CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

When is a fire protection plan required and who must prepare it?

The CWUIC gives the code official authority to require a fire protection plan from an owner or their agent; the plan must be prepared by an approved professional (RDP, landscape architect, or qualified fire specialist), be project‑specific (addressing hazard assessment, access, water, and fuel reduction), and the final plan must be approved before construction starts (see **§602.1**, **§602.2**, **§602.3**).

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

The code official is authorized to require an owner or the owner’s authorized agent to provide a fire protection plan to evaluate wildfire risk and the acceptability of fire protection and life‑safety measures for a property. The requirement and the authority to require a preliminary plan are set out in §602.1 of the CWUIC. The plan must be prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist, or a similar specialist acceptable to the code official, and it must analyze wildfire risk and recommend mitigation measures. §602.1

The single most important rule: the code official can require a fire protection plan (preliminary and/or final) and decides who prepares it; the plan must be prepared by an approved professional who analyzes wildfire risk. §602.1

Requirements in detail

Who may be required to submit a plan

  • The owner or the owner’s authorized agent is the party the code official may require to provide a fire protection plan. §602.1

Who must prepare the plan

  • The plan shall be prepared by one of the following (or a similar specialist acceptable to the code official):
    • Registered design professional
    • Qualified landscape architect
    • Qualified fire safety specialist
    • Or a similar specialist acceptable to the code official. §602.1

What the plan must do (scope)

  • The fire protection plan is intended to determine the acceptability of fire protection and life‑safety measures and to analyze the property’s wildfire risk to recommend necessary changes. §602.1
  • The plan must be based on a project‑specific wildfire hazard assessment considering location, topography, aspect, climatic and fire history and must identify conformance with applicable state wildfire regulations and more restrictive local ordinances. §602.2
  • The plan must address fire department access, egress, road and address signage, water supply, and fuel reduction/defensible space consistent with PRC 4290, PRC 4291 (or Gov. Code 51182), and applicable building codes. §602.2

Timing and review

  • The code official can require a preliminary fire protection plan before a final plan is submitted. §602.1
  • The final fire protection plan must be reviewed and approved prior to the start of construction. §602.3

Decision dimensions — quick reference table

Decision dimension Values / Who it applies to Who decides / notes Code Reference
Who may be ordered to submit a plan Owner or owner’s authorized agent Code official may require submission §602.1
Who prepares the plan Registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist, or similar specialist acceptable to the code official Must be acceptable to code official §602.1
Preliminary plan Optional — may be required before final plan Code official can require a preliminary plan §602.1
Required content (high level) Wildfire hazard assessment: location, topography, aspect, climatic & fire history; access, egress, signage, water supply, fuel reduction/defensible space Project-specific; should identify conformance with state regs and local ordinances §602.2
Timing for final plan Must be reviewed and approved prior to start of construction Code official review/approval required §602.3

Exceptions & special cases

  • The CWUIC does not list fixed numeric thresholds (acreage, number of units, etc.) that automatically trigger the requirement; instead, the code official has discretionary authority to require a plan for the owner or owner’s agent. This discretionary authority is explicit in §602.1 .
  • A preliminary fire protection plan may be requested by the code official before the final plan is submitted — treat this as part of the submittal/approval workflow when requested. §602.1
  • The plan must demonstrate conformance with applicable state wildfire regulations (PRC 4290 / 4291 or Gov. Code 51182) and any more restrictive local ordinances; where local rules are stricter they control. §602.2

If you need a list of numeric triggers (for example, when a local jurisdiction has adopted mandatory thresholds for plans), those thresholds are not specified in §602 / §602.1 and must be checked with the adopting jurisdiction or local amendments — the CWUIC text here is silent on numeric triggers. §602.1

Common mistakes

  • Assuming the CWUIC establishes an automatic numeric threshold (e.g., X acres or Y units) that always requires a plan. The CWUIC gives the code official discretionary authority rather than a specific numeric trigger in §602.1.
  • Submitting a plan prepared by someone not approved by the code official (e.g., an unqualified consultant). The plan must be prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, or qualified fire safety specialist, or someone the code official accepts. §602.1
  • Waiting to submit the fire protection plan until after construction starts — the final plan must be reviewed and approved prior to the start of construction. §602.3
  • Failing to address the project‑specific wildfire hazard assessment elements (location, topography, aspect, climate/fire history) or failing to demonstrate conformance with PRC/Gov Code requirements referenced in §602.2.

