CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
How does the subdivision review survey process work and get implemented?
If you live in a large subdivision in a state responsibility area or very high fire hazard zone and your neighborhood has only one way out, the State Board will survey the area, recommend fixes (like a secondary road or access improvements), notify the county and residents, and keep a public list tracking whether those recommendations are implemented.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The California Wildland‑Urban Interface Code requires the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (the Board), in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, to survey local governments to identify existing subdivisions in a State Responsibility Area (SRA) or an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone that lack a secondary egress route and are at significant fire risk. This identification and follow‑up are set out in § 611.1, § 611.2, and § 611.3 of the CWUIC; the Board must also maintain a list showing implementation status of any recommendations.
The Board must find existing residential subdivisions at serious fire risk that lack a secondary egress route, propose fixes, give the recommendations to the local government and residents, and track implementation. (Plain English of the CWUIC rule.)
Key defined terms (first mention bolded)
- Subdivision — see CWUIC/related statute definition (existing residential development of more than 30 dwelling units).
- Secondary egress route — any additional exit/access route from the subdivision (CWUIC focuses on absence of a secondary egress as the risk trigger).
- Board — the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (responsible for the survey and recommendations).
Requirements in detail
Who does what (roles & responsibilities)
- The Board, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, conducts the survey of local governments and identifies qualifying subdivisions (§ 611.1).
- After identification, the Board, again in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the local government that identified the subdivision, must develop fire safety recommendations to improve safety for that subdivision (§ 611.2).
- The Board provides the final recommendations to the local government and to the residents of the subdivision, and maintains a list showing subdivisions identified and the implementation status of recommendations (§ 611.3).
Decision‑relevant dimensions and values (quick reference table)
| Decision dimension | Value / threshold | What it triggers | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subdivision size | More than 30 dwelling units | Eligible to be treated as a “subdivision” for the survey requirement | § 611.1; statute text reproduced in CWUIC (see § 4290.5(d)) |
| Location | In an SRA or an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone | Area where the Board surveys for risky subdivisions | § 611.1 |
| Egress condition | No secondary egress route | Key risk condition that makes a subdivision subject to identification | § 611.1 |
| Risk condition | Significant fire risk | Practical trigger for the Board’s concern and recommendations | § 611.1 |
| Deliverables | Written recommendations to local government and residents | Implementation planning & outreach | § 611.2 |
| Tracking | Maintain a list of identified subdivisions and implementation status | Ongoing monitoring by the Board | § 611.3 |
| Survey frequency | Every 5 years (beginning July 1, 2021) | Periodic re‑survey to capture changes/other subdivisions | § 611.4 (see CWUIC reproduction of statute) |
| Use of contractors | Board may contract independent groups to conduct the survey | Flexibility for Board staffing/outsourcing | Statutory text referenced in CWUIC (4290.5(c)) |
What recommendations can include
The CWUIC requires the Board to develop recommendations and specifically notes examples (from the underlying statute reproduced in the CWUIC), including:
- Creating secondary access to the subdivision.
- Improvements to the existing access road (widening, surfacing, alignment, clearance, structural improvements).
- Other additional fire safety measures (fuel management, signage, emergency response coordination, etc.).
(These examples are not exclusive; CWUIC § 611.2 instructs the Board to develop appropriate recommendations.)
Exceptions & special cases
- The Board may enter into contracts with an independent group to conduct the survey when appropriate; the CWUIC reproduces this authority from the statute (see § 4290.5(c)). That means a county, consultant consortium, or academic partner could run the fieldwork under Board oversight.
- The CWUIC references the statutory definition of subdivision (existing residential development of more than 30 dwelling units). Smaller developments are not captured by this specific subdivision‑survey program, although other codes or local actions may apply.
- The CWUIC text defers to the Board’s consultation with local government on both identification and development of recommendations, so subdivisions identified by a local government will be coordinated with that local government before the Board finalizes recommendations (§ 611.2).
Common mistakes
- Treating any planned or small development as a “subdivision” for this program. The CWUIC (via the statute text) limits “subdivision” to existing residential developments of more than 30 dwelling units — don’t apply the survey rules to every new subdivision automatically.
- Assuming the Board itself must build or fund improvements. The Board’s role is to identify, recommend, notify, and track implementation; the CWUIC does not require the Board to directly implement construction — local governments, property owners, or other agencies typically carry out improvements unless other funding or programs exist. § 611.2 and § 611.3 support this roles split.
