CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

Who is responsible for maintaining defensible space and where does it apply?

If your property is in an unincorporated State Responsibility Area (SRA), a local Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, or a locally designated WUI area, the CWUIC requires that hazardous vegetation around buildings be managed. The maintenance duty falls to the property owner (or the owner’s authorized agent), and the CWUIC directs that you follow the state laws and regulations it cites (notably PRC § 4291 and the CCR/Gov Code sections listed in **§ 604.3**) for the exact clearance distances and treatments.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Wildland‑Urban Interface Code requires that hazardous vegetation and fuels around buildings be managed where the Code applies. The geographic scope is set by § 604.2: all unincorporated State Responsibility Areas (SRA), land mapped as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by a local agency, and land designated by local ordinance as a wildland‑urban interface (WUI) area. The standard for what to do is not spelled out in full in this section — § 604.3 requires maintenance to be carried out in accordance with state laws and regulations such as Public Resources Code § 4291 and referenced CCR and Government Code provisions.

Owners must maintain defensible space around buildings on SRA lands, locally‑designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, and locally designated WUI areas, and must do so following the state laws and regulations the CWUIC references.

Requirements in detail

Who is responsible

  • The CWUIC requires maintenance in the listed areas (see § 604.2) and directs that hazardous vegetation and fuels be maintained in accordance with specified laws and regulations (see § 604.3).
  • Separately, the Code states that required features (including vegetation and defensible space) must be maintained and that the owner or the owner’s authorized agent is responsible for that maintenance (see § 101.6).

Where it applies (geography / land types)

  • State Responsibility Areas (SRA) — all unincorporated SRA lands. § 604.2.
  • Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones designated by a city or local agency. § 604.2.
  • Wildland‑urban interface (WUI) areas designated in a city or local agency ordinance. § 604.2.

What standard applies

  • The CWUIC does not reproduce the full defensible‑space distances or treatment prescriptions in § 604.3; instead it requires compliance with other authorities, notably Public Resources Code § 4291, CCR Title 14 § 1299.03, Government Code § 51182, and CCR Title 19 § 3.07. These statutes/regulations contain the operational definitions and clearance distances the owner must follow. § 604.3.

Decision table — at a glance

Decision dimension Key value / trigger Code Reference
Where the CWUIC requires defensible space management Unincorporated SRA; local Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones; locally designated WUI areas § 604.2
Who is responsible for maintenance Property owner or owner’s authorized agent § 101.6 (maintenance responsibility)
Which standards to use for how to maintain Follow Public Resources Code § 4291 and the listed CCR/Gov Code provisions § 604.3
Outbuildings (special minimum) Minimum clearance of 10 feet down to bare mineral soil in all directions (outbuildings) § 604.4
Vegetation near buildings (example guidance elsewhere in CWUIC) 30‑foot zone referenced for tree/shrub spacing and management around structures § 603.4.2 (30‑ft zone)

(Notes: The CWUIC points to other laws for the operational defensible‑space prescriptions; see § 604.3 for the required references.)

Exceptions & special cases

  • The Code text lists limited exceptions tied to building permit effective dates for certain prior permit applications (see the exceptions to applicability in the broader chapter), but those relate to when CWUIC provisions apply to new construction rather than who must maintain defensible space. The core maintenance obligation described in § 604.3 is implemented through existing state laws (e.g., PRC § 4291).
  • Special facilities: stationary water supply facilities and pumps are required to have a defensible fuel modification area of not less than 30 feet, and the persons owning/controlling those systems are responsible for clearing and maintaining it. See Appendix A, A107.3.
  • The CWUIC does not itself create new enforcement powers beyond those in the referenced statutes/regulations; it directs compliance with them (see § 604.3).

If you need to know exact clearance distances or specific pruning/vegetation‑type rules (for example, the common “100‑ft” or “30‑ft” prescriptions used by some jurisdictions), the CWUIC requires you to follow PRC § 4291 and the cited CCR/Government Code sections in § 604.3 — those texts contain the operative dimensions and are the source of the specific numerical requirements cited by local fire authorities. § 604.3.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming the CWUIC itself lists the detailed clearance distances. It does not; § 604.3 points you to PRC § 4291 and other regulations for the operative standards. Check those referenced laws for numeric thresholds.
  • Thinking “the fire department” universally maintains defensible space. The Code assigns maintenance responsibility to the owner or owner’s agent (see § 101.6); enforcement or inspection may involve fire authorities, but routine clearing is the owner’s duty.
  • Ignoring local designations: defensible‑space obligations under CWUIC apply not just in SRA but also where a local jurisdiction has designated a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or a WUI area — always confirm local maps/ordinances. § 604.2.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: Single‑family home on a 1‑acre lot in an unincorporated area that the State Board has designated as an SRA.

