CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
How and when to submit safety element drafts for review by the State Board of Forestry and local fire agencies?
If your city or county contains State Responsibility Areas or a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and you plan to adopt or amend the General Plan safety element, you must send the draft to the State Board of Forestry and every local fire protection agency at least 90 days before adoption; the State Board must review and recommend changes within 60 days of receiving the draft (see § 612.2 and § 612.3).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
- A city or county must submit a draft safety element (or a draft amendment) to the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and to every local agency that provides fire protection in the jurisdiction at least 90 days before the planned adoption or amendment date when the jurisdiction contains State Responsibility Areas (SRA) or contains a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. This is the requirement in § 612.2.
- After receipt, the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection shall review the draft (and local agencies may review) and recommend changes within 60 days about the matters specified in Government Code Section 65302.5(b)(2). The review process and timing are set out in § 612.3.
Submit the draft safety element to the Board and to all local fire protection agencies at least 90 days before adoption; the Board will review and recommend changes within 60 days. § 612.2 and § 612.3.
Requirements in detail
Who must submit
- The legislative body of the county or city proposing the draft safety element or draft amendment. See § 612.2.
What to submit
- The draft safety element or draft amendment of the General Plan safety element. (The code text refers to “draft element of, or draft amendment to, the safety element.”) § 612.2.
To whom to submit
- The State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and every local agency that provides fire protection to territory in the city or county. § 612.2.
When (deadlines and timing)
- Submission: at least 90 days prior to the adoption or amendment date for jurisdictions that contain SRA or a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. § 612.2.
- Review: The Board shall (mandatory) and each local agency may (discretionary) review the draft and recommend changes within 60 days of receipt. § 612.3.
Decision‑relevant summary table
| Decision dimension | Values / threshold | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Who must submit | City or county legislative body proposing the draft safety element or amendment | § 612.2 |
| What to submit | Draft safety element or draft amendment | § 612.2 |
| To whom to submit | State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection + every local fire protection agency serving the jurisdiction | § 612.2 |
| When to submit | At least 90 days before planned adoption/amendment date (applies when county contains SRA or city/county contains a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone) | § 612.2 |
| Review timing | Board shall recommend changes within 60 days of receipt; local agencies may review | § 612.3 |
| Review scope / authority | Recommendations are regarding the requirements in Government Code Section 65302.5(b)(2); Board review governed by Title 14, Div 1.5, Ch. 7, Art. 6 | § 612.3 |
Exceptions & special cases
- The requirement to submit at least 90 days applies specifically for counties that contain State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and for cities/counties that contain Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones as described in § 612.2. If the jurisdiction does not contain those mapped areas, the specific 90‑day submission rule in § 612.2 does not apply as written.
- The State Board’s review is mandatory (“shall”), while a local agency’s review is optional (“may”). That means a local fire agency can choose whether to provide recommendations; the Board must act within the 60‑day window. § 612.3.
- The Board’s review process is governed by other Title 14 regulations (Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Article 6) referenced in § 612.3; follow those rules for how the Board issues recommendations.
Common mistakes
- Missing the 90‑day submission cutoff (submit on the wrong date or count business days only). The code requirement is at least 90 days prior to adoption/amendment. § 612.2.
- Sending the draft only to the State Board but not to every local agency that provides fire protection for the territory—both recipients are required. § 612.2.
- Confusing the two timelines: 90 days is the advance notice/submittal deadline; 60 days is the Board’s review period after receipt. Treat these as separate compliance milestones. §§ 612.2–612.3.
- Failing to document the date of transmittal and proof of receipt. Because deadlines are measured relative to receipt and adoption dates, keep stamped transmittal letters, email receipts, or certified‑mail records. (The CWUIC text requires the transmittal and timelines; recordkeeping is necessary to show compliance with § 612.2 and § 612.3.)
- Overlooking that the Board’s recommendations relate to the specific Government Code requirements cited (Government Code § 65302.5(b)(2)); make sure the draft addresses those statutory points so the Board’s comments are about content, not basic omissions. § 612.3.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: County A contains SRA. Planning commission wants to adopt a revised safety element with an adoption hearing scheduled for October 1, 2026.
Steps and dates:
- Planned adoption date: October 1, 2026.
- Earliest required submission date (90 days prior): count back 90 calendar days → July 3, 2026 (Oct 1 − 90 days = July 3; confirm with calendar). Submit the draft to the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and to every local fire protection agency serving County A by July 3, 2026. This satisfies § 612.2.
