CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
Windows, Doors, Garage Doors and Accessory Structure Requirements
This hub summarizes CWUIC glazing, door and garage door ignition‑resistance and accessory structure rules (notably §§504.8–504.9 and Chapter 5/§501) with links to the full sections.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This part of the California Wildland‑Urban Interface Code (CWUIC) sets ignition‑resistant construction and performance rules for exterior glazing, entry and garage doors, and small accessory structures in WUI areas to reduce ember intrusion and radiant‑heat vulnerability. Chapter 5 (Special Building Construction Regulations) establishes scope and applicability for buildings in WUI areas (see §501.1 and the Chapter 5 introduction) .
Key prescriptive requirements include exterior glazing standards in §504.8 (multilayer/tempered glass, fire‑rated glazing or approved SFM performance), exterior door construction and fire‑rating options in §504.9, and specific garage door provisions (battery backup for automatic openers and ember‑resistant perimeter gap limits) in §§504.9.1–504.9.2 . The code also explains accessory structure exceptions and outbuilding rules referenced in Chapter 5 and Section 501, and provides home‑hardening guidance in Appendix G to support compliance and maintenance practices .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CWUIC § 504.8 High relevance — show source text
504.8 Exterior glazing. Exterior windows, window walls and glazed doors, windows within exterior doors, and skylights shall be constructed of any of the following: 1. Multilayered glazed panels with at least one pane of tempered glass complying with Section 2406 of the California Building Code.
2. Glass block.
3. Glazing with a fire-protection rating of not less than 20 minutes when tested according to NFPA 257 or UL 9, and shall be exempt from the hose stream test. 4. Glazing meeting the performance requirements of SFM Standard 12-7A-2.
504.8.1 Structural glass veneer. The wall assembly behind structural glass veneer shall comply with Section 504.5.
504.8.2 Operable skylights. Operable skylights shall be protected by a noncombustible mesh screen and the dimensions of the openings in the screen shall not exceed [1] / 8 inch (3.2 mm).
504.9 Exterior doors. Exterior doors shall be constructed in accordance with any of the following:
1. Noncombustible construction .
2. Solid-core wood not less than 1 [3] / 4 inches thick (44 mm) . 3. The exterior door shall be constructed of solid core wood that complies with the following requirements: 3.1. Stiles and rails shall not be less than 1 3/8 inches (35 mm) thick. 3.2. Raised panels shall not be less than 11/4 inches (32 mm) thick, except for the exterior perimeter of the raised panel that shall be permitted to taper to a tongue not less than 3/8 inch (10 mm) thick. 4. Have a fire protection rating of not less than 20 minutes when tested according to NFPA 252, UL 10B or UL 10C . 5. The exterior surface or cladding meeting the performance requirements of Section 504.9.3 when tested in accordance with ASTM E2707.
6. The exterior surface or cladding shall be tested to meet the performance requirements of SFM Standard 12-7A-1.
Windows within doors and glazed doors shall be in accordance with Section 504.8.
504.9.1 Garage doors. Automatic garage door openers for vehicle doors serving a residential building shall be equipped with a battery backup function.
504.9.2 Garage door perimeter gap. Exterior garage doors shall resist the intrusion of embers by preventing gaps between doors and door openings, at the bottom, sides and tops of doors, from exceeding [1] / 8 _inch (3.2 mm).
CWUIC § 504.9 High relevance — show source text
504.9 Exterior doors. Exterior doors shall be constructed in accordance with any of the following:
1. Noncombustible construction .
2. Solid-core wood not less than 1 [3] / 4 inches thick (44 mm) . 3. The exterior door shall be constructed of solid core wood that complies with the following requirements: 3.1. Stiles and rails shall not be less than 1 3/8 inches (35 mm) thick. 3.2. Raised panels shall not be less than 11/4 inches (32 mm) thick, except for the exterior perimeter of the raised panel that shall be permitted to taper to a tongue not less than 3/8 inch (10 mm) thick. 4. Have a fire protection rating of not less than 20 minutes when tested according to NFPA 252, UL 10B or UL 10C . 5. The exterior surface or cladding meeting the performance requirements of Section 504.9.3 when tested in accordance with ASTM E2707.
6. The exterior surface or cladding shall be tested to meet the performance requirements of SFM Standard 12-7A-1.
Windows within doors and glazed doors shall be in accordance with Section 504.8.
