CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
When is a vegetation or fire protection plan required?
The code official may require a preliminary and/or final fire protection plan prepared by a qualified professional to evaluate and mitigate wildfire hazards; final plans must be approved before construction and must include maps, plant lists, fuel‑modification zones and legally binding maintenance commitments (CWUIC **§ 602.1** and **§ 602.3**).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The code grants the code official authority to require a fire protection plan (including a preliminary and/or final plan) whenever needed to evaluate wildfire risk and acceptability of life‑safety and fire‑protection measures — see § 602.1. The final plan must be reviewed and approved before start of construction; preliminary plans may be required early in the review process to guide project design — see § 602.3. The plan must be prepared by an appropriately qualified professional and address fuel reduction, access, water supply and conformance with state/local wildfire regulations — see § 602.1 and § 602.2.
The single most important rule: the code official can require a fire protection plan when necessary to determine whether proposed measures adequately mitigate wildfire hazards; a final plan must be approved before construction begins.
Requirements in detail
Who may require a plan
- The code official may require a fire protection plan for any building, project, premises or region where wildfire risk assessment is needed — § 602.1.
Who prepares the plan
- The plan must be prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist or similar specialist acceptable to the code official — § 602.1.
When a preliminary plan is required
- The code official is explicitly authorized to require a preliminary fire protection plan prior to the final plan to guide design and review — § 602.1 and § 602.3.1.
When the final plan is required / timing
- The final fire protection plan must be reviewed and approved prior to start of construction — § 602.3.
Minimum contents (high level)
- Preliminary plan minimums: total project size, adjoining property uses, and a map showing boundaries, contours, proposed foundations, roads/driveways, and project fuel modification zones (and how those boundaries are identified) — § 602.3.1.
- Final plan additional requirements: detailed plant maps (species, life form, expected mature size), irrigated vs non‑irrigated zones, vegetation reduction around emergency access, access points for maintenance, and legally binding maintenance statements / CC&R language for fuel modification zones — § 602.3.2.
- The plan must be based on a project‑specific wildfire hazard assessment (location, topography, aspect, climate and fire history) and identify conformance with applicable state and local wildfire regulations (including PRC 4290, PRC 4291 or Gov. Code 51182 where applicable) — § 602.2.
Decision matrix (quick reference table)
| Decision dimension | Key values / trigger | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Who can require a plan | Code official (discretionary authority) | § 602.1 — |
| When a preliminary plan may be required | Prior to final submittal / during design | § 602.1 & § 602.3.1 — |
| When final plan must be approved | Before construction starts | § 602.3 — |
| Minimum preliminary contents | Project size; adjoining properties; map with fuel modification zones | § 602.3.1 — |
| Minimum final contents (add’l) | Plant species list, irrigated zones, maintenance/CC&R statements, access for maintenance | § 602.3.2 — |
| Required qualifications for preparer | Registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist, or similar accepted by official | § 602.1 — |
| Plan basis | Project‑specific wildfire hazard assessment (location, topography, aspect, climate, fire history) | § 602.2 — |
Exceptions & special cases
- The code does not list blanket exemptions from the code official’s authority to require a plan — the decision is at the official’s discretion under § 602.1. Cite: § 602.1.
- Appendix and other sections may add or clarify vegetation plan content or make vegetation plans mandatory where specifically adopted locally (e.g., Appendix B vegetation management plan criteria) — these appendices are not mandatory unless the adopting jurisdiction includes them in ordinance. See Appendix B guidance for vegetation management plan content (Appendix B101.1–B101.3).
- Landscape plan requirements (delineation of 30‑foot and 100‑foot fuel management zones from structures and related planting rules) are found in § 603.3.1 and related vegetation provisions; when the code official requires a landscape/vegetation plan these distances and planting limits apply.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a plan is only required for very large projects — incorrect. The code official can require a plan for any project where wildfire risk needs evaluation. See § 602.1.
- Waiting to prepare all wildfire information until final submittal. The code explicitly allows (and may require) a preliminary fire protection plan earlier in the process — § 602.1 and § 602.3.1.