Worked example — applying the rule with numbers (illustrative)

Scenario: A developer proposes a 20‑lot subdivision on a 12.5‑acre parcel in a mapped wildland‑urban interface area. The site has steep >30% slopes on the uphill side, a single access road, and no nearby hydrants.

How the CWUIC applies:

  1. The local code official reviews the project and, because of the site constraints (single access, steep slopes, limited water), exercises authority under §602.1 to require a fire protection plan from the owner or owner’s authorized agent. §602.1
  2. The code official specifies the plan must be prepared by a registered design professional or qualified fire safety specialist acceptable to the jurisdiction (per §602.1). The developer retains a fire safety specialist and a civil engineer (RDP). §602.1
  3. The specialist prepares a plan that includes a project‑specific wildfire hazard assessment covering location, topography, aspect, and climatic/fire history, addresses fire department access (e.g., road width, turnarounds), egress, address signage, water supply (hydrant spacing or site storage), and fuel reduction/defensible space strategies. These elements are the content expectations under §602.2. §602.2
  4. The code official may ask for a preliminary fire protection plan first to identify major issues, and then require a final plan that must be reviewed and approved prior to start of construction under §602.3. §602.1, §602.3

Notes: the numeric values in this scenario (20 lots, 12.5 acres, 30% slope) are illustrative; the CWUIC sections cited do not set an automatic numerical trigger — they give the code official the authority to require a plan and set the qualifications and required content. §602.1, §602.2

Related provisions

  • §602.2 — Contents required for a fire protection plan (project‑specific hazard assessment; access, water supply, fuel reduction; conformance with state regs).
  • §602.3 — Project information and requirement that the final fire protection plan be reviewed and approved before construction.
  • §602.3.1 — Minimum items required in a preliminary fire protection plan (project size, adjoining property info, mapping and fuel‑modification zones).
  • §603 — Vegetation plan requirements (closely linked to fuel reduction elements referenced in §602.2).
  • §604 — Maintenance of defensible space (related to long‑term implementation of measures identified in fire protection plans).

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.

    2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 6-3

  • 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 § 3302.1.1 High relevance — show source text

    3302.1.1 Components of site safety plans. Site safety plans shall include the following, as applicable:

    1. Name and contact information of site safety director.

    2. Documentation of the training of the site safety director and fire watch personnel.

    3. Procedures for reporting emergencies.

    4. Fire department vehicle access routes.

    5. Location of fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.

    6. Smoking and cooking policies, designated areas to be used where approved, and signage locations in accordance with the California Fire Code.

    7. Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.

    8. Hot-work permit plan.

    9. Plans for control of combustible waste material.

    10. Locations and methods for storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials.

    11. Provisions for site security and, where required, for a fire watch.

    12. Changes that affect this plan.

    13. Other site-specific information required by the California Fire Code .

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    SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION

    3302.2 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.

    3302.3 Daily fire safety inspection. The site safety director shall be responsible for the 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. 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 for on-site inspection and review.

    1. Any contractors entering the site to perform hot work each day have been instructed in the hot work safety requirements in the California Fire Code, and hot work is performed only in areas approved by the site safety director.

    2. Temporary heating equipment is maintained away from combustible materials in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.

    3. Combustible debris, rubbish and waste material is removed from the building in areas where work is not being performed.

    4. Temporary wiring does not have exposed conductors.

    5. Flammable liquids and other hazardous materials are stored in locations that have been approved by the site safety director when not involved in work that is being performed.

    6. Fire apparatus access roads required by the California Fire Code are maintained clear of obstructions that reduce the width of the usable roadway to less than 20 feet (6096 mm).

    7. Fire hydrants are clearly visible from access roads and are not obstructed.

    8. The location of fire department connections to standpipe and in-service sprinkler systems are clearly identifiable from the access road and such connections are not obstructed.

    9. Standpipe systems are in service and continuous to the highest work floor, as specified in Section 3311.

    10. Portable fire extinguishers are available in locations required by Section 3309 and for roofing operations in accordance with the California Fire Code .

