CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
Requirements for approved draft sites at natural water sources
If you plan to use a pond, lake or stream for firefighting, you must have an approved draft site: submit plans and get the code official’s approval for the site’s design, construction, location, access and maintenance, and ensure emergency vehicle access from a conforming access road per **§ 404.3** and **§ 404.3.1**.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
An approved draft site must be provided where a natural water source is intended for fire‑protection drafting; its design, construction, location, access and access maintenance must be approved by the code official (see § 404.3). The draft site must have emergency vehicle access from an access road in accordance with Section 403 (see § 404.3.1).
The single most important rule: provide a code‑official‑approved draft site with emergency vehicle access from a conforming access road before relying on a natural water source for fire protection.
Requirements in detail
Scope and purpose
- Purpose: Enable pumper apparatus to draft water from natural water sources for wildland and structural fire protection. § 404.3 places the requirement; § 404.3.1 sets the access connection requirement.
Who approves the site
- The code official must approve the draft site’s design, construction, location, access and access maintenance. This is an affirmative approval requirement — do not rely on the water source until approval is documented. § 404.3.
Access requirement (vehicles)
- The draft site must have emergency vehicle access from an access road in accordance with Section 403. In practice, this means the draft site must connect to a conforming fire apparatus access road (see § 404.3.1).
Design / construction notes (decision dimensions)
The table below summarizes decision‑relevant values you will commonly check when planning a draft site. Code references are included.
| Decision dimension | Typical value / requirement | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Need for an approved draft site at a natural water source | Required when natural source is intended for fire protection | § 404.3. |
| Approval authority | Code official must approve design, construction, location, access & maintenance | § 404.3. |
| Vehicle access to draft site | Emergency vehicle access from an access road per Section 403 | § 404.3.1. |
| Pumper access point (design detail often required) | See § 404.3.2 for pumper access/driveway length limit (pumper access not to obstruct road) | § 404.3.2 (supplemental). |
| Ongoing condition | Access and draft site maintenance must be provided/maintained as approved | § 404.3. |
Notes:
- The code text for § 404.3 and § 404.3.1 states the approval and access requirements; additional design specifics (for example, pumper access point length limits and non‑obstruction requirements) are provided by adjacent subsections such as § 404.3.2, which the authority may enforce as part of approval.
What the approving authority will typically check
- That the draft site’s physical location allows safe maneuvering and drafting by apparatus.
- That there is a conforming connection to a fire apparatus access road (Section 403).
- That the draft site and access are constructed and maintained so apparatus are not blocked and draft operations can be carried out safely and repeatedly. These items are all within the scope of approval under § 404.3 and § 404.3.1.
Exceptions & special cases
- § 404.3 and § 404.3.1 do not list express exceptions for draft‑site provision or for the access requirement; approval is required in all cases where a natural water source is intended for fire protection. If you need to rely on a different arrangement, obtain a formal approval or variance from the code official. § 404.3, § 404.3.1.
- Additional, more detailed limits (for example, on pumper driveway length and whether the pumper may obstruct a road) appear in adjacent subsections (e.g., § 404.3.2) and may be enforced as part of the approval process.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a pond, lake or stream is automatically acceptable — the code requires an approved draft site; informal access is not sufficient. § 404.3.
- Failing to verify that the draft site has emergency vehicle access from a conforming access road (Section 403). If the access does not meet Section 403, the draft site fails § 404.3.1.
- Designing an access that forces a pumper to park in or block a road/driveway. The code (and related subsections) requires pumper access that does not require the apparatus to obstruct a road. See § 404.3.2 for the related pumper access language.
- Omitting maintenance plans — § 404.3 explicitly includes access maintenance as part of what must be approved.
Worked example — a concrete scenario
Scenario: A rural homeowner association intends to use a community pond as a drafting source. The pond is 200 ft from the nearest public road; a private driveway leads from the road to the pond.
Checklist applying the code:
- Provide the proposed draft‑site plan to the local code official for approval (design, construction, location, access, maintenance). This is required by § 404.3.
