CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

Can vegetation maintenance be required by covenants, conditions or permit conditions?

The CWUIC requires that final fire protection plans include **legally binding statements** and that landscape plans specify language to be recorded in CC&Rs making property owners responsible for ongoing vegetation maintenance (see **§ 602.3.2(5–6)** and **§ 603.3.1**). These recorded obligations, plus continuous maintenance (Appendix B), are the mechanism the code uses to ensure fuel‑reduction and defensible‑space measures are maintained.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Wildland‑Urban Interface Code authorizes the code official to require that a final fire protection plan include legally binding statements assigning responsibility for ongoing maintenance of fuel‑modification zones, and it expressly requires that legally binding statements be included in covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) regarding property‑owner vegetation maintenance. See § 602.3.2 and § 603.3.1 for the controlling language.

The single most important rule: the final fire protection plan must include legally binding maintenance statements and the landscape plan must call out CC&R language so vegetation maintenance can be made a recorded obligation.

Requirements in detail

What the code actually says (plain points)

The code official may require a fire protection plan and that plan must be based on a project‑specific wildfire hazard assessment (§ 602.1, § 602.2). The final fire protection plan must include legally binding statements about community responsibility for maintaining fuel modification zones and legally binding CC&R language for property‑owner vegetation maintenance (§ 602.3.2(5–6)).
Landscape plans submitted when required must include development and maintenance requirements for vegetation management zones and must identify the 30‑foot and 100‑foot fuel management zones from structures; the plan content list includes the requirement for CC&R language re: property‑owner responsibilities (§ 603.3.1(1–5–6)).

Decision‑relevant dimensions (quick reference)

Decision question	What the code requires / typical value	Code reference
Can a permit/fire‑plan require maintenance obligations?	Yes — the final fire protection plan must include legally binding maintenance statements for fuel modification zones.	§ 602.3.2(5)
Can CC&Rs be required to impose vegetation duties on owners?	Yes — the plan must include legally binding statements to be included in covenants, conditions and restrictions about owner responsibilities for vegetation maintenance.	§ 602.3.2(6) and § 603.3.1(5–6)
What zones must be shown on landscape plans?	30‑foot and 100‑foot fuel management zones from structures must be delineated.	§ 603.3.1(1)
Who prepares the fire protection plan?	A registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire‑safety specialist or similar accepted by the code official.	§ 602.1–§ 602.2
Is ongoing maintenance required for a fuel modification to count?	Yes — continuous maintenance of the clearance is required for it to be a fuel modification per Appendix B (vegetation management plan guidance).	B101.3 (Appendix B)

What “legally binding statements” and “to be included in CC&Rs” practically mean

The code does not draft the exact CC&R language — it requires the fire protection plan to include legally binding statements and to state the CC&R obligation so the local authority and developer/homeowners association (HOA) can record them. See § 602.3.2(5–6) and § 603.3.1.
The effect is that maintenance duties (e.g., keeping the 30‑foot zone maintained, vegetation spacing, pruning, fuel reductions) can be made a recorded property obligation enforceable under state property and local administrative processes — but the code itself does not specify the private‑law enforcement mechanics (it requires the statements be included). The code official must approve the final plan containing these statements.

Exceptions & special cases

Appendix B (vegetation management plan guidance) notes that to be considered a fuel modification for code purposes, continuous maintenance of the clearance is required — so any CC&R or permit condition must provide for ongoing maintenance, not just an initial installation. B101.3 clarifies this maintenance requirement.
The CWUIC requires compliance within designated areas (e.g., State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and areas designated a Fire Hazard Severity Zone); landscape plan and CC&R expectations apply where the local authority requires a plan under § 603.2 and § 603.3. If a local adopting ordinance or other state law imposes stricter rules, those govern per [A] 102.1.
The code instructs that fuel modification beyond property lines may only be required by separate state/local law or with written consent of adjacent landowners (this touches PRC 4291 limits referenced elsewhere in the CWUIC). If a maintenance obligation would require work on adjacent parcels, additional legal steps are needed. See PRC references cited in § 602.2 and § 604.

