CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
How does the CWUIC reference PRC 4290/4291 and Government Code 51177 for SRA and VHFSZ applicability?
If your project is inside the State Responsibility Area or inside a locally designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and the permit date meets the code’s thresholds (SRA: after Jan 1, 1991; LRA VHFHSZ: after July 1, 2021), CWUIC **§ 610.1** requires you to follow the State SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations (Title 14 Subchapter 2) and related defensible‑space standards (PRC § 4291).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Pursuant to § 610.1, the California Wildland‑Urban Interface Code (CWUIC) makes clear that construction in State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and in Local Responsibility Area Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) must follow the State’s SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations (Title 14, Div. 1.5, Ch. 7, Subchapter 2). The CWUIC ties this requirement to the statutory authority in Public Resources Code (PRC) § 4290 and to the VHFHSZ definition in Government Code § 51177, and it applies only to projects meeting the code’s date and location thresholds stated in those authorities. § 610.1 is the controlling CWUIC statement for this linkage.
The single most important rule: if a building project is inside the SRA (or inside an LRA area that is a VHFHSZ as defined in Government Code § 51177 after July 1, 2021) and meets the CWUIC date thresholds, it must comply with the State SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations.
Requirements in detail
Scope — where the CWUIC ties in the statutes
- Applies to residential, commercial and industrial building construction located in the SRA approved after January 1, 1991. § 610.1 (CWUIC) cites PRC § 4290 as the authority for this requirement.
- Also applies to building construction in lands classified and designated as an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) under Government Code § 51177(i), but only for projects approved after July 1, 2021. § 610.1 explicitly references the GC § 51177 timing.
- The CWUIC points users to the SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations (Title 14, Div. 1.5, Ch. 7, Subchapter 2) as the specific regulatory text to follow. See the Title 14 purpose and scope references the CWUIC incorporates.
Decision‑relevant dimensions (quick reference table)
| Dimension / value | When it matters | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Location: State Responsibility Area (SRA) | Applies to building construction approved after Jan 1, 1991 | § 610.1; PRC § 4290 (as cited in CWUIC) |
| Location: LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) | Applies to building construction approved after July 1, 2021 (VHFHSZ defined by GC § 51177(i)) | § 610.1; Title 14 Subchapter 2 scope/purpose |
| Types of work covered | Residential, commercial, industrial buildings (per § 610.1) | § 610.1 |
| Regulatory text to follow | SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations: Title 14, Div. 1.5, Ch. 7, Subchapter 2 | Title 14 references in CWUIC (purpose & scope) |
| Defensible space standard | Vegetation/fuel management requirements follow PRC § 4291 (referenced elsewhere in CWUIC for maintenance/defensible space) | § 604.1 / § 604.3 (CWUIC) referencing PRC § 4291 |
| Subdivision maps / tentative maps | Maps in SRA or LRA VHFHSZ require findings under GC § 66474.02 before approval (transmit to Board) | § 610.2 (CWUIC) |
How the CWUIC maps the statutes into code requirements
- CWUIC § 610.1 is the explicit cross‑reference: it declares that projects within the identified geographic and date thresholds “shall comply with the SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations” (i.e., Title 14 Subchapter 2). This is the CWUIC’s mechanism for folding PRC § 4290 authority and the GC § 51177 VHFHSZ definition into building code applicability.
- The CWUIC also uses other sections to operationalize standards derived from PRC 4290/4291 — for example, fire protection plan contents (§ 602.2) require demonstration of conformance with PRC 4290 and PRC 4291, and maintenance of defensible space (§ 604.1) cites PRC 4291 directly. These cross‑references tell the permit applicant which statutory/regulatory elements must be documented and met.
Exceptions & special cases
- Projects with an application or map approved before January 1, 1991 are excluded from the PRC § 4290 building‑construction provisions; the CWUIC inherits that threshold by reference. Do not apply SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations retroactively to those permits.
- VHFHSZ applicability in LRA only kicks in for construction approved after July 1, 2021 — that is a statutory timing rule the CWUIC echoes in § 610.1. If a local agency’s VHFHSZ designation predates that but the project was permitted earlier, the Title 14 SRA development regs are not automatically retroactive.
