CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

What adoption steps, required responses, and implementation responsibilities apply after review?

Before a city or county adopts or amends its General Plan safety element it must consider recommendations from the State Board of Forestry (and local fire agencies) and provide the formal response required by state law; the State Board will maintain implementation tracking and will re‑survey identified subdivisions every five years.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

Before a city or county adopts a draft safety element (or amendment), the governing body must consider recommendations made by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and any local fire-protection agency and must respond in the manner required by state law and Title 14 procedures — see § 612.4. The CWUIC also directs the Board to re‑survey identified subdivisions on a periodic basis — beginning July 1, 2021, and thereafter every 5 years — see § 611.4. The Board is charged with maintaining a list of subdivisions and the implementation status of recommendations it previously provided (see § 611.3 for implementation tracking).

The single most important rule: before adopting a safety element or amendment the local legislative body must consider the Board’s (and local fire agency’s) recommendations and formally respond as required by state law.

Requirements in detail

Core duties triggered after review (plain-English)

The local board of supervisors or city council must consider any recommendations from the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and local fire agencies before adoption of the draft safety element or amendment, and must respond in compliance with Government Code Section 65302.5(b)(3) and (b)(4) and Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Article 6 — see § 612.4.
The State Board must maintain a list of identified subdivisions and the status of implementation of the recommendations it provided (implementation tracking) — see § 611.3.
The State Board must re‑survey every 5 years, beginning July 1, 2021 (periodic reassessment) — see § 611.4.

Decision-relevant dimensions (table)

Decision item	What must happen	Who is responsible	Timing / Threshold	Code Reference
Consider recommendations	Evaluate and incorporate (or explain why not) recommendations from the State Board and local fire agencies before adoption	Local legislative body (board of supervisors or city council)	Prior to adoption of the draft safety element or amendment	§ 612.4
Respond to reviewers	Provide the formal response required by Government Code §65302.5(b)(3) & (b)(4) and Title 14 Article 6	Local legislative body	As required by those statutes/procedures (see related provisions)	§ 612.4
Review period (context)	State Board (and local agencies) may review and recommend changes to the draft or existing safety element	State Board of Forestry and local fire agencies	Review recommendations are issued within 60 days of receipt (see § 612.3 for review timing)	§ 612.3
Maintain implementation status	Keep a list of subdivisions identified and the status of implementing recommendations	State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection	Ongoing — maintain current status	§ 611.3
Re‑survey	Conduct the survey of identified subdivisions again	State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection	Every 5 years, beginning July 1, 2021	§ 611.4

Implementation responsibilities — who does what

Local legislative body (city council / board of supervisors): Must consider the State Board’s and local fire agency’s recommendations and furnish the formal response required by the cited Government Code and Title 14 rules before adopting a draft safety element or amendment (§ 612.4).
State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection: Performs review (see § 612.3), maintains the implementation/status list of subdivisions and recommendations (§ 611.3), and performs the scheduled 5‑year re‑survey beginning July 1, 2021 (§ 611.4).
Local fire-protection agencies: May review and recommend changes to the draft or existing safety element; their recommendations must also be considered by the adopting legislative body before adoption (§ 612.3 and § 612.4).

Exceptions & special cases

The CWUIC text in § 612.4 does not itself spell out the precise content or deadlines of the required response; it requires that the local legislative body respond “in compliance with Government Code Section 65302.5(b)(3) and (b)(4) and Title 14… Article 6.” You must consult those statutes and Title 14 procedures for the exact response format and timing — the CWUIC references them but does not reproduce their full text. § 612.4
A local agency may perform the review in addition to the State Board; where local agencies provide recommendations, the local legislative body must likewise consider and respond to those agencies as required by § 612.4.

Common mistakes

Assuming “consider” means automatic adoption. The code requires consideration and a formal response — not necessarily adoption of every recommendation (but the adopting body must document its consideration and respond per law). § 612.4
Failing to consult the underlying Government Code / Title 14 procedures for response content and timing. The CWUIC references those authorities but does not replace them. § 612.4
Not tracking implementation status of recommendations. The Board is explicitly directed to maintain that list and status (implementation tracking) in § 611.3; local jurisdictions should coordinate with the Board to ensure statuses are accurate.
Missing the periodic re‑survey cycle: the re‑survey interval is every 5 years, beginning July 1, 2021 — jurisdictions and stakeholders should expect follow‑up survey activity on that schedule. § 611.4

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: The City of Oakridge prepares a draft safety element amendment and submits it for review.