- Verify emergency vehicle access: the driveway must meet Section 403 apparatus access requirements (width, turning radius, load capacity, etc.) so fire apparatus can reach the draft site — per § 404.3.1.
- Pumper access point: if the approved pumper access is provided by a driveway, check any applicable driveway length limits in § 404.3.2 (an approved driveway not longer than 150 feet is the typical code limit for certain pumper access points). If the driveway from the access road to the pond is 200 ft, it would exceed the common 150‑ft driveway limit in § 404.3.2, and the code official may require modification (shorten the pumper approach, provide an emergency vehicle access area alongside the access road, or other mitigation).
- If the HOA provides a 120‑ft turnout/driveway meeting Section 403 dimensions and the code official approves design and maintenance plans, the draft site would meet § 404.3 and § 404.3.1 requirements (assuming other local code details are satisfied).
Related provisions
- § 404.3.2 — Pumper access points (driveway length limits, non‑obstruction requirement).
- § 404.4 — Hydrants (location, design and access).
- § 404.5 — Adequate water supply / fire‑flow determination (Appendices B/BB of CFC referenced).
- § 404.7 — Obstructions (water‑source access must be unobstructed).
- § 404.8 — Identification (marking water sources and access).
- Section 403 (Fire apparatus access requirements) — referenced directly by § 404.3.1 and required for vehicle access compliance.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CWUIC § 1274.04 High relevance — show source text
or otherwise posted to provide for unobstructed visibility from that_ intersection.
(f) In all cases, the address shall be posted at the beginning of construction and shall be maintained thereafter.
[CCR, Title 14 §1274.04]
SECTION 404—WATER SUPPLY
404.1 General. An approved water source shall have an adequate water supply for the use of the fire protection service to protect buildings and structures from exterior fire sources or to suppress structure fires within the wildland-urban interface area of the jurisdiction in accordance with this section.
404.2 Required water supply. An approved water supply capable of supplying the required fire flow for structural fire protection and wildland fire exposure shall be provided to the premises on which facilities, buildings or portions of buildings are hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction in accordance with Section 507 of the California Fire Code.
404.3 Draft sites. Approved draft sites shall be provided at natural water sources intended for use as fire protection for compliance with this code. The design, construction, location, access and access maintenance of draft sites shall be approved by the code official.
404.3.1 Access. The draft site shall have emergency vehicle access from an access road in accordance with Section 403.
404.3.2 Pumper access points. The pumper access point shall be either an emergency vehicle access area alongside a conforming access road or an approved driveway not longer than 150 feet (45 720 mm). Pumper access points and access driveways shall be designed and constructed in accordance with all codes and ordinances enforced by this jurisdiction. Pumper access points shall not require the pumper apparatus to obstruct a road or driveway.
404.4 Hydrants. Hydrants shall be designed and constructed in accordance with nationally recognized standards. The location and access shall be approved by the code official. The number and spacing of fire hydrants shall be in accordance with Appendix C or CC of the California Fire Code, as applicable.
404.5 Adequate water supply. Fire-flow requirements shall be determined in accordance with Appendix B or BB of the California Fire Code, as applicable.
404.6 Reserved.
404.7 Obstructions. Access to water sources required by this code shall be unobstructed at all times. The fire department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to water source equipment, fire protection equipment or hydrants.
404.8 Identification. Water sources, draft sites, hydrants and fire protection equipment and hydrants shall be clearly identified in a manner approved by the code official to identify location and to prevent obstruction by parking and other obstructions. Each fire hydrant and access to a water supply shall be identified in accordance with one of the following: 1. Where located along a driveway, a reflectorized blue marker with a minimum dimension of 3 inches (73 mm) shall be located on the driveway address sign and mounted on a fire-retardant post. 2. Where located along an access road: 2.2. A reflectorized blue marker with a minimum dimension of 3 inches (73 mm) shall be mounted on a fire-retardant post. The signpost shall be within 3 feet (914 mm) of said fire hydrant with the sign not less than 3 feet (914 mm) nor greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) above ground, in a horizontal position and visible from the driveway. _2.3.
