein.
SECTION 3303—ADMINISTRATIVE SAFETY CONTROLS
3303.1 Program development and maintenance. The owner or owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of an approved, written site safety plan establishing a fire prevention program at the project site applicable throughout all phases of the construction, repair, alteration or demolition work. The plan addresses the requirements of this chapter and other applicable portions of this code, the duties of staff and staff training requirements. The plan shall be submitted and approved before a building permit is issued. Any changes to the plan shall be submitted for approval.
3303.1.1 Components of site safety plans. Site safety plans shall include the following as applicable:
Name and contact information of site safety director.
Documentation of the training of the site safety director and fire watch personnel.
Procedures for reporting emergencies.
Fire department vehicle access routes.
Location of fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.
Smoking and cooking policies, designated areas to be used where approved, and signage locations in accordance with Section 3305.7.
Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.
Hot work permit plan.
Plans for control of combustible waste material.
Locations and methods for storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials.
Provisions for site security and where required, for a fire watch.
Changes that affect this plan.
Other site-specific information required by the fire code official.
3303.2 Site safety director. The owner shall designate a person to be the site safety director. The site safety director shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the site safety plan. The site safety director shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and other provisions as necessary to secure the intent of this chapter. Where guard service is provided in accordance with NFPA 241, the site safety director shall be responsible for the guard service.
3303.2.1 Training. Training of fire watch and other responsible personnel in the use of fire protection equipment shall be the responsibility of the site safety director. Records of training shall be kept and made a part of the written plan for the site safety plan.
3303.3 Daily fire safety inspection. The site safety director shall be responsible for completion of a daily fire safety inspection at the project site. Each day, all building and outdoor areas shall be inspected to ensure compliance with the inspection list in this section.
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FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
The results of each inspection shall be documented and maintained on-site until a certificate of occupancy has been issued. Documentation shall be immediately available on-site for presentation to the fire code official upon request.
- Any contractors entering the site to perform hot work each day have been instructed in the hot work safety requirements in Chapter 35, and hot work is performed only in areas approved by the site safety director.
- Temporary heating equipment is maintained away from combustible materials in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
CWUIC § 3301.1 High relevance — show source text
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [F] will be considered by a code development committee meeting during the 2024 (Group A) Code Development Cycle. All other code change proposals will be considered by a code development committee meeting during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.
SECTION 3301—GENERAL
3301.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern safety during construction and the protection of adjacent public and private properties. Fire safety during construction shall also comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 33 of the California Fire Code .
3301.2 Storage and placement of construction equipment and materials. Construction equipment and materials shall be stored and placed so as not to endanger the public, the workers or adjoining property for the duration of the construction project.
[BS] 3301.3 Roof loads. Structural roof components shall be capable of supporting the roof-covering system and the material and equipment loads that will be encountered during installation of the system.
3301.4 Maintenance of exits, existing structural elements, fire protection devices and sanitary safeguards. Required exits, existing structural elements, fire protection devices and sanitary safeguards shall be maintained at all times during alterations, repairs or additions to any building or structure.
Exceptions:
- Where such required elements or devices are being altered or repaired, adequate substitute provisions shall be made.
- Maintenance of such elements and devices is not required where the existing building is not occupied.
3301.5 Removal of waste materials Waste materials shall be removed in a manner that prevents injury or damage to persons, adjacent properties and public rights-of-way.
SECTION 3302—OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FIRE PROTECTION
3302.1 Site safety plan. The owner or owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of an approved, written site safety plan establishing a fire prevention program at the project site applicable throughout all phases of the construction, repair, alteration or demolition work. The plan shall be submitted and approved before a building permit is issued. Any changes to the plan shall address the requirements of this chapter and other applicable portions of the Califor- nia Fire Code, the duties of staff and staff training requirements. The plan shall be submitted for approval in accordance with the California Fire Code .
3302.1.1 Components of site safety plans. Site safety plans shall include the following, as applicable:
Name and contact information of site safety director.
Documentation of the training of the site safety director and fire watch personnel.
Procedures for reporting emergencies.
Fire department vehicle access routes.
Location of fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.
Smoking and cooking policies, designated areas to be used where approved, and signage locations in accordance with the California Fire Code.
Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.
Hot-work permit plan.
Plans for control of combustible waste material.
Locations and methods for storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials.
Provisions for site security and, where required, for a fire watch.
Changes that affect this plan.
Other site-specific information required by the California Fire Code .
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SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
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 Fire 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.
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33 FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 33 outlines general fire safety precautions for all structures and all occupancies during construction and demolition operations. In general, these requirements seek to maintain required levels of fire protection, limit fire spread, establish the appropriate operation of equipment and promote prompt response to fire emergencies. There is an emphasis on owner responsibility and the need to create and implement a site safety plan. Features regulated include fire protection systems, firefighter access to the site and building, water supply, means of egress, hazardous materials storage and use, and temporary heating equipment and other ignition sources. Fire watches are an important component of this chapter. This chapter correlates with Chapter 33 of the California Building Code .