- Forgetting the outreach requirement. Recommendations must be provided to both the local government that identified the subdivision and the residents — residents must receive the Board’s final recommendations.
- Missing the re‑survey interval. The Board is required to re‑survey every 5 years beginning July 1, 2021. If local conditions change, waiting for the next five‑year cycle without coordination may leave risk unaddressed.
Worked example — a concrete scenario
Scenario: Oak Ridge Estates is an existing residential development of 120 dwelling units located entirely inside a State Responsibility Area. Oak Ridge has a single paved road serving as the only ingress/egress; the road is narrow, has limited turnouts, and crosses a single narrow bridge.
- Identification: The county planning department reports Oak Ridge Estates to the Board as a subdivision meeting the CWUIC triggers (location in SRA, >30 units, no secondary egress) — matching the identification step in § 611.1.
- Survey & analysis: The Board (or a contractor under Board contract) surveys the subdivision, documents the single‑route egress, bridge choke point, and fuel conditions adjacent to the road. (Board authority to contract is in the reproduced statute text.)
- Recommendations: Under § 611.2, the Board develops recommendations that could include:
- Creating a secondary access by constructing a 0.6‑mile emergency access road connecting to the county road network;
- Improving existing access: widen the main road to 20 feet, add pullouts every 0.25 mile, and retrofit the bridge for heavy fire apparatus;
- Fuel reduction along both sides of the access road for 150 feet, and community notification/evacuation signage.
- Notification & tracking: The Board provides the final written recommendations to the county and to Oak Ridge residents (mailing, web posting, or public meeting) and records Oak Ridge Estates on the Board’s implementation list; the Board will report implementation status and will re‑survey as part of its 5‑year cycle to confirm progress. This satisfies § 611.2 and the tracking requirement of § 611.3 and the re‑survey cadence in § 611.4.
Numbers summary for the example:
- Units: 120 homes (well above the 30‑unit threshold).
- Secondary access needed: construct 0.6 mile connector; widen road to 20 ft (example engineering values — not mandated by CWUIC text but typical recommendations). CWUIC requires recommendations, not specific mandated construction dimensions.
Related provisions
- § 611.1 — Subdivision identification (Board surveys local governments).
- § 611.2 — Fire safety recommendations (Board develops and provides recommendations to local government and residents).
- § 611.3 — Implementation (Board maintains list and tracks status).
- § 611.4 — Re‑survey cadence (every 5 years beginning July 1, 2021).
- § 610.2 — Subdivision map findings (subdivision map approval findings by county; related permitting context).
- § 4290.5 (statutory text reproduced in the CWUIC) — statutory details: survey timing, ability to contract, subdivision definition (>30 dwelling units), and example recommendation types. The CWUIC reproduces this statutory language and relies on it for § 611.x content.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CWUIC § 610.2 High relevance — show source text
610.2 Subdivision map findings. Pursuant to Government Code (GC), Section 66474.02, before approving a tentative map, or a parcel map for which a tentative map was not required, for an area located in an SRA or an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as both are defined in GC Section 51177, a legislative body of a county, except as provided in GC Section 66474.02(c), shall make findings regarding compliance with the SRA Fire Safe Regulations and the availability of structural fire protection and suppression services. These findings and accompanying map shall be transmitted to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and comply with the requirements in Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 1, Article 1.
SECTION 611—SUBDIVISION REVIEW SURVEY
611.1 Subdivision identification. Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 4290.5 and Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 1, Article 2, the Board, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, shall survey local governments to identify existing subdivi- sions, as defined in Article 2, located in an SRA area or an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone without a secondary egress route that is at significant fire risk.
611.2 Fire safety recommendations. The Board, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the local government that identified the subdivision, shall develop recommendations to improve the subdivision’s fire safety. The Board shall provide the final recommendations to the local government that identified the subdivision and to the residents of the subdivision.
611.3 Implementation. The Board shall maintain a list of the subdivisions identified and the status of the implementation of the recom- mendations provided.
611.4 Re-survey. Beginning July 1, 2021, the Board shall conduct this survey every 5 years.
SECTION 612—GENERAL PLAN SAFETY ELEMENT
612.1 General. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65302(g)(3), the safety element of a city or county’s General Plan shall be reviewed and updated as necessary to address the risk of fire for land classified as SRA, as defined in Section 4102 of the Public Resources Code, and land classified as an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as defined in Section 51177.
