CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
What must be included in a preliminary fire protection plan?
The preliminary fire protection plan (required by **§ 602.3.1**) must state the project area, describe adjoining properties and provide a map showing property and project boundaries, slope contours, proposed building footprints and roads, and must identify fuel modification zones and the method used to set their boundaries; it must be prepared by a qualified professional and supports the later final plan approval process.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires
A preliminary fire protection plan must, at minimum, state the total size of the project, describe adjoining properties and their uses/vegetation, and include a map showing boundaries, slope contours, proposed structure footprints, roads/driveways and the project fuel modification zones with the method used to identify those zone boundaries — these minimum items are prescribed in § 602.3.1 of the CWUIC.
The preliminary plan is part of the Chapter 6 fire protection plan framework; the code also requires that fire protection plans be prepared by an acceptable qualified professional and that the final fire protection plan be reviewed and approved prior to start of construction (see § 602.1 and § 602.3).
The single most important rule: a preliminary plan must give reviewers the project area, the immediate context (adjoining uses and vegetation), and a map that clearly locates structures, access and the proposed fuel-modification zones and how those zone boundaries are defined.
Requirements in detail
Minimum items required by § 602.3.1 (plain list)
- Total size of the project — the plan must state the project area. § 602.3.1.
- Information on adjoining properties on all sides — include current land uses and, if known, existing structures and densities, planned construction, natural vegetation, environmental restoration plans, roads and parks. § 602.3.1.
- Map — must show all project boundary lines, property lines, slope contour lines, proposed structure foundation footprints, and proposed roads and driveways. The map must also identify project fuel modification zones and the method of identifying fuel modification zone boundaries. § 602.3.1.
Context the plan must be based on (from § 602.2 and § 602.1)
- The fire protection plan (and therefore the preliminary submission) should be based on a project-specific wildfire hazard assessment considering location, topography, aspect, climatic and fire history (see § 602.2).
- The plan must identify conformance with applicable state wildfire regulations and applicable local ordinances, and must address access/egress, signage, water supply and fuel reduction (see § 602.2).
- The plan must be prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist or similar specialist acceptable to the code official (see § 602.1).
Decision‑relevant dimensions and values (quick reference table)
| Item required | Decision‑relevant dimension / value | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Total project size | Project area (as submitted by applicant; units not specified in § 602.3.1) | § 602.3.1 |
| Adjoining properties | For each side: current land use; known structures & densities; planned construction; natural vegetation; restoration plans; roads/parks | § 602.3.1 |
| Map — boundaries & features | Project boundary lines; property lines; slope contour lines; proposed structure foundation footprints; proposed roads & driveways | § 602.3.1 |
| Map — fuel mitigation | Identification of project fuel modification zones and the method of identifying zone boundaries | § 602.3.1 |
| Underlying hazard assessment | Location, topography, aspect, climatic & fire history to support recommendations; show how plan conforms with PRC 4290/4291 or other statutes where applicable | § 602.2 |
| Who prepares it | Registered design professional or other qualified specialist acceptable to code official | § 602.1 |
Exceptions & special cases
- The CWUIC does not list express numeric exceptions in § 602.3.1; the code official has authority to require a preliminary plan and to determine acceptability of the plan under § 602.1.
- The preliminary plan’s minimum contents in § 602.3.1 are distinct from the final fire protection plan content: § 602.3.2 requires additional detail (plant species lists, irrigation zones, maintenance responsibility language, etc.) for the final plan. If a jurisdiction requires a final plan at permit stage, submit the additional items listed in § 602.3.2.
- The code requires conformance with statutes such as PRC 4290/4291 (access, defensible space and fuel reduction), but the specific distances and methods for defensible space are referenced to those statutes rather than spelled out under § 602.3.1; check the referenced statutes/ordinances for numeric thresholds. § 602.2.
If you need specific numeric distances or contour intervals, note: those numeric details are not specified in § 602.3.1; they are provided elsewhere (e.g., PRC 4291 for defensible space) or by local ordinance.
Common mistakes
- Submitting a map that lacks slope contour lines or that omits proposed structure foundation footprints — both are explicit requirements of § 602.3.1.
- Failing to describe adjoining properties in enough detail (land use, vegetation, nearby structures) so reviewers cannot assess cross-boundary risk — required by § 602.3.1.
- Omitting the method used to identify fuel modification zone boundaries on the map (this is required information under § 602.3.1).