  1. Applicability: Because the parcel is in an SRA, the CWUIC requires that hazardous vegetation and fuels around the building be managed. § 604.2 applies.
  2. Responsibility: The homeowner (the property owner) or the owner’s authorized agent is responsible for maintaining the defensible space. See § 101.6.
  3. What standard to follow: The homeowner must maintain vegetation “in accordance with” the laws/regulations listed in § 604.3 (for example, PRC § 4291 and CCR Title 14 § 1299.03). The CWUIC itself does not restate the full clearance table — follow those statutes/regulations (and local fire authority guidance) for exact distances and methods. § 604.3.
  4. If the property has an outbuilding (shed): an outbuilding has a minimum clearance requirement of 10 feet down to bare mineral soil in all directions under CWUIC § 604.4; the homeowner must meet that clearance for the outbuilding.

Result: The homeowner must hire or perform vegetation removal/pruning and keep records or receipts if needed — and verify the exact clearance distances from PRC § 4291 / CCR Title 14 § 1299.03 as directed by § 604.3.

Related provisions

  • § 604.1 — General intent on hazard management and reference to PRC § 4291.
  • § 604.4 — Outbuildings: minimum clearance 10 ft.
  • § 101.6 — Maintenance responsibility assigned to the owner or owner’s authorized agent.
  • § 603.4.2 — Vegetation management within a 30‑foot zone around structures (tree/shrub spacing guidance).
  • § A107.3 (Appendix A) — 30‑foot defensible fuel modification area required for water storage/pump facilities; responsibility for maintenance.

Code references

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

  • CWUIC § 6-4 High relevance — show source text

    structure.

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    FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

    SECTION 604—MAINTENANCE OF DEFENSIBLE SPACE

    604.1 General. Hazardous vegetation and fuels shall be managed to reduce the severity of potential exterior wildfire exposure to build- ings and to reduce the risk of fire spreading to buildings as required by applicable laws and regulations.

    Defensible space shall be managed around all buildings and structures in State Responsibility Areas (SRA) as required in Public Resources Code 4291.

    604.2 Application. Buildings and structures located in the following areas shall maintain the required hazardous vegetation and fuel management: 1. All unincorporated lands designated as a State Responsibility Area (SRA). 2. Land designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by a city or local agency. 3. Land designated in a city or local agency ordinance as a wildland-urban interface (WUI) area.

    604.3 Requirements. Hazardous vegetation and fuels around all buildings and structures shall be maintained in accordance with the following laws and regulations: 1. Public Resources Code, Section 4291.

    2. California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 3, Article 3, Section 1299.03. 3. California Government Code, Section 51182.

    4. California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 7, Subchapter 1, Section 3.07.

    604.4 Outbuildings. Outbuildings shall have a minimum clearance of 10 feet (3048 mm) down to bare mineral soil in all directions. Vege- tation more than 10 feet (3048 mm) but less than 20 feet (6096 mm) from outbuildings shall be fire-smart vegetation.

    604.5 Disposal of flammable vegetation and fuels. The disposal, including burning or removal to a site approved by the local jurisdic- tion in consultation with the fire authority, of flammable vegetation and fuels caused by site, road and driveway construction shall be in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. [CCR T14 §1276.05]

    SECTION 605—SPARK ARRESTORS

    605.1 General. Chimneys serving fireplaces, barbecues, incinerators or decorative heating appliances in which solid or liquid fuel is used shall be provided with a spark arrestor. Spark arrestors shall be constructed of woven or welded wire screening of 12 USA standard gage wire (0.1046 inch) (2.66 mm) having openings not exceeding [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm).

    605.2 Net free area. The net free area of the spark arrestor shall be not less than four times the net free area of the outlet of the chimney.