Submission and review: Oakridge submits its draft to the State Board and local fire agencies per the submission rules in Chapter 612 (see § 612.2). The State Board reviews and returns recommendations within 60 days of receipt (context from § 612.3).
Consideration before adoption: Before the city council adopts the amendment, the council must consider the State Board’s and local fire agency’s recommendations and respond as required by the referenced Government Code/Title 14 authorities (per § 612.4). That response should document which recommendations were accepted, modified, or declined and cite the legal rationale.
Tracking and follow-up: Separately, if the State Board had previously identified subdivisions in Oakridge for special attention, the Board will have a record (list and implementation status) and will re‑survey those areas on the Board’s 5‑year cycle (next re‑survey schedule determined from § 611.4). Oakridge should coordinate with the Board to ensure implementation updates are captured in the Board’s list.

Related provisions

§ 612.1 — General requirement for safety element review and update (context for § 612.4).
§ 612.2 — Draft submission requirements to the Board and local fire agencies (90‑day prior submission requirement referenced in the CWUIC).
§ 612.3 — Review timing and authority: State Board shall review and recommend changes within 60 days; local agency may also review.
§ 611.3 — Implementation: Board shall maintain a list of identified subdivisions and the status of implementation of recommendations.
§ 611.4 — Re‑survey: Board shall conduct the survey every 5 years, beginning July 1, 2021.

Code references

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

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.

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CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 7 – REFERENCED STANDARDS

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:

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

CWUIC § 4-1 Medium relevance — show source text
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4 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS

User notes:

About this chapter: Chapter 4 provides requirements that 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.
3. Key boxes to provide ready access to properties secured by gated roadways or other impediments to rapid fire service access.
4. Fire protection water supplies, including adequate water sources, pumper apparatus drafting sites, fire hydrant systems and system reliability.
5. Fire department access to equipment such as fire suppression equipment and fire hydrants.
SECTION 401—GENERAL

401.1 Scope. Wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with emergency vehicle access and water supply in accordance with this chapter.

401.2 Objective. The objective of this chapter is to establish the minimum requirements for emergency vehicle access and water supply for buildings and structures located in the wildland-urban interface areas.

401.3 General safety precautions. General safety precautions shall be in accordance with this chapter. See also Appendix A.

SECTION 402—APPLICABILITY

402.1 Subdivisions. Subdivisions shall comply with Sections 402.1.1 and 402.1.2.

402.1.1 Access. New subdivisions, as determined by this jurisdiction, shall be provided with fire apparatus access roads in accordance with the California Fire Code; the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 2; and access requirements in accordance with Section 403.

402.1.2 Water supply. New subdivisions as determined by this jurisdiction shall be provided with water supply in accordance with Section 507 of the California Fire Code; California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 4; and Section 404.

402.1.2.1 Parcel map approval. Water supply requirements shall apply in the tentative and parcel map process when new parcels are approved by the local jurisdiction.

402.2 Individual structures. Individual structures shall comply with Sections 402.2.1 and 402.2.2.

402.2.1 Access. Individual structures hereafter constructed or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with fire apparatus access in accordance with the California Fire Code; the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Subsection 1273; and Section 403 .

402.2.2 Water supply. Individual structures hereafter constructed or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with a conforming water supply in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 4; California Fire Code Section 507; and Section 404.

CWUIC § 1-2 Medium relevance — show source text

CHAPTER TOPICS	Col2
CHAPTER	SUBJECT
1-2	Administration and Definitions
3-4	Wildland-Urban Interface Area Designation and Requirements
5	Building Construction Regulations
6	Fire Protection Requirements
7	Referenced Standards
Appendices A-I	Adoptable and Informational Appendices

Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.

Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.

Chapter 2 Definitions.

Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.

Chapter 3 Wildland-Urban Interface Areas.

Chapter 3 provides for the fundamental aspect of applying the code—the legal declaration and establishment of wildland-urban interface areas within the adopting jurisdiction, mapping of the area, periodic review and updates.

Chapter 4 Wildland-Urban Interface Area Requirements.

The requirements of Chapter 4 apply to all occupancies in the wildland-urban interface and pertain to all of the following:

Fire service access to the property that is to be protected, including fire apparatus access roads and off-road driveways.
Premises identification.
Key boxes to provide ready access to properties secured by gated roadways or other impediments to rapid fire service access.
Fire protection water supplies, including adequate water sources, pumper apparatus drafting sites, fire hydrant systems and system reliability.
Fire department access to equipment such as fire suppression equipment and fire hydrants.