- Subdivision approvals have an additional procedural layer: tentative maps or parcel maps in SRA/VHFHSZ trigger findings and transmittal to the Board under § 610.2 and GC § 66474.02 — these are process‑level requirements distinct from the construction standards themselves.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the two date thresholds: “after Jan 1, 1991” applies for SRA; “after July 1, 2021” applies for LRA VHFHSZ. Failure to check the project approval date leads to misapplication.
- Treating local VHFHSZ labels as equivalent to State SRA automatically — the CWUIC treats SRA and LRA VHFHSZ differently and only imports Title 14 SRA regulations into LRA VHFHSZ under the July 1, 2021 rule. Verify the jurisdictional designation and dates.
- Omitting PRC § 4291 (defensible space) requirements when preparing fire protection plans. CWUIC sections on fire protection and defensible space explicitly reference PRC § 4291 and related Title 14 requirements; a complete submittal must show compliance with those.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A developer submits plans for a new single‑family home in a parcel located inside a locally‑designated VHFHSZ (LRA) and the building permit application is dated August 1, 2022.
- Is the CWUIC SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations applicable? Yes — because the structure is in an LRA that is designated a VHFHSZ and the permit was filed after July 1, 2021, § 610.1 directs compliance with the SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations (Title 14 Subchapter 2).
- What standards must be shown on plans? The project’s fire protection plan must demonstrate conformance with PRC § 4290 (access, water, signage, fuel breaks) and PRC § 4291 (defensible space) as incorporated by CWUIC sections describing fire protection plan contents and defensible space. Include specific Title 14 Subchapter 2 references in the submittal.
- If instead the permit had been filed on June 1, 2021, the LRA VHFHSZ trigger in § 610.1 would not apply; the project would not be required under CWUIC § 610.1 to comply with the SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations based on the July 1, 2021 timing rule. (SRA projects still use the Jan 1, 1991 cutoff.)
Related provisions
- § 610.1 — General applicability statement tying CWUIC to PRC § 4290 and GC § 51177 (controlling cross‑reference).
- § 610.2 — Subdivision map findings and transmittal requirements for areas in SRA or LRA VHFHSZ (GC § 66474.02 linkage).
- § 602.2 — Fire protection plan contents; requires identification of conformance with PRC § 4290 and PRC § 4291.
- § 604.1 / § 604.3 — Maintenance of defensible space; references PRC § 4291 as the standard for SRA and VHFHSZ areas.
- Title 14, Div. 1.5, Ch. 7, Subchapter 2 (SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations) — purpose and scope referenced by CWUIC; this is where detailed SRA construction/perimeter standards are located.
- Appendix H (CWUIC) — documents the statutory/regulatory sources (PRC 4290–4291; Title 14 cross‑references) used by the CWUIC.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CWUIC § 609.2.6 High relevance — show source text
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FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
609.2.6 Maintenance of fuel breaks. Where a local jurisdiction requires fuel breaks, maintenance mechanisms shall be established to ensure the fire behavior objectives and thresholds are maintained over time.
The mechanisms required shall be binding upon the property for which the fuel break is established, shall ensure adequate main- tenance levels, and may include: written legal agreements; permanent fees, taxes, or assessments; assessments through a homeowners’ association; or other funding mechanisms. [CCR T14 §1276.03(g) and (h)]
609.2.7 Greenbelts, greenways, open spaces and parks. Where a greenbelt, greenway, open space, park, landscaped or natural area or portion thereof is intended to serve as a fuel break, the space or relevant portion thereof shall conform with the requirements in California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 1276.03. [CCR T14 §1276.04]
SECTION 610—FIRE SAFE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
610.1 General. Pursuant to Public Resources Code, Section 4290, all residential, commercial and industrial building construction within state responsibility areas approved after January 1, 1991, and within lands classified and designated as an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as defined in subdivision (i) of Section 51177 of the Government Code after July 1, 2021, shall comply with the SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations as specified in Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2.
610.2 Subdivision map findings. Pursuant to Government Code (GC), Section 66474.02, before approving a tentative map, or a parcel map for which a tentative map was not required, for an area located in an SRA or an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as both are defined in GC Section 51177, a legislative body of a county, except as provided in GC Section 66474.02(c), shall make findings regarding compliance with the SRA Fire Safe Regulations and the availability of structural fire protection and suppression services. These findings and accompanying map shall be transmitted to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and comply with the requirements in Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 1, Article 1.