CWUIC § 1274.02 High relevance — show source text
[CCR, Title 14 §1274.02]
403.2.4 Addresses for Buildings. (a) All Buildings shall be issued an address by the Local Jurisdiction which conforms to that jurisdiction's overall address system. Utility and miscellaneous Group U Buildings are not required to have a separate address; however, each Residential Unit within a Building shall be separately identified. (b) The size of letters, numbers and symbols for addresses shall conform to the standards in the California Fire Code, California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 9. (c) Addresses for residential Buildings shall be reflectorized.
[CCR, Title 14 §1274.03]
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WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS
403.2.5 Address installation, location and visibility. (a) All buildings shall have a permanently posted address which shall be plainly legible and visible from the Road fronting the property. (b) Where access is by means of a private Road and the address identification cannot be viewed from the public way, an unob- structed sign or other means shall be used so that the address is visible from the public way. (c) Address signs along one-way Roads shall be visible from both directions. (d) Where multiple addresses are required at a single driveway, they shall be mounted on a single sign or post. (e) Where a Road provides access solely to a single commercial or industrial business, the address sign shall be placed at the near- est Road intersection providing access to that site, or otherwise posted to provide for unobstructed visibility from that intersection.
(f) In all cases, the address shall be posted at the beginning of construction and shall be maintained thereafter.
[CCR, Title 14 §1274.04]
SECTION 404—WATER SUPPLY
404.1 General. An approved water source shall have an adequate water supply for the use of the fire protection service to protect buildings and structures from exterior fire sources or to suppress structure fires within the wildland-urban interface area of the jurisdiction in accordance with this section.
404.2 Required water supply. An approved water supply capable of supplying the required fire flow for structural fire protection and wildland fire exposure shall be provided to the premises on which facilities, buildings or portions of buildings are hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction in accordance with Section 507 of the California Fire Code.
404.3 Draft sites. Approved draft sites shall be provided at natural water sources intended for use as fire protection for compliance with this code. The design, construction, location, access and access maintenance of draft sites shall be approved by the code official.
404.3.1 Access. The draft site shall have emergency vehicle access from an access road in accordance with Section 403.
404.3.2 Pumper access points. The pumper access point shall be either an emergency vehicle access area alongside a conforming access road or an approved driveway not longer than 150 feet (45 720 mm). Pumper access points and access driveways shall be designed and constructed in accordance with all codes and ordinances enforced by this jurisdiction. Pumper access points shall not require the pumper apparatus to obstruct a road or driveway.
CWUIC § 1.5 High relevance — show source text
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 4|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements| |403.2.5|Address installation,
location, and visibility|Y||||1274.04(a)
1274.04(b)
1274.04(c)
1274.04(d)
1274.04(e)
1274.04(f)||||| |404|Water supply|Y||||1275.02||||| |404.1|General|Y|||507|1275.02(b)||||| |404.2|Required water supply|Y||||1275.02(c)||||| |404.3|Draft sites|Y||||||||| |404.3.1|Access|Y|||507.5.4|||||| |404.3.2|Pumper access points|Y|404.3.2|||||||| |404.4|Hydrants|Y|||507.5|||||| |404.5|Adequate water
supply|Y|||507.3|1275.02(b)||||| |404.6|Reserved|N||||||||| |404.7|Obstructions|Y|||507.5.4|||||| |404.8|Identification|Y||||1275.04(a)||||| |404.9|Testing and
maintenance|Y|||507.5.2|||||| |404.10|Reliability|Y|||507.5.2|||||| |404.10.1|Objective|Y|404.10.1|||||||| |404.10.2|Clearance of fuel|Y|||4907.1|||||| |404.10.3|Standby power|Y|||507.5.2|||||| |Chapter 5|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations| |501|General|Y||701A||||||| |501.1|Scope|Y||701A.3||||||| |501.2|Objective|Y||701A.2||||||| |501.3|Fire-resistance-rated