504.9.1 Garage doors. Automatic garage door openers for vehicle doors serving a residential building shall be equipped with a battery backup function.
504.9.2 Garage door perimeter gap. Exterior garage doors shall resist the intrusion of embers by preventing gaps between doors and door openings, at the bottom, sides and tops of doors, from exceeding [1] / 8 inch (3.2 mm). Gaps between doors and door openings shall be controlled by one or more of the following methods: 1. Weather-stripping products constructed of materials that which comply with both of the following: 1.1. The tensile strength of the material shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D638 before and after exposure to ASTM G155 for a period of 2,000 hours, and the maximum allowable difference in tensile strength values between exposed and nonexposed samples shall not exceed 10 percent. 1.2. When tested to UL 94, the materials shall have a flammability rating of V-2 or better. 2. Door overlaps onto jambs and headers. 3. Garage door jambs and headers covered with metal flashing.
504.9.3 Conditions of acceptance for ASTM E2707. The ASTM E2707 test shall be conducted on a minimum of three test specimens and meet the conditions of acceptance in Items 1 and 2. If any one of the three tests do not meet the conditions of acceptance, three additional tests shall be performed. All three additional tests must meet the conditions of acceptance. 1. Absence of flame penetration through the wall assembly at any time. 2. Absence of evidence of glowing combustion on the interior surface of the assembly at the end of the 70-minute test.
504.10 Vents. Where provided, ventilation openings for enclosed attics, gable ends, ridge ends, under eaves and cornices, enclosed eave soffit spaces, enclosed rafter spaces formed where ceilings are applied directly to the underside of roof rafters, underfloor venti
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CWUIC § 5-1 High relevance — show source text
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5 SPECIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 5 provides regulations that establish minimum standards for the location, design and construction of buildings and structures based on construction within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone or a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Area.
The construction provisions of Chapter 5 are intended to supplement the requirements of the California Building Code and California Residential Code and address mitigation of the unique hazards posed to buildings by wildfire and to reduce the hazards of building fires spreading to wildland fuels. This is accomplished by requiring ignition-resistant construction materials. Construction features regulated include underfloor areas; roof coverings; eaves and soffits; gutters and downspouts; exterior walls, doors and windows; ventilation openings and accessory structures.
SECTION 501—GENERAL
501.1 Scope. Buildings and structures in a wildland-urban interface area shall be constructed in accordance with the California Build- ing Code and this code.
Exceptions:
- Group U accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet (11 m [2] ) in floor area where located not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from applicable buildings.
- Group U agricultural buildings not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from applicable buildings.
501.2 Objective. The objective of this chapter is to establish minimum standards to locate, design and construct buildings and structures or portions thereof for the protection of life and property, to resist damage from wildfires, and to mitigate building and structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels.
501.3 Fire-resistance-rated construction. Where this code requires 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction, the fire-resistance rating of building elements, components or assemblies shall be determined in accordance with the test procedures set forth in ASTM E119 or UL 263.
Exceptions:
- The fire-resistance rating of building elements, components or assemblies based on the prescriptive designs prescribed in Section 721 of the California Building Code .
- The fire-resistance rating of building elements, components or assemblies based on the calculation procedures in accordance with Section 722 of the California Building Code .
501.4 Noncombustibility tests. The tests indicated in Section 501.4.1 shall serve as criteria for acceptance of noncombustible building materials. The term “noncombustible” does not apply to the flame spread characteristics of interior finish or trim materials. A material shall not be classified as a noncombustible building construction material if it is subject to an increase in combustibility or flame spread beyond the limitations herein established through the effects of age, moisture or other atmospheric conditions.
501.4.1 Noncombustible materials. Materials required to be noncombustible shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E136 and pass the test. Alternately, materials required to be noncombustible shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E2652 using the accep- tance criteria prescribed by ASTM E136.
CWUIC § 3.2 High relevance — show source text
_ 2. Rain gutters—keep roof gutters free of combustible debris. 3. Decks—regularly clean your deck, including deck-to-wall intersections to avoid the accumulation of fallen leaves, needles and other flammable materials; ensure that all combustible materials are removed from underneath, on top of or within five feet (1524 mm) of a deck or balcony. 4. Chimneys—ensure spark arrestor is in place; remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney or stovepipe outlet. 5. Windows—remove or relocate all combustibles away from windows. Older windows that are single-pane or double-pane without tempering can be vulnerable to direct flame contact or radiant heat exposure; remove vegetation or other combus- tible materials that are within five feet of windows.