    SECTION 606—LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS INSTALLATIONS

    606.1 General. The storage of liquefied petroleum gas (LP-gas) and the installation and maintenance of pertinent equipment shall be in accordance with the California Fire Code .

    606.2 Location of containers or tanks. LP-gas containers or tanks shall be located within the defensible space in accordance with the California Fire Code .

  • CWUIC § 4291.6 High relevance — show source text
    1. of Title 24 of the California Code of_ Regulations. (2) “Qualified entities” means the following entities that have completed the program developed and received a certifica- tion, pursuant to Section 4291.6: (A) Counties, state conservancies, special districts, and other political subdivisions of the state. (B) Members of the California Conservation Corps, the Board of Commissioners under California Volunteers described in Section 8411 of the Government Code, local conservation corps, resource conservation districts, fire safe coun- cils, and Firewise USA organizations. (C) University of California fire advisors. (D) Registered Professional Foresters. (E) Other entities or individuals deemed appropriate by the director. (3) “Wildfire safety improvements” mean wildfire resilience and fire safety improvements, including measures for home hardening, the creation of defensible space, and other appropriate fuel reduction activities, to residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or other real property identified by the State Fire Marshal, in consultation with the director. (b) The director shall establish a statewide program to allow qualified entities to support and augment the department in its defensible space and home hardening assessment and education efforts. Qualified entities participating in the program shall be authorized by the director to conduct defensible space assessments to assess compliance with Section 4291 within the state responsibility area, educate property owners about wildfire safety improvements that may be undertaken to harden a struc- ture and make it more resistant to fire, and assess whether wildfire safety improvements have been completed in or on a

    structure.

    (c) (1) The director shall establish a common reporting platform that allows defensible space and home hardening assessment data, collected by the qualified entities, to be reported to the department and shall establish any necessary quality control measure to ensure that the assessment data is accurate and reliable.

    (2) The department shall compile the data submitted pursuant to paragraph (1). (d) The director may use the defensible space and home hardening assessment data to do any of the following: (1) Direct inspection and enforcement resources away from landowners who meet or exceed the department’s standards and regulations for maintaining defensible space.

    2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX H-9

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    APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

    (2) Direct inspection and enforcement resources toward landowners who do not meet the department’s standards and regulations for maintaining defensible space. (3) Direct educational resources toward landowners who own or maintain structures that can be hardened to make them more resistant to fire.

    (4) Assist in estimating defensible space compliance in the state responsibility area. (e) The department may expand or amend existing programs for the implementation of this section. (f) This section does not grant any right of entry onto private land or regulatory or enforcement authority to participating quali- fied entities.

  • CWUIC § 1.5 High relevance — show source text

    structure.

    (c) (1) The director shall establish a common reporting platform that allows defensible space and home hardening assessment data, collected by the qualified entities, to be reported to the department and shall establish any necessary quality control measure to ensure that the assessment data is accurate and reliable.

    (2) The department shall compile the data submitted pursuant to paragraph (1). (d) The director may use the defensible space and home hardening assessment data to do any of the following: (1) Direct inspection and enforcement resources away from landowners who meet or exceed the department’s standards and regulations for maintaining defensible space.

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    APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

    (2) Direct inspection and enforcement resources toward landowners who do not meet the department’s standards and regulations for maintaining defensible space. (3) Direct educational resources toward landowners who own or maintain structures that can be hardened to make them more resistant to fire.

    (4) Assist in estimating defensible space compliance in the state responsibility area. (e) The department may expand or amend existing programs for the implementation of this section. (f) This section does not grant any right of entry onto private land or regulatory or enforcement authority to participating quali- fied entities.

    (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.

  • CWUIC § 6-1 High relevance — show source text

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    6-2 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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    6 FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

    User notes:

    About this chapter: In addition to the building construction requirements in the California Building Code and California Residential Code, this chapter contains requirements for development and construction in Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and areas designated by the State Fire Marshal as State Responsibility Areas (SRA). While many of these provisions are found in Title 14 and Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations, they are replicated here for the code user. The local jurisdiction has the authority to apply the same regulations to LRA when the regulations are adopted by local ordinance.

    The requirements in this chapter reference the process for adoption of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the LRA; criteria for evaluating existing subdivisions that are at significant fire risk and are without an adequate secondary egress; and criteria for fire safety provisions required in the Safety Element of a city or county General Plan.