- Providing an unqualified preparer. The plan must be prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, or qualified fire safety specialist acceptable to the code official — § 602.1.
- Omitting legally binding maintenance commitments for shared fuel modification zones and CC&R language in the final plan; these are explicitly required in § 602.3.2.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A developer proposes a 5‑acre residential subdivision inside a State Responsibility Area (SRA) mapped as a Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The jurisdiction’s code official decides to require a fire protection plan.
Step 1 — Preliminary plan (required): The developer hires a licensed landscape architect to prepare a preliminary fire protection plan showing the total project size (5 acres), current land uses on adjacent parcels, and a map that shows project boundary lines, slope contours, proposed building footprints, roads and driveways, and preliminary project fuel modification zones with the method for identifying zone boundaries — meeting § 602.3.1 minimums.
Step 2 — Hazard assessment: The preparer performs a project‑specific wildfire hazard assessment (location, topography, aspect, climate/fire history) and proposes mitigation measures addressing access, water supply and fuel reduction to show conformance with PRC 4290/4291 or Gov. Code 51182 as applicable — per § 602.2 and § 602.1.
Step 3 — Final plan (submitted & approved before construction): The final fire protection plan supplements the preliminary submittal with a detailed plant map and legend showing botanical/common names and expected mature height/width for each species within fuel modification zones, identifies irrigated vs non‑irrigated areas, shows vegetation reduction measures around emergency routes, designates maintenance access points for common areas, and includes legally binding CC&R language assigning homeowner responsibility for ongoing maintenance — as required by § 602.3.2 and approved prior to construction start as required by § 602.3.
Related provisions
- § 602.2 — Contents and basis of the fire protection plan (project‑specific wildfire hazard assessment; conformance with PRC 4290/4291 or GC 51182).
- § 603.3.1 — Landscape plan content and delineation of 30‑foot and 100‑foot fuel management zones.
- § 603.4 — Requirements for new vegetation and “fire‑smart” plant criteria (relevant when plans include planting lists).
- Appendix B, B101.1–B101.3 — Vegetation management plan content and fuel modification maintenance guidance (applicable when adopted locally).
- [A] 106.5 (Appendix A) — Where required by § 602, fire protection plans must be submitted and approved as part of permit plans (administrative tie‑in).
If you want, I can:
- Convert the decision matrix into a one‑page checklist you can bring to pre‑submittal meetings; or
- Draft example language for the legally binding maintenance statements and CC&R clauses referenced in § 602.3.2.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CWUIC § 601.1 High relevance — show source text
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.
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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CWUIC § 6-1 High relevance — show source text
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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 § 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 § 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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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-
CGSFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGT-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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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:
- 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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CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE APPENDIX C – COMMUNITY WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE (WUI) FIRE HAZARD EVALUATION FRAMEWORK
CWUIC § 3.1 High relevance — show source text
Its purpose is to provide fire protection measures supplemental to those found in Chapter 6 to reduce the threat of wildfire in a wildland-urban interface area and improve the capability for controlling such fires. This appendix includes detailed requirements for vegetation control; the code official’s authority to close wildland-interface areas in times of high fire danger; control of fires, fireworks usage and other sources of ignition; storage of hazardous materials and combustibles; bans on the dumping of waste materials and ashes and coals in wildland-urban interface areas; protection of pumps and water supplies; and limits on temporary uses within the wildland-urban interface area.
SECTION A101—GENERAL
A101.1 Scope. The provisions of this appendix establish general requirements applicable to new and existing properties located within wildland-urban interface areas .
A101.2 Objective. The objective of this appendix is to provide necessary fire protection measures to reduce the threat of wildfire in a wildland-urban interface area and improve the capability of controlling such fires.
SECTION A102—VEGETATION CONTROL
A102.1 General. Vegetation control shall comply with Sections A102.2 through A102.4.
A102.2 Clearance of brush or vegetative growth from roadways. The code official is authorized to require areas within 10 feet (3048 mm) on each side of portions of fire apparatus access roads and driveways to be cleared of nonfire-smart vegetation growth.
Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental vegetative fuels or cultivated ground cover, such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants used as ground cover, provided they do not form a means of readily transmitting fire.
A102.3 Clearance of brush and vegetative growth from electrical transmission and distribution lines. Clearance of brush and vegetative growth from electrical transmission and distribution lines shall be in accordance with Sections A102.3.1 through A102.3.2.3.
Exception: Sections A102.3.1 through A102.3.2.3 do not authorize persons not having legal right of entry to enter on or damage the property of others without consent of the owner.
A102.3.1 Support clearance. Persons owning, controlling, operating or maintaining electrical transmission or distribution lines shall have an approved program in place that identifies poles or towers with equipment and hardware types that have a history of becoming an ignition source, and provides a combustible free space consisting of a clearing of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) in each direction from the outer circumference of such pole or tower during such periods of time as designated by the code official.
Exception: Lines used exclusively as telephone, telegraph, messenger call, alarm transmission or other lines classed as communication circuits by a public utility.
A102.3.2 Electrical distribution and transmission line clearances. Clearances between vegetation and electrical lines shall be in accordance with Sections A102.3.2.1 through A102.3.2.3.
A102.3.2.1 Trimming clearance. At the time of trimming, clearances not less than those established by Table A102.3.2.1 shall be provided. The radial clearances shown are minimum clearances that shall be established, at time of trimming, between the vegetation and the energized conductors and associated live parts.
Exception: The code official is authorized to establish minimum clearances different than those specified by Table A102.3.2.1 when evidence substantiating such other clearances is submitted to and approved by the code official.
CWUIC § 106.3 High relevance — show source text
[A] 106.3 Site plan. In addition to the requirements for plans in the California Building Code, site plans shall include topography, width and percent of grade of access roads, landscape and vegetation details, locations of structures or building envelopes, existing or proposed overhead utilities, occupancy classification of buildings, types of ignition-resistant construction of buildings, structures and their appendages, roof classification of buildings and site water supply systems. The code official is authorized to waive or modify the requirement for a site plan where the application for permit is for alteration or repair or where otherwise warranted.
[A] 106.4 Vegetation management compliance . Prior to the building permit final approval, the property shall be in compliance with the vegetation management requirements prescribed in Section 603, including California Public Resources Code 4291 or California Government Code Section 51182. Acceptable methods of compliance inspection and documentation shall be determined by the enforc- ing agency and shall be permitted to include any of the following: 1. Local, state or federal fire authority or designee authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements. 2. Enforcing agency.
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ADMINISTRATION
3. Third-party inspection and certification authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements. 4. Property owner certification authorized by the enforcing agency.
[A] 106.5 Fire protection plan. Where required by the code official pursuant to Section 602, a fire protection plan shall be prepared and shall be submitted to the code official for review and approved as a part of the plans required for a permit.
[A] 106.6 Other data and substantiation. Where required by the code official, the plans and specifications shall include classification of fuel loading, fuel model light, medium or heavy, and substantiating data to verify classification of fire-smart vegetation.
[A] 106.7 Vicinity plan. In addition to the requirements for site plans, plans shall include details regarding the vicinity within 300 feet (91 440 mm) of lot lines, including other structures, slope, vegetation, fuel breaks, water supply systems and access roads.
[A] 106.8 Retention of plans. One set of approved plans, specifications and computations shall be retained by the code official for a period of not less than 180 days from date of completion of the permitted work or as required by state or local laws; and one set of approved plans and specifications shall be returned to the applicant, and said set shall be kept on the site of the building, use or work at all times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress. Refer to Building Standards Law, Health and Safety Code Sections 19850 and 19851 for permanent retention of plans.
[A] 106.9 Examination of documents. The code official shall examine or cause to be examined the accompanying construction documents and shall ascertain by such examinations whether the construction indicated and described is in accordance with the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws or ordinances.
[A] 106.10 Amended construction documents. Work shall be installed in accordance with the approved construction documents, and changes made during construction that are not in compliance with the approved documents shall be resubmitted for approval as an amended set of construction documents.
