CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

When are non‑fire‑smart trees allowed and what conditions apply?

Under the CWUIC, non‑fire‑smart trees (e.g., eucalyptus, palms, conifers) may be planted only if the tree’s mature drip line is at least 30 ft from a building, or if it is at least 10 ft away and kept well pruned and maintained so it cannot rapidly transmit fire; documentments and landscape plans are typically required to show compliance (see § 603.4 and § 603.4.2.1) file.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

All new vegetation must be fire‑smart vegetation unless a tree qualifies under the exception in § 603.4. Non‑fire‑smart trees (examples: conifers, palms, pepper trees, eucalyptus) are permitted only when they meet the planting/maintenance conditions in § 603.4.2.1. These conditions are strictly dimensional (mature drip line clearance) and/or maintenance‑based (well‑pruned and kept so they do not form a rapid fire path) as set out in the CWUIC .

Non‑fire‑smart trees are allowed only when their mature drip line is far enough from a building (typically 30 ft) — or when closer (10 ft) they are intensively pruned/maintained to prevent rapid fire transmission (§ 603.4.2.1) .

Requirements in detail

Controlling rule (plain)

All new vegetation must be fire‑smart; exception: trees that comply with § 603.4.2.1 are allowed as non‑fire‑smart .
§ 603.4.2.1 provides two alternative compliance paths for non‑fire‑smart trees: distance at maturity or distance plus maintenance .

Key decision dimensions (table)

Decision dimension	Required value / condition	Code Reference
Mature drip line distance from applicable building (option A)	≥ 30 feet (9144 mm)	§ 603.4.2.1
Mature drip line distance from any combustible structure with strict maintenance (option B)	≥ 10 feet (3048 mm) and tree is well pruned and maintained so it does not create a rapid fire path	§ 603.4.2.1
Horizontal crown separation between new trees	≥ 10 feet (3048 mm) between crowns	§ 603.4.2 (2)
Trimming for existing trees near chimneys/stovepipes	Minimum 10 feet (3048 mm) separation from outlets per CCR Title 14 §1299.03 (referenced in § 603.4.2 (3))	§ 603.4.2 (3)
Landscape plan requirements (showing 30‑ and 100‑ft zones, plant legend, irrigated areas)	Landscape plans must include delineation of the 30‑ft and 100‑ft fuel management zones and plant ID where required	§ 603.3.1

What “well pruned and maintained” means (code context)

The code requires that when relying on the 10‑ft option the tree must be pruned/maintained so it “does not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire” between nearby vegetation and the structure (that is, eliminate ladder fuels, reduce dead material and maintain crown separation) — see § 603.4.2.1 for the requirement language and Appendix F for characteristics of fire‑smart vegetation that inform maintenance goals .

Exceptions & special cases

The overarching rule is that all new vegetation is to be fire‑smart; the only express exception for non‑fire‑smart species is when the tree meets § 603.4.2.1 (either the 30‑ft distance or the 10‑ft + intensive maintenance route) — the CWUIC explicitly lists that exception under § 603.4 .
Trees that are non‑fire‑smart but located adjacent to critical infrastructure (e.g., water storage/pumping facilities) are subject to additional clearances: Appendix A requires 30 ft (9144 mm) clear of nonfire‑resistive vegetation around such facilities and removal of tree portions that extend within 30 ft of combustible portions of pumps/storage (see A107.3–A107.4) .
Landscape plans required by the code official must document proposed non‑fire‑smart trees, their mature size, and irrigation/maintenance responsibilities to demonstrate compliance with § 603.3.1 and the vegetation provisions .

Common mistakes

Assuming species listed as “non‑fire‑smart” can be planted immediately adjacent to the house — the code requires either 30 ft at maturity or 10 ft with strict pruning/maintenance (§ 603.4.2.1) .
Measuring distance to the trunk rather than to the drip line at maturity. The code’s distances reference the tree’s drip line at maturity — plan using mature dimensions, not current size (§ 603.4.2.1) .
Relying on pruning once and assuming ongoing compliance — the maintenance standard in the 10‑ft option requires continuing pruning/maintenance so the tree does not become a rapid fire path; documentation and responsibility should be in the landscape plan or maintenance covenant (§ 603.3.1) .
Forgetting crown separation and chimney clearances: new trees require 10 ft crown spacing and existing trees must be trimmed 10 ft from chimney/stovepipe outlets per § 603.4.2 .