    The chapter includes mitigation strategies to reduce the hazards of fire originating within a structure spreading to wildland and fire originating in wildland spreading to structures. These strategies are included in the following requirements:

    1. Development of fire protection plans.

    2. Development of landscape plans and long-term vegetation management.

    3. Creation and maintenance of defensible space to protect structures and subdivisions.

    SECTION 601—GENERAL

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

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

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

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

    SECTION 602— FIRE PROTECTION PLANS

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

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

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

  • CWUIC § 603.4.1 High relevance — show source text

    603.4.1 Shrubs. All new plantings of shrubs shall comply with the following: 1. Shrubs shall not exceed 6 feet (1829 mm) in height. 2. Groupings of shrubs are limited to a maximum aggregate diameter of 10 feet (3048 mm). 3. Shrub groupings shall be separated from other groupings a minimum of 15 feet (4572 mm). 4. Shrub groupings shall be separated from structures a minimum of 30 feet (9144 mm). 5. Where shrubs are located below or within a tree’s drip line, the lowest tree branch shall be a minimum of three times the height of the understory shrubs or 10 feet (3048 mm), whichever is greater.

    603.4.2 Trees. Trees shall be managed as follows within the 30-foot zone (9144 mm) of a structure: 1. New trees shall be planted and maintained so that the tree’s drip line at maturity is a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from any combustible structure. 2. The horizontal distance between crowns of new trees and crowns of adjacent trees shall not be less than 10 feet (3048 mm). 3. Existing trees shall be trimmed to provide a minimum separation of 10 feet (3048 mm) away from chimney and stovepipe outlets per California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 1299.03.

    603.4.2.1 Nonfire-smart vegetation. New trees not classified as fire-smart vegetation, such as conifers, palms, pepper trees and eucalyptus species, shall be permitted provided the tree is planted and maintained in accordance with one of the following: 1. The tree is planted so that the tree’s drip line at maturity is a minimum of 30 feet (9144 mm) from an applicable building. 2. The tree is planted so that the tree’s drip line at maturity is a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from any combustible struc- ture, and is well pruned and maintained so as not to form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to the structure or from the structure to nearby vegetation or to interrupt the advance of embers toward a

    structure.

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    FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

    SECTION 604—MAINTENANCE OF DEFENSIBLE SPACE

    604.1 General. Hazardous vegetation and fuels shall be managed to reduce the severity of potential exterior wildfire exposure to build- ings and to reduce the risk of fire spreading to buildings as required by applicable laws and regulations.

    Defensible space shall be managed around all buildings and structures in State Responsibility Areas (SRA) as required in Public Resources Code 4291.

    604.2 Application. Buildings and structures located in the following areas shall maintain the required hazardous vegetation and fuel management: 1. All unincorporated lands designated as a State Responsibility Area (SRA). 2. Land designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by a city or local agency. 3. Land designated in a city or local agency ordinance as a wildland-urban interface (WUI) area.

  • CWUIC § 1-15 High relevance — show source text

    All unincorporated lands designated by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection as State Responsibility Area (SRA) including:

    Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

    High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

    Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

    Land designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by cities and other local agencies.

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    ADMINISTRATION

    Land designated as a wildland-urban interface area by cities and other local agencies.

    Exceptions: 1. New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within a State Responsibility Area, for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after January 1, 2008, shall comply with this code. 2. New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within a State Responsibility Area or any wildland-urban interface area designated by cities and other local agencies for which an application for a building permit is submit- ted on or after December 1, 2005, but prior to July 1, 2008, shall only comply with the following sections of this chapter: 2.1. Section 507 – Replacement or Repair of Roof Coverings.

    2.2. Section 504.10 – Vents.

    [A] 101.4 Retroactivity. The provisions of the code shall apply to conditions arising after the adoption thereof, conditions not legally in existence at the adoption of this code and conditions that, in the opinion of the code official, constitute a distinct hazard to life or property.

    Exception: Provisions of this code that specifically apply to existing conditions are retroactive.

    [A] 101.5 Additions or alterations. Additions or alterations shall be permitted to be made to any building or structure without requiring the existing building or structure to comply with all of the requirements of this code, provided that the addition or alteration conforms to that required for a new building or structure.

    Exception: Provisions of this code that specifically apply to existing conditions are retroactive.