- Board review window: once the Board receives the draft, it shall provide recommendations within 60 days of receipt. If the Board receives the draft on July 5, 2026, its 60‑day review deadline is September 3, 2026 (July 5 + 60 days). This is per § 612.3.
- Local agencies: they may review and comment during that same period; their participation is discretionary. § 612.3.
- Adoption: before adopting on October 1, 2026, the board of supervisors must consider any recommendations from the Board and local agencies and respond in accordance with the government code and Title 14 procedures referenced in the CWUIC (see § 612.4 for adoption/response direction). If recommendations arrive by September 3, the legislative body will have time to consider them before the Oct 1 adoption.
Note: the CWUIC text identifies the 90‑ and 60‑day periods and references Government Code procedures for responses, but specific response forms and deadlines referenced in the Government Code and Title 14 procedures should be consulted directly for formal response language. §§ 612.2–612.3.
Related provisions (CWUIC sections)
- § 612.1 — General rule about reviewing and updating the General Plan safety element to address SRA and LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
- § 612.4 — Adoption of the safety element: the legislative body must consider recommendations from the Board and local fire agencies and must respond in compliance with Government Code Section 65302.5(b)(3) and (b)(4) and Title 14 procedures.
- § 611.2–611.4 — Subdivision identification, fire safety recommendations, implementation and re‑survey — related Board activities in subdivision and SRA contexts.
- Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Article 6 — governs the Board’s review process as referenced by § 612.3 (consult Title 14 text for procedural details). § 612.3 references this material.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CWUIC § 611.3 High 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 § 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 § 612.4 High relevance — show source text
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
(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-
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 AASHTO HB-17—2002 X ASTM D638—2022 X ASTM D3909/D3909M_—2022_ X ASTM E84_—2023d_ X ASTM E119_—2022_ X ASTM E136_—2024a_ X ASTM E1354_—2023_ X _ASTM CWUIC § 11340.6 Medium relevance — show source text
The_ guidance document shall include, but not be limited to, regionally appropriate vegetation management suggestions that preserve and restore native species that are fire resistant or drought tolerant, or both, minimize erosion, minimize the spread of flammable nonnative grasses and weeds, minimize water consumption, and permit trees and shrubs near homes for shade, aesthetics, and habitat; and suggestions to minimize or eliminate the risk of flammability of nonvegetative sources of combus- tion such as woodpiles, propane tanks, decks, and outdoor lawn furniture. (2) On or before January 1, 2023, the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, shall update the guidance document to include suggestions for creating an ember-resistant zone within five feet of a structure based on regulations promulgated by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, to consider the elimination of materials in the ember-resistant zone that would likely be ignited by embers.
(d) For purposes of this section, a structure for the purpose of an ember-resistant zone shall include any attached deck. This section does not limit the authority of the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection or the Office of the State Fire Marshal to require the removal of fuel or vegetation on top of or underneath a deck pursuant to this section.
SECTION H103—CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE
Sections 4201–4204; 4290–4291.
4201. The purpose of this article is to provide for the classification of lands within state responsibility areas in accordance with the severity of fire hazard present for the purpose of identifying measures to be taken to retard the rate of spreading and to reduce the potential intensity of uncontrolled fires that threaten to destroy resources, life, or property. 4202. The State Fire Marshal shall classify lands within state responsibility areas into fire hazard severity zones. Each zone shall embrace relatively homogeneous lands and shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors pres- ent, including areas where winds have been identified by the department as a major cause of wildfire spread.
4203.
(a) The State Fire Marshal shall, by regulation, designate fire hazard severity zones and assign to each zone a rating reflecting the degree of severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in the zone. (b) No designation of a zone and assignment of a rating shall be adopted by the State Fire Marshal until the proposed regulation has been transmitted to the board of supervisors of the county in which the zone is located at least 45 days before the adoption of the proposed regulation and a public hearing has been held in that county during that 45-day period. 4204. The State Fire Marshal shall periodically review zones designated and rated pursuant to this article and, as necessary, shall revise zones or their ratings or repeal the designation of zones. Any revision of a zone or its rating or any repeal of a zone shall conform to the requirements of Section 4203. In addition, the revision or repeal of a zone may be petitioned pursuant to Sections 11340.6 and 11340.7 of the Government Code.
4290.
(a) The board shall adopt regulations implementing minimum fire safety standards related to defensible space that are applicable to state responsibility area lands under the authority of the department, and to lands classified and designated as very high _fire hazard severity zones, as defined in subdivision (i) of Section 51177 of the Government Code.
