CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

Vegetation plans and defensible space

This hub summarizes CWUIC rules for vegetation and defensible space—what to include in vegetation and fire protection plans, the 30‑ and 100‑foot treatment zones, planting/spacing limits, and ongoing maintenance obligations.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This part of the California Wildland‑Urban Interface Code (CWUIC) governs required vegetation- and landscape-level measures—how new planting, fuel‑modification, and ongoing maintenance around buildings must be planned and documented to reduce wildfire risk. The code requires project‑specific fire protection and vegetation plans that identify fuel‑management zones, species, irrigation, maintenance responsibilities, and methods to limit flame and ember exposure to structures (§602 and §603) .

Key requirements include delineated fuel‑management zones (notably the 30‑ft and 100‑ft management bands used for defensible space), Zone 1 and Zone 2 treatment standards, and the definition of defensible space as the property owner’s buffer to reduce ignition risk (§601.3; Title 14 §1299.02; zone rules) . Appendix B describes vegetation management plan content (what to submit with permits) while Section 604 establishes ongoing maintenance obligations and cross‑references PRC 4291 and Title 14 defensible‑space rules for properties in SRAs and designated VHFSZs (§B101; §604) . Practical planting and spacing limits for shrubs and trees (including “fire‑smart” vs. nonfire‑smart planting) are in §603.4 and related subsections .

In this section

Code references

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

  • CWUIC § 1299.04 High relevance — show source text

    of defensible space clearance shall be maintained in two distinct “Zones” as follows: “Zone 1” extends thirty_ feet (30 ft.) out from each “Building or Structure,” or to the property line, whichever comes first; “Zone 2” extends from thirty feet (30 ft.) to one hundred feet (100 ft.) from each “Building or Structure,” but not beyond the property line. The vegetation treatment requirements for Zone 1 are more restrictive than for Zone 2, as provided in (a) and (b) below. The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's “Prop- erty Inspection Guide, 2000 version, April 2000,” provides additional guidance on vegetation treatment within Zone 1 and Zone 2, but is not mandatory and is not intended as a substitute for these regulations. (a) Zone 1 Requirements: (1) Remove all dead or dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds, and pine needles from the Zone whether such vegetation occurs in yard areas around the “Building or Structure,” on the roof or rain gutters of the “Building or Structure,” or any other location within the Zone. (2) Remove dead tree or shrub branches that overhang roofs, below or adjacent to windows, or which are adjacent to wall surfaces, and keep all branches a minimum of ten feet (10 ft.) away from chimney and stovepipe outlets. (3) Relocate exposed firewood piles outside of Zone 1 unless they are completely covered in a fire resistant material. (4) Remove flammable vegetation and items that could catch fire which are adjacent to or under combustible decks, balco- nies and stairs.

    (b) Zone 2 Requirements: (1) In this zone create horizontal and vertical spacing among shrubs and trees using the “Fuel Separation” method, the “Continuous Tree Canopy” method or a combination of both to achieve defensible space clearance requirements. Further guidance regarding these methods is contained in the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection's, “General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space, February 8, 2006,” incorporated herein by reference, and the “Property Inspec- tion Guide” referenced elsewhere in this regulation. (2) In both the Fuel Separation and Continuous Tree Canopy methods the following standards apply: (A) Dead and dying woody surface fuels and aerial fuels shall be removed. Loose surface litter, normally consisting of fallen leaves or needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches, shall be permitted to a maximum depth of three inches (3 in.). (B) Cut annual grasses and forbs down to a maximum height of four inches (4 in.). (C) All exposed wood piles must have a minimum of ten feet (10 ft.) of clearance, down to bare mineral soil, in all directions.

    (c) For both Zones 1 and 2: (1) “Outbuildings” and Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) storage tanks shall have the following minimum clearance: ten feet (10 ft.) of clearance to bare mineral soil and no flammable vegetation for an additional ten feet (10 ft.) around their exterior. (2) Protect water quality. Do not clear vegetation to bare mineral soil and avoid the use of heavy equipment in and around streams and seasonal drainages. Vegetation removal can cause soil erosion, especially on steep slopes. Keep soil distur- bance to a minimum on steep slopes.