    Additions or alterations shall not be made to an existing building or structure that will cause the existing building or structure to be in violation of any of the provisions of this code nor shall such additions or alterations cause the existing building or structure to become unsafe. An unsafe condition shall be deemed to have been created if an addition or alteration will cause the existing building or structure to become structurally unsafe or overloaded; will not provide adequate access in compliance with the provisions of this code or will obstruct existing exits or access; will create a fire hazard; will reduce required fire resistance or will otherwise create conditions dangerous to human life.

    [A] 101.6 Maintenance. Buildings, structures, landscape materials, vegetation, defensible space or other devices or safeguards required by this code shall be maintained in conformance to the code edition under which installed. The owner or the owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings, structures, landscape materials and vegetation.

    SECTION 102—APPLICABILITY

    [A] 102.1 General. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall govern. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.

    [A] 102.2 Other laws. The provisions of this code shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law.

  • CWUIC § 4.1 High relevance — show source text

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    APPENDIX A—GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

    A105.3 Explosives. Explosives shall not be possessed, kept, stored, sold, offered for sale, given away, used, discharged, transported or disposed of within wildland-urban interface areas, except by permit from the code official.

    A105.4 Combustible materials. Outside storage of combustible materials such as, but not limited to, wood, rubber tires, building materials or paper products shall comply with the other applicable sections of this code and this section. A105.4.1 Individual piles. Individual piles shall not exceed 5,000 square feet (465 m [2] ) of contiguous area. Piles shall not exceed 50,000 cubic feet (1416 m [3] ) in volume or 10 feet (3048 mm) in height.

    A105.4.2 Separation. A clear space of not less than 40 feet (12 192 mm) shall be provided between piles. The clear space shall not contain combustible material or nonfire-smart vegetation.

    SECTION A106—DUMPING

    A106.1 Waste material. Waste material shall not be placed, deposited or dumped in wildland-urban interface areas or in, on or along trails, roadways or highways or against structures in wildland-urban interface areas .

    Exception: Approved public and approved private dumping areas.

    A106.2 Ashes and coals. Ashes and coals shall not be placed, deposited or dumped in or on wildland-urban interface areas.

    Exceptions:

    1. In the hearth of an established fire pit, camp stove or fireplace.
    2. In a noncombustible container with a tightfitting lid, which is kept or maintained in a safe location not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from nonfire-smart vegetation or structures.
    3. Where such ashes or coals are buried and covered with 1 foot (305 mm) of mineral earth not less than 25 feet (7620 mm) from nonfire-smart vegetation or structures.

    SECTION A107—PROTECTION OF PUMPS AND WATER STORAGE FACILITIES

    A107.1 General. The reliability of the water supply shall be in accordance with Sections A107.2 through A107.5.

    A107.2 Objective. The intent of this section is to increase the reliability of water storage and pumping facilities and to protect such systems against loss from intrusion by fire.

    A107.3 Fuel modification area. Water storage and pumping facilities shall be provided with a defensible space of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) clear of nonfire-resistive vegetation or growth around and adjacent to such facilities.

    Persons owning, controlling, operating or maintaining water storage and pumping systems requiring this defensible space are responsible for clearing and removing nonfire-smart vegetation and maintaining the defensible space on the property owned, leased or controlled by said person.

    A107.4 Trees. Portions of trees that extend to within 30 feet (9144 mm) of combustible portions of water storage and pumping facilities shall be removed.

  • 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 § 3.2 High relevance — show source text

    Caulk or plug gaps greater than_ [1] / 8 inch (3.2 mm) in siding and replace any damaged boards, including those with dry rot. 8. Install weather stripping to fill gaps greater than [1] / 8 inch (3.2 mm) between garage doors and door frames to prevent ember intrusion. The weather stripping must be compliant with UL Standard 10C. 9. When it’s time to replace your windows, replace them with multipaned windows that have at least one pane of tempered glass. Choose products that have been approved and labeled as OSFM Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Products. 10. When it’s time to replace your siding or deck, use noncombustible, ignition-resistant, or other OSFM-approved Wildland- Urban Interface (WUI) Products. 11. Cover openings to operable skylights with noncombustible metal mesh screen with openings in the screen not to exceed [1] / 8 inch (3.2 mm). 12. Install a minimum 6-inch metal flashing, applied vertically on the exterior of the wall at the deck-to-wall intersection to protect the combustible siding material. 13. Enclose openings beneath decks or cantilevered construction with one of the materials required in Section 504.5. Openings beneath decks which are four feet (1219 mm) or less above grade can be covered with a noncombustible and corrosion- resistant mesh with [1] / 16 -inch (1.6 mm) to [1] / 8 -inch (3.2 mm) openings. 14. Remove or replace combustible fences within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the structure. 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.