CWUIC § 51178 Medium relevance — show source text
(2) A local agency may, at its discretion, include areas within the jurisdiction of the local agency, not identified as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones by the State Fire Marshal, as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones, respectively. (3) A local agency shall not decrease the level of fire hazard severity zone as identified by the State Fire Marshal for any area within the jurisdiction of the local agency, and, in exercising its discretion pursuant to paragraph (2), may only increase the level of fire hazard severity zone as identified by the State Fire Marshal for any area within the jurisdiction of the local
agency. (c) The local agency shall transmit a copy of an ordinance adopted pursuant to subdivision (a) to the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection within 30 days of adoption. (d) Changes made by a local agency to the recommendations made by the State Fire Marshal shall be final and shall not be rebut- table by the State Fire Marshal.
APPENDIX H-4 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
(e) The State Fire Marshal shall prepare and adopt a model ordinance that provides for the establishment of very high fire hazard severity zones. (f) Any ordinance adopted by a local agency pursuant to this section that substantially conforms to the model ordinance of the State Fire Marshal shall be presumed to be in compliance with the requirements of this section. (g) A local agency shall post a notice at the office of the county recorder, county assessor, and county planning agency identifying the location of the map provided by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 51178. If the agency amends the map, pursuant to subdivision (b) or (c) of this section, the notice shall instead identify the location of the amended map. 51181. The State Fire Marshal shall periodically review the areas in the state identified as very high fire hazard severity zones pursuant to this chapter, and as necessary, shall make recommendations relative to very high 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 each county’s general plan update. Any revision of areas included in a very high fire hazard severity zone shall be made in accordance with Sections 51178 and 51179.
51182. The State Fire Marshal shall periodically review the areas in the state identified as very high fire hazard severity zones pursuant to this chapter, and as necessary, shall make recommendations relative to very high 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 each county’s general plan update. Any revision of areas included in a very high fire hazard severity zone shall be made in accordance with Sections 51178 and 51179.
CWUIC § 51178.5. Medium relevance — show source text
It is the intent of the Legislature that this chapter apply to all local agencies,_ including, but not limited to, charter cities, charter counties, and charter cities and counties. This subdivision shall not limit the authority of a local agency to impose more restrictive fire and public safety requirements, as otherwise authorized by law. (c) It is not the intent of the Legislature in enacting this chapter to limit or restrict the authority of a local agency to impose more restrictive fire and public safety requirements, as otherwise authorized by law. 51176. The purpose of this chapter is to classify lands in the state in accordance with whether a very high fire hazard is present so that public officials are able to identify measures that will retard the rate of spread, and reduce the potential intensity, of uncon- trolled fires that threaten to destroy resources, life, or property, and to require that those measures be taken. 51178. The State Fire Marshal shall identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones 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. 51178.5. Within 30 days after receiving a transmittal from the State Fire Marshal that identifies fire hazard severity zones pursuant to Section 51178, a local agency shall make the information available for public review and comment. The information shall be presented in a format that is understandable and accessible to the general public, including, but not limited to, maps.
51179.
(a) A local agency shall designate, by ordinance, moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones in its jurisdiction within 120 days of receiving recommendations from the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 51178. (b) (1) A local agency may, at its discretion, include areas within the jurisdiction of the local agency, not identified as very high fire hazard severity zones by the State Fire Marshal, as very high fire hazard severity zones following a finding supported by substantial evidence in the record that the requirements of Section 51182 are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.
(2) A local agency may, at its discretion, include areas within the jurisdiction of the local agency, not identified as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones by the State Fire Marshal, as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones, respectively. (3) A local agency shall not decrease the level of fire hazard severity zone as identified by the State Fire Marshal for any area within the jurisdiction of the local agency, and, in exercising its discretion pursuant to paragraph (2), may only increase the level of fire hazard severity zone as identified by the State Fire Marshal for any area within the jurisdiction of the local
agency. (c) The local agency shall transmit a copy of an ordinance adopted pursuant to subdivision (a) to the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection within 30 days of adoption. (d) Changes made by a local agency to the recommendations made by the State Fire Marshal shall be final and shall not be rebut- table by the State Fire Marshal.
APPENDIX H-4 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
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 § 1-15 Medium relevance — show source text
All unincorporated lands designated by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection as State Responsibility Area (SRA) including:
Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
Land designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by cities and other local agencies.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 1-15
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ADMINISTRATION
Land designated as a wildland-urban interface area by cities and other local agencies.