SECTION 3301—GENERAL
3301.1 Scope. This chapter shall apply to structures in the course of construction, alteration or demolition, including those in underground locations. Compliance with NFPA 241 is required for items not specifically addressed herein.
3301.2 Purpose. This chapter prescribes minimum safeguards for construction, alteration and demolition operations to provide reasonable safety to life and property from fire during such operations.
SECTION 3302—DEFINITIONS
3302.1 Terms defined in Chapter 2. Words and terms used in this chapter and defined in Chapter 2 shall have the meanings ascribed to them as defined therein.
SECTION 3303—ADMINISTRATIVE SAFETY CONTROLS
3303.1 Program development and maintenance. The owner or owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of an approved, written site safety plan establishing a fire prevention program at the project site applicable throughout all phases of the construction, repair, alteration or demolition work. The plan addresses the requirements of this chapter and other applicable portions of this code, the duties of staff and staff training requirements. The plan shall be submitted and approved before a building permit is issued. Any changes to the plan shall be submitted for approval.
3303.1.1 Components of site safety plans. Site safety plans shall include the following as applicable:
Name and contact information of site safety director.
Documentation of the training of the site safety director and fire watch personnel.
Procedures for reporting emergencies.
Fire department vehicle access routes.
Location of fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.
Smoking and cooking policies, designated areas to be used where approved, and signage locations in accordance with Section 3305.7.
Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.
Hot work permit plan.
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 § 1.5. High relevance — show source text
Do not perform construction using an unauthorized or preliminary drawing. The applicant assumes full responsibility for errors, omissions, or changes if the project is constructed using either preliminary drawings or drawings that are not approved by PG&E.
PG&E will not accept or assume ownership of facilities installed by the applicant before the construction design is completed and approved by PG&E. Additional facilities, even if provided at no cost to PG&E, represent increased plant in the rate base. This includes associated, long-term increases in taxes and maintenance
expenses.
Applicants are responsible for any additional design changes or reconstruction costs that may be required if PG&E does not accept unapproved facilities. PG&E will not energize or pressurize a system that has not received final design approval and passed all inspections.
Engineering and construction documents or requirements are incorporated into new editions of this manual; however, revisions are made periodically. Applicants can obtain revised engineering documents or requirements in two ways:
Find these documents on PG&E’s Internet site (www.pge.com/greenbook).
These documents are available through your local PG&E project coordinators.
Some of the information contained in this manual is based on government codes and ordinances that are subject to change as determined by the governmental authorities. PG&E does not assume responsibility for keeping information in this manual current with these government codes, ordinances, or other requirements. Applicants should consult the responsible governmental agency with questions about the applicability of any construction procedures or requirements.
1.5. Additional Nonresidential (Commercial and Industrial) Service Information
For electric installations of more than 600 volts (V), refer to Section 11, “Electric Switchboards: 601 Volts Through 25,000 Volts, and Primary Services.” Generally, this manual does not include information about large nonresidential (i.e., commercial or industrial) gas loads; however, PG&E provides applicants with individual job-design specifications after they request service.
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Section 1, General
1.6. Design and Construction
1.6.1. PG&E’s Responsibilities
PG&E is responsible for planning, designing, and engineering its service facilities and service laterals using Company standards for design, materials, and construction.
1.6.2. Applicant’s Responsibilities
Residential and nonresidential applicants for gas and/or electric extensions and services may select a contractor to design their facilities.
PG&E requires a clear path from existing distribution facilities to the location on the applicant’s jobsite where the services will be connected. Depending on the project, the applicant may need permits or approvals for these supply lines in order to comply with federal, state, and local requirements, regulations, and rules (including environmental laws).
Local PG&E project coordinators can provide applicants with information about available options for clearing supply lines, as well as any associated design and contract requirements for their projects.
Before designing their projects, applicants and/or their contractors must complete PG&E’s Application for service process online form, provide applicable construction plans, and submit any required project deposits to PG&E.
CWUIC § 1.8.4.1 High relevance — show source text
**_ 1.8.4.1 Permits. A written construction permit shall be obtained from the enforcing agency prior to the erection, construction, reconstruction, installation, relocation, or alteration of any mechanical system. Exceptions: (1) Work exempt from permits as specified in Chapter 1, Scope and Administration, Division II, Section 104.2 Items (1) through (5) of this code. (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 neces- sary 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, Divi- sion 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1, Article 3, commencing with Section 6.