Common mistakes

Treating the code’s requirement as a model CC&R text: the code requires that legally binding CC&R language be included, but it does not provide the actual recorded wording — that must be drafted and approved locally. See § 602.3.2(6) and § 603.3.1.
Assuming the code supersedes private property law: the CWUIC can require the plan include CC&R language, but actual creation, recordation and enforcement of CC&Rs is governed by property law and local procedures — the code does not itself record or enforce CC&Rs. The code official approves the plan that includes those statements.
Forgetting ongoing maintenance: listing a cleared area once is not enough — Appendix B and the fuel‑modification definitions require continuous maintenance for the clearance to count. B101.3.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A developer proposes a 20‑lot subdivision in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The local code official requires a final fire protection plan as a condition of permit approval.

The fire protection plan must show maps, identify the 30‑foot and 100‑foot fuel management zones around each proposed structure, and include legally binding statements making the community responsible for maintenance of fuel modification zones (§ 602.3.2(5)).
The plan must also include legally binding statements to be recorded in CC&Rs obligating each lot owner to maintain required vegetation reductions (for example: maintain the 30‑foot zone free of ladder fuels; keep shrubs under 6 feet where required; prune trees to maintain 10‑foot crown separation) as appropriate per the landscape plan (§ 603.3.1, § 603.4.1–2).
The code official will not accept the plan until it contains those legally binding statements; the developer records the CC&Rs before final map recordation and the permit is issued conditioned upon that recordation. The recorded CC&Rs create a recorded obligation that property owners must follow; continuous maintenance is required for the fuel modification to satisfy code expectations (Appendix B).

Numbers called out for the homeowner in the CC&R (examples drawn from CWUIC dimensions): keep the 30‑foot fuel management zone maintained around structures, recognize the 100‑foot fuel management zone for broader fuels management, limit shrub heights to 6 feet, and maintain 10‑foot tree crown separation where required. These dimensional rules are in § 603.3.1, § 603.4.1 and § 603.4.2.

Related provisions (quick list)

§ 602.1 — Authority to require fire protection plan and who prepares it.
§ 602.2 — Contents and hazard assessment requirements for the fire protection plan.
§ 602.3.2(5–6) — Final fire protection plan must include legally binding community maintenance statements and CC&R language.
§ 603.3.1 — Landscape plan contents, including delineation of 30‑foot and 100‑foot zones and CC&R statements.
§ 603.4.1–2 — Specific vegetation controls (e.g., 6‑foot shrub height, 10‑foot tree separation) that commonly appear in maintenance obligations.
Appendix B (B101.3) — Clarifies that continuous maintenance is required for a fuel modification to count.
§ 604 — Maintenance of defensible space and references to PRC 4291 for ongoing defensible space obligations.

Code references

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CWUIC § B101 High relevance — show source text

SECTION B101—GENERAL

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

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

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

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

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APPENDIX B-4 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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

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

(Not adopted by the State Fire Marshal)

Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	Col5	HCD	Col7	Col8	DSA	Col10	OSHPD	Col12	Col13	Col14	Col15	Col16	BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	T-24	T-19*	1	2	1/AC	AC	SS	1	1R	2	3	4	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Adopt Entire Chapter
Adopt Entire Chapter as amended (amended sections listed below)
Adopt only those sections that are listed below
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1]
Chapter / Section

CWUIC § 1.11. High relevance — show source text
- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, Division 1.5 provisions that are found in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are not listed in the Matrix Adoption Tables as they are not within the State Fire Marshal’s authority to adopt. These provisions are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 14, Division 1.5 text for the code user’s convenience only and are identified in the body of the code by square brackets containing references to applicable Title 14 sections.