    11. Where a fire watch is required, fire watch records complying with the California Fire Code are up-to-date.

  • CWUIC § 2810.1 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 2810 —OUTDOOR STORAGE OF PALLETS AT PALLET MANUFACTURING AND RECYCLING FACILITIES

    2810.1 General. The outside storage of wood pallets and wood composite pallets on the same site as a pallet manufacturing or pallet recycling facility shall comply with Sections 2810.2 through 2810.11.

    2810.2 Site plan. Each site shall maintain a current site plan. The site plan shall be submitted to the fire code official for approval and contain all of the following:

    1. Lot lines.

    2. Utilities.

    3. Size, location and type of construction of the buildings on the property.

    4. Presence of the fire protection systems.

    5. Water supply sources for firefighting purposes.

    6. Location of hazardous material storage areas.

    7. Location of pallet storage.

    8. Equipment protected with a dust collection system.

    9. Fire apparatus access roads.

    10. Designated smoking areas.

    11. Location of fire alarm control panels.

    2810.3 Fire prevention plan. The owner or owner’s authorized representative shall submit a fire prevention plan for review and approval by the fire code official that includes all of the following:

    1. Frequency of walk-through inspections to verify compliance with the plan.
    2. Hot work permit program in accordance with Chapter 35.
    3. Preventative maintenance program for equipment associated with pallet activities.
    4. Inspection, testing and maintenance of fire protection systems in accordance with Chapter 9.

    2810.4 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The owner or owner’s authorized representative shall prepare and train employees in an approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Chapter 4.

    2810.5 Security management plan. The owner or owner’s authorized representative shall prepare a security management plan based on a security risk assessment and shall make the plan and assessment available to the fire code official upon request.

    2810.6 Clearance to property line. Stacks of pallets shall not be stored within 0.75 times the stack height or 8 feet (2438 mm) of the property line, whichever is greater, or shall comply with Section 2810.11.

    2810.7 Clearance to important buildings. Stacks of pallets shall not be stored within 0.75 times the stack height of any important building on site, or shall comply with Section 2810.11.

    2810.8 Height. Pallet stacks shall not exceed 20 feet (6096 mm) in height.

    2810.9 Fire flow. Fire-flow requirements for the site shall be determined by the fire code official.

    2810.10 Portable fire extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be selected, installed and maintained in accordance with Section 906.

    2810.11 Alternative approach. Where approved by the fire code official, pallet stacks are permitted to be located closer to a property line or structure than as required by Sections 2810.6 and 2810.7 where additional fire protection is provided, including, but not limited to, the following:

    1. The storage yard areas and materials-handling equipment selection, design, and arrangement are based on an approved risk assessment.

    2. Automatic fire detection that transmits an alarm to a supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72.

    3. Fire apparatus access roads around all storage areas.

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    CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 29 – MANUFACTURE OF ORGANIC COATINGS

  • CWUIC § 1505.1.2 High relevance — show source text

    1
    1505.1.2||||||| |Chapter 6|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements| |601|General|Y||||||||| |601.1|Scope|Y||||||||| |601.2|Objective|Y|||4901.1|||||| |601.3|Chapter 6 definitions|Y||||||1299.02(a)||| |602|Fire protection plans|Y|||4903|||||| |602.1|General|Y|||4903.1|||||| |602.2|Contents|Y|||4903.2|||||| |602.3|Project information|Y|||4903.2.1|||||| |602.3.1|Preliminary fire
    protection plan|Y|||4903.2.1.1|||||| |602.3.2|Fire protection plan|Y|||4903.2.1.2|||||| |603|Vegetation plan|Y|||4906|||||| |603.1|General|Y|||4906.1|||||| |603.2|Application|Y|||4906.2||||51182(a)|| |603.3|Landscape plans|Y|||4906.3|||||| |603.3.1|Contents|Y|||4906.3.1||3.07(b)(2)||51182(a)|4291| |603.4|Vegetation|Y|||4906.4||||||

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    APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