1.8.4.3 Plan Review and Time Limitations. Subject to other provisions of law, provisions related to plan checking, prohibition of excessive delays, and contracting with or employment of private parties to perform plan checking are set forth in the State Housing Law, Health and Safety Code Section 17960.1, and for employee housing, in Health and Safety Code Section 17021. 1.8.4.3.1 Retention of Plans. The building depart- ment of every city, county, or city and county shall maintain an official copy, microfilm, or electronic or other type of photographic copy of the plans of every building, during the life of the building, for which the department issued a building permit. Exceptions: (1) Single or multiple dwellings not more than two stories and basement in height. (2) Garages and other structures appurtenant to buildings listed in Exception 1. (3) Farm or ranch buildings appurtenant to build- ings listed in Exception 1. (4) Any one-story building where the span between bearing walls does not exceed 25 feet (7620 mm), except a steel frame or concrete building. All plans for common interest developments as defined in Section 4100 of the California Civil Code shall be retained. For additional information regarding plan retention and reproduction of plans by an enforcing agency, see Health and Safety Code Sections 19850 through 19852. 1.8.4.4 Inspections. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official and such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes _until approved.
CWUIC § 1501.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 1501—GENERAL
[BG] 1501.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern safety during construction and the protection of adjacent public and private properties. Fire safety during construction shall also comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 33 of the California Fire Code.
[BG] 1501.2 Storage and placement of construction equipment and materials. Construction equipment and materials shall be stored and placed so as not to endanger the public, the workers or adjoining property for the duration of the construction project.
[BS] 1501.3 Roof loads. Structural roof components shall be capable of supporting the roof-covering system and the material and equipment loads that will be encountered during installation of the system.
[BG] 1501.4 Maintenance of exits, existing structural elements, fire protection devices and sanitary safeguards. Required exits, existing structural elements, fire protection devices and sanitary safeguards shall be maintained at all times during alterations, repairs or additions to any building or structure.
Exceptions:
- Where such required elements or devices are being altered or repaired, adequate substitute provisions shall be made.
- Maintenance of such elements and devices is not required where the existing building is not occupied.
[BG] 1501.5 Removal of waste materials. Waste materials shall be removed in a manner that prevents injury or damage to persons, adjoining properties and public rights-of-way.
SECTION 1502—OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FIRE PROTECTION
[F] 1502.1 Site safety plan. The owner or owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of an approved, written site safety plan establishing a fire prevention program at the project site applicable throughout all phases of the construction, repair, alteration or demolition work. The plan shall be submitted and approved before a building permit is issued, Any changes to the plan shall address the requirements of this chapter and other applicable portions of the California Fire Code, the duties of staff and staff training requirements. The plan shall be submitted for approval in accordance with the California Fire Code .
[F] 1502.1.1 Components of site safety plans. Site safety plans shall include the following as applicable:
Name and contact information of site safety director.
Documentation of the training of the site safety director and fire watch personnel.
Procedures for reporting emergencies.
Fire department vehicle access routes.
Location of fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.
Smoking and cooking policies, designated areas to be used where approved and signage locations in accordance with the California Fire Code .
Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.
Hot work permit plan.
Plans for control of combustible waste material.
Locations and methods for storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials.
Provisions for site security and, where required, for a fire watch.
Changes that affect this plan.
Other site-specific information required by the California Fire Code .
[F] 1502.2 Site safety director. The owner shall designate a person to be the site safety director. The site safety director shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the site safety plan. The site safety director shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and other provisions as necessary to secure the intent of this chapter. Where guard service is provided in accordance with the California Fire Code, the site safety director shall be responsible for the guard service.
CWUIC § 1.11.2.3.2 High relevance — show source text
1.11.2.3.2 Any fire protection district that proposes to adopt an ordinance pursuant to this section shall, not less than 30 days prior to noticing a proposed ordinance for public hearing, provide a copy of that ordinance, together with the adopted findings made pursuant to Section 1.11.2.3.1, to the city, county or city and county where the ordinance will apply. The city, county or city and county may provide the district with written comments, which shall become part of the fire protection district’s public hearing record.
1.11.2.3.3 The fire protection district shall transmit the adopted ordinance to the city, county or city and county where the ordi- nance will apply. The legislative body of the city, county or city and county may ratify, modify or deny an adopted ordinance and transmit its determination to the district within 15 days of the determination. Any modification or denial of an adopted ordinance shall include a written statement describing the reasons for any modifications or denial. No ordinance adopted by the district shall be effective until ratification by the city, county or city and county where the ordinance will apply. Upon ratification of an adopted ordinance, the city, county or city and county shall file a copy of the findings of the district, and any findings of the city, county or city and county, together with the adopted ordinance expressly marked and identified to which each finding refers, in accordance with Section 1.1.8.1.3.