6. Doors—inspect the door for dry rot, gaps, cracks and warping and caulk or plug gaps greater than [1] / 8 inch. Install weather stripping to fill gaps greater than [1] / 8 inch (3.2 mm) between garage doors and door frames to prevent ember intrusion; remove vegetation or other combustible materials that are within five feet (1524 mm) of doors. 7. Exterior walls—inspect exterior siding for dry rot, gaps, cracks and warping and caulk or plug gaps greater than [1] / 8 inch in siding and replace any damaged boards, including those with dry rot. 8. Firewood—exposed firewood is stored at least 30 feet (9144 mm) away from structures or completely covered in a fire-resis- tant material that will not allow embers to penetrate. Additionally, make sure you have 10 feet (3048 mm) of clearance around your wood piles. 9. Fences—remove or relocate all vegetation, combustibles and combustible debris adjacent to and underneath fences. 10. Replace wood mulch products within five feet (1524 mm) of all structures with noncombustible products such as dirt, stone, or gravel. 11. Remove all dead or dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds, and pine needles within 30 feet (9144 mm) of all structures or to the property line. 12. Be sure to store combustible outdoor furnishings away from your home when not in use. 13. Remember to properly store retractable awnings and umbrellas when not in use so they do not collect leaves and embers.
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CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
APPENDIX H – REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
(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)
CWUIC § 8.1 High relevance — show source text
8.1_ –504.8.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |504.9|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |504.9.1 –504.9.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |504.10.1 – 504.10.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |504.11 – 504.11.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |504.11.2 –504.11.6|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |505 – 506_Reserved_|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |507.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||
- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, Division 1.5 provisions that are found in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are not listed in the Matrix Adoption Tables as they are not within the State Fire Marshal’s authority to adopt. These provisions are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 14, Division 1.5 text for the code user’s convenience only and are identified in the body of the code by square brackets containing references to applicable Title 14 sections.
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5 SPECIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 5 provides regulations that establish minimum standards for the location, design and construction of buildings and structures based on construction within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone or a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Area.
The construction provisions of Chapter 5 are intended to supplement the requirements of the California Building Code and California Residential Code and address mitigation of the unique hazards posed to buildings by wildfire and to reduce the hazards of building fires spreading to wildland fuels. This is accomplished by requiring ignition-resistant construction materials. Construction features regulated include underfloor areas; roof coverings; eaves and soffits; gutters and downspouts; exterior walls, doors and windows; ventilation openings and accessory structures.
SECTION 501—GENERAL
501.1 Scope. Buildings and structures in a wildland-urban interface area shall be constructed in accordance with the California Build- ing Code and this code.
Exceptions:
- Group U accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet (11 m [2] ) in floor area where located not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from applicable buildings.
- Group U agricultural buildings not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from applicable buildings.
CWUIC § 504.7.3.3 High relevance — show source text
504.7.3.3 Performance requirements for Section 504.7.3.2, Item 1. Materials shall be tested in accordance with both ASTM E2632 and ASTM E2726 and comply with the conditions of acceptance in Sections 504.7.3.3.1 and 504.7.3.3.2. The material shall also be tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723 and comply with the performance requirements of Section 503.2.4.
504.7.3.3.1 Conditions of acceptance for ASTM E2632. The ASTM E2632 test shall be conducted on a minimum of three test specimens and meet the conditions of acceptance in Items 1 through 3. If any one of the three tests does not meet the conditions of acceptance, three additional tests shall be performed. All three additional tests must meet the conditions of acceptance. 1. Peak heat release rate of less than or equal to 25 kW/ft2 (269 kW/m2).
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SPECIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS
2. Absence of sustained flaming or glowing combustion of any kind at the conclusion of the 40-minute observation period. 3. Absence of falling particles that are still burning when reaching the burner or floor.
