CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

What are the vegetation plan and landscape plan requirements?

If your project is in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone and the code official asks for a landscape plan, you must submit a plan that clearly shows the **30‑foot** and **100‑foot** fuel management zones from every structure, identifies existing and proposed plants (with botanical and common names), shows irrigated areas and identifies ground coverings within the **30‑foot** zone, per **§ 603.3.1** of the CWUIC.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Wildland‑Urban Interface Code requires that a landscape plan be submitted when the code official requires it, and that the plan show development and maintenance requirements for the vegetation management zone adjacent to structures and roadways to reduce fire hazard. The plan must specifically delineate the 30‑foot and 100‑foot fuel management zones, identify existing and proposed vegetation, irrigated areas, a plant legend (botanical and common names), and identify ground coverings within the 30‑foot zone. These requirements are in § 603, § 603.3, and § 603.3.1 of the CWUIC.

The single most important rule: a required landscape plan must show the 30‑foot and 100‑foot fuel management zones from all structures and the vegetation controls and materials inside those zones. § 603.3.1.

Requirements in detail

When a landscape plan is required

The code gives the code official authority to require a landscape plan where needed to provide “significant fire hazard reduction benefits for public and firefighting safety.” See § 603.3.

Mandatory contents of the landscape plan

Per § 603.3.1, landscape plans shall contain all of the following items (plain English followed by the code reference):

Delineation of the 30‑foot (9144 mm) and 100‑foot (30 480 mm) fuel management zones from all structures. § 603.3.1 (1).
Identification of existing vegetation to remain and proposed new vegetation. § 603.3.1 (2).
Identification of irrigated areas. § 603.3.1 (3).
A plant legend that shows both botanical and common names and identifies all plant symbols used on the plan. § 603.3.1 (4).
Identification of ground coverings within the 30‑foot (9144 mm) zone (for example: mulch, bare soil, turf, decomposed granite, pavers). § 603.3.1 (5).

Include the following table when deciding what to show on the plan:

Decision dimension	What the plan must show	Code Reference
Fuel management zone distances	30‑ft (9144 mm) and 100‑ft (30 480 mm) delineations from structures	§ 603.3.1 (1)
Vegetation status	Existing vegetation to remain vs proposed new plantings	§ 603.3.1 (2)
Irrigation	Areas that will be irrigated vs not irrigated	§ 603.3.1 (3)
Plant identification	Plant legend with botanical + common names and symbols	§ 603.3.1 (4)
Ground cover in 30‑ft zone	Type of ground cover within 30‑ft zone (turf, mulch, paving, etc.)	§ 603.3.1 (5)

Notes on presentation

Plans should be clear, to scale, and show how the plan achieves “significant fire hazard reduction benefits.” The overarching obligation that new plantings reduce vegetation in proximity to structures comes from § 603.1.

How the landscape plan ties to fire protection plans and permitting

Where a fire protection plan is required, the landscape/vegetation information must be coordinated with that plan (see the fire‑protection plan provisions in § 602).
Information required in the final fire protection plan (like maps identifying proposed plants, irrigated/nonirrigated zones and plant species details) overlaps and amplifies the landscape plan content and should be consistent with § 602.3.2.

Exceptions & special cases

The requirement to submit a landscape plan is triggered only when the code official requires it; it is not automatically required for every project. See § 603.3.
The code text that lists required contents is prescriptive — however, additional items may be required as part of a fire protection plan (e.g., plant life‑form, expected mature height/width) per § 602.3.2 when a fire protection plan is prepared.
Appendix B (Vegetation Management Plan) contains guidance for submission and content where jurisdictions adopt the appendix; if your local ordinance includes Appendix B, follow B101 content requirements in addition to the Chapter 6 landscape plan contents. B101 (Appendix B) explains vegetation‑management plan elements.

If a provision you need is not visible in the retrieved excerpts

The controlling sections requested were § 603, § 603.3, and § 603.3.1. The items above are taken directly from those sections in the provided CWUIC text. If you need authoritative, full‑text wording for a different subsection (for example explicit planting limits, “fire‑smart vegetation” lists, or the tree/shrub numeric controls in § 603.4), those are in other CWUIC sections and can be provided if you want them included.