CWUIC § 101.1 High relevance — show source text
PART 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
[A] 101.2 Scope. This code applies to building materials, systems and/or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings located within a wildland-urban interface (WUI) area and contains 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.
[A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.
[A] 101.3 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish minimum regulations for the safeguarding of life and for property protection. Regulations in this code are intended to mitigate the risk to life and structures from intrusion of fire from wildland fire exposures and fire exposures from adjacent structures and to mitigate structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels. The extent of this regulation is intended to be tiered commensurate with the relative level of hazard present.
The unrestricted use of property in wildland-urban interface areas is a potential threat to life and property from fire and resulting erosion. Safeguards to prevent the occurrence of fires and to provide adequate fire protection facilities to control the spread of fire in wildland-urban interface areas shall be in accordance with this code.
This code shall supplement the jurisdiction’s building and fire codes, if such codes have been adopted, to provide for special regulations to mitigate the fire- and life-safety hazards of the wildland-urban interface areas.
101.3.1 Application. New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Area designated by the enforcing agency constructed after the application date shall comply with the provisions of this code. This shall include all new buildings with residential, commercial, educational, institutional or similar occupancy type use, which shall be referred to in this code as “applicable buildings,” as well as new buildings and structures accessory to those applicable buildings.
Exceptions: 1. Group U occupancy accessory buildings of any size located at least 50 feet (15 240 mm) from an applicable building on the same lot.
2. Group U occupancy agricultural buildings, as defined in Section 202 of the California Building Code of any size located at least 50 feet (15 240 mm) from an applicable building. 3. Group C occupancy special buildings conforming to the limitations specified in Section 450.4.1 of the California Building Code. 4. New accessory buildings and miscellaneous structures specified in Section 504.11 shall comply only with the requirements of that section.
5. Additions to and remodels of buildings originally constructed prior to July 1, 2008.
101.3.1.1 Application date and where required. New buildings for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after July 1, 2008, located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface Area shall comply with this code, including all of the following areas:
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 § 102.4 Medium relevance — show source text
Chapter 5 Special Building Construction Regulations.
The regulations in Chapter 5 establish minimum standards for the location, design and construction of buildings and structures based on construction within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone or a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Area.
The construction provisions of Chapter 5 are intended to supplement the requirements of the California Building Code and Califor- nia Residential Code and address mitigation of the unique hazards posed to buildings by wildfire and to reduce the hazards of building fires spreading to wildland fuels. This is accomplished by requiring ignition-resistant construction materials.
Chapter 6 Fire Protection Requirements.
Chapter 6 contains additional 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.
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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.
Chapter 7 Referenced Standards.
Chapter 7 lists all of the product and installation standards and codes that are referenced throughout Chapters 1 through 6 and includes identification of the promulgators and the section numbers in which the standards and codes are referenced. As stated in Section 102.4, these standards and codes become an enforceable part of the code (to the prescribed extent of the reference) as if printed in the body of the code.
Appendix A General Requirements.
Appendix A, while not part of the code, can become part of the code when specifically included in the adopting ordinance. Its purpose is to provide fire-protection measures supplemental to those found in Chapter 6 to reduce the threat of wildfire in a wildland-urban interface area and improve the capability for controlling such fires. This appendix includes detailed requirements for vegetation control; the code official’s authority to close wildland-interface areas in times of high fire danger; control of fires, fireworks usage and other sources of ignition; storage of hazardous materials and combustibles; bans on the dumping of waste materials and ashes and coals in wildlandurban interface areas; protection of pumps and water supplies; and limits on temporary uses within the wildland-urban interface area.
Appendix B Vegetation Management Plan.
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.
Appendix C Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework.
CWUIC § 102.4 Medium relevance — show source text
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.
Chapter 7 Referenced Standards.
Chapter 7 lists all of the product and installation standards and codes that are referenced throughout Chapters 1 through 6 and includes identification of the promulgators and the section numbers in which the standards and codes are referenced. As stated in Section 102.4, these standards and codes become an enforceable part of the code (to the prescribed extent of the reference) as if printed in the body of the code.