504.7.3.3.2 Conditions of acceptance for ASTM E2726. The ASTM E2726 test shall be conducted, using a “Class A” size roof test brand, on a minimum of three test specimens and meet the conditions of acceptance in Items 1 and 2. If any one of the three tests does not meet the conditions of acceptance, three additional tests shall be performed. All three additional tests must meet the conditions of acceptance. 1. Absence of sustained flaming or glowing combustion of any kind at the conclusion of the 40-minute observation period. 2. Absence of falling particles that are still burning when reaching the burner or floor.
504.7.3.4 Performance requirements for Section 504.7.3.2, Item 7. The ASTM E2632 test shall be conducted on a minimum of three test specimens and the peak heat release rate shall be less than or equal to 25 kW/ft [2] (269 kW/m [2] ). If any one of the three tests does not meet the conditions of acceptance, three additional tests shall be run. All the additional tests shall meet the condi- tion of acceptance. If any one of the three tests does not meet the condition of acceptance, three additional tests shall be performed. All three additional tests must show a peak heat release rate shall be 25 kW/ft2 (269 kW/m2) or less.
504.8 Exterior glazing. Exterior windows, window walls and glazed doors, windows within exterior doors, and skylights shall be constructed of any of the following: 1. Multilayered glazed panels with at least one pane of tempered glass complying with Section 2406 of the California Building Code.
2. Glass block.
CWUIC § 0.42. Medium relevance — show source text
R608.10 Floor, roof and ceiling diaphragms. Floors and roofs in buildings with exterior walls of concrete shall be designed and constructed as diaphragms. Where gable-end walls occur, ceilings shall be designed and constructed as diaphragms. The design and construction of floors, roofs and ceilings of wood framing or cold-formed-steel framing serving as diaphragms shall comply with the applicable requirements of this code, or AWC WFCM or AISI S230, if applicable. Wood framing members shall be of a species having a specific gravity equal to or greater than 0.42.
SECTION R609—EXTERIOR WINDOWS AND DOORS
R609.1 General. This section prescribes performance and construction requirements for exterior windows, doors and garage doors installed in walls. Windows and doors shall be installed in accordance with the fenestration manufacturer’s written instructions. Window and door openings shall be flashed in accordance with Section R703.4. Written installation instructions shall be provided by the fenestration manufacturer for each window or door.
R609.2 Performance. Exterior windows and doors shall be capable of resisting the design wind loads specified in Table R301.2.1(1) adjusted for height and exposure in accordance with Table R301.2.1(2) or determined in accordance with ASCE 7 using the allowable stress design load combinations of ASCE 7. For exterior windows and doors tested in accordance with Sections R609.3 and R609.5, required design wind pressures determined from ASCE 7 using the ultimate strength design (USD) are permitted to be multiplied by 0.6. Design wind loads for exterior glazing not part of a labeled assembly shall be permitted to be determined in accordance with Chapter 24 of the California Building Code . Design wind loads for exterior glazing not part of a labeled assembly shall be permitted to be determined in accordance with Chapter 24 of the California Building Code .
R609.3 Testing and labeling. ANSI WMA 100Exterior windows and sliding doors shall be tested by an approved independent laboratory, and bear a label identifying manufacturer, performance characteristics and approved inspection agency to indicate compliance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440. Exterior side-hinged doors shall be tested and labeled as conforming to AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 or ANSI WMA 100, or comply with Section R609.5.
Exception: Decorative glazed openings.
R609.3.1 Comparative analysis. Structural wind load design pressures for window and door units different than the size tested in accordance with Section R609.3 shall be permitted to be different than the design value of the tested unit where determined in accordance with one of the following comparative analysis methods:
Structural wind load design pressures for window and door units smaller than the size tested in accordance with Section R609.3 shall be permitted to be higher than the design value of the tested unit provided such higher pressures are determined by accepted engineering analysis. Components of the smaller unit shall be the same as those of the tested unit. Where such calculated design pressures are used, they shall be validated by an additional test of the window or door unit having the highest allowable design pressure.
In accordance with WDMA I.S.11.
R609.4 Garage doors. Garage doors shall be tested in accordance with either ASTM E330 or ANSI/DASMA 108, and shall meet the pass/fail criteria of ANSI/DASMA 108.