construction|Y||703.2.1.5||||||| |501.4|Noncombustibility
tests|Y||703.3||||||| |501.4.1|Noncombustible
materials|Y||703.3.CWUIC § 104.2.2.7 Medium relevance — show source text
Outbuilding 202
Peer Review 104.2.2.7, 202 Permits
Application 105.4 Approval 105.5 Expiration 105.8 Issuance 105.6 Preliminary inspection 105.4.1 Refusal to issue 105.6.1
Required 105.2 Retention 105.9
Revocation 105.10 Validity 105.7 Work exempt from permit 105.3 Placarding as Unsafe 109.3.5.3 Powers and Duties of the Code
Official 104.1
Practical Difficulties 104.2.3 Protection of Pumps and Water Storage Facilities Appendix A, A107
Rafter Tail 202 Referenced Standards 102.4, Chapter 7 Registered Design Professional 104.2.1.2, 104.2.2.6.2, 106.1, 202 Residential Unit 202 Retroactivity 101.4 Ridgelline 202 Road 202 Roof Covering 202 Roof Covering System 202 Roof Coverings, Replacement or Repair of 507
Roof Deck 202
Scope 101 Self-Defense Mechanism Appendix G Service Utilities 111
Slope 202 Spark Arrestors 605 Stop Work Order 113 Storage of Firewood and Combustible Materials 607 Strategic Ridgeline 202 Structure 202
Subdivision 202
Technical Assistance 104.2.1 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems 107 Tree Crown 202
Trees 603.4.2
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE INDEX-1
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INDEX
Undeveloped Ridgeline 202 Unenclosed Accessory Structure 202
Vegetation Control Appendix A, A102 Vegetation management compliance 106.4 Vegetation Management Plan Appendix B Vents 504.10
Vertical Curve 202
Water Supply Adequate water supply 404.5 Applicability 402 Draft sites 404.3 Hydrants 404.4 Identification 404.8
Obstructions 404.7 Reliability 404.10 Required water supply 404.2 Subdivisions 402.1 Testing and maintenance 404.9 Water sources 404.2
Wildfire 202
Wildland 202
Wildland-Urban Interface Area 202
Wildland-Urban Interface Area Designations 302 Declaration 302.1
Mapping 302.2 Review 302.3
INDEX-2 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
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HISTORY NOTE APPENDIX
2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 7
HISTORY:
CWUIC § 404.9 Medium relevance — show source text
May_ 1988.
404.9 Testing and maintenance. Water sources, draft sites, hydrants and other fire protection equipment required by this code shall be subject to periodic tests as required by the code official. Such equipment installed under the provisions of this code shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be repaired or replaced where defective. Additions, repairs, alterations and servicing of such fire protection equipment and resources shall be in accordance with approved standards.
404.10 Reliability. Water supply reliability shall comply with Sections 404.10.1 through 404.10.3.
404.10.1 Objective. The objective of this section is to increase the reliability of water supplies by reducing the exposure of vegetative fuels to electrically powered systems.
404.10.2 Clearance of fuel. Defensible space shall be provided around water tank structures, water supply pumps and pump houses in accordance with Section 603.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 4-7
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WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS
404.10.3 Standby power. Standby power shall be provided to pumps, controllers and related electrical equipment so that stationary water supply facilities within the wildland-urban interface area that are dependent on electrical power can provide the required water supply. The standby power system shall be in accordance with Section 2702 of the California Building Code and Section 1203 of the California Fire Code . The standby power source shall be capable of providing power for not less than 2 hours.
Exceptions:
- Where approved by the code official, a standby power supply is not required where the primary power service to the stationary water supply facility is underground.
- A standby power supply is not required where the stationary water supply facility serves not more than one singlefamily dwelling.