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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CWUIC § 1-3 Medium relevance — show source text
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

1.11 Office of the State Fire Marshal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

1.12 Board of Forestry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

PART 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

101 Scope and General Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

104 Duties and Powers of the Code Official . . . . . . . . . 1-17

105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19

106 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

107 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems . . . . . . 1-21
CWUIC § 1.5 Medium relevance — show source text
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.

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1 ADMINISTRATION

DIVISION I

CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 1.1—GENERAL

1.1.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as “this code.” The California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is Part 7 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publica- tion of the adoptions, amendment, and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part incorporates by adoption of the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code of the International Code Council (ICC) with necessary California amendments.

1.1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish minimum requirements to reduce the likelihood of life and property loss due to a wildfire through the use of performance and prescriptive requirements for construction and development in all Fire Hazard Severity Zones in State Responsibility Areas (SRA), and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, and increase the ability of buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within State Responsibility Areas (SRA), or Wildland-Urban Inter- face (WUI) Areas, to resist the intrusion of flames or burning embers projected by a vegetation fire and contributes to a systematic reduction in conflagration losses and reduce the likelihood of life and property loss due to a wildfire.

1.1.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equip- ment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal, and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such building structures throughout the State of California.

This code establishes regulations affecting or relating to buildings, structures, processes, premises, and a reasonable degree of life and property safeguards regarding: 1. The hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling, or use of structures, materials, or devices. 2. Conditions hazardous to life, property, or public welfare in the use or occupancy of buildings, structures, or premises. 3. Fire hazards in the buildings, structures, orp on-premises from use of, occupancy of, or operation. 4. Matters related to the construction, extension, repair, alteration, or removal of fire suppression or alarm systems. 5. Conditions affecting the safety of firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
CWUIC § 302.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 302—WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA DESIGNATIONS

302.1 Mapping . The State Fire Marshal shall classify lands into Fire Hazard Severity Zones in accordance with California Public Resources Code, Sections 4201 through 4204 for State Responsibility Areas and in accordance with Government Code, Sections 51175 through 51189 for Local Responsibility Areas. The State Fire Marshal shall designate areas in the state as fire hazard severity zones and assign each zone based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Each fire hazard severity zone shall embrace relatively homogeneous lands, and the classification shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather and other relevant factors including areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread and other areas designated by the enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires.

302.2 Review of wildland-urban interface areas. The code official shall reevaluate and recommend modification to the wildlandurban interface areas in accordance with Section 302.1 on a 5-year basis or more frequently as deemed necessary by the legislative body. The State Fire Marshal shall periodically review the areas in the state identified as fire hazard severity zones and, as necessary, shall make recommendations relative to fire hazard severity zones. This review shall coincide with the review of state responsibility area lands every five years and, when possible, fall within the time frames for the county’s general plan update.

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CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 4 – WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
CWUIC § 402.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Title 19, Division 1]|||||||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section|||||||||||||||||||||||| |402|||†||||||||||||||||||||| |402.1.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.1.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.1.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.2.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.5|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.6_Reserved_|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.7|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.8|||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.

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4 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS

User notes:

About this chapter: Chapter 4 provides requirements that 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.
3. Key boxes to provide ready access to properties secured by gated roadways or other impediments to rapid fire service access.
4. Fire protection water supplies, including adequate water sources, pumper apparatus drafting sites, fire hydrant systems and system reliability.
5. Fire department access to equipment such as fire suppression equipment and fire hydrants.
SECTION 401—GENERAL

401.1 Scope. Wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with emergency vehicle access and water supply in accordance with this chapter.

401.2 Objective. The objective of this chapter is to establish the minimum requirements for emergency vehicle access and water supply for buildings and structures located in the wildland-urban interface areas.
CWUIC § 104.6 Medium relevance — show source text
3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |104.6|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |104.8|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |104.8.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.8|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.10|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |106.1 – 106.5|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |106.8|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |106.10|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |107|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |109.1 – 109.1.2.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |109.3.7.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |109.3.7.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |110 – 111|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |113|||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.

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1 ADMINISTRATION

DIVISION I

CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 1.1—GENERAL

1.1.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as “this code.” The California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is Part 7 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publica- tion of the adoptions, amendment, and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part incorporates by adoption of the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code of the International Code Council (ICC) with necessary California amendments.