CWUIC § 1709.5.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1709.5.1 Exterior windows and doors. Exterior windows and sliding doors shall be tested and labeled as conforming to AAMA/WDMA/CSA101/I.S.2/A440. The label shall state the name of the manufacturer, the approved labeling agency and the product designation as specified in AAMA/WDMA/CSA101/I.S.2/A440. Exterior side-hinged doors shall be tested and labeled as conforming to AAMA/WDMA/CSA101/I.S.2/A440 or comply with Section 1709.5.2. Products tested and labeled as conforming to AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 shall not be subject to the requirements of Sections 2403.2 and 2403.3.
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SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
1709.5.2 Exterior windows and door assemblies not provided for in Section 1709.5.1. Exterior window and door assemblies shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E330. Exterior window and door assemblies containing glass shall comply with Section 2403. The design pressure for testing shall be calculated in accordance with Chapter 16. Each assembly shall be tested for 10 seconds at a load equal to 1.5 times the design pressure.
1709.5.2.1 Garage doors and rolling doors. Garage doors and rolling doors shall be tested in accordance with either ASTM E330 or ANSI/DASMA 108, and shall meet the pass/fail criteria of ANSI/DASMA 108. Garage doors and rolling doors shall be labeled with a permanent label identifying the door manufacturer, the door model/series number, the positive and negative design wind pressure rating, the installation instruction drawing reference number, and the applicable test standard.
1709.5.3 Windborne debris protection. Protection of exterior glazed openings in buildings located in windborne debris regions shall be in accordance with Section 1609.2.
1709.5.3.1 Impact protective systems testing and labeling. Impact protective systems shall be tested for impact resistance by an approved independent laboratory for compliance with ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996 and for design wind pressure for compliance with ASTM E330. Required design wind pressures shall be determined in accordance with ASCE 7, and for the purposes of this section, multiplied by 0.6 to convert to allowable stress design.
Impact protective systems shall have a permanent label applied in accordance with Section 1703.5.4, identifying the manufacturer, product designation, performance characteristics, and approved inspection agency.
1709.6 Skylights and sloped glazing. Skylights and sloped glazing shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 24.
1709.7 Test specimens. Test specimens and construction shall be representative of the materials, workmanship and details normally used in practice. The properties of the materials used to construct the test assembly shall be determined on the basis of tests on samples taken from the load assembly or on representative samples of the materials used to construct the load test assembly. Required tests shall be conducted or witnessed by an approved agency.
SECTION 1710—OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5]
1710.1 General. This section applies to off-site construction and shall govern the requirements for planning, design, fabrication, assem- bly, inspection and regulatory compliance.
CWUIC § 504.7.3.3.2 Medium relevance — show source text
504.7.3.3.2 Conditions of acceptance for ASTM E2726. The ASTM E2726 test shall be conducted, using a “Class A” size roof test brand, on a minimum of three test specimens and meet the conditions of acceptance in Items 1 and 2. If any one of the three tests does not meet the conditions of acceptance, three additional tests shall be performed. All three additional tests must meet the conditions of acceptance. 1. Absence of sustained flaming or glowing combustion of any kind at the conclusion of the 40-minute observation period. 2. Absence of falling particles that are still burning when reaching the burner or floor.
504.7.3.4 Performance requirements for Section 504.7.3.2, Item 7. The ASTM E2632 test shall be conducted on a minimum of three test specimens and the peak heat release rate shall be less than or equal to 25 kW/ft [2] (269 kW/m [2] ). If any one of the three tests does not meet the conditions of acceptance, three additional tests shall be run. All the additional tests shall meet the condi- tion of acceptance. If any one of the three tests does not meet the condition of acceptance, three additional tests shall be performed. All three additional tests must show a peak heat release rate shall be 25 kW/ft2 (269 kW/m2) or less.
504.8 Exterior glazing. Exterior windows, window walls and glazed doors, windows within exterior doors, and skylights shall be constructed of any of the following: 1. Multilayered glazed panels with at least one pane of tempered glass complying with Section 2406 of the California Building Code.
2. Glass block.
3. Glazing with a fire-protection rating of not less than 20 minutes when tested according to NFPA 257 or UL 9, and shall be exempt from the hose stream test. 4. Glazing meeting the performance requirements of SFM Standard 12-7A-2.
504.8.1 Structural glass veneer. The wall assembly behind structural glass veneer shall comply with Section 504.5.
504.8.2 Operable skylights. Operable skylights shall be protected by a noncombustible mesh screen and the dimensions of the openings in the screen shall not exceed [1] / 8 inch (3.2 mm).