612.2 Submission to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and local fire agencies. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65302.5(b)(1), the draft element of, or draft amendment to, the safety element of a county or a city’s general plan shall be submitted to the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and to every local agency that provides fire protection to territory in the city or county at least 90 days prior to either of the following: the adoption or amendment to the safety element of its general plan for each county that contains state responsibility areas; or the adoption or amendment to the safety element of its general plan for each city or county that contains a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone as defined pursuant to subdivision (i) of Section 51177.
CWUIC § 65302.5 High relevance — show source text
_ (3) Adoption of the board’s recommendations to improve the safety element pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 65302.5 of the Government Code.
(4) Recently developed or updated community wildfire protection plans. (c) The board shall post the “Fire Risk Reduction Community” list on its internet website.
4290.5.
(a) On or before July 1, 2021, and every five years thereafter, the board, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal, shall survey local governments, including counties, cities, and fire districts, to identify existing subdivisions located in a state responsibility area or a very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code, without a secondary egress route that are at significant fire risk. (b) (1) The board, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal and the local government that identified the subdivision, shall develop recommendations to improve the subdivision’s fire safety. The recommendations may include, but are not limited to, the following: (A) Creating secondary access to the subdivision. (B) Improvements to the existing access road. (C) Other additional fire safety measures. (2) The board shall provide the final recommendations developed pursuant to this subdivision to the local government that identified the subdivision and to the residents of the subdivision.
(c) The board may enter into contracts with an independent group to conduct the survey required in subdivision (a). (d) For purposes of this section, “subdivision” means an existing residential development of more than 30 dwelling units. (e) The board shall maintain a list of the subdivisions identified in subdivision (a) and the status of the implementation of the recommendations provided pursuant to subdivision (b).
4291.
(a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered lands, shrub-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or land that is covered with flammable material, shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a condition so that a wildfire burning under average weather conditions would be unlikely to ignite the structure. This subparagraph does not apply to single specimens of trees or other vege- tation that are well-pruned and maintained so as to effectively manage fuels and not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to a structure or from a structure to other nearby vegetation or to interrupt the advance of embers toward a structure. The intensity of fuels management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being utilized between 5 and 30 feet around the struc- ture, and an ember-resistant zone being required within 5 feet of the structure, based on regulations promulgated by the board, in consultation with the department, to consider the elimination of materials in the ember-resistant zone that would likely be ignited by embers. Consistent with fuels management objectives, steps should be taken to mini- _mize erosion, soil disturbance, and the spread of flammable nonnative grasses and weeds.
CWUIC § 21080.17. High relevance — show source text
What are considered objective standards for ministerial approval? Examples include numeric and fixed standards such as heights or setbacks, or design standards such as specified colors or materials. See also the Glossary section of this Handbook for the definition of objective standards.
What would be considered subjective standards? Subjective standards require independent judgement and are open to multiple interpretations. Language such as “privacy,” “compatibility with neighboring properties,” “promoting design harmony and balance,” “must maintain similar architecture style,” or requiring “high quality materials” are subjective and may not be imposed on ADU development (Gov. Code, § 66313, subd. (i)).
What is the process and timeline for reviewing and approving ADU and JADU applications? Under the Permit Streamlining Act, and whether or not a local agency has adopted an ordinance, a local agency has 30 calendar days to determine whether or not an ADU application is complete. If an application is deemed incomplete, the local agency must provide an exhaustive list of items that were not complete. That list shall be limited to those items actually required on the lead agency’s submittal requirement checklist. (Gov. Code, § 65943, subd. (a).)
If the application is complete, it must be approved or denied ministerially within 60 days from the date the permitting agency received the complete application (Gov. Code, §§ 66317, subd. (a); 66320, subd. (a)). Applicants are responsible for paying all applicable processing and
35
permitting fees that may be due at the time of application.
What kind of environmental review is required for ADUs and JADUs? ADUs and JADUs approved ministerially are statutorily exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15268 (Ministerial Projects) of the CEQA guidelines and Section 21080, subdivision (b)(1) of the Public Resources Code. In addition, ADUs can be categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Sections 15301 and 15303 of the CEQA guidelines, authority cited under Public Resources Code Sections 21083 and 21084. ADU and JADU ordinances are statutorily exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 21080.17.