    1299.04 Additional clearance.

  • CWUIC § 601.1 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 601—GENERAL

    601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter establish general requirements for new and existing buildings, structures and premises located within wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas .

    601.2 Objective. The objective of this chapter is to establish minimum requirements to mitigate conditions that might cause a fire originating in a structure to ignite vegetation in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) area, and conversely, a wildfire burning in vegetative fuels to transmit fire to buildings and threaten to destroy life, overwhelm fire suppression capabilities or result in large property losses.

    601.3 Chapter 6 definitions. Where used in this chapter, the term listed below shall be defined as follows:

    DEFENSIBLE SPACE. The buffer that landowners are required to create on their property between a “Building or Structure” and the plants, brush and trees or other items surrounding the “Building or Structure” that could ignite in the event of a fire. [CCR Title 14 §1299.02(a)]

    SECTION 602— FIRE PROTECTION PLANS

    602.1 General. The code official is authorized to require the owner or owner’s authorized agent to provide a fire protection plan. The fire protection plan shall be prepared to determine the acceptability of fire protection and life safety measures designed to mitigate wildfire hazards presented for the property under consideration.

    The fire protection plan shall be prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist or similar specialist acceptable to the code official and shall analyze the wildfire risk of the building, project, premises or region to recommend necessary changes.

    The code official is authorized to require a preliminary fire protection plan prior to the submission of a final fire protection plan.

    602.2 Contents. The fire protection plan shall be based on a project-specific wildfire hazard assessment that includes considerations of location, topography, aspect and climatic and fire history.

    The plan shall identify conformance with all applicable state wildfire protection regulations, statutes and applicable local ordi- nances, whichever are more restrictive.

    The plan shall address fire department access, egress, road and address signage and water supply in addition to fuel reduction in accordance with Public Resources Code (PRC) 4290; the defensible space requirements in accordance with PRC 4291 or Government Code 51182; and the applicable building codes and standards for wildfire safety. The plan shall identify mitigation measures to address the project’s specific wildfire risk and shall include the information required in Sections 602.3 through 602.3.2.

    602.3 Project information. The final fire protection plan shall be reviewed and approved prior to start of construction.

    602.3.1 Preliminary fire protection plan. When a preliminary fire protection plan is submitted, it shall include, at a minimum, the following: 1. Total size of the project. 2. Information on the adjoining properties on all sides, including current land uses, and if known, existing structures and densi- ties, planned construction, natural vegetation, environmental restoration plans, roads and parks. 3. A map with all project boundary lines, property lines, slope contour lines, proposed structure foundation footprints, and proposed roads and driveways. The map shall identify project fuel modification zones and method of identifying the fuel modification zone boundaries.

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  • CWUIC § B101 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION B101—GENERAL

    B101.1 Scope. Vegetation management plans shall be submitted to the code official for review and approval as part of the plans required for a permit.

    B101.2 Plan content. Vegetation management plans shall describe all actions that will be taken to prevent a fire from being carried toward or away from the building. A vegetation management plan shall include the following information:

    1. A copy of the site plan.
    2. Methods and timetables for controlling, changing or modifying areas on the property. Elements of the plan shall include removal of slash, snags, vegetation that may grow into overhead electrical lines, other ground fuels, ladder fuels and dead trees, and the thinning of live trees.
    3. A plan for maintaining the proposed fuel-reduction measures.

    B101.3 Fuel modification. To be considered a fuel modification for purposes of this code, continuous maintenance of the clearance is required.

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    CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE APPENDIX C – COMMUNITY WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE (WUI) FIRE HAZARD EVALUATION FRAMEWORK

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

    (Not adopted by the State Fire Marshal)

    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)
    Adopt only those sections that
    are listed below
    [California Code of Regulations,
    Title 19, Division 1]
    Chapter / Section
  • CWUIC § 602.2 High relevance — show source text

    602.2 Contents. The fire protection plan shall be based on a project-specific wildfire hazard assessment that includes considerations of location, topography, aspect and climatic and fire history.