SECTION 611—SUBDIVISION REVIEW SURVEY
611.1 Subdivision identification. Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 4290.5 and Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 1, Article 2, the Board, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, shall survey local governments to identify existing subdivi- sions, as defined in Article 2, located in an SRA area or an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone without a secondary egress route that is at significant fire risk.
611.2 Fire safety recommendations. The Board, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the local government that identified the subdivision, shall develop recommendations to improve the subdivision’s fire safety. The Board shall provide the final recommendations to the local government that identified the subdivision and to the residents of the subdivision.
CWUIC § 4126-4127 High relevance — show source text
ADMINISTRATION
(cc) State Responsibility Area (SRA): As defined in Public Resources Code Sections 4126-4127; and the California Code of Regula- tions, title 14, division 1.5, chapter 7, article 1, Sections 1220-1220.5. (dd) Strategic Ridgeline: a Ridgeline identified pursuant to § 1276.02(a) that may support fire suppression activities or where the preservation of the Ridgeline as an Undeveloped Ridgeline would reduce fire risk and improve fire protection. (ee) Structure: That which is built or constructed or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner.
(ff) Traffic Lane: The portion of a Road or Driveway that provides a single line of vehicle travel. (gg) Turnaround: An area which allows for a safe opposite change of direction for Fire Apparatus at the end of a Road or Driveway. (hh) Turnout: A widening in a Road or Driveway to allow vehicles to pass. (ii) Undeveloped Ridgeline: A Ridgeline with no Buildings. (jj) Utility and Miscellaneous Group U: A Structure of an accessory character or a miscellaneous Structure not classified in any specific Occupancy permitted, constructed, equipped and maintained to conform to the requirements of Title 24, California Building Standards Code. (kk) Vertical Clearance: The minimum specified height of a bridge, overhead projection or vegetation clearance above the Road or Driveway. (ll) Vertical Curve: A curve at a high or low point of a Road that provides a gradual transition between two Road grades or slopes. (mm) Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ): As defined in Government Code Section 51177(i). (nn) Wildfire: Has the same meaning as “forest fire” in Public Resources Code Section 4103.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, §1270.02] Purpose. (a) Subchapter 2 has been prepared and adopted for the purpose of establishing state minimum Wildfire protection standards in conjunction with Building, construction and Development in the State Responsibility Area (SRA) and, after July 1, 2021, the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, as defined in Government Code § 51177(i) (VHFHSZ). (b) The future design and construction of Structures, subdivisions and Developments in the SRA and, after July 1, 2021, the VHFHSZ shall provide for basic emergency access and perimeter Wildfire protection measures as specified in the following articles. (c) These standards shall provide for emergency access; signing and Building numbering; private water supply reserves for emer- gency fire use; and vegetation modification, Fuel Breaks, Greenbelts, and measures to preserve Undeveloped Ridgelines. Subchapter 2 specifies the minimums for such measures.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, §1270.03] Scope. (a) Subchapter 2 shall apply to: (1) the perimeters and access to all residential, commercial and industrial Building construction within the SRA approved after January 1, 1991, and those approved after July 1, 2021, within the VHFHSZ, except as set forth below in subsection (b). (2) _the siting of newly installed commercial modular, manufactured homes,
CWUIC § 11340.6 High relevance — show source text
4203.
(a) The State Fire Marshal shall, by regulation, designate fire hazard severity zones and assign to each zone a rating reflecting the degree of severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in the zone. (b) No designation of a zone and assignment of a rating shall be adopted by the State Fire Marshal until the proposed regulation has been transmitted to the board of supervisors of the county in which the zone is located at least 45 days before the adoption of the proposed regulation and a public hearing has been held in that county during that 45-day period. 4204. The State Fire Marshal shall periodically review zones designated and rated pursuant to this article and, as necessary, shall revise zones or their ratings or repeal the designation of zones. Any revision of a zone or its rating or any repeal of a zone shall conform to the requirements of Section 4203. In addition, the revision or repeal of a zone may be petitioned pursuant to Sections 11340.6 and 11340.7 of the Government Code.
4290.