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CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 5 – SPECIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
CWUIC § 603.4.2 Medium relevance — show source text
Trees 603.4.2
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE INDEX-1
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INDEX
Undeveloped Ridgeline 202 Unenclosed Accessory Structure 202
Vegetation Control Appendix A, A102 Vegetation management compliance 106.4 Vegetation Management Plan Appendix B Vents 504.10
Vertical Curve 202
Water Supply Adequate water supply 404.5 Applicability 402 Draft sites 404.3 Hydrants 404.4 Identification 404.8
Obstructions 404.7 Reliability 404.10 Required water supply 404.2 Subdivisions 402.1 Testing and maintenance 404.9 Water sources 404.2
Wildfire 202
Wildland 202
Wildland-Urban Interface Area 202
Wildland-Urban Interface Area Designations 302 Declaration 302.1
Mapping 302.2 Review 302.3
INDEX-2 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
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HISTORY NOTE APPENDIX
2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 7
HISTORY:
- (SFM 08/24)—Adoption by reference of the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code with necessary amendments relocated from the California Building Code, California Residential Code and California Fire Code to become the 2025 Califor- nia Wildland-Urban Interface Code . Approved by the California Building Standards Commission on February 26, 2025, filed with Secretary of State on March 7, 2025, and effective on January 1, 2026.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE HIST-1
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HIST-2 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
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CWUIC § 502.0 Medium relevance — show source text
APPENDIX E
E 502.0 Recreational Vehicle Park Potable Water Supply and Distribution. E 502.1 Quality. The supply or supplies of water shall comply with the potable water standards of the state, local health authority or, in the absence thereof, with the Drinking Water Standard of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency. E 502.2 Sources. Water approved by a regulating agency shall be acceptable. Where an approved public water supply system is available, it shall be used. Where the park has its own water supply system, the components of the system shall be approved. A water supply system that is used on a seasonal basis shall be provided with means for draining. E 502.3 Prohibited Connections. The potable water supply shall not be connected to a nonpotable or unapproved water supply, nor be subjected to backflow or backsiphonage. E 502.4 Supply. The water supply system shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the following:
(1) A minimum of 25 gallons (95 L) per day per site for sites without individual water connections.
(2) A minimum of 50 gallons (189 L) per day per site for sites with individual water connections.
(3) A minimum of 50 gallons (189 L) per day per site where water-supplied water closets are provided in restrooms.
E 502.5 Pressure and Volume. Where water is distributed under pressure to an individual site, the water supply system shall be designed to provide a minimum flow pressure of not less than 20 psi (138 kPa) with a minimum flow of 2 gallons per minute (gpm) (0.1 L/s) at an outlet. The pressure shall not exceed 80 psi (552 kPa).
E 502.6 Outlets. Water outlets shall be convenient to access and, where not piped to individual recreational vehicle sites, shall not exceed 300 feet (91 m) from a site. Provisions shall be made to prevent accumulation of standing water or the creation of muddy conditions at each water outlet. E 502.7 Storage Tanks. Water storage tanks shall be constructed of impervious materials, protected against contamination, and provided with locked, watertight covers. Overflow or ventilation openings shall be down-facing and provided with a corrosion-resistant screening of not less than number 24 mesh to prevent the entrance of insects and vermin. Water storage tanks shall not have direct connections to sewers.
E 503.0 Recreational Vehicle Park Water Connec- tions for Individual Recreational Vehicles.
E 503.1 Location. Where provided, the water connections for potable water to individual recreational vehicle sites shall be located on the left rear half of the site (left side of recreational vehicle) within 4 feet (1219 mm) of the stand. E 503.2 Water Riser Pipe. Each potable water connection shall consist of a water riser pipe that is equipped with a threaded male spigot located not less than 12 inches (305 mm) but not more than 24 inches (610 mm) above grade level for the attachment of a standard water hose. The water riser pipe shall be protected from physical damage in accordance with this code. This connection shall be equipped with a listed antisiphon backflow prevention device.