    The plan shall identify conformance with all applicable state wildfire protection regulations, statutes and applicable local ordi- nances, whichever are more restrictive.

    The plan shall address fire department access, egress, road and address signage and water supply in addition to fuel reduction in accordance with Public Resources Code (PRC) 4290; the defensible space requirements in accordance with PRC 4291 or Government Code 51182; and the applicable building codes and standards for wildfire safety. The plan shall identify mitigation measures to address the project’s specific wildfire risk and shall include the information required in Sections 602.3 through 602.3.2.

    602.3 Project information. The final fire protection plan shall be reviewed and approved prior to start of construction.

    602.3.1 Preliminary fire protection plan. When a preliminary fire protection plan is submitted, it shall include, at a minimum, the following: 1. Total size of the project. 2. Information on the adjoining properties on all sides, including current land uses, and if known, existing structures and densi- ties, planned construction, natural vegetation, environmental restoration plans, roads and parks. 3. A map with all project boundary lines, property lines, slope contour lines, proposed structure foundation footprints, and proposed roads and driveways. The map shall identify project fuel modification zones and method of identifying the fuel modification zone boundaries.

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    FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

    602.3.2 Final fire protection plan. Final fire protection plan shall include items listed in Section 602.3.1 and the following: 1. A map identifying all proposed plants in the fuel modification zones with a legend that includes a symbol for each proposed plant species. The plan shall include specific information on each species proposed, including but not limited to: 1.1. The plant life-form;

    1.2. The scientific and common name; and

    1.3. The expected height and width for mature growth. 2. Identification of irrigated and nonirrigated zones. 3. Requirements for vegetation reduction around emergency access and evacuation routes. 4. Identification of points of access for equipment and personnel to maintain vegetation in common areas. 5. Legally binding statements regarding community responsibility for maintenance of fuel modification zones. 6. Legally binding statements to be included in covenants, conditions and restrictions regarding property owner responsibili- ties for vegetation maintenance.

    SECTION 603— VEGETATION PLAN

    603.1 General. Planting of vegetation for new landscaping shall be selected to reduce vegetation in proximity to a structure and to maintain vegetation as it matures.

    603.2 Application. All new plantings of vegetation in State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as a Fire Hazard Severity Zone shall comply with Sections 603.3 through 603.4.2.1.

  • CWUIC § 6-1 High relevance — show source text

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    6 FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

    User notes:

    About this chapter: In addition to the building construction requirements in the California Building Code and California Residential Code, this chapter contains requirements for development and construction in Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and areas designated by the State Fire Marshal as State Responsibility Areas (SRA). While many of these provisions are found in Title 14 and Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations, they are replicated here for the code user. The local jurisdiction has the authority to apply the same regulations to LRA when the regulations are adopted by local ordinance.

    The requirements in this chapter reference the process for adoption of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the LRA; criteria for evaluating existing subdivisions that are at significant fire risk and are without an adequate secondary egress; and criteria for fire safety provisions required in the Safety Element of a city or county General Plan.

    The chapter includes mitigation strategies to reduce the hazards of fire originating within a structure spreading to wildland and fire originating in wildland spreading to structures. These strategies are included in the following requirements:

    1. Development of fire protection plans.

    2. Development of landscape plans and long-term vegetation management.

    3. Creation and maintenance of defensible space to protect structures and subdivisions.

    SECTION 601—GENERAL

    601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter establish general requirements for new and existing buildings, structures and premises located within wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas .

    601.2 Objective. The objective of this chapter is to establish minimum requirements to mitigate conditions that might cause a fire originating in a structure to ignite vegetation in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) area, and conversely, a wildfire burning in vegetative fuels to transmit fire to buildings and threaten to destroy life, overwhelm fire suppression capabilities or result in large property losses.

    601.3 Chapter 6 definitions. Where used in this chapter, the term listed below shall be defined as follows:

    DEFENSIBLE SPACE. The buffer that landowners are required to create on their property between a “Building or Structure” and the plants, brush and trees or other items surrounding the “Building or Structure” that could ignite in the event of a fire. [CCR Title 14 §1299.02(a)]

    SECTION 602— FIRE PROTECTION PLANS

    602.1 General. The code official is authorized to require the owner or owner’s authorized agent to provide a fire protection plan. The fire protection plan shall be prepared to determine the acceptability of fire protection and life safety measures designed to mitigate wildfire hazards presented for the property under consideration.