(a) The board shall adopt regulations implementing minimum fire safety standards related to defensible space that are applicable to state responsibility area lands under the authority of the department, and to lands classified and designated as very high fire hazard severity zones, as defined in subdivision (i) of Section 51177 of the Government Code. These regulations apply to the perimeters and access to all residential, commercial, and industrial building construction within state responsibility areas approved after January 1, 1991, and within lands classified and designated as very high fire hazard severity zones, as defined in subdivision (i) of Section 51177 of the Government Code after July 1, 2021. The board may not adopt building standards, as defined in Section 18909 of the Health and Safety Code, under the authority of this section. As an integral part of fire safety stan- dards, the State Fire Marshal has the authority to adopt regulations for roof coverings and openings into the attic areas of buildings specified in Section 13108.5 of the Health and Safety Code. The regulations apply to the placement of mobile homes as defined by National Fire Protection Association standards. These regulations do not apply where an application for a build- ing permit was filed prior to January 1, 1991, or to parcel or tentative maps or other developments approved prior to January 1, 1991, if the final map for the tentative map is approved within the time prescribed by the local ordinance. The regulations shall include all of the following: (1) Road standards for fire equipment access. (2) Standards for signs identifying streets, roads, and buildings. (3) Minimum private water supply reserves for emergency fire use. (4) Fuel breaks and greenbelts. (b) The board shall, on and after July 1, 2021, periodically update regulations for fuel breaks and greenbelts near communities to provide greater fire safety for the perimeters to all residential, commercial, and industrial building construction within state responsibility areas and lands classified and designated as very high fire hazard severity zones, as defined in subdivision (i) of Section 51177 of the Government Code, after July 1, 2021. These regulations shall include measures to preserve undeveloped
APPENDIX H-6 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
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APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
CWUIC § 609.2.3 High relevance — show source text
609.2.3 Location of fuel breaks. Fuel breaks may be required at locations such as, but not limited to: (1) Directly adjacent to defensible space as defined by Title 14 CCR Section 1299.02 to reduce radiant and convective heat expo- sure and ember impacts, or support firefighting tactics. (2) Directly adjacent to roads to manage radiant and convective heat exposure and ember impacts, increase evacuation safety, or support firefighting tactics. (3) Directly adjacent to a hazardous land use to limit the spread of fire from such uses, reduce radiant and convective heat exposure, or support firefighting tactics. (4) Strategically located along ridgelines, in greenbelts, or in other locations to reduce radiant and convective heat exposure and ember impacts, or support community level firefighting tactics.
[CCR T14 §1276.03(d)]
609.2.4 Timing. Fuel breaks shall be completed prior to the commencement of any permitted construction. [CCR T14 §1276.03(e)]
609.2.5 Construction. Fuel breaks shall be constructed using the most ecologically and site appropriate treatment option, such as, but not limited to, prescribed burning, manual treatment, mechanical treatment, prescribed herbivory, and targeted ground applica- tion of herbicides. [CCR T14 §1276.03(f)]
6-6 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
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FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
609.2.6 Maintenance of fuel breaks. Where a local jurisdiction requires fuel breaks, maintenance mechanisms shall be established to ensure the fire behavior objectives and thresholds are maintained over time.
The mechanisms required shall be binding upon the property for which the fuel break is established, shall ensure adequate main- tenance levels, and may include: written legal agreements; permanent fees, taxes, or assessments; assessments through a homeowners’ association; or other funding mechanisms. [CCR T14 §1276.03(g) and (h)]
609.2.7 Greenbelts, greenways, open spaces and parks. Where a greenbelt, greenway, open space, park, landscaped or natural area or portion thereof is intended to serve as a fuel break, the space or relevant portion thereof shall conform with the requirements in California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 1276.03. [CCR T14 §1276.04]
SECTION 610—FIRE SAFE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
610.1 General. Pursuant to Public Resources Code, Section 4290, all residential, commercial and industrial building construction within state responsibility areas approved after January 1, 1991, and within lands classified and designated as an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as defined in subdivision (i) of Section 51177 of the Government Code after July 1, 2021, shall comply with the SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations as specified in Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2.