- Treating the preliminary plan as the final plan: several items (plant lists, irrigation, maintenance covenants) are required only for the final plan per § 602.3.2; don’t assume the preliminary must include those unless the AHJ asks for final-level detail early.
- Not using a qualified preparer; § 602.1 requires a registered design professional or other qualified specialist acceptable to the code official.
Worked example
Scenario: a proposed 10.0‑acre residential cluster with 8 dwelling foundations and a single new access road.
What to include in the preliminary fire protection plan (match to § 602.3.1):
- Total size of the project: state “10.0 acres.” § 602.3.1.
- Adjoining properties: north side — county park (20 acres) with dense chaparral; east side — single-family neighborhood with 5 houses at ~1/2‑acre lots; south — undeveloped 15-acre parcel of oak woodland planned for conservation; west — paved county road. Include current uses and vegetation descriptions. § 602.3.1.
- Map: draw property lines and project boundary; show slope contours across site (to illustrate hill on east side); plot the eight proposed foundation footprints and the new access road and driveways. § 602.3.1.
- Fuel modification zones: on the map identify a perimeter of fuel modification zones around the cluster and note the method used to set those boundaries (for example: “fuel modification zones defined by distance from structure footprints and by slope/topography analysis” — the plan must state the method; the code does not mandate a specific distance in § 602.3.1). § 602.3.1.
Finally, note that the final fire protection plan — which must be reviewed and approved prior to start of construction — will need to include the preliminary items plus the further details listed in § 602.3.2. § 602.3 and § 602.3.2. file
Related provisions
- § 602.1 — Authority to require the plan and who may prepare it; qualifications of preparer.
- § 602.2 — Contents the plan must be based on (project‑specific wildfire hazard assessment; access/egress, water supply, fuel reduction; conformance with PRC 4290/4291).
- § 602.3 — Project information; final plan review and approval required prior to construction.
- § 602.3.2 — Additional, required content for the final fire protection plan (plant lists, irrigation zones, maintenance and legally binding statements, etc.).
- Chapter 6 generally (fire protection requirements) — context for vegetation plans, defensible space and fuel‑modification measures.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
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 § 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 § 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 § 909.12.4 High relevance — show source text
[F] 909.12.4 Automatic control. Where completely automatic control is required or used, the automatic-control sequences shall be initiated from an appropriately zoned automatic sprinkler system complying with Section 903.3.1.1, manual controls provided with ready access for the fire department and any smoke detectors required by engineering analysis.
[F] 909.13 Control air tubing. Control air tubing shall be of sufficient size to meet the required response times. Tubing shall be flushed clean and dry prior to final connections and shall be adequately supported and protected from damage. Tubing passing through concrete or masonry shall be sleeved and protected from abrasion and electrolytic action.
[F] 909.13.1 Materials. Control-air tubing shall be hard-drawn copper, Type L, ACR in accordance with ASTM B42, ASTM B43, ASTM B68/B68M, ASTM B88, ASTM B251 and ASTM B280. Fittings shall be wrought copper or brass, solder type in accordance with ASME B16.18 or ASME B16.22. Changes in direction shall be made with appropriate tool bends. Brass compression-type fittings shall be used at final connection to devices; other joints shall be brazed using a BCuP-5 brazing alloy with solidus above 1,100°F (593°C) and liquids below 1,500°F (816°C). Brazing flux shall be used on copper-to-brass joints only.
Exception: Nonmetallic tubing used within control panels and at the final connection to devices provided that all of the following conditions are met:
- Tubing shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 6 of the California Mechanical Code .
- Tubing and connected devices shall be completely enclosed within a galvanized or paint-grade steel enclosure having a minimum thickness of 0.0296 inch (0.7534 mm) (No. 22 gage). Entry to the enclosure shall be by copper tubing with a protective grommet of neoprene or Teflon or by suitable brass compression to male barbed adapter.
- Tubing shall be identified by appropriately documented coding.
- Tubing shall be neatly tied and supported within the enclosure. Tubing bridging cabinets and doors or moveable devices shall be of sufficient length to avoid tension and excessive stress. Tubing shall be protected against abrasion. Tubing connected to devices on doors shall be fastened along hinges.
[F] 909.13.2 Isolation from other functions. Control tubing serving other than smoke control functions shall be isolated by automatic isolation valves or shall be an independent system.
[F] 909.13.3 Testing. Control air tubing shall be tested at three times the operating pressure for not less than 30 minutes without any noticeable loss in gauge pressure prior to final connection to devices.