What does ministerial review of a permit application involve? A ministerial review ensures that the permit application meets all the applicable objective standards effective at the time of the review and uses no discretionary judgment, opinion, or subjective standards. Agency staff inspect the submitted application, site plan, and building plans for compliance with applicable standards. This often means that the permitting agency (i.e., planning, building, fire departments and utilities) reviews the application using only checklists. (Gov. Code, §§ 66316, 66317, 66320.)
Can an applicant delay the 60-day timeline? Yes. If an applicant would like to request a delay on their application for any reason, they may do so. The 60-day period to approve or deny the permit shall be tolled for the period of the delay. (Gov. Code, § 66317, subd. (a).)
When is an ADU permit application “deemed approved” without formal review? An ADU permit application is “deemed approved” when the permitting agency fails to approve or deny a completed application within 60 days of receiving a completed application (Gov. Code, §§ 66317, subd. (a); 66320, subd. (a)).
CWUIC § 4290.1. Medium relevance — show source text
APPENDIX H-6 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
ridgelines to reduce fire risk and improve fire protection. The board shall, by regulation, define “ridgeline” for purposes of this subdivision.
(c) These regulations do not supersede local regulations which equal or exceed minimum regulations adopted by the state. (d) The board may enter into contracts with technical experts to meet the requirements of this section.
4290.1.
(a) On or before July 1, 2022, the board shall develop criteria for and maintain a “Fire Risk Reduction Community” list of local agen- cies located in a state responsibility area or a very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code, that meet best practices for local fire planning. (b) The board shall consider all of the following when developing the criteria for the list required under subdivision (a): (1) Compliance with the board’s regulations, including minimum fire safety standards. (2) Participation in the National Fire Protection Association’s “Firewise USA” or the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s “Fire Adapted Communities” programs. (3) Adoption of the board’s recommendations to improve the safety element pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 65302.5 of the Government Code.
(4) Recently developed or updated community wildfire protection plans. (c) The board shall post the “Fire Risk Reduction Community” list on its internet website.
4290.5.
(a) On or before July 1, 2021, and every five years thereafter, the board, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal, shall survey local governments, including counties, cities, and fire districts, to identify existing subdivisions located in a state responsibility area or a very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code, without a secondary egress route that are at significant fire risk. (b) (1) The board, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal and the local government that identified the subdivision, shall develop recommendations to improve the subdivision’s fire safety. The recommendations may include, but are not limited to, the following: (A) Creating secondary access to the subdivision. (B) Improvements to the existing access road. (C) Other additional fire safety measures. (2) The board shall provide the final recommendations developed pursuant to this subdivision to the local government that identified the subdivision and to the residents of the subdivision.
(c) The board may enter into contracts with an independent group to conduct the survey required in subdivision (a). (d) For purposes of this section, “subdivision” means an existing residential development of more than 30 dwelling units. (e) The board shall maintain a list of the subdivisions identified in subdivision (a) and the status of the implementation of the recommendations provided pursuant to subdivision (b).
4291.
CWUIC § 611.3 Medium relevance — show source text
611.3 Implementation. The Board shall maintain a list of the subdivisions identified and the status of the implementation of the recom- mendations provided.
611.4 Re-survey. Beginning July 1, 2021, the Board shall conduct this survey every 5 years.
SECTION 612—GENERAL PLAN SAFETY ELEMENT
612.1 General. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65302(g)(3), the safety element of a city or county’s General Plan shall be reviewed and updated as necessary to address the risk of fire for land classified as SRA, as defined in Section 4102 of the Public Resources Code, and land classified as an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as defined in Section 51177.
612.2 Submission to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and local fire agencies. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65302.5(b)(1), the draft element of, or draft amendment to, the safety element of a county or a city’s general plan shall be submitted to the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and to every local agency that provides fire protection to territory in the city or county at least 90 days prior to either of the following: the adoption or amendment to the safety element of its general plan for each county that contains state responsibility areas; or the adoption or amendment to the safety element of its general plan for each city or county that contains a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone as defined pursuant to subdivision (i) of Section 51177.