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APPENDIX B-2 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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B VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

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

User notes:

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

SECTION B101—GENERAL

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

B101.2 Plan content. Vegetation management plans shall describe all actions that will be taken to prevent a fire from being carried toward or away from the building. A vegetation management plan shall include the following information:
1. A copy of the site plan.
2. Methods and timetables for controlling, changing or modifying areas on the property. Elements of the plan shall include removal of slash, snags, vegetation that may grow into overhead electrical lines, other ground fuels, ladder fuels and dead trees, and the thinning of live trees.
3. A plan for maintaining the proposed fuel-reduction measures.
B101.3 Fuel modification. To be considered a fuel modification for purposes of this code, continuous maintenance of the clearance is required.

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APPENDIX B-4 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE APPENDIX C – COMMUNITY WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE (WUI) FIRE HAZARD EVALUATION FRAMEWORK
CWUIC § 602.2 High relevance — show source text
602.2 Contents. The fire protection plan shall be based on a project-specific wildfire hazard assessment that includes considerations of location, topography, aspect and climatic and fire history.

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

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

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

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

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FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

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

1.2. The scientific and common name; and

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

SECTION 603— VEGETATION PLAN

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

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

CWUIC § 7.5 Medium relevance — show source text

7.5|Fees|N||||||||| |104.8|Liability|Y||||||||| |104.8.1|Legal defense|Y||||||||| |104.9|Approved materials
and equipment|N||||||||| |104.9.1|Material and
equipment reuse|N||||||||| |104.10|Other agencies|N||||||||| |105|Permits|Y||||||||| |105.1|General|Y||||||||| |105.2|Permits required|Y||||||||| |105.3|Work exempt from
permit|Y||||||||| |105.4|Permit application|Y||||||||| |105.4.1|Preliminary
inspection|N||||||||| |105.4.2|Time limitation of
application|N||||||||| |105.5|Permit approval|N||||||||| |105.6|Permit issuance|N||||||||| |105.6.1|Refusal to issue a
permit|N||||||||| |105.7|Validity of permit|N||||||||| |105.8|Expiration|Y||105.5.1||||||| |105.9|Retention of permits|N|||||||||

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APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

2025 CWUIC—continued	Col2	Adopted Yes/No	IWUIC Section	CBC Section	CFC Section	Title 14, Division 1.5 Section	Title 19, Division 1 Section	Gov Code Section	PRC Section	HSC Section
Section	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title
Chapter 1	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration	_Division II—_Scope and Administration
105.10	Revocation of permits	Y
106	Construction documents	Y
106.1	General	Y		107.1
106.2	Information on plans and specifications	Y
106.3	Site plan	Y
106.4	Vegetation manage- ment_compliance_	Y		701A.5
106.5	Fire protection plan	Y
106.6	Other data and substantiation	N
106.7	Vicinity plan	Y
106.8	Retention of plans	Y		1.11.3.5
106.9	Examination of documents	N
106.