  • CWUIC § A107 High relevance — show source text

    Exception: Approved public and approved private dumping areas.

    A106.2 Ashes and coals. Ashes and coals shall not be placed, deposited or dumped in or on wildland-urban interface areas.

    Exceptions:

    1. In the hearth of an established fire pit, camp stove or fireplace.
    2. In a noncombustible container with a tightfitting lid, which is kept or maintained in a safe location not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from nonfire-smart vegetation or structures.
    3. Where such ashes or coals are buried and covered with 1 foot (305 mm) of mineral earth not less than 25 feet (7620 mm) from nonfire-smart vegetation or structures.

    SECTION A107—PROTECTION OF PUMPS AND WATER STORAGE FACILITIES

    A107.1 General. The reliability of the water supply shall be in accordance with Sections A107.2 through A107.5.

    A107.2 Objective. The intent of this section is to increase the reliability of water storage and pumping facilities and to protect such systems against loss from intrusion by fire.

    A107.3 Fuel modification area. Water storage and pumping facilities shall be provided with a defensible space of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) clear of nonfire-resistive vegetation or growth around and adjacent to such facilities.

    Persons owning, controlling, operating or maintaining water storage and pumping systems requiring this defensible space are responsible for clearing and removing nonfire-smart vegetation and maintaining the defensible space on the property owned, leased or controlled by said person.

    A107.4 Trees. Portions of trees that extend to within 30 feet (9144 mm) of combustible portions of water storage and pumping facilities shall be removed.

    A107.5 Protection of electrical power supplies. Where electrical pumps are used to provide the required water supply, such pumps shall be connected to a standby power source to automatically maintain electrical power in the event of power loss. The standby power source shall be capable of providing power for not less than 2 hours in accordance with Chapter 27 of the California Building Code, Section 1203 of the California Fire Code and the California Electrical Code.

    Exception: A standby power source is not required where the primary power service to pumps is underground as approved by the code official.

    SECTION A108—LAND USE LIMITATIONS

    A108.1 General. Temporary fairs, carnivals, public exhibitions and similar uses must comply with all other provisions of this code in addition to enhanced ingress and egress requirements.

    A108.2 Objective. The increased public use of land or structures in wildland-urban interface areas increases the potential threat to life safety. The provisions of this section are intended to reduce that threat.

    A108.3 Permits. Temporary fairs, carnivals, public exhibitions or similar uses shall not be allowed in a designated wildland-urban interface area, except by permit from the code official.

    Permits shall incorporate such terms and conditions that will reasonably safeguard public safety and property.

    A108.4 Access roadways. In addition to the requirements in Section 403, access roadways shall be not less than 24 feet (7315 mm) wide and posted NO PARKING. Two access roadways shall be provided to serve the permitted use area.

    Where required by the code official to facilitate emergency operations, approved emergency vehicle operating areas shall be provided.

    APPENDIX A-6 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

  • CWUIC § 504.7 High relevance — show source text

    Ignition Source Control Appendix A, A104 Ignition-Resistant Building Material 202, 503 Ignition-Resistant Construction 504 Appendages 504.7 Detached accessory structures 504.11 Eaves 504.3

    Exterior doors 504.9

    Exterior walls 504.5

    Gutters and downspouts 504.4 Protection of eaves 504.3 Roof covering 504.2 Underfloor protection 504.6 Vents 504.10

    Windows 504.8 Ignition-Resistant Construction and Material 503 Inspection and Enforcement 109 Abatement 109.3.8 Authority to inspect 109.1.2 Citations 109.3.4

    Enforcement 109.2 Placarding 109.3.5.3 Prosecution 109.3.6

    Reinspections 109.1.3 Right of entry 104.4 Testing 109.1.4 Unsafe conditions 109.3.5

    Key Box 403.1

    Land Use Limitations Appendix A, A108 Legal Defense of the Code Official 104.8.1 Liability of the Code Official 104.8