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.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 6-3
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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 § 11340.6 High relevance — show source text
The_ guidance document shall include, but not be limited to, regionally appropriate vegetation management suggestions that preserve and restore native species that are fire resistant or drought tolerant, or both, minimize erosion, minimize the spread of flammable nonnative grasses and weeds, minimize water consumption, and permit trees and shrubs near homes for shade, aesthetics, and habitat; and suggestions to minimize or eliminate the risk of flammability of nonvegetative sources of combus- tion such as woodpiles, propane tanks, decks, and outdoor lawn furniture. (2) On or before January 1, 2023, the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, shall update the guidance document to include suggestions for creating an ember-resistant zone within five feet of a structure based on regulations promulgated by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, to consider the elimination of materials in the ember-resistant zone that would likely be ignited by embers.
(d) For purposes of this section, a structure for the purpose of an ember-resistant zone shall include any attached deck. This section does not limit the authority of the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection or the Office of the State Fire Marshal to require the removal of fuel or vegetation on top of or underneath a deck pursuant to this section.
SECTION H103—CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE
Sections 4201–4204; 4290–4291.
4201. The purpose of this article is to provide for the classification of lands within state responsibility areas in accordance with the severity of fire hazard present for the purpose of identifying measures to be taken to retard the rate of spreading and to reduce the potential intensity of uncontrolled fires that threaten to destroy resources, life, or property. 4202. The State Fire Marshal shall classify lands within state responsibility areas into fire hazard severity zones. Each zone shall embrace relatively homogeneous lands and shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors pres- ent, including areas where winds have been identified by the department as a major cause of wildfire spread.
4203.
(a) The State Fire Marshal shall, by regulation, designate fire hazard severity zones and assign to each zone a rating reflecting the degree of severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in the zone. (b) No designation of a zone and assignment of a rating shall be adopted by the State Fire Marshal until the proposed regulation has been transmitted to the board of supervisors of the county in which the zone is located at least 45 days before the adoption of the proposed regulation and a public hearing has been held in that county during that 45-day period. 4204. The State Fire Marshal shall periodically review zones designated and rated pursuant to this article and, as necessary, shall revise zones or their ratings or repeal the designation of zones. Any revision of a zone or its rating or any repeal of a zone shall conform to the requirements of Section 4203. In addition, the revision or repeal of a zone may be petitioned pursuant to Sections 11340.6 and 11340.7 of the Government Code.
4290.
(a) The board shall adopt regulations implementing minimum fire safety standards related to defensible space that are applicable to state responsibility area lands under the authority of the department, and to lands classified and designated as very high _fire hazard severity zones, as defined in subdivision (i) of Section 51177 of the Government Code.
CWUIC § 1.5 High relevance — show source text
(g) Any local governmental entity that is qualified to conduct defensible space assessments pursuant to this section in very high and high fire hazard severity zones, as identified by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Article 9 (commencing with Section 4201) of this chapter or by a local agency pursuant to Section 51179 of the Government Code and reports that information to the department, shall report that information using the common reporting platform established pursuant to subdivision (c). (h) (1) On December 31, 2023, and annually thereafter, the department shall report to the Legislature all defensible space data collected pursuant paragraph (2) of subdivision (c). The report may include information on the proportion of unique parcels that were inspected, the degree of compliance with requirements set forth in Section 4291, any enforcement actions that may have been taken for noncompliant parcels, and the proportion of parcels that were found to be in compliance across jurisdictions. At minimum, the report shall include data with sufficient detail to facilitate comparisons of community compliance with the requirements of Section 4291 between local governmental entities qualified to conduct defensible space assessments pursuant to this section and local governmental entities that are not. (2) A report submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(i) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.
SECTION H104—CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 14, DIVISION 1.5
H104.1 Subchapter 2 State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations.
1270.01 Definitions.
(aa) Same Practical Effect: As used in this subchapter, means an Exception or alternative with the capability of applying accepted wildland fire suppression strategies and tactics, and provisions for fire fighter safety, including: (1) access for emergency wildland fire equipment, (2) safe civilian evacuation, (3) signing that avoids delays in emergency equipment response, (4) available and accessible water to effectively attack Wildfire or defend a Structure from Wildfire, and (5) fuel modification sufficient for civilian and fire fighter safety.
1270.02 Purpose. (a) Subchapter 2 has been prepared and adopted for the purpose of establishing state minimum Wildfire protection standards in conjunction with Building, construction, and Development in the State Responsibility Area (SRA) and, after July 1, 2021, the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, as defined in Government Code § 51177(i) (VHFHSZ). (b) The future design and construction of Structures, subdivisions and Developments in the SRA and, after July 1, 2021, the VHFHSZ shall provide for basic emergency access and perimeter Wildfire protection measures as specified in the following articles. (c) These standards shall provide for emergency access; signing and Building numbering; private water supply reserves for emer- gency fire use; vegetation modification, Fuel Breaks, Greenbelts, and measures to preserve Undeveloped Ridgelines. Subchapter 2 specifies the minimums for such measures.