612.3 Review by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and local fire agencies. The State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection shall, and a local agency may, review the draft or an existing safety element and recommend changes to the planning agency within 60 days of its receipt regarding the requirements in Government Code Section 65302.5(b)(2). The review by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection is governed by Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Article 6.
612.4 Adoption of the safety element. Prior to the adoption of its draft element or draft amendment, the board of supervisors of the county or the council of a city shall consider the recommendations, if any, made by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and any local agency that provides fire protection to territory in the city or county. The board of supervisors or city council shall respond to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and any local agency providing fire protection in compliance with Government Code Section 65302.5(b)(3) and (b)(4) and Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Article 6.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 6-7
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
6-8 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 7 – REFERENCED STANDARDS
CWUIC § 609.2.6 Medium relevance — show source text
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
609.2.6 Maintenance of fuel breaks. Where a local jurisdiction requires fuel breaks, maintenance mechanisms shall be established to ensure the fire behavior objectives and thresholds are maintained over time.
The mechanisms required shall be binding upon the property for which the fuel break is established, shall ensure adequate main- tenance levels, and may include: written legal agreements; permanent fees, taxes, or assessments; assessments through a homeowners’ association; or other funding mechanisms. [CCR T14 §1276.03(g) and (h)]
609.2.7 Greenbelts, greenways, open spaces and parks. Where a greenbelt, greenway, open space, park, landscaped or natural area or portion thereof is intended to serve as a fuel break, the space or relevant portion thereof shall conform with the requirements in California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 1276.03. [CCR T14 §1276.04]
SECTION 610—FIRE SAFE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
610.1 General. Pursuant to Public Resources Code, Section 4290, all residential, commercial and industrial building construction within state responsibility areas approved after January 1, 1991, and within lands classified and designated as an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as defined in subdivision (i) of Section 51177 of the Government Code after July 1, 2021, shall comply with the SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations as specified in Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2.
610.2 Subdivision map findings. Pursuant to Government Code (GC), Section 66474.02, before approving a tentative map, or a parcel map for which a tentative map was not required, for an area located in an SRA or an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as both are defined in GC Section 51177, a legislative body of a county, except as provided in GC Section 66474.02(c), shall make findings regarding compliance with the SRA Fire Safe Regulations and the availability of structural fire protection and suppression services. These findings and accompanying map shall be transmitted to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and comply with the requirements in Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 1, Article 1.
SECTION 611—SUBDIVISION REVIEW SURVEY
611.1 Subdivision identification. Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 4290.5 and Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 1, Article 2, the Board, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, shall survey local governments to identify existing subdivi- sions, as defined in Article 2, located in an SRA area or an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone without a secondary egress route that is at significant fire risk.
611.2 Fire safety recommendations. The Board, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the local government that identified the subdivision, shall develop recommendations to improve the subdivision’s fire safety. The Board shall provide the final recommendations to the local government that identified the subdivision and to the residents of the subdivision.
CWUIC § 2.1.3 Medium relevance — show source text
2.1.3|Content|N||||||||| |104.2.1.4|Tests|N||||||||| |104.2.2|Alternative
materials, design and
methods|Y||1.11.2.4
1.11.2.5||||||| |104.2.2.1|Approval authority|N||||||||| |104.2.2.2|Application and
disposition|N||1.11.2.4
1.11.2.5||||||| |104.2.2.3|Compliance with
code intent|N||||||||| |104.2.2.4|Equivalency criteria|N||||||||| |104.2.2.5|Tests|N||||||||| |104.2.2.6|Reports|N||||||||| |104.2.2.6.1|Evaluation reports|N||||||||| |104.2.2.6.2|Other reports|N||||||||| |104.2.2.7|Peer review|N||||||||| |104.2.3|Modifications|N||||||||| |104.3|Applications and
permits|Y||||||||| |104.4|Right of entry|N||||||||| |104.4.1|Warrant|N||||||||| |104.5|Identification|N||||||||| |104.6|Notices and orders|Y||||||||| |104.7|Official records|N||||||||| |104.7.1|Approvals|N||||||||| |104.7.2|Inspections|N||||||||| |104.7.3|Code alternatives
and modifications|N||||||||| |104.7.4|Tests|N||||||||| |104.7.5|Fees|N||||||||| |104.8|Liability|Y||||||||| |104.8.1|Legal defense|Y||||||||| |104.9|Approved materials