    2025 CWUIC—continued Col2 Adopted
    Yes/No    		 IWUIC
    Section    		 CBC
    Section    		 CFC
    Section    		 Title 14,
    Division 1.5
    Section    		 Title 19,
    Division 1
    Section    		 Gov Code
    Section    		 PRC
    Section    		 HSC
    Section
    Section Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title
    Chapter 6 Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements
    603.4.1 Shrubs Y 4906.4.1
    603.4.2 Trees Y 4906.4.2 1299.03 3.07(b)(3)
    603.4.2.1 Nonfire-smart
    vegetation    		 Y 4906.4.2.1
    604 Maintenance of
    defensible space    		 Y 4907
    604.
  • CWUIC § 4902.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    01(i)||||| ||Exterior wall assembly|Y||702A||||||| ||Exterior wall covering|Y||702A||||||| ||Fire chief|Y||||||||| ||Fire code official|Y|||202|||||| ||Fire flow calculation
    area|Y||||||||| ||Fire hazard severity
    zones|Y||702A|4902.1|||2201||| ||Fire protection plan|Y||702A|4902.1|||||| ||Fire weather|Y||||||||| ||Fire-resistance-rated
    construction|Y||||||||| ||Fire-smart vegetation|Y|||4902.1|1271.01||||| ||Flame spread index|Y||||||||| ||Fuel|Y||||||||4291(a)(1)(A)| ||Fuel break_(T14)|Y||||1270.01(n)||||| ||Fuel modification|Y||||||||| ||Fuel mosaic|Y||||||||| ||Fuel-loading|Y||||||||| ||Green belt(T14)|Y||||1270.01(o)||||| ||Greenways (T14)|Y||||1270.01(p)||||| ||Hammerhead/T (T14)|Y||||1270.01(q)||||| ||Hazardous land use
    (T14)_|Y||||1270.01(r)||||| ||Hazardous materials|Y||||||||| ||Heavy timber
    construction|Y||||||||| ||Ignition-resistant
    building material|Y||||||||| ||Local responsibility
    area (LRA)|Y||702A|4902.1|||||| ||Log wall construction|Y|||||||||

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    APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

    2025 CWUIC—continued Col2 Adopted
    Yes/No    		 IWUIC
    Section    		 CBC
    Section    		 CFC
    Section    		 Title 14,
    Division 1.5
    Section    		 Title 19,
    Division 1
    Section    		 Gov Code
    Section    		 PRC
    Section    		 HSC
    Section
    Section Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title
    Chapter 2 Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions Definitions
    Multilayered glazed
    panels    		 Y
    Noncombustible roof
    covering    		 Y
    Outbuilding (T14) Y 1299.02(c)
    Peer review Y
    Rafter tail Y 702A
    Registered design
    professional    		 Y
    Residential unit (T14) Y 1270.01(w)
    Ridgeline
    (topography) (T14)    		 Y 1270.01(x)
    Road (T14) Y 1270.
  • CWUIC § 1-2 Medium 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

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    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:

    1. Fire service access to the property that is to be protected, including fire apparatus access roads and off-road driveways.

    2. Premises identification.

  • CWUIC § 403.11.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    403.11.3.1 Number of crowd managers. Not fewer than two trained crowd managers, and not fewer than one trained crowd manager for each 250 persons or portion thereof, shall be provided for the gathering.

    Exceptions:

    1. Outdoor events with fewer than 1,000 persons in attendance shall not require crowd managers.
    2. Assembly occupancies used exclusively for religious worship with an occupant load not exceeding 1,000 shall not require crowd managers.
    3. The number of crowd managers shall be reduced where, in the opinion of the fire code official, the fire protection provided by the facility and the nature of the event warrant a reduction.

    403.11.3.2 Training. Training for crowd managers shall be approved.

    403.11.3.3 Duties. The duties of crowd managers shall include, but not be limited to:

    1. Conduct an inspection of the area of responsibility and identify and address any egress barriers.
    2. Conduct an inspection of the area of responsibility to identify and mitigate any fire hazards.
    3. Verify compliance with all permit conditions, including those governing pyrotechnics and other special effects.
    4. Direct and assist the event attendees in evacuation during an emergency.
    5. Assist emergency response personnel where requested.
    6. Other duties required by the fire code official.
    7. Other duties as specified in the fire safety plan.

    403.12 Organized camps. Group C occupancies shall comply with the requirements of Sections 403.12.1 through 403.12.3.

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    EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS

    403.12.1 Staff training and evacuation plan. Every organized camp shall institute fire training programs for all employees in the use of all fire extinguishing equipment and methods of evacuation, and shall establish procedures which shall, as far as possible, be followed in the event of fire or any other emergency. If located in a forest area a plan shall be prepared for the evacuation of the camp in case of an approaching forest fire or other emergency.