    The fire protection plan shall be prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist or similar specialist acceptable to the code official and shall analyze the wildfire risk of the building, project, premises or region to recommend necessary changes.

    The code official is authorized to require a preliminary fire protection plan prior to the submission of a final fire protection plan.

  • California Wildland-Urban Interface Code High relevance — show source text

    (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains an occupied dwelling or occupied structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered land, shrub-covered land, grass-covered land, or land that is covered with flammable mate- rial, which area or land is within a very high fire hazard severity zone designated by the local agency pursuant to Section 51179, 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 used between 5 and 30 feet around the structure, and an ember-resistant zone being required within 5 feet of the 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. Consistent with fuels management objectives, steps should be taken to minimize erosion, soil disturbance, and the spread of flammable nonnative grasses and weeds. (B) A greater distance than that required under subparagraph (A) may be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation. Fuel modification beyond the property line may only be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation in order to maintain 100 feet of defensible space from a structure. Fuel modification on adjacent property shall only be conducted following written consent by the adjacent landowner. Any local ordinance related to fuel modification shall be in compliance with all applicable state laws, regulations, and policies. Any local ordinance may include provisions to allocate costs for any fuel modification beyond the property line. (C) An insurance company that insures an occupied dwelling or occupied structure may require a greater distance than that required under subparagraph (A) if a fire expert, designated by the fire chief or fire official from the authority having jurisdiction, provides findings that the fuel modification is necessary to significantly reduce the risk of trans- mission of flame or heat sufficient to ignite the structure, and there is no other feasible mitigation measure possible to reduce the risk of ignition or spread of wildfire to the structure. The greater distance may not be beyond the property line unless allowed by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation. (2) Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe. (3) Maintain a tree, shrub, or other plant adjacent to or overhanging a building free of dead or dying wood. (4) _Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles, or other vegetative materials.

  • CWUIC § 6-3 High relevance — show source text

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    FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

    602.3.2 Final fire protection plan. Final fire protection plan shall include items listed in Section 602.3.1 and the following: 1. A map identifying all proposed plants in the fuel modification zones with a legend that includes a symbol for each proposed plant species. The plan shall include specific information on each species proposed, including but not limited to: 1.1. The plant life-form;

    1.2. The scientific and common name; and

    1.3. The expected height and width for mature growth. 2. Identification of irrigated and nonirrigated zones. 3. Requirements for vegetation reduction around emergency access and evacuation routes. 4. Identification of points of access for equipment and personnel to maintain vegetation in common areas. 5. Legally binding statements regarding community responsibility for maintenance of fuel modification zones. 6. Legally binding statements to be included in covenants, conditions and restrictions regarding property owner responsibili- ties for vegetation maintenance.

    SECTION 603— VEGETATION PLAN

    603.1 General. Planting of vegetation for new landscaping shall be selected to reduce vegetation in proximity to a structure and to maintain vegetation as it matures.

    603.2 Application. All new plantings of vegetation in State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as a Fire Hazard Severity Zone shall comply with Sections 603.3 through 603.4.2.1.

    603.3 Landscape plans. Landscape plans shall be provided when required by the code official. The landscape plan shall include devel- opment and maintenance requirements for the vegetation management zone adjacent to structures and roadways, and provide significant fire hazard reduction benefits for public and firefighting safety.

    603.3.1 Contents. Landscape plans shall contain the following: 1. Delineation of the 30-foot (9144 mm) and 100-foot (30 480 mm) fuel management zones from all structures. 2. Identification of existing vegetation to remain and proposed new vegetation. 3. Identification of irrigated areas. 4. A plant legend with both botanical and common names, and identification of all plant material symbols. 5. Identification of ground coverings within the 30-foot (9144 mm) zone.