CWUIC § 1.7 Medium relevance — show source text
1.7_|Turnouts|Y||||1273.06||||| |403.1.8|Road and driveway
structures|Y||||1273.07(a)
1273.07(b)
1273.07(c)
1273.07(d)||||| |403.1.9|Dead-end roads|Y||||1273.08(a)
1273.08(b)||||| |403.10|Gate Entrances|Y||||1273.09(a)
1273.09(b)
1273.09(c)
1273.09(d)||||| |403.2|Signing and Building
Numbering|Y||||Article 3||||| |403.2.1|Intent|Y||||1274.00||||| |403.2.2|Road signs|Y||||1274.01||||| |403.2.3|Road Sign
Installation, Location
and Visibility|Y||||1274.02(a)
1274.02(b)
1274.02(c)
1274.02(d)||||| |403.2.4|Addresses for
Buildings|Y||||1274.03(a)
1274.03(b)
1274.03(c)||||| ||||||||||||2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX H-27
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APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
2025 CWUIC—continued Col2 Adopted
Yes/NoIWUIC
SectionCBC
SectionCFC
SectionTitle 14,
Division 1.5
SectionTitle 19,
Division 1
SectionGov Code
SectionPRC
SectionHSC
SectionSection Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Chapter 4 Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements Wildland-urban interface area requirements 403.2.5 Address installation,
location, and visibilityY 1274.04(a)
1274.04(b)
1274.04(c)
1274.04(d)
1274.04(e)
1274.04(f)404 Water supply Y 1275.02 404.1 General Y 507 1275.02(b) 404.2 Required water supply Y 1275.02(c) 404.3 Draft sites Y 404.3.1 Access Y 507.5.4 404.3. CWUIC § 504.3 Medium relevance — show source text
504.3 Protection of enclosed eaves. The exposed underside of enclosed roof eaves and soffits shall be protected on the exposed underside by one or more of the following:
1. Noncombustible materials.
2. Ignition-resistant building materials. 3. Materials approved for not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction on the exterior side, as tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263.
4. 2-inch (51 mm) nominal dimension lumber . 5. 1-inch (25 mm) nominal fire-retardant-treated lumber or [3] / 4 -inch (19.1 mm) nominal fire-retardant-treated plywood, identified for exterior use and complying with Section 2303.2 of the California Building Code . 6. Boxed-in roof eave soffit assemblies with an underside that meets the performance criteria in Section 504.7.2 when tested in accordance with the test procedures set forth in ASTM E2957. 7. Boxed-in roof eave soffit assemblies with an underside that meets the performance criteria in accordance with the test proce- dures set forth in SFM Standard 12-7A-3.
Facias are required and shall be ignition-resistant building materials , fire-retardant-treated wood labeled for exterior use and complying with Section 2303.2 of the California Building Code, materials approved for not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction or 2-inch (51 mm) nominal dimension lumber.
504.3.1 Protection of open eaves. The exposed roof deck on the underside of unenclosed roof eaves shall consist of one or more of the following:
1. Noncombustible material.
2. Ignition-resistant building material. 3. Fire-retardant-treated wood labeled for exterior use and complying with Section 2303.2 of the California Building Code. 4. Materials approved for not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction on the exterior side, as tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263.
5. 2-inch (51 mm) nominal dimension lumber. 6. One layer of [5] / 8 -inch (16 mm) Type X gypsum sheathing applied behind an exterior covering on the underside of the roof deck.
7. The exterior portion of a 1-hour fire-resistance-rated exterior assembly, as tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263, applied to the underside of the roof deck designed for exterior fire exposure, including assemblies using the gypsum panel and sheathing products listed in the Gypsum Association Fire Resistance Design Manual.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 5-5
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SPECIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS
Facias, if provided, shall be of fire-retardant-treated wood labeled for exterior use and complying with Section 2303.2 of the Cali- fornia Building Code, ignition-resistant building materials, materials approved for not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction or 2-inch (51 mm) nominal dimension lumber.
CWUIC § 404.5 Medium relevance — show source text
404.5 Adequate water supply. Fire-flow requirements shall be determined in accordance with Appendix B or BB of the California Fire Code, as applicable.