    403.12.2 Resident training. Within 24 hours after arrival, every group of persons attending an organized camp shall be made famil- iar with the method by which the fire alarm may be activated and with the procedures to be followed upon notification of fire.

    403.12.3 Fire drills. At least 1 fire drill shall be held within 24 hours of the commencement of each camping session. Additional drills shall be conducted at least once each week thereafter. When sessions exceed a 7-day period, at least 1 drill shall be held during night- time sleeping hours.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(c)(1)] Fire Drills. (Organized Camps)

    (c) Organized Camps. (1) Every organized camp shall institute fire training programs for all employees in the use of all fire extinguishing equip- ment and methods of evacuation, and shall establish procedures which shall, as far as possible, be followed in the event of fire or any other emergency. If located in a forest area a plan shall be prepared for the evacuation of the camp in case of an approaching forest fire or other emergency.

    SECTION 404—FIRE SAFETY, EVACUATION AND LOCKDOWN PLANS

  • CWUIC § 7.5 Medium relevance — show source text

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

    APPENDIX H-22 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

    2025 CWUIC—continued Col2 Adopted
    Yes/No    		 IWUIC
    Section    		 CBC
    Section    		 CFC
    Section    		 Title 14,
    Division 1.5
    Section    		 Title 19,
    Division 1
    Section    		 Gov Code
    Section    		 PRC
    Section    		 HSC
    Section
    Section Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title
    Chapter 1 _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration _Division II—_Scope and Administration
    105.10 Revocation of permits Y
    106 Construction
    documents    		 Y
    106.1 General Y 107.1
    106.2 Information on plans
    and specifications    		 Y
    106.3 Site plan Y
    106.4 Vegetation manage-
    ment_compliance_    		 Y 701A.5
    106.5 Fire protection plan Y
    106.6 Other data and
    substantiation    		 N
    106.7 Vicinity plan Y
    106.8 Retention of plans Y 1.11.3.5
    106.9 Examination of
    documents    		 N
    106.
  • CWUIC § 4.420 Medium relevance — show source text

    410|≥4.420|NA|AHRI
    550/590| |Water
    source
    electri-
    cally
    operated
    positive
    displace-
    ment|<75|≤0.7885
    FL
    ≤0.6316
    IPLV.IP|≤0.7875
    FL
    ≤0.5145
    IPLV.IP|75/655|NA|NA|NA|≥3.550|NA|NA|NA|6.150|6.150| |Water
    source
    electri-
    cally
    operated
    positive
    displace-
    ment|≥75
    and
    <150|≤0.7579
    FL
    ≤0.5895
    IPLV.IP|≤0.7140
    FL
    ≤0.4620
    IPLV.IP|54/445|≥4.640|≥3.680|≥2.680|NA|≥8.330|≥6.410|≥4.420|NA|NA| |Water
    source
    electri-
    cally
    operated
    positive
    displace-
    ment|≥75
    and
    <150|≤0.7579
    FL
    ≤0.5895
    IPLV.IP|≤0.7140
    FL
    ≤0.4620
    IPLV.IP|75/655|NA|NA|NA|≥3.550|NA|NA|NA|6.150|6.150| |Water
    source
    electri-
    cally
    operated
    positive
    displace-
    ment|≥150
    and
    <300|≤0.6947
    FL
    ≤0.5684
    IPLV.IP|≤0.7140
    FL
    ≤0.4620
    IPLV.IP|54/445|≥4.640|≥3.680|≥2.680|NA|≥8.330|≥6.410|≥4.420|NA|NA| |Water
    source
    electri-
    cally
    operated
    positive
    displace-
    ment|≥150
    and
    <300|≤0.6947
    FL
    ≤0.5684
    IPLV.IP|≤0.7140
    FL
    ≤0.4620
    IPLV.IP|75/655|NA|NA|NA|≥3.550|NA|NA|NA|6.150|6.150| |Water
    source
    electri-
    cally
    operated
    positive
    displace-
    ment|≥300
    and
    <600|≤0.6421
    FL
    ≤0.5474
    IPLV.IP|≤0.6563
    FL
    ≤0.4305
    IPLV.IP|54/445|≥4.930|≥3.960|≥2.970|NA|≥8.900|≥6.