and equipment|N||||||||| |104.9.1|Material and
equipment reuse|N||||||||| |104.10|Other agencies|N||||||||| |105|Permits|Y||||||||| |105.1|General|Y||||||||| |105.2|Permits required|Y||||||||| |105.3|Work exempt from
permit|Y||||||||| |105.4|Permit application|Y||||||||| |105.4.1|Preliminary
inspection|N||||||||| |105.4.2|Time limitation of
application|N||||||||| |105.5|Permit approval|N||||||||| |105.6|Permit issuance|N||||||||| |105.6.1|Refusal to issue a
permit|N||||||||| |105.7|Validity of permit|N||||||||| |105.8|Expiration|Y||105.5.1||||||| |105.9|Retention of permits|N|||||||||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,CWUIC § 301.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGT-24 T-19* 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt Entire Chapter Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended sections
listed below)X Adopt only those sections that
are listed below[California Code of Regulations,
Title 19, Division 1]Chapter / Section 301.1 X 301.2 X 302.1 X 302.2 X - The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, Division 1.5 provisions that are found in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are not listed in the Matrix Adoption Tables as they are not within the State Fire Marshal’s authority to adopt. These provisions are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 14, Division 1.5 text for the code user’s convenience only and are identified in the body of the code by square brackets containing references to applicable Title 14 sections.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 3-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
3-2 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
3 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREAS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 3 provides for the fundamental aspect of applying the code—the legal declaration and establishment of wildlandurban interface areas within the adopting jurisdiction, mapping of the area, periodic review and updates.
SECTION 301—GENERAL
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/NoIWUIC
SectionCBC
SectionCFC
SectionTitle 14,
Division 1.5
SectionTitle 19,
Division 1
SectionGov Code
SectionPRC
SectionHSC
SectionSection Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Chapter 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
surveyY 4909 611.1 Subdivision
identificationY 4909.1 611.2 Fire safety
recommendationsY 4909.2 611.3 Implementation Y 4909.3 611.4 Re-survey Y 4909. CWUIC § 214.15 Medium relevance — show source text
Objective Standards Standards that involve no personal or subjective judgment by a public official and are uniformly verifiable by reference to an external and uniform benchmark or criterion available and knowable by both the applicant or proponent and the public official prior to submittal. Source: Government Code section 66313, subdivision (i)
Passageway A pathway that is unobstructed, clear to the sky, and extends from a street to one entrance of the ADU. Source: Government Code section 66313, subdivision (j)
Permitting Agency Any entity that is involved in the review of a permit for an ADU or JADU, and for which there is no substitute, including, but not limited to, applicable planning departments, building departments, utilities, and special districts. Source: Government Code section 66313, subdivision (k)
Planned Development A real property development other than a community apartment project, a condominium project, or a stock cooperative, having either or both of the following features:
10
(a) Common area that is owned either by an association or in common by the owners of the separate interests who possess appurtenant rights to the beneficial use and enjoyment of the common area.
(b) Common area and an association that maintains the common area with the power to levy assessments that may become a lien upon the separate interests in accordance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 5650) of Chapter 8.
Source: Civil Code section 4175
Proposed Dwelling A dwelling that is the subject of a permit application and meets the requirements for permitting. Source: Government Code section 66313, subdivision (l)
Public Transit A location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and other forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes, and are available to the public. Source: Government Code section 66313, subdivision (m)
Qualified Buyer Persons and families of low or moderate income, as defined in Section 50093 of the Health and Safety Code. Source: Government Code section 66340, subdivision (a); Health and Safety Code section 50093
Qualified Nonprofit Corporation A nonprofit corporation organized pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that has received a welfare exemption under Section 214.15 of the Revenue and Taxation Code for properties intended to be sold to low-income families who participate in a special no-interest loan program. Source: Government Code section 66340, subdivision (b)
Reasonable Restrictions Restrictions that do not unreasonably increase the cost to construct, effectively prohibit the construction of, or extinguish the ability to otherwise construct, an ADU or JADU. Source: Civil Code section 4751, subdivision (b), and Civil Code section 714.3, subdivision (b)
Single-Family Dwelling For the purposes of State ADU Law, a single-family dwelling is a single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one family, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation, and existing as a separate interest of real property, such as a detached single-family dwelling or a townhouse.