Common mistakes

Failing to delineate both the 30‑ft and 100‑ft zones on the plan (the simplest, most common omission). § 603.3.1 (1).
Omitting botanical names in the plant legend; common names alone are insufficient per § 603.3.1 (4).
Not showing which areas are irrigated; irrigated vs nonirrigated status affects fire‑hazard evaluation (§ 603.3.1 (3)).
Failing to identify or describe ground coverings inside the 30‑ft zone (mulches and ground fuels matter). § 603.3.1 (5).
Producing a plan that is inconsistent with the fire protection plan (if both are required). Coordinate maps, species lists and distances with § 602.3.2 requirements.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: New single‑family house on a 0.5‑acre lot in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The code official has requested a landscape plan.

What you must show (numbers and items taken directly from the code):

Draw and label the house footprint and then draw two concentric fuel‑management boundaries around every structure: an inner 30‑foot (9144 mm) zone and an outer 100‑foot (30 480 mm) zone. § 603.3.1 (1).
On that same plan, indicate which shrubs and trees will remain and which will be planted (for example: keep two oak trees at north property line, propose three drought‑tolerant shrubs next to driveway). This satisfies § 603.3.1 (2).
Show irrigation: draw sprinkler zones covering the yard and mark the irrigated areas around the foundation versus nonirrigated slopes. This meets § 603.3.1 (3).
Add a plant legend: for each plant symbol on the map include the botanical name (e.g., Salvia clevelandii) and the common name (e.g., Cleveland sage), and the expected mature height/width if available. This meets § 603.3.1 (4) and ties to information requested in § 602.3.2 when a fire protection plan is also required.
Within the 30‑ft zone, show ground cover: e.g., turfgrass (irrigated), decomposed granite paths, and non‑woody mulch areas; label them clearly per § 603.3.1 (5).

Deliver the plan as part of permit submittal and coordinate with the fire protection plan if one is required. § 106.3 and § 602.3.2 show related plan and plant information expectations.

Related provisions

§ 603 — Vegetation plan (general planting objective).
§ 603.3 — Landscape plans (when required; purpose).
§ 603.3.1 — Landscape plan contents (the list of required items).
§ 602 — Fire protection plans (project wildfire hazard assessment; coordinates with landscape plans).
§ 106.3 — Site plan requirements (plans must include landscape/vegetation details where applicable).
Appendix B101 — Vegetation management plan content (when Appendix B is adopted locally).
§ 604 — Maintenance of defensible space (ongoing maintenance obligations related to vegetation).

Code references

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

CWUIC § 603.2 High relevance — show source text
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.

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.
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 § 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:

A copy of the site plan.
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.
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 § 1.11. High 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 § 106.3 High relevance — show source text
[A] 106.3 Site plan. In addition to the requirements for plans in the California Building Code, site plans shall include topography, width and percent of grade of access roads, landscape and vegetation details, locations of structures or building envelopes, existing or proposed overhead utilities, occupancy classification of buildings, types of ignition-resistant construction of buildings, structures and their appendages, roof classification of buildings and site water supply systems. The code official is authorized to waive or modify the requirement for a site plan where the application for permit is for alteration or repair or where otherwise warranted.

[A] 106.4 Vegetation management compliance . Prior to the building permit final approval, the property shall be in compliance with the vegetation management requirements prescribed in Section 603, including California Public Resources Code 4291 or California Government Code Section 51182. Acceptable methods of compliance inspection and documentation shall be determined by the enforc- ing agency and shall be permitted to include any of the following: 1. Local, state or federal fire authority or designee authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements. 2. Enforcing agency.

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ADMINISTRATION

3. Third-party inspection and certification authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements. 4. Property owner certification authorized by the enforcing agency.

[A] 106.5 Fire protection plan. Where required by the code official pursuant to Section 602, a fire protection plan shall be prepared and shall be submitted to the code official for review and approved as a part of the plans required for a permit.