Exceptions: 1. New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within a State Responsibility Area, for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after January 1, 2008, shall comply with this code. 2. New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within a State Responsibility Area or any wildland-urban interface area designated by cities and other local agencies for which an application for a building permit is submit- ted on or after December 1, 2005, but prior to July 1, 2008, shall only comply with the following sections of this chapter: 2.1. Section 507 – Replacement or Repair of Roof Coverings.
2.2. Section 504.10 – Vents.
[A] 101.4 Retroactivity. The provisions of the code shall apply to conditions arising after the adoption thereof, conditions not legally in existence at the adoption of this code and conditions that, in the opinion of the code official, constitute a distinct hazard to life or property.
Exception: Provisions of this code that specifically apply to existing conditions are retroactive.
[A] 101.5 Additions or alterations. Additions or alterations shall be permitted to be made to any building or structure without requiring the existing building or structure to comply with all of the requirements of this code, provided that the addition or alteration conforms to that required for a new building or structure.
Exception: Provisions of this code that specifically apply to existing conditions are retroactive.
Additions or alterations shall not be made to an existing building or structure that will cause the existing building or structure to be in violation of any of the provisions of this code nor shall such additions or alterations cause the existing building or structure to become unsafe. An unsafe condition shall be deemed to have been created if an addition or alteration will cause the existing building or structure to become structurally unsafe or overloaded; will not provide adequate access in compliance with the provisions of this code or will obstruct existing exits or access; will create a fire hazard; will reduce required fire resistance or will otherwise create conditions dangerous to human life.
[A] 101.6 Maintenance. Buildings, structures, landscape materials, vegetation, defensible space or other devices or safeguards required by this code shall be maintained in conformance to the code edition under which installed. The owner or the owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings, structures, landscape materials and vegetation.
SECTION 102—APPLICABILITY
[A] 102.1 General. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall govern. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.
[A] 102.2 Other laws. The provisions of this code shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law.
CWUIC § 101.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
This code shall supplement the jurisdiction’s building and fire codes, if such codes have been adopted, to provide for special regulations to mitigate the fire- and life-safety hazards of the wildland-urban interface areas.
101.3.1 Application. New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Area designated by the enforcing agency constructed after the application date shall comply with the provisions of this code. This shall include all new buildings with residential, commercial, educational, institutional or similar occupancy type use, which shall be referred to in this code as “applicable buildings,” as well as new buildings and structures accessory to those applicable buildings.
Exceptions: 1. Group U occupancy accessory buildings of any size located at least 50 feet (15 240 mm) from an applicable building on the same lot.
2. Group U occupancy agricultural buildings, as defined in Section 202 of the California Building Code of any size located at least 50 feet (15 240 mm) from an applicable building. 3. Group C occupancy special buildings conforming to the limitations specified in Section 450.4.1 of the California Building Code. 4. New accessory buildings and miscellaneous structures specified in Section 504.11 shall comply only with the requirements of that section.
5. Additions to and remodels of buildings originally constructed prior to July 1, 2008.
101.3.1.1 Application date and where required. New buildings for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after July 1, 2008, located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface Area shall comply with this code, including all of the following areas:
All unincorporated lands designated by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection as State Responsibility Area (SRA) including:
Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
Land designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by cities and other local agencies.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 1-15
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ADMINISTRATION
Land designated as a wildland-urban interface area by cities and other local agencies.
Exceptions: 1. New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within a State Responsibility Area, for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after January 1, 2008, shall comply with this code. 2. New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within a State Responsibility Area or any wildland-urban interface area designated by cities and other local agencies for which an application for a building permit is submit- ted on or after December 1, 2005, but prior to July 1, 2008, shall only comply with the following sections of this chapter: 2.1. Section 507 – Replacement or Repair of Roof Coverings.
2.2. Section 504.10 – Vents.
[A] 101.4 Retroactivity. The provisions of the code shall apply to conditions arising after the adoption thereof, conditions not legally in existence at the adoption of this code and conditions that, in the opinion of the code official, constitute a distinct hazard to life or property.
Exception: Provisions of this code that specifically apply to existing conditions are retroactive.