1270.03 Scope. (a) Subchapter 2 shall apply to: (1) the perimeters and access to all residential, commercial, and industrial Building construction within the SRA approved _after January 1, 1991, and those approved after July 1,
CWUIC § 610.2 High relevance — show source text
610.2 Subdivision map findings. Pursuant to Government Code (GC), Section 66474.02, before approving a tentative map, or a parcel map for which a tentative map was not required, for an area located in an SRA or an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as both are defined in GC Section 51177, a legislative body of a county, except as provided in GC Section 66474.02(c), shall make findings regarding compliance with the SRA Fire Safe Regulations and the availability of structural fire protection and suppression services. These findings and accompanying map shall be transmitted to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and comply with the requirements in Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 1, Article 1.
SECTION 611—SUBDIVISION REVIEW SURVEY
611.1 Subdivision identification. Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 4290.5 and Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 1, Article 2, the Board, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, shall survey local governments to identify existing subdivi- sions, as defined in Article 2, located in an SRA area or an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone without a secondary egress route that is at significant fire risk.
611.2 Fire safety recommendations. The Board, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the local government that identified the subdivision, shall develop recommendations to improve the subdivision’s fire safety. The Board shall provide the final recommendations to the local government that identified the subdivision and to the residents of the subdivision.
611.3 Implementation. The Board shall maintain a list of the subdivisions identified and the status of the implementation of the recom- mendations provided.
611.4 Re-survey. Beginning July 1, 2021, the Board shall conduct this survey every 5 years.
SECTION 612—GENERAL PLAN SAFETY ELEMENT
612.1 General. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65302(g)(3), the safety element of a city or county’s General Plan shall be reviewed and updated as necessary to address the risk of fire for land classified as SRA, as defined in Section 4102 of the Public Resources Code, and land classified as an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as defined in Section 51177.
612.2 Submission to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and local fire agencies. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65302.5(b)(1), the draft element of, or draft amendment to, the safety element of a county or a city’s general plan shall be submitted to the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and to every local agency that provides fire protection to territory in the city or county at least 90 days prior to either of the following: the adoption or amendment to the safety element of its general plan for each county that contains state responsibility areas; or the adoption or amendment to the safety element of its general plan for each city or county that contains a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone as defined pursuant to subdivision (i) of Section 51177.
CWUIC § 1270.08 High relevance — show source text
The_ Local Jurisdiction may establish or utilize an appeal process consistent with existing local building or planning department appeal processes. (d) Before the Local Jurisdiction makes a determination on an appeal, the inspector shall be consulted and shall provide to that Local Jurisdiction documentation outlining the effects of the requested Exception on Wildfire protection. (e) If an appeal is granted, the Local Jurisdiction shall make findings that the decision meets the intent of providing Defensible Space consistent with these regulations. Such findings shall include a statement of reasons for the decision. A written copy of these findings shall be provided to the CAL FIRE Unit headquarters that administers SRA fire protection in that Local Jurisdiction.
1270.08 Distance measurements. All specified or referenced distances are measured along the ground, unless otherwise stated.
Article 2 Ingress and Egress.
1273.00 Intent. Roads, and driveways, whether public or private, unless exempted under 14 CCR § 1270.03(d), shall provide for safe access for emergency wildfire equipment and civilian evacuation concurrently, and shall provide unobstructed traffic circulation during a wildfire emergency consistent with 14 CCR §§ 1273.00 through 1273.09.