Worked example — eucalyptus near a house

Scenario: Homeowner wants to plant a eucalyptus sapling whose expected mature drip line radius is 25 ft. The sapling would be planted 22 ft from the nearest exterior wall of the house.

Step 1 — Option A (distance only): The tree’s mature drip line would be 25 ft from the building but § 603.4.2.1 requires ≥ 30 ft (9144 mm) for the distance‑only path. So Option A fails (25 ft < 30 ft) .

Step 2 — Option B (10 ft + maintenance): The mature drip line (25 ft) is greater than 10 ft (3048 mm) but less than 30 ft. The homeowner could use the 10‑ft alternative only if the tree is planted so its drip line at maturity is at least 10 ft from any combustible structure (it is), and the tree is well pruned and maintained so it does not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire between nearby vegetation and the structure. Additional checks: ensure crown separation ≥ 10 ft from other trees and trim existing trees 10 ft from chimneys if applicable per § 603.4.2. If the homeowner documents a maintenance plan, irrigation, and pruning schedule in the landscape plan required under § 603.3.1, and can show the tree will be kept free of ladder fuels/dead material, the 10‑ft option is available; otherwise the planting will not comply filefile.

Related provisions

§ 603.4 — Vegetation: all new vegetation shall be fire‑smart; exception for trees that comply with § 603.4.2.1
§ 603.4.2.1 — Nonfire‑smart vegetation: the two alternative compliance paths (30 ft or 10 ft + maintenance) and example species listed
§ 603.4.2 — Trees: crown separation, chimney/setback trimming, and tree management within the 30‑ft zone
§ 603.4.1 — Shrubs: height and grouping limits that interact with tree understory management
§ 603.3.1 — Landscape plan contents: delineation of 30‑ft and 100‑ft fuel management zones, plant legend and maintenance responsibilities (important when documenting non‑fire‑smart tree plans)
Appendix F (F101.1) — Characteristics of fire‑smart vegetation to guide pruning and species selection
Appendix A (A107.3–A107.4) — Additional 30‑ft defensible‑space requirements around water storage/pumping facilities and removal of tree portions within 30 ft of such equipment (special case)

Code references

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

CWUIC § 603.2 High relevance — show source text
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.

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.
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 § 6-3 High relevance — show source text
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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 § 4902.1 Medium relevance — show source text

01(i)||||| ||Exterior wall assembly|Y||702A||||||| ||Exterior wall covering|Y||702A||||||| ||Fire chief|Y||||||||| ||Fire code official|Y|||202|||||| ||Fire flow calculation
area|Y||||||||| ||Fire hazard severity
zones|Y||702A|4902.1|||2201||| ||Fire protection plan|Y||702A|4902.1|||||| ||Fire weather|Y||||||||| ||Fire-resistance-rated
construction|Y||||||||| ||Fire-smart vegetation|Y|||4902.1|1271.01||||| ||Flame spread index|Y||||||||| ||Fuel|Y||||||||4291(a)(1)(A)| ||Fuel break_(T14)|Y||||1270.01(n)||||| ||Fuel modification|Y||||||||| ||Fuel mosaic|Y||||||||| ||Fuel-loading|Y||||||||| ||Green belt(T14)|Y||||1270.01(o)||||| ||Greenways (T14)|Y||||1270.01(p)||||| ||Hammerhead/T (T14)|Y||||1270.01(q)||||| ||Hazardous land use
(T14)_|Y||||1270.01(r)||||| ||Hazardous materials|Y||||||||| ||Heavy timber
construction|Y||||||||| ||Ignition-resistant
building material|Y||||||||| ||Local responsibility
area (LRA)|Y||702A|4902.1|||||| ||Log wall construction|Y|||||||||

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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 2	Definitions	Definitions	Definitions	Definitions	Definitions	Definitions	Definitions	Definitions	Definitions	Definitions
	Multilayered glazed panels	Y
	Noncombustible roof covering	Y
	Outbuilding (T14)	Y				1299.02(c)
	Peer review	Y
	Rafter tail	Y		702A
	Registered design professional	Y
	Residential unit (T14)	Y				1270.01(w)
	Ridgeline (topography) (T14)	Y				1270.01(x)
	Road (T14)	Y				1270.

CWUIC § 1.11. Medium 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 F-2 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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F CHARACTERISTICS OF FIRE-SMART VEGETATION

This appendix is for informational purposes and is not intended for adoption.