CWUIC § 1609.3.1. Medium relevance — show source text
Provisions shall be made for drainage by a riser of not less than1/8 inch at each nail or by 4-foot-
long battens with not less than a1/2-inch separation between battens. Horizontal battens are required for slopes over 7:12.
e. Perimeter fastening areas include three tile courses but not less than 36 inches from either side of hips or ridges and edges of eaves and_gable_ rakes.
f._ Vasd_ shall be determined in accordance with Section 1609.3.1.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s, 1 pound per square foot = 4.882 kg/m2.
a. Minimum fastener size. Corrosion-resistant nails not less than No. 11 gage with5/16-inch head. Fasteners shall be long enough to penetrate into the sheathing3/4 inch or
through the thickness of the sheathing, whichever is less. Attaching wire for clay and concrete tile shall not be smaller than 0.083 inch.
b. Snow areas. Not fewer than two fasteners per tile are required or battens and one fastener.
c. Roof slopes greater than 24:12. The nose of all tiles shall be securely fastened.
d. Horizontal battens. Battens shall be not less than 1 inch by 2 inches nominal. Provisions shall be made for drainage by a riser of not less than1/8 inch at each nail or by 4-foot-
long battens with not less than a1/2-inch separation between battens. Horizontal battens are required for slopes over 7:12.
e. Perimeter fastening areas include three tile courses but not less than 36 inches from either side of hips or ridges and edges of eaves and_gable_ rakes.
f._ Vasd_ shall be determined in accordance with Section 1609.3.1.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s, 1 pound per square foot = 4.882 kg/m2.
a. Minimum fastener size. Corrosion-resistant nails not less than No. 11 gage with5/16-inch head. Fasteners shall be long enough to penetrate into the sheathing3/4 inch or
through the thickness of the sheathing, whichever is less. Attaching wire for clay and concrete tile shall not be smaller than 0.083 inch.
b. Snow areas. Not fewer than two fasteners per tile are required or battens and one fastener.
c. Roof slopes greater than 24:12. The nose of all tiles shall be securely fastened.
d. Horizontal battens. Battens shall be not less than 1 inch by 2 inches nominal. Provisions shall be made for drainage by a riser of not less than1/8 inch at each nail or by 4-foot-
long battens with not less than a1/2-inch separation between battens. Horizontal battens are required for slopes over 7:12.
e.
CWUIC § 4.00 Medium relevance — show source text
10
wood screw|1|24|4.00|0.90|DR|DR|2.85|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 1x
Wood Furringd|Minimum 2x
Wood Stud|1/4" lag screw|11/2|12|4.00|2.65|1.50|0.90|4.00|1.65|0.80|DR| |Minimum 1x
Wood Furringd|Minimum 2x
Wood Stud|1/4" lag screw|11/2|16|4.00|1.95|0.95|0.50|4.00|1.10|DR|DR| |Minimum 1x
Wood Furringd|Minimum 2x
Wood Stud|1/4" lag screw|11/2|24|4.00|1.10|DR|DR|3.25|0.50|DR|DR| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square foot (psf) = 0.0479 kPa, 1 pound per square inch = 0.00689 MPa.
DR = Design Required, o.c. = on center.
a. Wood framing and furring shall be spruce-pine-fir or any wood species with a specific gravity of 0.42 or greater in accordance with ANSI/AWC NDS.
b. Nail fasteners shall comply with ASTM F1667, except nail length shall be permitted to exceed ASTM F1667 standard lengths.
c. The thickness of wood structural panels complying with the specific gravity requirements of Note a shall be permitted to be included in satisfying the minimum required
penetration into framing.
d. Where the required cladding fastener penetration into wood material exceeds3/4 inch and is not more than 11/2 inches, a minimum 2-inch nominal wood furring or an
approved design shall be used.
e. Foam sheathing shall have a minimum compressive strength of 15 psi in accordance with ASTM C578 or ASTM C1289.
f. Furring shall be spaced not greater than 24 inches on center in a vertical or horizontal orientation. In a vertical orientation, furring shall be located over wall studs and attached with
the required fastener spacing. In a horizontal orientation, the indicated 8-inch and 12-inch fastener spacing in furring shall be achieved by use of two fasteners into studs at 16 inches
and 24 inches on center, respectively.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square foot (psf) = 0.0479 kPa, 1 pound per square inch = 0.00689 MPa.
DR = Design Required, o.c. = on center.
a. Wood framing and furring shall be spruce-pine-fir or any wood species with a specific gravity of 0.42 or greater in accordance with ANSI/AWC NDS.
b. Nail fasteners shall comply with ASTM F1667, except nail length shall be permitted to exceed ASTM F1667 standard lengths.
c. The thickness of wood structural panels complying with the specific gravity requirements of Note a shall be permitted to be included in satisfying the minimum required
penetration into framing.
d. Where the required cladding fastener penetration into wood material exceeds3/4 inch and is not more than 11/2 inches, a minimum 2-inch nominal wood furring or an
approved design shall be used.
e.
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

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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

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HISTORY NOTE APPENDIX

2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 7

HISTORY:
CWUIC § 6.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Exception: Places of habitation or in the boundaries of established smoking areas or campsites as designated by the code official.

A104.5 Equipment and devices generating heat, sparks or open flames. Equipment and devices generating heat, sparks or open flames capable of igniting nearby combustibles shall not be used in wildland-urban interface areas without a permit from the code official.