    Log Wall Construction 202 LP-Gas Installations 606

    Maintenance 101.6 Maintenance of Defensible Space 604 Modified area 604.2 Responsibility 604.3 Trees 604.4 Mapping of Wildland-Urban Interface Area 302.2 Multilayered Glazed Panels 202

    Noncombustible Roof Covering 202

    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

  • CWUIC § 2.1. High relevance — show source text

    A103.2 Trespassing on posted private property. Where the code official determines that a specific area within a wildland-urban interface area presents an exceptional and continuing fire danger because of the density of natural growth, difficulty of terrain, proximity to structures or accessibility to the public, such areas shall be restricted or closed until changed conditions warrant termination of such restriction or closure. Such areas shall be posted in accordance with Section A103.2.1.

    A103.2.1 Signs. Approved signs prohibiting entry by unauthorized persons and referring to this code shall be placed on every closed area.

    A103.2.2 Trespassing. Entering and remaining within areas closed and posted is prohibited.

    Exception: Owners and occupiers of private or public property within closed and posted areas; their guests or invitees; authorized persons engaged in the operation and maintenance of necessary utilities such as electrical power, gas, telephone, water and sewer; and local, state and federal public officers and their authorized agents acting in the course of duty.

    A103.3 Use of fire roads and defensible space. Motorcycles, motor scooters and motor vehicles shall not be driven or parked on, and trespassing is prohibited on, fire roads or defensible space beyond the point where travel is restricted by a cable, gate or sign, without the permission of the property owners. Vehicles shall not be parked in a manner that obstructs the entrance to a fire road or defensible space.

    Exception: Public officers acting within their scope of duty.

    A103.3.1 Obstructions. Radio and television aerials, guy wires thereto, and other obstructions shall not be installed or maintained on fire roads or defensible spaces, unless located 16 feet (4877 mm) or more above such fire road or defensible space.

    A103.4 Use of motorcycles, motor scooters, ultralight aircraft and motor vehicles. Motorcycles, motor scooters, ultralight aircraft and motor vehicles shall not be operated within wildland-urban interface areas, without a permit by the code official, except on clearly established public or private roads. Permission from the property owner shall be presented when requesting a permit.

    APPENDIX A-4 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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

    APPENDIX A—GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

    A103.5 Tampering with locks, barricades, signs and address markers. Locks, barricades, seals, cables, signs and address markers installed within wildland-urban interface areas, by or under the control of the code official, shall not be tampered with, mutilated, destroyed or removed.

    A103.5.1 Gates, doors, barriers and locks. Gates, doors, barriers and locks installed by or under the control of the code official shall not be unlocked.

    SECTION A104—IGNITION SOURCE CONTROL

    A104.1 General. Ignition sources shall be controlled in accordance with Sections A104.2 through A104.10.

    A104.2 Objective. Regulations in this section are intended to provide the minimum requirements to prevent the occurrence of wildfires.

    A104.3 Clearance from ignition sources. Clearance between ignition sources and grass, brush or other combustible materials shall be maintained at not less than 30 feet (9144 mm).

Frequently asked questions

Who enforces the defensible space rules described in § 604.3?

Local fire authorities and the State may inspect and enforce compliance under the statutes and regulations referenced in § 604.3; the CWUIC itself points you to those authorities for the operative enforcement mechanisms.

If my parcel is inside a city, does § 604.2 still apply?

Yes — § 604.2 applies to land designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by a city or local agency, and to land designated by local ordinance as a WUI area. Confirm local maps/ordinances to see if your parcel is covered.

Is the homeowner always the person required to clear vegetation?

The Code assigns maintenance responsibility to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent (see § 101.6). Owners can contract the work but remain responsible for compliance.

Does the CWUIC give exact clearance distances?

No. § 604.3 requires maintenance in accordance with PRC § 4291 and other regulations; those referenced laws contain the specific clearance distances and prescriptions. The CWUIC elsewhere contains some numerical guidance (for example, § 603.4.2 and § 604.4), but for the full operational table you must consult the referenced statutes/regulations.

What if I own a water tank or pump station?

Appendix A requires a defensible area of not less than 30 feet around water storage and pumping facilities and makes the owner/operator responsible for clearing that area. See A107.3.

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