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.
xii 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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 § 1.09.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Portions of state-occupied buildings that are not leased or rented by the state shall not fall_ within the scope of this subsection unless such portions present an exposure hazard to the state-occupied area. (c) California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall also govern the use and maintenance of “organized camps” as defined in Section 18897, Health and Safety Code. (d) California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall also govern the use and maintenance of any building or structure used or intended for the housing of any person of any age when such person is referred to or placed within such home or facility for protective social care and supervision services by any governmental agency. (e) California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall also govern the construction, use, and maintenance of every building of any type of construction or occupancy having floors used for human occupancy located more than 75 feet above the lowest floor level having building access. For the purpose of this subsection, “building access” shall mean an exterior door opening conforming to all of the following: (1) Suitable and available for fire department use. (2) Located not more than 2 feet above the adjacent ground level. (3) Leading to a space, room or area having foot traffic communication capabilities with the remainder of the building. (4) Designed to permit penetration through the use of fire department forcible entry tools and equipment unless other approved arrangements have been made with the fire authority having jurisdiction. (f) California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall also apply to vehicles, ships and boats, or other mobile structures when fixed in a specific location and used for any occupancy within the scope of this section.
Note: Unless otherwise specified, Title 19 applies to all building occupancies, and related features and equipment throughout the
state.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1.09.1] Order of Precedence.
In the event of any differences between the California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations and the standard reference documents or standard fire prevention practices, the text of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall govern. Where a specific provision varies from a general provision, the specific provision shall apply.
SECTION 1.12—BOARD OF FORESTRY
1.12.1 BoF—Board of Forestry. The specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, the enforcement agency, and the specific authority to promulgate and enforce provisions applicable to wildland-urban interface areas, unless otherwise stated.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, §1270.00] Title.
Subchapter 2 shall be known as the “State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations,” and shall constitute the minimum Wildfire protection stan- dards of the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, §1270.01] Definitions.
CWUIC § 403.7.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
403.7.3.1 Fire safety and evacuation plans. The fire safety and evacuation plans required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. Plans shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404:
- Procedures for evacuation of detainees with needs for containment or restraint and post-evacuation containment, where present.
- Procedures for a defend-in-place strategy.
- Procedures for a full-floor or building evacuation, where necessary.
403.7.3.2 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include both of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404.2.2:
Location and number of cells.
Location of special locking arrangements.
403.7.3.3 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by staff at intervals not exceeding 3 months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly upon entrance to duty.
Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.
403.7.3.4 Staffing. Group I-3 occupancies shall be provided with 24-hour staffing. A staff person shall be within three floors or 300 feet (91 440 mm) horizontal distance of the access door of each resident housing area. In Group I-3 Conditions 3, 4 and 5, as defined in Chapter 2, the arrangement shall be such that the staff involved can start release of locks necessary for emergency evacuation or rescue and initiate other necessary emergency actions within 2 minutes of an alarm.
Exception: A staff person shall not be required to be within three floors or 300 feet (91 440 mm) horizontal distance of the access door of each resident housing area in areas in which all locks are unlocked remotely and automatically in accordance with Section 408.4 of the California Building Code .
403.7.3.5 Notification. Provisions shall be made for residents in Group I-3 Conditions 3, 4 and 5, as defined in Chapter 2, to readily notify staff of an emergency.
403.7.3.6 Keys. Keys necessary for unlocking doors installed in a means of egress shall be individually identifiable by both touch and sight.
403.8 Group M occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for buildings containing a Group M occupancy where the Group M occupancy has an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge and for buildings containing both a Group M occupancy and an atrium.
403.9 Group R occupancies. Group R occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.9.1 through 403.9.3.4.
403.9.1 Group R-1 occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group R-1 occupancies. Group R-1 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.9.1.1 through 403.9.1.3.
403.9.1.1 Evacuation diagrams. A diagram depicting two evacuation routes shall be posted on or immediately adjacent to every required egress door from each hotel or motel dwelling unit or sleeping unit.
Frequently asked questions
Must every city/county submit every time they update the safety element?
If the jurisdiction contains State Responsibility Areas or a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and is adopting or amending the safety element, the draft must be submitted at least 90 days before adoption as required by § 612.2.
Who must receive the draft?
The draft must go 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. § 612.2.
How long does the Board have to review and respond?
The Board shall review and recommend changes within 60 days of receipt. Local agencies may review and recommend, but their participation is discretionary. § 612.3.
If the Board misses the 60‑day deadline, can the city/county adopt as scheduled?
The CWUIC establishes the 60‑day review period for the Board in § 612.3, but it does not in the retrieved text specify the legal consequences of a missed deadline. Consult Title 14 procedures and Government Code Section 65302.5 for required response and any effect on adoption timing. § 612.3 references those authorities.
Should I keep proof of transmittal?
Yes. The 90‑day submittal and the 60‑day review windows depend on dates of transmittal and receipt, so keep stamped letters, certified mail records, or electronic delivery receipts to document compliance with §§ 612.2–612.3.
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