[F] 909.14 Marking and identification. The detection and control systems shall be clearly marked at all junctions, accesses and terminations.
[F] 909.15 Control diagrams. Identical control diagrams showing all devices in the system and identifying their location and function shall be maintained current and kept on file with the fire code official, the fire department and in the fire command center in a format and manner approved by the fire code official.
CWUIC § 102.4 High 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 § 1-3 High relevance — show source text
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.
Appendix G Voluntary Home-Hardening Recommendations.
Appendix G is an informational appendix that provides discussion of some elements of the proposed self-defense mechanisms and their role in enhancing the protection of exposed structures in the wildland-urban interface. The items provided in this appendix provide owners with suggestions for increasing the survivability of their structure. These items are not mandatory but can be considered by owners to increase the safety of structures.
Appendix H Referenced California Documents.
Appendix H contains portions of California statutes and regulations located in other documents. They are reprinted in Appendix H to aid the user in understanding the requirements applicable to wildland-urban interface areas and to provide a background for the provi- sions. Much of the text in the CWUIC is based on the requirements found in these other documents.
Appendix I Board of Appeals.
Appendix I contains the provisions for appeal and the establishment of a board of appeals. The provisions include the application for an appeal, the makeup of the board of appeals and the conduct of the appeal process.
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
DIVISION I CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION
1.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
CWUIC § 910.4.3.1 High relevance — show source text
910.4.3.1 Makeup air. Makeup air openings shall be provided within 6 feet (1829 mm) of the floor level. Operation of makeup air openings shall be manual or automatic. The minimum gross area of makeup air inlets shall be 8 square feet per 1,000 cubic feet per minute (0.74 m [2] per 0.4719 m [3] /s) of smoke exhaust.
910.4.4 Activation. The mechanical smoke removal system shall be activated by manual controls only.
910.4.5 Manual control location. Manual controls shall be located where they are able to be accessed by the fire service from an exterior door of the building and separated from the remainder of the building by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the California Building Code or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, or both.
910.4.6 Control wiring. Wiring for operation and control of mechanical smoke removal systems shall be connected ahead of the main disconnect in accordance with Section 701.12E of the California Electrical Code and be protected against interior fire exposure to temperatures in excess of 1,000°F (538°C) for a period of not less than 15 minutes.
910.4.7 Controls. Where building air-handling and mechanical smoke removal systems are combined or where independent building air-handling systems are provided, fans shall automatically shut down in accordance with the California Mechanical Code . The manual controls provided for the smoke removal system shall have the capability to override the automatic shutdown of fans that are part of the smoke removal system.
910.5 Maintenance and testing. Maintenance and testing of smoke and heat vents and mechanical smoke removal systems shall be in accordance with Sections 910.5.1 and 910.5.2. A written record of inspection, testing and maintenance that includes the date, identification of personnel involved, any unsatisfactory result, corrective action taken and replaced parts shall be maintained on the premises.
910.5.1 Smoke and heat vents. Smoke and heat vents shall be maintained in an operative condition. Inspection, testing and maintenance shall be in accordance with NFPA 204 except as follows:
- Mechanically operated smoke and heat vents shall be inspected annually and operationally tested not less than every 5
years. 2. Gravity dropout smoke and heat vents shall be inspected annually. 3. Fused, damaged or painted fusible links shall be replaced.
910.5.2 Mechanical smoke removal systems. Mechanical smoke removal systems shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 204 and the equipment manufacturer’s instructions except as follows:
- Systems shall be inspected and operationally tested annually.
- Testing shall include the operation of all system components, controls and ancillary equipment, such as makeup air openings.
- A written schedule for routine maintenance and operational testing shall be established and testing shall be conducted in accordance with the schedule.
SECTION 911—EXPLOSION CONTROL
911.1 General. Explosion control shall be provided in the following locations:
- Where a structure, room or space is occupied for purposes involving explosion hazards as identified in Table 911.1.