1.11.2.4 Request for alternate means of protection. Requests for approval to use an alternative material, assembly or materials, equipment, method of construction, method of installation of equipment or means of protection shall be made in writing to the enforcing agency by the owner or the owner’s authorized representative and shall be accompanied by a full statement of the condi- tions. Sufficient evidence or proof shall be submitted to substantiate any claim that may be made regarding its conformance. The enforcing agency may require tests and the submission of a test report from an approved testing organization as set forth in Title 19, California Code of Regulation, to substantiate the equivalency of the proposed alternative means of protection.
When a request for alternate means of protection involves hazardous materials, the authority having jurisdiction may consider implementation of the findings and recommendations identified in a Risk Management Plan (RMP) developed in accordance with Title 19, Division 5, Chapter 2, Article 3.
Approval of a request for use of an alternative material, assembly of materials, equipment, method of construction, method of installation of equipment or means of protection made pursuant to these provisions shall be limited to the particular case covered by request and shall not be construed as establishing any precedent for any future request.
1.11.2.5 Appeals. When a request for an alternate means of protection has been denied by the enforcing agency, the applicant may file a written appeal to the State Fire Marshal for consideration of the applicant’s proposal. In considering such appeal, the State Fire Marshal may seek the advice of the State Board of Fire Services. The State Fire Marshal shall, after considering all of the facts presented, including any recommendations of the State Board of Fire Services, determine if the proposal is for the purposes intended, at least equivalent to that specified in these regulations in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety, and shall transmit such findings and any recommendations to the applicant and to the enforcing agency.
2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE 1-13
CWUIC § 1-2 High relevance — show source text
Population growth and the expanding urban development into traditionally nonurban areas have increasingly brought humans into contact with wildfires. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), every year, wildfires burn across the United States and a growing number of people are living where wildfires are a real risk. In 2018 more than 58,000 fires burned nearly 9 million acres across the US. More than 25,000 structures were destroyed, including 18,137 residences and 229 commercial structures. California accounted for the highest number of structures lost in one state due to the number of significant fires, including the Mendocino Complex, Carr, Camp and Woolsey fires.
The IWUIC is a model code that is intended to be adopted and used supplemental to the adopted building and fire codes of a jurisdiction. The unrestricted use of property in wildland-urban interface areas is a potential threat to life and property from fire and resulting erosion. The IWUIC has as its objective the establishment of minimum special regulations for the safeguarding of life and
x 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
property from the intrusion of fire from wildland fire exposures and fire exposures from adjacent structures and to prevent structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels, even in the absence of fire department intervention.
Safeguards to prevent the occurrence of fires and to provide adequate fire protection facilities to control the spread of fire in wildland-urban interface areas are provided in a tiered manner commensurate with the relative level of hazard present.
ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CWUIC
The format of the CWUIC allows each chapter to be devoted to a particular subject. The following table shows how the CWUIC is divided. The chapter synopses detail the scope and intent of the provisions of the CWUIC.
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 CHAPTER SUBJECT 1-2 Administration and Definitions 3-4 Wildland-Urban Interface Area Designation and Requirements 5 Building Construction Regulations 6 Fire Protection Requirements 7 Referenced Standards Appendices A-I Adoptable and Informational Appendices Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.
Chapter 3 Wildland-Urban Interface Areas.
Chapter 3 provides for the fundamental aspect of applying the code—the legal declaration and establishment of wildland-urban interface areas within the adopting jurisdiction, mapping of the area, periodic review and updates.
Chapter 4 Wildland-Urban Interface Area Requirements.
The requirements of Chapter 4 apply to all occupancies in the wildland-urban interface and pertain to all of the following:
Fire service access to the property that is to be protected, including fire apparatus access roads and off-road driveways.
Premises identification.
Frequently asked questions
Who must prepare the final fire protection plan?
A registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist, or a specialist acceptable to the code official is required to prepare the plan; see the general authorization and preparer expectation in the CWUIC context (see § 602.1 and the requirements in § 602.2).
Must the final plan be approved before construction starts?
Yes — the final fire protection plan must be reviewed and approved prior to the start of construction (final approval requirement in § 602.3) .
Do I need to include CC&R language in the plan?
Yes — the final plan must contain legally binding statements about community responsibility for maintenance of fuel modification zones and language to be included in CC&Rs about property‑owner responsibilities — § 602.3.2(5)–(6) .
Is a plant species list required?
Yes — for plants in fuel modification zones the plan must include a map and legend with each proposed species and specific info for each: life‑form, scientific and common name, and expected mature height and width — § 602.3.2(1) .
What if local ordinance is stricter than the CWUIC?
The plan must identify conformance with all applicable state wildfire protection regulations and applicable local ordinances — where local requirements are more restrictive, those govern. This is required by § 602.2.
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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