  • CWUIC § 1276.01 Medium relevance — show source text

    1_|Intent|Y||||1276.01||||| |608.2|General|Y||||1276.01(a)||||| |608.2.1|Setback reduction|Y||||1276.01(b)||||| |609|Ridgelines,
    Fuel Breaks and
    Greenbelts|Y||||1276.02||||4290(a)| |609.1|Ridgelines|Y||||1276.02||||| |609.2|Fuel breaks|Y||||1276.03
    1276.03(a)||||| |609.2.1|Exposures|Y||||1276.03(b)||||| |609.2.2|Fire department
    access|Y||||1276.03(c)||||| |609.2.3|Location of fuel breaks|Y||||1276.03(d)||||| |609.2.4|Timing|Y||||1276.03(e)||||| |609.2.5|Construction|Y||||1276.03(f)||||| |609.2.6|Maintenance of fuel
    breaks|Y||||1276.03(g)
    1276.03(h)||||| |609.2.7|Greenbelts, green-
    ways, open spaces
    and parks|Y||||1276.04
    1276.04(a)||||| |610|Fire safe develop-
    ment regulations|Y|||4908|||||| |610.1|General|Y|||4908.1|||||| |610.2|Subdivision map
    findings|Y|||4908.2||||||

    2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX H-31

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

    2025 CWUIC—continued Col2 Adopted
    Yes/No    		 IWUIC
    Section    		 CBC
    Section    		 CFC
    Section    		 Title 14,
    Division 1.5
    Section    		 Title 19,
    Division 1
    Section    		 Gov Code
    Section    		 PRC
    Section    		 HSC
    Section
    Section Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title
    Chapter 6 Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements
    611 Subdivision review
    survey    		 Y 4909
    611.1 Subdivision
    identification    		 Y 4909.1
    611.2 Fire safety
    recommendations    		 Y 4909.2
    611.3 Implementation Y 4909.3
    611.4 Re-survey Y 4909.
  • CWUIC § 1.5 Medium relevance — show source text

    2||||||

    2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX H-31

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

    2025 CWUIC—continued Col2 Adopted
    Yes/No    		 IWUIC
    Section    		 CBC
    Section    		 CFC
    Section    		 Title 14,
    Division 1.5
    Section    		 Title 19,
    Division 1
    Section    		 Gov Code
    Section    		 PRC
    Section    		 HSC
    Section
    Section Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title
    Chapter 6 Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements Fire protection requirements
    611 Subdivision review
    survey    		 Y 4909
    611.1 Subdivision
    identification    		 Y 4909.1
    611.2 Fire safety
    recommendations    		 Y 4909.2
    611.3 Implementation Y 4909.3
    611.4 Re-survey Y 4909.4
    612 General plan safety
    element    		 Y 4910
    612.1 General Y 4901.1
    612.2 Submission to the
    Board of Forestry and
    Fire protection and
    local fire agencies    		 Y 4910.2
    612.3 Review by the Board
    of Forestry and Fire
    Protection and local
    fire agencies    		 Y 4910.3
    612.4 Adoption of the Safety
    element    		 Y 4910.4
    Chapter 7 Referenced standards Referenced standards Referenced standards Referenced standards Referenced standards Referenced standards Referenced standards Referenced standards Referenced standards Referenced standards
    AASHTO HB—2022 Y Ch 80
    ASTM D638 Y 708A.

Frequently asked questions

Who ultimately decides whether I must submit a fire protection plan?

The code official has the authority to require the owner or owner’s authorized agent to provide a fire protection plan under §602.1.

Must the plan always be prepared by an engineer?

No. The plan must be prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist, or a similar specialist acceptable to the code official — not strictly an engineer — per §602.1.

Is there a standard checklist the plan must follow?

The CWUIC requires a project‑specific wildfire hazard assessment and that the plan address access, egress, signage, water supply, and fuel reduction/defensible space; see §602.2 for these content areas. Specific checklists may be required by the adopting jurisdiction or the code official.

Can the code official require a preliminary plan?

Yes. The code official is expressly authorized to require a preliminary fire protection plan before a final plan is submitted under §602.1.

When must the final plan be approved?

The final fire protection plan must be reviewed and approved prior to start of construction under §602.3.

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What must be included in a preliminary fire protection plan?

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California Wildland-Urban Interface Code