- Where quantities of hazardous materials specified in Table 911.1 exceed the maximum allowable quantities in Table 5003.1.1(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 § 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 § 4.1 High relevance — show source text
4|Combustible
materials|N||||||||| |A105.4.1|Individual piles|N||||||||| |A105.4.2|Separation|N||||||||| |A106|Dumping|N||||||||| |A106.1|Waste material|N||||||||| |A106.2|Ashes and coals|N||||||||| |A107|Protection of pumps
and water storage
facilities|N||||||||| |A107.1|General|N||||||||| |A107.2|Objective|N||||||||| |A107.3|Fuel modification
area|N||||||||| |A107.4|Trees|N||||||||| |A107.5|Protection of electri-
cal power supplies|N||||||||| |A108|Land use limitations|N||||||||| |A108.1|General|N||||||||| |A108.2|Objective|N||||||||| |A108.3|Permits|N||||||||| |A108.4|Access roadways|N||||||||| |A109|Referenced standards|N||||||||| |A109.1|General|N|||||||||APPENDIX H-34 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
2025 CWUIC—continued Col2 Adopted
Yes/NoIWUIC
SectionCBC
SectionCFC
SectionTitle 14,
Division 1.5
SectionTitle 19,
Division 1
SectionGov Code
SectionPRC
SectionHSC
SectionSection Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Appendix B Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan B101 General N B101.1 Scope N B101.2 Plan content N B101.3 Fuel modification N Appendix C Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework **_Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) CWUIC § 17A-18 High relevance — show source text
Active or energized equipment and components shall be certified exclusively on the basis of approved shake table testing in accor- dance with ICC-ES AC 156 or equivalent shake table testing criteria approved by the building official. Minimum of two equipment/components shall be tested for a product line with similar structural configuration. Where a range of products are tested,
17A-18 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
the two equipment/components shall be either the largest and a small unit, or approved alternative representative equip- ment/components.
Exception: When a single product (and not a product line with more than one product with variations) is certified and manufactur- ing process is ISO 9001 certified, one test shall be permitted.
For a multi-component system, where active or energized components are certified by tests, connecting elements, attachments and supports can be justified by supporting analysis.
1705A.14.3.1 Special seismic certification. [OSHPD 1 & 4] Special seismic certification shall be required for the following systems, equipment and components: 1. Emergency and standby power systems. 2. Elevator equipment (excluding elevator cabs). 3. Components with hazardous contents.
4. Exhaust and smoke control fans.
5. Switchgear and switchboards.
6. Motor control centers.
7. Imaging equipment needed for diagnostic services of emergency/trauma patients, a minimum of one such equipment. 8. Air conditioning units excluding Variable/Constant Air Volume (VAV/CAV) boxes up to 75 lbs. 9. Air handling units. 10. Chillers, including associated evaporators, and condensers. 11. Cooling towers.
12. Transformers.
13. Electrical substations.
14. UPS and batteries.
15. Panelboards as defined in the California Electrical Code (CEC) Article 100. 16. Industrial control panels as defined in the California Electrical Code (CEC) Article 100. 17. Power isolation and correction systems. 18. Motorized surgical lighting systems. 19. Motorized operating table systems. 20. Internal communication servers, routers and switches failure of which could impair the continued operation of the facility. 21. Medical gas and vacuum systems. 22. Electrical busways as defined in UL 857. 23. Electrical control panels powered by the life safety branch in accordance with the California Electrical Code (CEC) Article 517.33 or the critical branch in accordance with the California Electrical Code (CEC) Article 517.34.
Exceptions: 1. Equipment and components weighing not more than 75 lbs. rigidly attached to structures or surface mounted on equipment or components that are not required to have special seismic certification by this section. 2. Mobile equipment/components. 3. Pipes, ducts, conduits and cable trays, excluding in-line equipment and components. 4. Underground tanks. 5. Electric motors, base-mounted horizontal pumps and compressors. 6. Based-mounted vertical pumps up to 20 hp. 7. Substitution of certified active subcomponents up to operating weight of 10 lbs. 8. Components where importance factor, I p _,
Frequently asked questions
Who must prepare the preliminary fire protection plan?
A registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist or similar specialist acceptable to the code official must prepare the plan, per § 602.1.
Does § 602.3.1 require specific distances for fuel modification zones?
No. § 602.3.1 requires identification of fuel modification zones and the method used to identify their boundaries, but it does not prescribe specific numeric distances in that section; numeric requirements are found in referenced statutes/standards (e.g., PRC 4291) or local ordinance.
Is the preliminary plan the same as the final plan?
No. The preliminary plan must include the minimum items listed in § 602.3.1. The final plan must include those items plus the additional details listed in § 602.3.2 and must be reviewed and approved prior to start of construction per § 602.3. file
Must adjoining property owners be contacted or just described in the plan?
§ 602.3.1 requires information on the adjoining properties (uses, structures/density, vegetation, planned construction, roads, parks). It does not itself mandate notification or contact procedures in that section; notification requirements, if any, would be addressed by the authority having jurisdiction or other provisions.
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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