1273.01 Width.
(a) All roads shall be constructed to provide a minimum of two ten (10) foot traffic lanes, not including shoulder and striping. These traffic lanes shall provide for two-way traffic flow to support emergency vehicle and civilian egress, unless other stan- dards are provided in this article or additional requirements are mandated by Local Jurisdictions or local subdivision requirements. Vertical clearances shall conform to the requirements in California Vehicle Code section 35250. (b) All One-way Roads shall be constructed to provide a minimum of one twelve (12) foot traffic lane, not including Shoulders. The Local Jurisdiction may approve One-way Roads. (1) All one-way roads shall, at both ends, connect to a road with two traffic lanes providing for travel in different directions, and shall provide access to an area currently zoned for no more than ten (10) Residential Units. (2) In no case shall a One-way Road exceed 2,640 feet in length. A turnout shall be placed and constructed at approximately the midpoint of each One-way Road. (c) All driveways shall be constructed to provide a minimum of one (1) ten (10) foot traffic lane, fourteen (14) feet unobstructed horizontal clearance, and unobstructed vertical clearance of thirteen feet, six inches (13′ 6″).
Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.
1273.02 Road surfaces.
(a) Roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing at least 75,000 pounds and provide an aggregate base. (b) Road and driveway structures shall be designed and maintained to support at least 40,000 pounds. (c) Project proponent shall provide engineering specifications to support design, if requested by the local jurisdiction.
Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.
1273.03 Grades.
CWUIC § 1273.02 High relevance — show source text
Vertical clearances shall conform to the requirements in California Vehicle Code section 35250._ (b) All One-way Roads shall be constructed to provide a minimum of one twelve (12) foot traffic lane, not including Shoulders. The Local Jurisdiction may approve One-way Roads. (1) All one-way roads shall, at both ends, connect to a road with two traffic lanes providing for travel in different directions, and shall provide access to an area currently zoned for no more than ten (10) Residential Units. (2) In no case shall a One-way Road exceed 2,640 feet in length. A turnout shall be placed and constructed at approximately the midpoint of each One-way Road. (c) All driveways shall be constructed to provide a minimum of one (1) ten (10) foot traffic lane, fourteen (14) feet unobstructed horizontal clearance, and unobstructed vertical clearance of thirteen feet, six inches (13′ 6″).
Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.
1273.02 Road surfaces.
(a) Roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing at least 75,000 pounds and provide an aggregate base. (b) Road and driveway structures shall be designed and maintained to support at least 40,000 pounds. (c) Project proponent shall provide engineering specifications to support design, if requested by the local jurisdiction.
Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.
1273.03 Grades.
(a) At no point shall the grade for all roads and driveways exceed 16 percent. (b) The grade may exceed 16%, not to exceed 20%, with approval from the local jurisdiction and with mitigations to provide for same practical effect.
Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.
1273.04 Radius.
(a) No road or road structure shall have a horizontal inside radius of curvature of less than fifty (50) feet. An additional surface width of four (4) feet shall be added to curves of 50-100 feet radius; two (2) feet to those from 100-200 feet. (b) The length of vertical curves in roadways, exclusive of gutters, ditches, and drainage structures designed to hold or divert water, shall be not less than one hundred (100) feet.
Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.
1273.05 Turnarounds.
(a) Turnarounds are required on driveways and dead-end roads. (b) The minimum turning radius for a turnaround shall be forty (40) feet, not including parking, in accordance with the figures in 14 CCR §§ 1273.05(e) and 1273.05(f). If a hammerhead/T is used instead, the top of the “T” shall be a minimum of sixty (60) feet in length. (c) Driveways exceeding 150 feet in length, but less than 800 feet in length, shall provide a turnout near the midpoint of the drive- way. Where the driveway exceeds 800 feet, turnouts shall be provided no more than 400 feet apart.
CWUIC § 1273.05 High relevance — show source text
APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
(d) A turnaround shall be provided on driveways over 300 feet in length and shall be within fifty (50) feet of the building. (e) Each dead-end road shall have a turnaround constructed at its terminus. Where parcels are zoned five (5) acres or larger, turn- arounds shall be provided at a maximum of 1,320-foot intervals. (f) Figure A. Turnarounds on roads with two ten-foot traffic lanes. (g) Figure B. Turnarounds on driveways with one ten-foot traffic lane.
Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.
FIGURE FOR CCR 1273.05—TURNAROUND EXAMPLES
1273.06 Turnouts. Turnouts shall be a minimum of twelve (12) feet wide and thirty (30) feet long with a minimum twenty-five (25) foot taper on each end.
Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.