[A] 106.6 Other data and substantiation. Where required by the code official, the plans and specifications shall include classification of fuel loading, fuel model light, medium or heavy, and substantiating data to verify classification of fire-smart vegetation.

[A] 106.7 Vicinity plan. In addition to the requirements for site plans, plans shall include details regarding the vicinity within 300 feet (91 440 mm) of lot lines, including other structures, slope, vegetation, fuel breaks, water supply systems and access roads.

[A] 106.8 Retention of plans. One set of approved plans, specifications and computations shall be retained by the code official for a period of not less than 180 days from date of completion of the permitted work or as required by state or local laws; and one set of approved plans and specifications shall be returned to the applicant, and said set shall be kept on the site of the building, use or work at all times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress. Refer to Building Standards Law, Health and Safety Code Sections 19850 and 19851 for permanent retention of plans.

[A] 106.9 Examination of documents. The code official shall examine or cause to be examined the accompanying construction documents and shall ascertain by such examinations whether the construction indicated and described is in accordance with the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws or ordinances.

[A] 106.10 Amended construction documents. Work shall be installed in accordance with the approved construction documents, and changes made during construction that are not in compliance with the approved documents shall be resubmitted for approval as an amended set of construction documents.
CWUIC § 106.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1. It is used by a person other than the person to whom the permit was issued.
2. It is used for a location other than that for which the permit was issued.
3. Any of the conditions or limitations set forth in the permit have been violated.
4. The permittee fails, refuses or neglects to comply with any order or notice duly served on him or her under the provisions of this code within the time provided therein.
5. There has been any false statement or misrepresentation as to material fact in the application or plans on which the permit or application was made.
6. The permit is issued in error or in violation of any other ordinance, regulations or provisions of this code.
The code official is allowed to, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this code whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code.

SECTION 106—CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

[A] 106.1 General. Plans, engineering calculations, diagrams and other data shall be submitted in not fewer than two sets, or in a digital format where allowed by the code official, with each application for a permit. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed. Where special conditions exist, the code official is authorized to require additional documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.

Exception: Submission of plans, calculations, construction inspection requirements and other data, if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that reviewing of plans is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code.

[A] 106.2 Information on plans and specifications. Plans and specifications shall be drawn to scale on substantial paper or cloth and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed, and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.

[A] 106.3 Site plan. In addition to the requirements for plans in the California Building Code, site plans shall include topography, width and percent of grade of access roads, landscape and vegetation details, locations of structures or building envelopes, existing or proposed overhead utilities, occupancy classification of buildings, types of ignition-resistant construction of buildings, structures and their appendages, roof classification of buildings and site water supply systems. The code official is authorized to waive or modify the requirement for a site plan where the application for permit is for alteration or repair or where otherwise warranted.

[A] 106.4 Vegetation management compliance . Prior to the building permit final approval, the property shall be in compliance with the vegetation management requirements prescribed in Section 603, including California Public Resources Code 4291 or California Government Code Section 51182. Acceptable methods of compliance inspection and documentation shall be determined by the enforc- ing agency and shall be permitted to include any of the following: 1. Local, state or federal fire authority or designee authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements. 2. Enforcing agency.

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3. Third-party inspection and certification authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements. 4. Property owner certification authorized by the enforcing agency.
CWUIC § 602.2 Medium 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 § 1505.1.2 Medium relevance — show source text

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

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APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

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

CWUIC § 601.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 601—GENERAL

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

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

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

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

SECTION 602— FIRE PROTECTION PLANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 6-3
CWUIC § 3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Its purpose is to provide fire protection measures supplemental to those found in Chapter 6 to reduce the threat of wildfire in a wildland-urban interface area and improve the capability for controlling such fires. This appendix includes detailed requirements for vegetation control; the code official’s authority to close wildland-interface areas in times of high fire danger; control of fires, fireworks usage and other sources of ignition; storage of hazardous materials and combustibles; bans on the dumping of waste materials and ashes and coals in wildland-urban interface areas; protection of pumps and water supplies; and limits on temporary uses within the wildland-urban interface area.