504.9 Exterior doors. Exterior doors shall be constructed in accordance with any of the following:
1. Noncombustible construction .
CWUIC § 11B-208.3.3. Medium relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
1. An accessible route shall not be required from the interior of the unit into a basement.
2. An accessible route to a garage shall comply with Section 11B-208.3.3. 3. An accessible route shall not be required to rooms or spaces not located on the primary entry level of a multistory dwelling unit.
11B-809.7.1 Width. The clear width for the accessible route shall be 36 inches (914 mm) minimum.
Exception: The clear width shall be permitted to be reduced to 32 inches (813 mm) minimum at doors.
11B-809.7.2 Changes in level. Changes in level shall comply with Sections 11B-303.2 and 11B-303.3. Ramps complying with Section 11B-405, elevators complying with Section 11B-407 or platform lifts complying with Section 11B-410 shall be provided where changes in level exceed [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm) high.
11B-809.8 Doors. Primary entry doors, required exit doors, secondary exterior doors and interior doors shall comply with Section 11B-809.8. Doors to small mechanical closets specifically dedicated to furnaces or hot water heaters shall not be required to comply with this section.
1. The clear width of doors shall comply with Section 11B-404.2.3.
2. Door hardware shall comply with Section 11B-404.2.7. 3. Door surfaces shall comply with Section 11B-404.2.10.
4. Doors in series shall comply with Section 11B-404.2.6.
11B-809.8.1 Door thresholds. Primary entry doors, required exit doors, and interior doors intended for user passage shall have thresholds complying with Section 11B-404.2.5. Secondary exterior door thresholds, including sliding door tracks, shall be [3] / 4 inch (19.1 mm) high maximum with a 1:2 maximum slope.
11B-809.8.2 Door opening force. Doors shall comply with Section 11B-404.2.9.
Exception: The opening force for primary entry exterior doors and secondary exterior doors shall be 8.5 pounds (38 N) maximum.
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ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING
11B-809.8.3 Door maneuvering clearance. Minimum maneuvering clearances at doors shall comply with Section 11B-809.8.3. Maneuvering clearances shall extend the full width of the doorway and the required latch side or hinge side clearance.
1. At the dwelling unit side of the primary entry doors, secondary exterior doors, and required exit doors maneuvering clear- ances shall be 44 inches (1118 mm) minimum in length measured perpendicular to the face of the door in the closed position. The width of the maneuvering clearance shall extend 18 inches (457 mm) beyond the strike edge at the pull side of the door.
CWUIC § 1132A.5 Medium relevance — show source text
Note: See Section 1132A.5 for maneuvering clearances at primary entry doors and all required exit doors to covered multifamily dwellings.
1126A.3.2.2 Hinge side approach. The following provisions shall apply to swinging doors or gates with hinge side approach: 1. Pull side approach. Doors or gates with pull side approach shall be provided with a level floor or landing not less than 60 inches (1524 mm) in depth. A clear and level area shall extend a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) past the strike edge on the approach side of the door or gate. (See Figure 11A-8A(b).) 2. Push side approach. Doors or gates with push side approach shall have a level floor or landing not less than 44 inches (1118 mm) in depth, and shall be provided with a clear and level area extending a minimum of 54 inches (1372 mm) from the strike edge of the door or gate jamb past the hinge side of the door or gate. Doors or gates with a latch and closer shall have a level floor or landing not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) depth at the push side of the door or gate. (See Figure 11A-8A(b).)
1126A.3.2.3 Latch side approach. The following provisions shall apply to swinging doors or gates with latch side approach: 1. Pull side approach. Doors or gates with pull side approach shall have a level floor or landing not less than 60 inches (1524 mm) in depth, and shall be provided with a clear and level area extending a minimum of 24 inches (610 mm) past the strike edge on the approach side of the door or gate. (See Figure 11A-8A(c).)
2. Push side approach. Doors or gates with push side approach shall have a level floor or landing not less than 44 inches (1118 mm) in depth, and shall be provided with a clear and level area extending a minimum of 24 inches (610 mm) past the strike edge on the approach side of the door or gate. Doors or gates with a closer shall have a level floor or landing not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) depth at the push side of the door or gate. (See Figure 11A-8A(c).)