User notes:

About this appendix: Appendix F is an informational appendix provided for the convenience of the code user. It is simply a compilation of the eight characteristics of fire-smart vegetation that can be used effectively within wildland-urban interface areas to reduce the likelihood of fire spread through vegetation.

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:
1. Growth with little or no accumulation of dead vegetation (either on the ground or standing upright).
2. Nonresinous plants (willow, poplar or tulip trees).
3. Low volume of total vegetation (for example, a grass area as opposed to a forest or shrub-covered land).
4. Plants with high live fuel moisture (plants that contain a large amount of water in comparison to their dry weight).
5. Drought-tolerant plants (deeply rooted plants with thick, heavy leaves).
6. Stands without ladder fuels (plants without small, fine branches and limbs between the ground and the canopy of overtopping shrubs and trees).
7. Plants requiring little maintenance (slow-growing plants that, when maintained, require little care).
8. Plants with woody stems and branches that require prolonged heating to ignite.
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APPENDIX F-4 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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.

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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

CWUIC § 4.1 Medium relevance — show source text

4|Combustible
materials|N||||||||| |A105.4.1|Individual piles|N||||||||| |A105.4.2|Separation|N||||||||| |A106|Dumping|N||||||||| |A106.1|Waste material|N||||||||| |A106.2|Ashes and coals|N||||||||| |A107|Protection of pumps
and water storage
facilities|N||||||||| |A107.1|General|N||||||||| |A107.2|Objective|N||||||||| |A107.3|Fuel modification
area|N||||||||| |A107.4|Trees|N||||||||| |A107.5|Protection of electri-
cal power supplies|N||||||||| |A108|Land use limitations|N||||||||| |A108.1|General|N||||||||| |A108.2|Objective|N||||||||| |A108.3|Permits|N||||||||| |A108.4|Access roadways|N||||||||| |A109|Referenced standards|N||||||||| |A109.1|General|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
Appendix B	Vegetation management plan	Vegetation management plan	Vegetation management plan	Vegetation management plan	Vegetation management plan	Vegetation management plan	Vegetation management plan	Vegetation management plan	Vegetation management plan	Vegetation management plan
B101	General	N
B101.1	Scope	N
B101.2	Plan content	N
B101.3	Fuel modification	N
Appendix C	*Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework*	*Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework*	*Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework*	*Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework*	*Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework*	*Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework*	*Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework*	*Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework*	**_Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)

CWUIC § 302.1 Medium relevance — show source text

2|Purpose|Y|||||||51176|4201| |302|Wildland-Urban
Interface Area
Designations|Y||||||||| |302.1|Mapping|Y|||4904.2||||51178|4202
4203(a)
4204| |302.2|Review of wildland-
urban interface areas|Y|||||||51181|4204| |Chapter 4|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements| |401|General|Y||||||||| |401.1|Scope|Y||||||||| |401.2|Objective|Y||||1273.00||||| |401.3|General safety
precautions|Y||||||||| |402|Applicability|Y|||||||||

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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 4	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements
402.1	Subdivisions	Y
402.1.1	Access	Y			503
402.1.2	Water supply	Y			507
402.1.2.1	Parcel map approval	Y						1275.01
402.2	Individual structures	Y			503 507
402.2.1	Access	Y			503
402.2.2	Water supply	Y			507
402.3	Existing conditions	N			505.1
403	Access	Y				1273
403.1	General	Y				1273.00
403.1.1	Section 403 definitions	Y				1270.01(f)
403.1.2	Width	Y				1273.01(a) 1273.

CWUIC § 2-3 Medium relevance — show source text
EXTERIOR WALL COVERING. A material or assembly of materials applied on the exterior side of exterior walls for the purpose of providing a weather-resisting barrier, insulation or for aesthetics, including but not limited to veneers, siding, exterior insulation and finish systems, rainscreen systems, architectural trim, and embellishments such as cornices, soffits, facias, gutters and leaders.

[F] FIRE CHIEF. The chief officer or the chief officer’s authorized representative of the fire department serving the jurisdiction.

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DEFINITIONS

FIRE CODE OFFICIAL. The fire chief or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the California Fire Code, or a duly authorized representative.

FIRE FLOW CALCULATION AREA. The floor area, in square feet (square meters), used to determine the adequate water supply.

FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES. Geographical areas designated pursuant to California Public Resources Codes, Sections 4201 through 4204 California Government Code, Sections 51175 through 51189.

The map, approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, is hereby incorporated by reference and entitled “State Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones,” dated September 29, 2023.

FIRE PROTECTION PLAN. A document prepared for a specific project or development proposed for the wildland-urban interface area. It describes ways to minimize and mitigate potential for loss from wildfire exposure.

FIRE WEATHER. Weather conditions favorable to the ignition and rapid spread of fire. In wildfires, this generally includes high temperatures combined with strong winds and low humidity. See “Critical fire weather.”

FIRE-RESISTANCE-RATED CONSTRUCTION. The use of materials and systems in the design and construction of a building or structure to safeguard against the spread of fire within a building or structure and the spread of fire to or from buildings or structures to the wildland-urban interface area.

FIRE-SMART VEGETATION. Plants, shrubs, trees and other vegetation that exhibit properties, such as high moisture content, little accu- mulation of dead vegetation and low sap or resin content, that make them less likely to ignite or contribute heat or spread flame in a fire than native vegetation typically found in the region.

( Note: The following sources contain examples of types of vegetation that can be considered as fire-smart vegetation: Fire-resistant Plants for Home Landscapes, A Pacific Northwest Extension publication; Home Landscaping for Fire, University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Sunset Western Garden Book.)

[BG] FLAME SPREAD INDEX. A comparative measure, expressed as a dimensionless number, derived from visual measurements of the spread of flame versus time for a material tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.

FUEL. Any combustible material, including petroleum-based products, cultivated landscape plants, grasses, weeds and wildland vegetation.

FUEL BREAK (applicable to CCR, Title 14 provisions only). A strategically located area where the volume and arrangement of vegetation has been managed to limit fire intensity, fire severity, rate of spread, crown fire potential and/or ember production. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(n)]
CWUIC § 1270.01 Medium relevance — show source text
1|||||| ||Strategic
ridgeline (T14)|Y||||1270.01(dd)||||| ||Structure|Y|202|||1270.01(ee)||||| ||Subdivision|Y||||||||| ||Tree crown|Y||||||||| ||Undeveloped
ridgeline (T14)|Y||||1270.01(ii)||||| ||Unenclosed acces-
sory structure|Y||||||||| ||Vertical curve (T14)|Y||||1270.01(k)||||| ||Wildfire|Y||702A|4902.1|||||| ||Wildfire exposure|Y||702A|4902.1|||||| ||Wildland|Y||||||||| ||Wildland-urban inter-
face area|Y||702A|4902.1|||||| |Chapter 3|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas|Wildland-urban interface areas| |301|General|Y||||||||| |301.1|Scope|Y||||||||4201| |301.2|Purpose|Y|||||||51176|4201| |302|Wildland-Urban
Interface Area
Designations|Y||||||||| |302.1|Mapping|Y|||4904.2||||51178|4202
4203(a)
4204| |302.2|Review of wildland-
urban interface areas|Y|||||||51181|4204| |Chapter 4|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements| |401|General|Y||||||||| |401.1|Scope|Y||||||||| |401.2|Objective|Y||||1273.00||||| |401.3|General safety
precautions|Y||||||||| |402|Applicability|Y|||||||||

APPENDIX H-26 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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

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,
CWUIC § 806.1 Medium relevance — show source text
806.1 Natural cut trees. Natural cut trees, where allowed by this section, shall have the trunk bottoms cut off not less than 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) above the original cut and shall be placed in a support device complying with Section 806.1.2.

806.1.1 Restricted occupancies. Natural cut trees shall be prohibited within ambulatory care facilities and Group A, E, I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4, M, R-1, R-2 and R-4 occupancies.

Exceptions:
1. Trees located in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 shall not be prohibited in Groups A, E, M, R-1 and R-2.
2. Trees shall be allowed within dwelling units in Group R-2 occupancies.
806.1.2 Support devices. The support device that holds the tree in an upright position shall be of a type that is stable and that meets all of the following criteria:
1. The device shall hold the tree securely and be of adequate size to avoid tipping over of the tree.
2. The device shall be capable of containing a minimum two-day supply of water.
3. The water level, when full, shall cover the tree stem not less than 2 inches (51 mm). The water level shall be maintained above the fresh cut and checked not less than once daily.
806.1.3 Dryness. The tree shall be removed from the building whenever the needles or leaves fall off readily when a tree branch is shaken or if the needles are brittle and break when bent between the thumb and index finger. The tree shall be checked daily for dryness.