SECTION A101—GENERAL

A101.1 Scope. The provisions of this appendix establish general requirements applicable to new and existing properties located within wildland-urban interface areas .

A101.2 Objective. The objective of this appendix is to provide necessary fire protection measures to reduce the threat of wildfire in a wildland-urban interface area and improve the capability of controlling such fires.

SECTION A102—VEGETATION CONTROL

A102.1 General. Vegetation control shall comply with Sections A102.2 through A102.4.

A102.2 Clearance of brush or vegetative growth from roadways. The code official is authorized to require areas within 10 feet (3048 mm) on each side of portions of fire apparatus access roads and driveways to be cleared of nonfire-smart vegetation growth.

Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental vegetative fuels or cultivated ground cover, such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants used as ground cover, provided they do not form a means of readily transmitting fire.

A102.3 Clearance of brush and vegetative growth from electrical transmission and distribution lines. Clearance of brush and vegetative growth from electrical transmission and distribution lines shall be in accordance with Sections A102.3.1 through A102.3.2.3.

Exception: Sections A102.3.1 through A102.3.2.3 do not authorize persons not having legal right of entry to enter on or damage the property of others without consent of the owner.

A102.3.1 Support clearance. Persons owning, controlling, operating or maintaining electrical transmission or distribution lines shall have an approved program in place that identifies poles or towers with equipment and hardware types that have a history of becoming an ignition source, and provides a combustible free space consisting of a clearing of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) in each direction from the outer circumference of such pole or tower during such periods of time as designated by the code official.

Exception: Lines used exclusively as telephone, telegraph, messenger call, alarm transmission or other lines classed as communication circuits by a public utility.

A102.3.2 Electrical distribution and transmission line clearances. Clearances between vegetation and electrical lines shall be in accordance with Sections A102.3.2.1 through A102.3.2.3.

A102.3.2.1 Trimming clearance. At the time of trimming, clearances not less than those established by Table A102.3.2.1 shall be provided. The radial clearances shown are minimum clearances that shall be established, at time of trimming, between the vegetation and the energized conductors and associated live parts.

Exception: The code official is authorized to establish minimum clearances different than those specified by Table A102.3.2.1 when evidence substantiating such other clearances is submitted to and approved by the code official.
CWUIC § 5-3 Medium relevance — show source text
502 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3

503 Ignition-Resistant Construction and Material. . . . . .5-3

504 Ignition-Resistant Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4

505 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9

506 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9

507 Replacement or Repair of Roof Coverings. . . . . . . . .5-9

CHAPTER 6 FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . .6-3

601 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

602 Fire Protection Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

603 Vegetation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

604 Maintenance of Defensible Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

605 Spark Arrestors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

606 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Installations . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

607 Storage of Firewood and Combustible Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

608 Building Siting and Setbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

609 Ridgelines, Fuel Breaks and Greenbelts . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

610 Fire Safe Development Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

611 Subdivision Review Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

612 General Plan Safety Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

CHAPTER 7 REFERENCED STANDARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3

APPENDIX A GENERAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . APPENDIX A-3

A101 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A-3

A102 Vegetation Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A-3

Frequently asked questions

Who decides whether I must submit a landscape plan?

The code official decides when a landscape plan is required; the requirement and the plan contents are described in § 603.3 and § 603.3.1.

Do I need to list botanical names or are common names OK?

You must include both botanical and common names in the plant legend per § 603.3.1 (4).

Must the plan show irrigation?

Yes — the plan must identify irrigated areas (versus nonirrigated), per § 603.3.1 (3).

What distances must be shown from the structure?

The plan must delineate the 30‑foot (9144 mm) and 100‑foot (30 480 mm) fuel management zones from all structures (both dimensions required). § 603.3.1 (1).

If I have a fire protection plan, do I still need a landscape plan?

If the code official requires both, they must be consistent; the fire protection plan (see § 602.3.2) contains complementary plant/species and irrigation details that overlap the landscape plan.

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California Wildland-Urban Interface Code