Exception: Use of approved equipment within inhabited premises or designated campsites that are not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from grass-, grain-, brush- or forest-covered areas.

A104.6 Fireworks. Fireworks shall not be used or possessed in wildland-urban interface areas.

Exception: Fireworks allowed by the code official under permit in accordance with the California Fire Code where not prohibited by applicable local or state laws, ordinances and regulations.

A104.6.1 Authority to seize. The code official is authorized to seize, take, remove or cause to be removed fireworks in violation of this section.

A104.7 Outdoor fires. Outdoor fires in wildland-urban interface areas shall comply with Sections A104.7.1 through A104.7.3.

A104.7.1 General. Persons shall not build, ignite or maintain any outdoor fire of any kind for any purpose in or on any wildland- urban interface area, except by the authority of a written permit from the code official.

Exception: Outdoor fires within inhabited premises or designated campsites where such fires are in a permanent barbecue, portable barbecue, outdoor fireplace, incinerator or grill and are not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from any combustible material or nonfire-smart vegetation.

A104.7.2 Permits. Permits shall incorporate such terms and conditions that will reasonably safeguard public safety and property. Outdoor fires shall not be built, ignited or maintained in or on hazardous fire areas under any of the following conditions:
1. When high winds are blowing.
2. When a person 17 years old or over is not present at all times to watch and tend such fire.
3. When a public announcement is made that open burning is prohibited.
A104.7.3 Restrictions. Persons shall not use a permanent barbecue, portable barbecue, outdoor fireplace or grill for the disposal of rubbish, trash or combustible waste material.

A104.8 Incinerators, outdoor fireplaces, permanent barbecues and grills. Incinerators, outdoor fireplaces, permanent barbecues and grills shall not be built, installed or maintained in wildland-urban interface areas without approval of the code official.

A104.8.1 Maintenance. Incinerators, outdoor fireplaces, permanent barbecues and grills shall be maintained in good repair and in a safe condition at all times. Openings in such appliances shall be provided with an approved spark arrestor, screen or door.

Exception: Where approved by the code official, unprotected openings in barbecues and grills necessary for proper functioning.

A104.9 Reckless behavior. The code official is authorized to stop any actions of a person or persons if the official determines that the action is reckless and could result in an ignition of fire or spread of fire.

A104.10 Planting vegetation under or adjacent to energized electrical lines. Vegetation that, at maturity, would grow to within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the energized conductors shall not be planted under or adjacent to energized power lines.

SECTION A105—CONTROL OF STORAGE
CWUIC § 0.120 Medium relevance — show source text
fastener**
horizontal spacing| |CLADDING FASTENER
THROUGH FOAM
SHEATHING INTO:|CLADDING FASTENER
TYPE AND MINIMUM SIZEc|CLADDING FASTENER
VERTICAL SPACING
(INCHES)|Cladding weight:|Cladding weight:|Cladding weight:|Cladding weight:|Cladding weight:|Cladding weight:|Cladding weight:|Cladding weight:| |CLADDING FASTENER
THROUGH FOAM
SHEATHING INTO:|CLADDING FASTENER
TYPE AND MINIMUM SIZEc|CLADDING FASTENER
VERTICAL SPACING
(INCHES)|**3 **
psf|11
psf|18
psf|25
psf|**3 **
psf|11
psf|18
psf|25
psf| |Wood Framing
(minimum 11/4- inch
penetration)b|0.120" diameter nail|6|3.00|1.70|0.90|0.55|3.00|1.05|0.50|DR| |Wood Framing
(minimum 11/4- inch
penetration)b|0.120" diameter nail|8|3.00|1.20|0.60|DR|3.00|0.70|DR|DR| |Wood Framing
(minimum 11/4- inch
penetration)b|0.120" diameter nail|12|3.00|0.70|DR|DR|2.15|DR|DR|DR| |Wood Framing
(minimum 11/4- inch
penetration)b|0.131" diameter nail|6|4.00|2.15|1.20|0.75|4.00|1.35|0.70|DR| |Wood Framing
(minimum 11/4- inch
penetration)b|0.131" diameter nail|8|4.00|1.55|0.80|DR|4.00|0.90|DR|DR| |Wood Framing
(minimum 11/4- inch
penetration)b|0.131" diameter nail|12|4.00|0.90|DR|DR|2.70|0.50|DR|DR| |Wood Framing
(minimum 11/4- inch
penetration)b|0.162" diameter nail|6|4.00|3.55|2.05|1.40|4.00|2.25|1.25|0.80| |Wood Framing
(minimum 11/4- inch
penetration)b|0.162" diameter nail|8|4.00|2.55|1.45|0.95|4.00|1.60|0.85|0.50| |Wood Framing
(minimum 11/4- inch
penetration)b|0.162" diameter nail|12|4.00|1.60|0.85|0.50|4.00|0.95|DR|DR| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.