1126A.3.3 Space between consecutive doors or gates. The minimum space between two hinged or pivoted doors or gates in series, serving other than a required exit stairway, shall provide a minimum of 48 inches (1219 mm) plus the width of the door or gate swing- ing into the space. Doors or gates in a series shall swing either in the same direction or away from the space between the doors or gates. (See Figures 11A-8G and 11A-8H.)
Where the door or gate opens into a stair or smokeproof enclosure, the landing need not have a minimum length of 60 inches (1524 mm). (See Figure 11A-8H.)
1126A.3.4 Doorways without doors or gates, sliding doors and folding doors. Doorways less than 36 inches (914 mm) wide without doors or gates, sliding doors or folding doors shall have maneuvering clearances complying with this section.
CWUIC § 3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Detached fences that are located within 5_ feet (1524 mm) of the structure should be replaced with noncombustible or ignition-resistant building materials.
G101.3 Defensible space features. The maintenance and defensible space features listed in Section G101.3.1 were developed as a best practices guide to assist homeowners to increase the effectiveness of their defensible space and improve the effects of the home-harden- ing features to increase the survivability of their homes from wildfires.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX G-3
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX G—VOLUNTARY HOME-HARDENING RECOMMENDATIONS
G101.3.1 Maintenance and defensible space. The following maintenance and operational procedures assist to limit the impact on a home from an approaching wildfire. 1. Roofs—regularly clean your roof, including roof-to-wall intersections and skylights to remove accumulated fallen leaves, needles and other flammable materials; repair damaged or deteriorated sections of the roof or roof covering; remove all trees, branches, shrubs or other plants adjacent to or overhanging buildings. 2. Rain gutters—keep roof gutters free of combustible debris. 3. Decks—regularly clean your deck, including deck-to-wall intersections to avoid the accumulation of fallen leaves, needles and other flammable materials; ensure that all combustible materials are removed from underneath, on top of or within five feet (1524 mm) of a deck or balcony. 4. Chimneys—ensure spark arrestor is in place; remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney or stovepipe outlet. 5. Windows—remove or relocate all combustibles away from windows. Older windows that are single-pane or double-pane without tempering can be vulnerable to direct flame contact or radiant heat exposure; remove vegetation or other combus- tible materials that are within five feet of windows.
6. Doors—inspect the door for dry rot, gaps, cracks and warping and caulk or plug gaps greater than [1] / 8 inch. Install weather stripping to fill gaps greater than [1] / 8 inch (3.2 mm) between garage doors and door frames to prevent ember intrusion; remove vegetation or other combustible materials that are within five feet (1524 mm) of doors. 7. Exterior walls—inspect exterior siding for dry rot, gaps, cracks and warping and caulk or plug gaps greater than [1] / 8 inch in siding and replace any damaged boards, including those with dry rot. 8. Firewood—exposed firewood is stored at least 30 feet (9144 mm) away from structures or completely covered in a fire-resis- _tant material that will not allow embers to penetrate.
Frequently asked questions
What glazing is required on exterior windows and glazed doors?
Exterior glazing must meet one of the listed options in §504.8 — for example multilayered glazed panels with at least one tempered pane, glass block, glazing with a minimum 20‑minute fire‑protection rating, or glazing that meets SFM performance standards — to improve resistance to direct flame and embers .
How do garage doors need to perform to resist ember intrusion?
Exterior garage doors must limit gaps at bottoms, sides and tops to 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) or be controlled by approved weather‑stripping, overlaps, or flashing; automatic openers are required to have battery backup for residential vehicle doors per §§504.9.1–504.9.2 .
Do very small detached accessory buildings need to follow these rules?
There are limited exceptions for small Group U accessory structures (for example, certain outbuildings under 120 sq ft located a specified distance from the main building) noted in Section 501.1, but detached accessory structures are otherwise addressed in the ignition‑resistant construction provisions (see §501 and §504.11) .
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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Ignition‑Resistant Building Materials and Testing
Roof Assembly, Coverings and Replacement Rules
Eaves, Soffits, Gutters, Underfloor Protection and Vents
Special Building Construction Regulations (ignition‑resistant construction, roof/vent/assembly requirements)
California Wildland-Urban Interface Code