404.6 Reserved.
404.7 Obstructions. Access to water sources required by this code shall be unobstructed at all times. The fire department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to water source equipment, fire protection equipment or hydrants.
404.8 Identification. Water sources, draft sites, hydrants and fire protection equipment and hydrants shall be clearly identified in a manner approved by the code official to identify location and to prevent obstruction by parking and other obstructions. Each fire hydrant and access to a water supply shall be identified in accordance with one of the following: 1. Where located along a driveway, a reflectorized blue marker with a minimum dimension of 3 inches (73 mm) shall be located on the driveway address sign and mounted on a fire-retardant post. 2. Where located along an access road: 2.2. A reflectorized blue marker with a minimum dimension of 3 inches (73 mm) shall be mounted on a fire-retardant post. The signpost shall be within 3 feet (914 mm) of said fire hydrant with the sign not less than 3 feet (914 mm) nor greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) above ground, in a horizontal position and visible from the driveway. 2.3. As specified in the State Fire Marshal’s Guidelines for Fire Hydrant Markings Along State Highways and Freeways, May 1988.
404.9 Testing and maintenance. Water sources, draft sites, hydrants and other fire protection equipment required by this code shall be subject to periodic tests as required by the code official. Such equipment installed under the provisions of this code shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be repaired or replaced where defective. Additions, repairs, alterations and servicing of such fire protection equipment and resources shall be in accordance with approved standards.
404.10 Reliability. Water supply reliability shall comply with Sections 404.10.1 through 404.10.3.
404.10.1 Objective. The objective of this section is to increase the reliability of water supplies by reducing the exposure of vegetative fuels to electrically powered systems.
404.10.2 Clearance of fuel. Defensible space shall be provided around water tank structures, water supply pumps and pump houses in accordance with Section 603.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 4-7
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WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS
404.10.3 Standby power. Standby power shall be provided to pumps, controllers and related electrical equipment so that stationary water supply facilities within the wildland-urban interface area that are dependent on electrical power can provide the required water supply. The standby power system shall be in accordance with Section 2702 of the California Building Code and Section 1203 of the California Fire Code . The standby power source shall be capable of providing power for not less than 2 hours.
CWUIC § 4-1 Medium relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 4-1
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4 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 4 provides requirements that apply to all occupancies in the wildland-urban interface and pertain to all of the following:
Fire service access to the property that is to be protected, including fire apparatus access roads and off-road driveways.
Premises identification.
Key boxes to provide ready access to properties secured by gated roadways or other impediments to rapid fire service access.
Fire protection water supplies, including adequate water sources, pumper apparatus drafting sites, fire hydrant systems and system reliability.
Fire department access to equipment such as fire suppression equipment and fire hydrants.
SECTION 401—GENERAL
401.1 Scope. Wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with emergency vehicle access and water supply in accordance with this chapter.
401.2 Objective. The objective of this chapter is to establish the minimum requirements for emergency vehicle access and water supply for buildings and structures located in the wildland-urban interface areas.
401.3 General safety precautions. General safety precautions shall be in accordance with this chapter. See also Appendix A.
SECTION 402—APPLICABILITY
402.1 Subdivisions. Subdivisions shall comply with Sections 402.1.1 and 402.1.2.
402.1.1 Access. New subdivisions, as determined by this jurisdiction, shall be provided with fire apparatus access roads in accordance with the California Fire Code; the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 2; and access requirements in accordance with Section 403.
402.1.2 Water supply. New subdivisions as determined by this jurisdiction shall be provided with water supply in accordance with Section 507 of the California Fire Code; California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 4; and Section 404.
402.1.2.1 Parcel map approval. Water supply requirements shall apply in the tentative and parcel map process when new parcels are approved by the local jurisdiction.
402.2 Individual structures. Individual structures shall comply with Sections 402.2.1 and 402.2.2.
402.2.1 Access. Individual structures hereafter constructed or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with fire apparatus access in accordance with the California Fire Code; the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Subsection 1273; and Section 403 .