    603.4 Vegetation. All new vegetation shall be fire-smart vegetation in accordance with this section.

    Exception: Trees classified as nonfire-smart vegetation complying with Section 603.4.2.1.

    To be considered fire-smart vegetation, vegetation must meet at least one of the following: 1. Be identified as fire-smart vegetation in an approved book, journal or listing from an approved organization. 2. Be identified as fire-smart vegetation by a licensed landscape architect with supporting justification. 3. Plants considered fire-smart vegetation and approved by the local enforcing agency.

  • CWUIC § 603.4.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    603.4.1 Shrubs. All new plantings of shrubs shall comply with the following: 1. Shrubs shall not exceed 6 feet (1829 mm) in height. 2. Groupings of shrubs are limited to a maximum aggregate diameter of 10 feet (3048 mm). 3. Shrub groupings shall be separated from other groupings a minimum of 15 feet (4572 mm). 4. Shrub groupings shall be separated from structures a minimum of 30 feet (9144 mm). 5. Where shrubs are located below or within a tree’s drip line, the lowest tree branch shall be a minimum of three times the height of the understory shrubs or 10 feet (3048 mm), whichever is greater.

    603.4.2 Trees. Trees shall be managed as follows within the 30-foot zone (9144 mm) of a structure: 1. New trees shall be planted and maintained so that the tree’s drip line at maturity is a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from any combustible structure. 2. The horizontal distance between crowns of new trees and crowns of adjacent trees shall not be less than 10 feet (3048 mm). 3. Existing trees shall be trimmed to provide a minimum separation of 10 feet (3048 mm) away from chimney and stovepipe outlets per California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 1299.03.

    603.4.2.1 Nonfire-smart vegetation. New trees not classified as fire-smart vegetation, such as conifers, palms, pepper trees and eucalyptus species, shall be permitted provided the tree is planted and maintained in accordance with one of the following: 1. The tree is planted so that the tree’s drip line at maturity is a minimum of 30 feet (9144 mm) from an applicable building. 2. The tree is planted so that the tree’s drip line at maturity is a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from any combustible struc- ture, and is well pruned and maintained so as not to form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to the structure or from the structure to nearby vegetation or to interrupt the advance of embers toward a

    structure.

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    FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

    SECTION 604—MAINTENANCE OF DEFENSIBLE SPACE

    604.1 General. Hazardous vegetation and fuels shall be managed to reduce the severity of potential exterior wildfire exposure to build- ings and to reduce the risk of fire spreading to buildings as required by applicable laws and regulations.

    Defensible space shall be managed around all buildings and structures in State Responsibility Areas (SRA) as required in Public Resources Code 4291.

    604.2 Application. Buildings and structures located in the following areas shall maintain the required hazardous vegetation and fuel management: 1. All unincorporated lands designated as a State Responsibility Area (SRA). 2. Land designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by a city or local agency. 3. Land designated in a city or local agency ordinance as a wildland-urban interface (WUI) area.

  • 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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    B VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

    The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically referenced in the adopting ordinance.

    User notes:

    About this appendix: Appendix B, while not part of the code, can become part of the code when specifically included in the adopting ordinance. Its purpose is to provide criteria for submitting vegetation management plans, specifying their content and establishing a criterion for considering vegetation management as being a fuel modification.

    SECTION B101—GENERAL

    B101.1 Scope. Vegetation management plans shall be submitted to the code official for review and approval as part of the plans required for a permit.

    B101.2 Plan content. Vegetation management plans shall describe all actions that will be taken to prevent a fire from being carried toward or away from the building. A vegetation management plan shall include the following information:

    1. A copy of the site plan.
    2. Methods and timetables for controlling, changing or modifying areas on the property. Elements of the plan shall include removal of slash, snags, vegetation that may grow into overhead electrical lines, other ground fuels, ladder fuels and dead trees, and the thinning of live trees.
    3. A plan for maintaining the proposed fuel-reduction measures.

    B101.3 Fuel modification. To be considered a fuel modification for purposes of this code, continuous maintenance of the clearance is required.