CWUIC § F101 Medium relevance — show source text

SECTION F101—GENERAL

F101.1 Characteristics of fire-smart vegetation. All plants will burn under extreme fire weather conditions, such as drought. However, plants burn at different intensities and rates of consumption. Fire-smart plants burn at a relatively low intensity, slow rates of spread and with short flame lengths. The following are characteristics of fire-smart vegetation:

Growth with little or no accumulation of dead vegetation (either on the ground or standing upright).
Nonresinous plants (willow, poplar or tulip trees).
Low volume of total vegetation (for example, a grass area as opposed to a forest or shrub-covered land).
Plants with high live fuel moisture (plants that contain a large amount of water in comparison to their dry weight).
Drought-tolerant plants (deeply rooted plants with thick, heavy leaves).
Stands without ladder fuels (plants without small, fine branches and limbs between the ground and the canopy of overtopping shrubs and trees).
Plants requiring little maintenance (slow-growing plants that, when maintained, require little care).
Plants with woody stems and branches that require prolonged heating to ignite.

2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX F-3

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

APPENDIX F-4 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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

CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

APPENDIX G – VOLUNTARY HOME HARDENING RECOMMENDATIONS

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

Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	Col5	HCD	Col7	Col8	DSA	Col10	OSHPD	Col12	Col13	Col14	Col15	Col16	BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	T-24	T-19*	1	2	1/AC	AC	SS	1	1R	2	3	4	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Adopt Entire Chapter			X
Adopt Entire Chapter as amended (amended sections listed below)
Adopt only those sections that are listed below
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1]
Chapter / Section

Frequently asked questions

Can the code official force a homeowner association to adopt CC&Rs?

The CWUIC requires the fire protection plan to include legally binding CC&R statements as a condition of plan approval and permit issuance, but actual adoption and recordation of CC&Rs are private‑law acts carried out by the developer/HOA and recorded in county land records. The code official can condition permits on inclusion and recordation of that language in the project’s CC&Rs per § 602.3.2(6) and § 603.3.1.

Do CC&R maintenance obligations have to use the CWUIC’s exact wording?

No. The code requires that legally binding statements be included; it does not supply a fixed template. The final plan should contain language acceptable to the code official that will be recorded as CC&Rs. See § 602.3.2(5–6).

If my property is outside an SRA, do these CC&R requirements still apply?

The CWUIC’s landscape‑plan and fire‑plan CC&R expectations apply where a plan is required—typically in SRAs, designated Fire Hazard Severity Zones, or local WUI areas per § 603.2 and § 604. Local agencies may adopt similar requirements in other areas.

Does this replace PRC 4291 defensible‑space duties?

No. The CWUIC references PRC 4291 and other statutes for defensible space; CC&R and plan obligations are complementary enforcement tools to ensure ongoing maintenance in line with those laws. See § 602.2 and § 604.

What happens if vegetation in the fuel modification zone is not maintained?

The CWUIC requires maintenance and the code official enforces plan/permit conditions; failure to maintain may result in local administrative enforcement actions, and private CC&R enforcement may also apply. The code explicitly requires continuous maintenance for fuel modification effectiveness (Appendix B B101.3).

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