_**1.1.2 Purpose.

CWUIC § 404.10.2 Medium relevance — show source text

404.10.2 Clearance of fuel. Defensible space shall be provided around water tank structures, water supply pumps and pump houses in accordance with Section 603.

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WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS

404.10.3 Standby power. Standby power shall be provided to pumps, controllers and related electrical equipment so that stationary water supply facilities within the wildland-urban interface area that are dependent on electrical power can provide the required water supply. The standby power system shall be in accordance with Section 2702 of the California Building Code and Section 1203 of the California Fire Code . The standby power source shall be capable of providing power for not less than 2 hours.

Exceptions:

Where approved by the code official, a standby power supply is not required where the primary power service to the stationary water supply facility is underground.
A standby power supply is not required where the stationary water supply facility serves not more than one singlefamily dwelling.

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CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 5 – SPECIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	Col5	HCD	Col7	Col8	DSA	Col10	OSHPD	Col12	Col13	Col14	Col15	Col16	BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	T-24	T-19*	1	2	1/AC	AC	SS	1	1R	2	3	4	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Adopt Entire Chapter
Adopt Entire Chapter as amended (amended sections listed below)			X
Adopt only those sections that are listed below
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1]
Chapter / Section
501.1			X
501.2			X
501.4 – 501.4.1			X
502_Reserved_			X
503.1			X
503.

CWUIC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
- 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.

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G VOLUNTARY HOME-HARDENING RECOMMENDATIONS

This appendix is for informational purposes and is not intended for adoption.

User notes:

About this appendix: Appendix G is an information 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.

SECTION G101—GENERAL

G101.1 Identification of the problem. The California Wildland-Urban Interface Code establishes a set of minimum standards to reduce the loss of property from wildfire. The purpose of these standards is to prevent wildfire spreading from vegetation to a building. Many homes were built in the wildland-urban interface areas prior to the implementation of provisions found in this code. As a result, many homes are lacking in their ability to survive an approaching wildfire. Many of the features discussed in this appendix are designed as low- cost features to retrofit existing homes. Additionally, recommendations are provided beyond the minimum code requirements for those homeowners who desire to increase the survivability of their home. This appendix chapter provides a discussion of some possible self- defense features to enhance survivability and harden the structure against an approaching wildfire.

G101.2 Structural survivability. The home-hardening features listed in Section G101.2.1 were developed as a best practices guide to assist homeowners in increasing the ignition resistance of their homes from wildfires. Some of these items are based on upgrading to more stringent building materials when that building component is due for replacement as part of its normal maintenance or lifespan, such as the roof covering.

CWUIC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text

APPENDIX F – CHARACTERISTICS OF FIRE-SMART VEGETATION

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	Col5	HCD	Col7	Col8	DSA	Col10	OSHPD	Col12	Col13	Col14	Col15	Col16	BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	T-24	T-19*	1	2	1/AC	AC	SS	1	1R	2	3	4	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Adopt Entire Chapter
Adopt Entire Chapter as amended (amended sections listed below)			X
Adopt only those sections that are listed below
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1]
Chapter / Section
F101.1			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.

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APPENDIX F-2 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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F CHARACTERISTICS OF FIRE-SMART VEGETATION

This appendix is for informational purposes and is not intended for adoption.

User notes:

Frequently asked questions

Who must formally respond to the State Board’s recommendations?

The local legislative body (city council or board of supervisors) must respond in the manner required by Government Code §65302.5(b)(3) & (b)(4) and Title 14 Article 6, as referenced by § 612.4.

Does “consider the recommendations” mean the local body must adopt them?

No. § 612.4 requires the local body to consider the recommendations and to provide the statutorily required response; it does not mandate automatic adoption of every recommendation. Document the decision and the reasons.

How often will the Board re‑survey identified subdivisions?

The Board will re‑survey every 5 years, beginning July 1, 2021, per § 611.4.

Who keeps track of whether recommendations were implemented?

The State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection is directed to maintain a list and the implementation status of its recommendations (implementation tracking) — see § 611.3.

Where can I find the exact content and deadlines required in the local response?

§ 612.4 points to Government Code §65302.5(b)(3) & (b)(4) and Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Article 6 for the required response content/timing. Those statutes/procedures should be consulted directly because the CWUIC references them but does not reproduce their full text.

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