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    CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE APPENDIX C – COMMUNITY WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE (WUI) FIRE HAZARD EVALUATION FRAMEWORK

  • CWUIC § 3.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    Detached fences that are located within 5_ feet (1524 mm) of the structure should be replaced with noncombustible or ignition-resistant building materials.

    G101.3 Defensible space features. The maintenance and defensible space features listed in Section G101.3.1 were developed as a best practices guide to assist homeowners to increase the effectiveness of their defensible space and improve the effects of the home-harden- ing features to increase the survivability of their homes from wildfires.

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    APPENDIX G—VOLUNTARY HOME-HARDENING RECOMMENDATIONS

    G101.3.1 Maintenance and defensible space. The following maintenance and operational procedures assist to limit the impact on a home from an approaching wildfire. 1. Roofs—regularly clean your roof, including roof-to-wall intersections and skylights to remove accumulated fallen leaves, needles and other flammable materials; repair damaged or deteriorated sections of the roof or roof covering; remove all trees, branches, shrubs or other plants adjacent to or overhanging buildings. 2. Rain gutters—keep roof gutters free of combustible debris. 3. Decks—regularly clean your deck, including deck-to-wall intersections to avoid the accumulation of fallen leaves, needles and other flammable materials; ensure that all combustible materials are removed from underneath, on top of or within five feet (1524 mm) of a deck or balcony. 4. Chimneys—ensure spark arrestor is in place; remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney or stovepipe outlet. 5. Windows—remove or relocate all combustibles away from windows. Older windows that are single-pane or double-pane without tempering can be vulnerable to direct flame contact or radiant heat exposure; remove vegetation or other combus- tible materials that are within five feet of windows.

    6. Doors—inspect the door for dry rot, gaps, cracks and warping and caulk or plug gaps greater than [1] / 8 inch. Install weather stripping to fill gaps greater than [1] / 8 inch (3.2 mm) between garage doors and door frames to prevent ember intrusion; remove vegetation or other combustible materials that are within five feet (1524 mm) of doors. 7. Exterior walls—inspect exterior siding for dry rot, gaps, cracks and warping and caulk or plug gaps greater than [1] / 8 inch in siding and replace any damaged boards, including those with dry rot. 8. Firewood—exposed firewood is stored at least 30 feet (9144 mm) away from structures or completely covered in a fire-resis- _tant material that will not allow embers to penetrate.

  • CWUIC § 6-4 Medium relevance — show source text

    structure.

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    FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

    SECTION 604—MAINTENANCE OF DEFENSIBLE SPACE

    604.1 General. Hazardous vegetation and fuels shall be managed to reduce the severity of potential exterior wildfire exposure to build- ings and to reduce the risk of fire spreading to buildings as required by applicable laws and regulations.

    Defensible space shall be managed around all buildings and structures in State Responsibility Areas (SRA) as required in Public Resources Code 4291.

    604.2 Application. Buildings and structures located in the following areas shall maintain the required hazardous vegetation and fuel management: 1. All unincorporated lands designated as a State Responsibility Area (SRA). 2. Land designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by a city or local agency. 3. Land designated in a city or local agency ordinance as a wildland-urban interface (WUI) area.

    604.3 Requirements. Hazardous vegetation and fuels around all buildings and structures shall be maintained in accordance with the following laws and regulations: 1. Public Resources Code, Section 4291.

    2. California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 3, Article 3, Section 1299.03. 3. California Government Code, Section 51182.

    4. California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 7, Subchapter 1, Section 3.07.

    604.4 Outbuildings. Outbuildings shall have a minimum clearance of 10 feet (3048 mm) down to bare mineral soil in all directions. Vege- tation more than 10 feet (3048 mm) but less than 20 feet (6096 mm) from outbuildings shall be fire-smart vegetation.

    604.5 Disposal of flammable vegetation and fuels. The disposal, including burning or removal to a site approved by the local jurisdic- tion in consultation with the fire authority, of flammable vegetation and fuels caused by site, road and driveway construction shall be in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. [CCR T14 §1276.05]

    SECTION 605—SPARK ARRESTORS

    605.1 General. Chimneys serving fireplaces, barbecues, incinerators or decorative heating appliances in which solid or liquid fuel is used shall be provided with a spark arrestor. Spark arrestors shall be constructed of woven or welded wire screening of 12 USA standard gage wire (0.1046 inch) (2.66 mm) having openings not exceeding [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm).