Substandard Building Any building or portion thereof, or premises on which the building is located, in which there exists any of a long list of conditions that endanger the life, limb, health, property, safety, or welfare of the public or occupants thereof. Source: Health and Safety Code section 17920.3
CWUIC § 104.2.2.7 Medium relevance — show source text
Outbuilding 202
Peer Review 104.2.2.7, 202 Permits
Application 105.4 Approval 105.5 Expiration 105.8 Issuance 105.6 Preliminary inspection 105.4.1 Refusal to issue 105.6.1
Required 105.2 Retention 105.9
Revocation 105.10 Validity 105.7 Work exempt from permit 105.3 Placarding as Unsafe 109.3.5.3 Powers and Duties of the Code
Official 104.1
Practical Difficulties 104.2.3 Protection of Pumps and Water Storage Facilities Appendix A, A107
Rafter Tail 202 Referenced Standards 102.4, Chapter 7 Registered Design Professional 104.2.1.2, 104.2.2.6.2, 106.1, 202 Residential Unit 202 Retroactivity 101.4 Ridgelline 202 Road 202 Roof Covering 202 Roof Covering System 202 Roof Coverings, Replacement or Repair of 507
Roof Deck 202
Scope 101 Self-Defense Mechanism Appendix G Service Utilities 111
Slope 202 Spark Arrestors 605 Stop Work Order 113 Storage of Firewood and Combustible Materials 607 Strategic Ridgeline 202 Structure 202
Subdivision 202
Technical Assistance 104.2.1 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems 107 Tree Crown 202
Trees 603.4.2
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE INDEX-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
INDEX
Undeveloped Ridgeline 202 Unenclosed Accessory Structure 202
Vegetation Control Appendix A, A102 Vegetation management compliance 106.4 Vegetation Management Plan Appendix B Vents 504.10
Vertical Curve 202
Water Supply Adequate water supply 404.5 Applicability 402 Draft sites 404.3 Hydrants 404.4 Identification 404.8
Obstructions 404.7 Reliability 404.10 Required water supply 404.2 Subdivisions 402.1 Testing and maintenance 404.9 Water sources 404.2
Wildfire 202
Wildland 202
Wildland-Urban Interface Area 202
Wildland-Urban Interface Area Designations 302 Declaration 302.1
Mapping 302.2 Review 302.3
INDEX-2 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
HISTORY NOTE APPENDIX
2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 7
HISTORY:
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/NoIWUIC
SectionCBC
SectionCFC
SectionTitle 14,
Division 1.5
SectionTitle 19,
Division 1
SectionGov Code
SectionPRC
SectionHSC
SectionSection Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Chapter 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
surveyY 4909 611.1 Subdivision
identificationY 4909.1 611.2 Fire safety
recommendationsY 4909.2 611.3 Implementation Y 4909.3 611.4 Re-survey Y 4909.4 612 General plan safety
elementY 4910 612.1 General Y 4901.1 612.2 Submission to the
Board of Forestry and
Fire protection and
local fire agenciesY 4910.2 612.3 Review by the Board
of Forestry and Fire
Protection and local
fire agenciesY 4910.3 612.4 Adoption of the Safety
elementY 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 decides whether a subdivision is “at significant fire risk”?
The Board (in consultation with the State Fire Marshal and the local government) identifies which subdivisions meet the “significant fire risk” condition during the survey process per § 611.1.
Does the Board fund the construction of recommended improvements?
No. The CWUIC requires the Board to develop and provide recommendations and to track implementation; it does not require the Board to fund or directly construct improvements. Local governments, property owners, or other funding programs normally carry out implementation. § 611.2 and § 611.3 explain the Board’s role.
How often will the Board re‑check previously identified subdivisions?
The Board conducts the survey every 5 years (beginning July 1, 2021), so previously identified subdivisions will be revisited on that cadence unless other actions occur in the interim. § 611.4 (statutory text reproduced in CWUIC).
What size of development is covered by this subdivision survey?
The CWUIC reproduces the statute defining “subdivision” for this program as an existing residential development of more than 30 dwelling units. Smaller developments are not covered by this specific survey program.
Can the Board use outside consultants to run the survey?
Yes — the statute reproduced in the CWUIC allows the Board to enter into contracts with an independent group to conduct the survey.
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)
Ask about the CWUIC
Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.
Start Free Trial