1273.08 Dead-end roads.
(a) The maximum length of a dead-end road, including all Dead-end Roads accessed from that dead-end road, shall not exceed the following cumulative lengths, regardless of the number of parcels served:
Parcels zoned for less than one acre – 800 feet
Parcels zoned for 1 acre to 4.99 acres – 1,320 feet
Parcels zoned for 5 acres to 19.99 acres – 2,640 feet
Parcels zoned for 20 acres or larger – 5,280 feet All lengths shall be measured from the edge of the road surface at the intersection that begins the road to the end of the road surface at its farthest point. Where a dead-end road crosses areas of differing zoned parcel sizes requiring different length limits, the shortest allowable length shall apply. (b) See Section 1273.05 for dead-end road turnaround requirements.
Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.
1273.09 Gate Entrances.
(a) Gate entrances shall be at least two (2) feet wider than the width of the traffic lane(s) serving that gate and a minimum width of fourteen (14) feet unobstructed horizontal clearance and unobstructed vertical clearance of thirteen feet, six inches (13' 6”). (b) All gates providing access from a road to a driveway shall be located at least thirty (30) feet from the roadway and shall open to allow a vehicle to stop without obstructing traffic on that Road. (c) Where a one-way road with a single traffic lane provides access to a gated entrance, a forty (40) foot turning radius shall be used.
(d) Security gates shall not be installed without approval. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. Approval shall be by the local authority having jurisdiction. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times.
Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX H-13
CWUIC § 0.004 High relevance — show source text
35|0.004|–|–| |0.71
|0.013
|0.003
|–
| |1.06
|0.025
|0.005
|–
| |1.41
|0.041
|0.008
|–
| |1.77
|0.060
|0.012
|–
| |2.12
|0.082
|0.016
|–
| |2.47
|0.107
|0.021
|–
| |2.82
|0.135
|0.026
|–
| |3.18|0.166|0.032|–| |3.53|0.199|0.038|–| |4.24|0.274|0.053|–| |4.94|0.359|0.069|–| |5.65|0.454|0.087|–| |6.36|0.558|0.107|–| |7.06|0.672|0.129|0.033| |7.77|0.795|0.153|0.039| |8.47|0.927|0.179|0.045| |9.18|1.066|0.205|0.052| |9.89|1.218|0.233|0.059| |10.59|1.377|0.263|0.066| |12.36|1.811|0.346|0.087| |14.12|2.298|0.438|0.110| |15.89|2.837|0.539|0.135| |17.66|3.456|0.650|0.163| |19.42|–|0.771|0.193| |21.19|–|0.900|0.225| |22.95|–|1.038|0.260| |24.72|–|1.185|0.295| |28.25|–|1.505|0.375| |31.78|–|1.859|0.463| |35.31|–|2.247|0.559| |38.84|–|2.667|0.663| |42.37|–|3.121|0.775| |45.90|–|3.607|0.895| |49.43|–|4.125|1.022| |52.97|–|–|1.157| |56.50|–|–|1.299| |60.03|–|–|1.449| |63.56|–|–|1.607| |67.09|–|–|1.772| |70.62|–|–|1.944| |81.21|–|–|2.503| |91.81|–|–|3.127| |102.40|–|–|3.813|For SI units: 1 standard cubic foot per minute = 28.32 SLPM, 1 inch = 25 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound-force per square inch = 6.8947 kPa
Frequently asked questions
What exactly does § 610.1 require?
It requires that residential, commercial and industrial building construction in the SRA (approved after Jan 1, 1991) and in LRA lands designated VHFHSZ (as defined in GC § 51177 for projects after July 1, 2021) comply with the SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations (Title 14, Subchapter 2).
Do defensible‑space rules (PRC § 4291) apply too?
Yes. The CWUIC’s fire protection and defensible space sections reference PRC § 4291 as the standard for vegetation/fuel management around structures in SRA and VHFHSZ areas.
If a permit was applied for in 1990, do these rules apply?
No — PRC § 4290 (and the CWUIC’s incorporation of it) excludes building permits filed prior to January 1, 1991, from the SRA building‑construction rule.
Who enforces the subdivision map findings called out in § 610.2?
County legislative bodies must make the findings before approving tentative or parcel maps in SRA or LRA VHFHSZ, and transmit findings/maps to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, per § 610.2.
Where do I find the detailed SRA regulations referenced in § 610.1?
The detailed requirements are in Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2 — the SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations referenced by the CWUIC. The CWUIC cites Title 14 for purpose and scope.
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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California Wildland-Urban Interface Code