806.1.4 Fire-retardant treatments for natural cut trees. Where fire-retardant treatments are applied to natural cut trees, the fire-retardant treatment shall be tested by an approved agency and shall be treated and maintained in a flame-retardant condition by means of a flame-retardant solution or process approved by the State Fire Marshal, as set forth in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.08]. Decorative Materials.

In every Group A, E, I, R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 occupancy, all drapes, hangings, curtains, drops and all other decorative material, including Christmas trees, that would tend to increase the fire and panic hazard shall be made from a nonflammable material, or shall be treated and maintained in a flame-retardant condition by means of a flame-retardant solution or process approved by the State Fire Marshal, as set forth in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8. Exits, exit lights, fire alarm sending stations, wet standpipe hose cabinets and fire extinguisher locations shall not be concealed, in whole or in part, by any decorative material.

Exceptions: (a) Cubical curtains and individual patient room window curtains and drapes in Group I, R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 occupancies. (b) Window curtains and drapes within dwelling units of Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies. (c) Christmas trees within dwelling units of Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies.

CWUIC § 1505.1.2 Medium relevance — show source text

1
1505.1.2||||||| |Chapter 6|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements|Fire protection requirements| |601|General|Y||||||||| |601.1|Scope|Y||||||||| |601.2|Objective|Y|||4901.1|||||| |601.3|Chapter 6 definitions|Y||||||1299.02(a)||| |602|Fire protection plans|Y|||4903|||||| |602.1|General|Y|||4903.1|||||| |602.2|Contents|Y|||4903.2|||||| |602.3|Project information|Y|||4903.2.1|||||| |602.3.1|Preliminary fire
protection plan|Y|||4903.2.1.1|||||| |602.3.2|Fire protection plan|Y|||4903.2.1.2|||||| |603|Vegetation plan|Y|||4906|||||| |603.1|General|Y|||4906.1|||||| |603.2|Application|Y|||4906.2||||51182(a)|| |603.3|Landscape plans|Y|||4906.3|||||| |603.3.1|Contents|Y|||4906.3.1||3.07(b)(2)||51182(a)|4291| |603.4|Vegetation|Y|||4906.4||||||

APPENDIX H-30 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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

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 6	Fire protection requirements	Fire protection requirements	Fire protection requirements	Fire protection requirements	Fire protection requirements	Fire protection requirements	Fire protection requirements	Fire protection requirements	Fire protection requirements	Fire protection requirements
603.4.1	Shrubs	Y			4906.4.1
603.4.2	Trees	Y			4906.4.2	1299.03	3.07(b)(3)
603.4.2.1	Nonfire-smart vegetation	Y			4906.4.2.1
604	Maintenance of defensible space	Y			4907
604.

Frequently asked questions

Can I plant a palm next to my house if I keep it trimmed?

Yes — palms are an example of a non‑fire‑smart species listed in § 603.4.2.1. They may be allowed if the mature drip line is ≥ 30 ft from the building or ≥ 10 ft and the palm is kept well pruned/maintained so it will not rapidly transmit fire. You must document the plan and maintenance responsibilities to satisfy the landscape/plan requirements file.

Do I measure the required distance to the trunk or to the drip line?

Measure to the tree’s drip line at maturity — the code distances in § 603.4.2.1 are expressly based on the mature drip line, not the current trunk location or canopy size .

If my non‑fire‑smart tree is 12 feet from the house, is that automatically OK?

Not automatically. The 10‑ft option requires that the tree be well pruned and maintained so it does not form a rapid means of transmitting fire between other vegetation and the building. You also must meet crown separation rules and document maintenance in the landscape plan when required by the code official (§ 603.3.1) file.

Does the code list which species are “non‑fire‑smart”?

The code gives examples (conifers, palms, pepper trees, eucalyptus) in § 603.4.2.1 but does not provide an exhaustive species list; use Appendix F and local agency guidance for fire‑smart lists and consult a licensed landscape architect or the local enforcing agency for approvals file.

Who enforces ongoing maintenance for the 10‑ft option?

Ongoing maintenance is enforced by the local code official and should be reflected in landscape plans, covenants or maintenance agreements required under § 603.3.1. Failure to maintain the tree so it does not become a rapid fire path could lead to enforcement actions under the code .

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