402.2.2 Water supply. Individual structures hereafter constructed or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with a conforming water supply in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 4; California Fire Code Section 507; and Section 404.
CWUIC § 5004.2.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
STORAGE**|INDOOR STORAGE|OUTDOOR STORAGE|OUTDOOR STORAGE| |MATERIAL|MATERIAL|Solids|Liquids|Solids|Liquids| |Pyrophorics|Pyrophorics|Not Required|Required|Not Required|Required| |Unstable (reactives)|Class 4|Required|Required|Required|Required| |Unstable (reactives)|Class 3|Class 3|Class 3|Class 3|Class 3| |Unstable (reactives)|Class 2|Class 2|Class 2|Class 2|Class 2| |Unstable (reactives)|Class 1|Not Required|Not Required|Not Required|Not Required| |Water reactives|Class 3|Required|Required|Required|Required| |Water reactives|Class 2|Class 2|Class 2|Class 2|Class 2| |Water reactives|Class 1|Not Required|Not Required|Not Required|Not Required| |2. Health-hazard materials|2. Health-hazard materials|2. Health-hazard materials|2. Health-hazard materials|2. Health-hazard materials|2. Health-hazard materials| |Corrosives|Corrosives|Not Required|Required|Not Required|Required| |Highly toxics|Highly toxics|Required|Required|Required|Required| |Toxics|Toxics|Toxics|Toxics|Toxics|Toxics|
5004.2.2.1 Containment and drainage methods. The building, room or area shall contain or drain the hazardous materials and fire protection water through the use of one of the following methods:
Liquid-tight sloped or recessed floors in indoor locations or similar areas in outdoor locations.
Liquid-tight floors in indoor locations or similar areas in outdoor locations provided with liquid-tight raised or recessed sills or dikes.
Sumps and collection systems.
Drainage systems leading to an approved location.
Other approved engineered systems.
5004.2.2.2 Incompatible materials. Incompatible materials used in open systems shall be separated from each other in the secondary containment system.
5004.2.2.3 Indoor design. Secondary containment for indoor storage areas shall be designed to contain a spill from the largest vessel plus the design flow volume of fire protection water calculated to discharge from the fire-extinguishing system over the minimum required system design area or area of the room or area in which the storage is located, whichever is smaller. The containment capacity shall be designed to contain the flow for a period of 20 minutes.
5004.2.2.4 Outdoor design. Secondary containment for outdoor storage areas shall be designed to contain a spill from the largest individual vessel. If the area is open to rainfall, secondary containment shall be designed to include the volume of a 24hour rainfall as determined by a 25-year storm and provisions shall be made to drain accumulations of groundwater and rainwater.
5004.2.2.5 Monitoring. An approved monitoring method shall be provided to detect hazardous materials in the secondary containment system. The monitoring method is allowed to be visual inspection of the primary or secondary containment, or other approved means. Where secondary containment is subject to the intrusion of water, a monitoring method for detecting water shall be provided. Where monitoring devices are provided, they shall be connected to approved visual or audible alarms.
Frequently asked questions
Who must approve a draft site at a pond or stream?
The local code official must approve the draft site’s design, construction, location, access and maintenance as required by § 404.3.
Does the draft site have to connect to a public road?
The draft site must have emergency vehicle access from an access road that conforms to Section 403 — that can be a public road or an approved private access that meets Section 403 requirements, per § 404.3.1.
Can a pumper park in the travel lane while drafting?
No — pumper access points shall not require the pumper apparatus to obstruct a road or driveway (see related § 404.3.2). The draft site design must avoid blocking circulation.
Are there specific driveway length limits for pumper access?
Yes — a pumper access driveway is commonly limited to 150 feet for certain approved driveway approaches per § 404.3.2; confirm with the code official during approval.
Is maintenance required after approval?
Yes — § 404.3 requires access maintenance as part of the approved draft site. Keep the access unobstructed and maintained in the approved condition.
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)
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