Appendix A General Requirements.
Appendix A, while not part of the code, can become part of the code when specifically included in the adopting ordinance. Its purpose is to provide fire-protection measures supplemental to those found in Chapter 6 to reduce the threat of wildfire in a wildland-urban interface area and improve the capability for controlling such fires. This appendix includes detailed requirements for vegetation control; the code official’s authority to close wildland-interface areas in times of high fire danger; control of fires, fireworks usage and other sources of ignition; storage of hazardous materials and combustibles; bans on the dumping of waste materials and ashes and coals in wildlandurban interface areas; protection of pumps and water supplies; and limits on temporary uses within the wildland-urban interface area.
Appendix B Vegetation Management Plan.
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.
Appendix C Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework.
Appendix C contains a preliminary Community WUI Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework as a suggested methodology to begin to support communities at risk in the identification of their unique hazards and to provide common metrics for comparisons between communities. This preliminary framework includes information on community size, population and fuels; on notification and evacuation; and on the community infrastructure and firefighting response potential. Aspects of this framework may already be included in various community- level documents, such as Community Wildfire Protection Plans or evacuation plans. Development of a standard framework will (1) consolidate relevant WUI fire hazard and planning information in one place, and (2) allow for cross-community comparisons.
The evaluation required to implement this framework will support prefire hazard assessment and during-fire response operations. An increased understanding of fire evacuation, fire structural response and fire defensive action relationships is needed to assess the over- all community WUI fire hazard. The quantification of these relationships will enable communities to optimize the community-level response to WUI fire hazards in a more integrated approach and result in increased life safety and reduced losses.
Appendix D Model Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Adoption.
Appendix D is an informational appendix that is a sample ordinance designed as guidance for a city, county, city and county, or fire district to establish and designate fire hazard severity zones within their jurisdiction.
Appendix E Reserved.
Appendix F Characteristics of Fire-Smart Vegetation.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
When exactly does the code official decide a plan is needed?
The code official has discretionary authority to require a fire protection plan when it is necessary to determine the acceptability of wildfire mitigation measures for the property or project under review, per § 602.1.
Who can prepare the plan?
A registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist, or a similar specialist acceptable to the code official must prepare the plan, per § 602.1.
What’s the difference between a preliminary and a final plan?
A preliminary fire protection plan provides the minimum early information (size, adjoining uses, map with fuel zones) to guide review (§ 602.3.1). The final fire protection plan adds detailed plant lists, irrigated/nonirrigated zones, maintenance and legally binding CC&R language and must be approved before construction (§ 602.3.2 and § 602.3).
Are vegetation/landscape plans different from fire protection plans?
Yes. Landscape/vegetation plans focus on planting, fuel management zones (e.g., 30‑ft and 100‑ft zones) and “fire‑smart” species and are required where the code official directs (see § 603.3.1 and § 603.4). A fire protection plan has a broader scope (access, water, hazard assessment, fuel reduction measures) under § 602.
Must shared or common fuel‑modified areas have legal maintenance commitments?
Yes — § 602.3.2 requires legally binding statements regarding community responsibility for maintenance of fuel modification zones and CC&R language addressing owner responsibilities.
More in California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
- Administration and Definitions
- Board of Appeals, Administration & Enforcement (permits, code official duties, appeals process)
- Wildland‑Urban Interface Area Designation & Mapping
- Fire Service Access & Water Supply (fire apparatus roads, driveways, hydrants, draft sites, standby power)
- Wildland‑Urban Interface Area Requirements (access, water, premises identification, key boxes)
- Referenced Standards & Test Methods
- Special Building Construction Regulations (ignition‑resistant construction, roof/vent/assembly requirements)
- Appendices and Model Ordinances (vegetation plans, severity‑zone adoption, home‑hardening guidance)
- Fire Protection Requirements (fire protection plans, systems, safety element provisions)
- Referenced California Documents & Matrix (CCR/Title 14 & 19 cross‑references, statutory references)
- Vegetation Management & Defensible Space (vegetation plans, maintenance, fire‑smart characteristics)
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