    605.2 Net free area. The net free area of the spark arrestor shall be not less than four times the net free area of the outlet of the chimney.

    SECTION 606—LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS INSTALLATIONS

    606.1 General. The storage of liquefied petroleum gas (LP-gas) and the installation and maintenance of pertinent equipment shall be in accordance with the California Fire Code .

    606.2 Location of containers or tanks. LP-gas containers or tanks shall be located within the defensible space in accordance with the California Fire Code .

  • CWUIC § 4.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX A-5

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

    APPENDIX A—GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

    A105.3 Explosives. Explosives shall not be possessed, kept, stored, sold, offered for sale, given away, used, discharged, transported or disposed of within wildland-urban interface areas, except by permit from the code official.

    A105.4 Combustible materials. Outside storage of combustible materials such as, but not limited to, wood, rubber tires, building materials or paper products shall comply with the other applicable sections of this code and this section. A105.4.1 Individual piles. Individual piles shall not exceed 5,000 square feet (465 m [2] ) of contiguous area. Piles shall not exceed 50,000 cubic feet (1416 m [3] ) in volume or 10 feet (3048 mm) in height.

    A105.4.2 Separation. A clear space of not less than 40 feet (12 192 mm) shall be provided between piles. The clear space shall not contain combustible material or nonfire-smart vegetation.

    SECTION A106—DUMPING

    A106.1 Waste material. Waste material shall not be placed, deposited or dumped in wildland-urban interface areas or in, on or along trails, roadways or highways or against structures in wildland-urban interface areas .

    Exception: Approved public and approved private dumping areas.

    A106.2 Ashes and coals. Ashes and coals shall not be placed, deposited or dumped in or on wildland-urban interface areas.

    Exceptions:

    1. In the hearth of an established fire pit, camp stove or fireplace.
    2. In a noncombustible container with a tightfitting lid, which is kept or maintained in a safe location not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from nonfire-smart vegetation or structures.
    3. Where such ashes or coals are buried and covered with 1 foot (305 mm) of mineral earth not less than 25 feet (7620 mm) from nonfire-smart vegetation or structures.

    SECTION A107—PROTECTION OF PUMPS AND WATER STORAGE FACILITIES

    A107.1 General. The reliability of the water supply shall be in accordance with Sections A107.2 through A107.5.

    A107.2 Objective. The intent of this section is to increase the reliability of water storage and pumping facilities and to protect such systems against loss from intrusion by fire.

    A107.3 Fuel modification area. Water storage and pumping facilities shall be provided with a defensible space of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) clear of nonfire-resistive vegetation or growth around and adjacent to such facilities.

    Persons owning, controlling, operating or maintaining water storage and pumping systems requiring this defensible space are responsible for clearing and removing nonfire-smart vegetation and maintaining the defensible space on the property owned, leased or controlled by said person.

    A107.4 Trees. Portions of trees that extend to within 30 feet (9144 mm) of combustible portions of water storage and pumping facilities shall be removed.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to submit a vegetation management plan with my permit?

Yes. Vegetation management plans are required to be submitted to the code official as part of permit plans when required by the authority having jurisdiction; Appendix B (B101) sets the expected content (site plan, timetables, fuel‑reduction methods, and maintenance) .

How far does defensible space extend and what are the treatment zones?

CWUIC uses a 30‑ft and 100‑ft fuel‑management approach around structures and adopts the defensible‑space concepts from Title 14/PRC 4291. The code describes more restrictive treatments close to structures (Zone 1) and reduced but managed fuels in the outer band (Zone 2) and references the specific Zone 1/Zone 2 prescriptions in Title 14 §1299.02 and related sections .

Who prepares the fire protection and vegetation plans?

Fire protection and vegetation plans must be prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire‑safety specialist, or another specialist acceptable to the code official; preliminary and final plan content requirements are listed in §602.2–602.3 .

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