CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

How do CCR Title 14 (SRA) regulations interact with CWUIC mapping and notifications?

If your property is in the State Responsibility Area on the CWUIC map, local building and subdivision approvals must follow state SRA rules: the County must make and send findings to the Board, inspections must occur before maps are recorded or COs issued, and any exceptions must be documented and forwarded to CAL FIRE — local delegation doesn’t remove CAL FIRE’s authority.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

The CWUIC uses State Responsibility Area (SRA) designations and state mapping to identify wildland‑urban interface areas for building and subdivision review; those maps and associated findings must be used, transmitted, and relied on when applying SRA Fire Safe Development rules. The CWUIC cross‑references Title 14 CCR (the SRA regulations) and incorporates their administrative links to inspections, exceptions, and transmission of map/finding information. See CWUIC §302.1 (mapping) and CWUIC sections that reference the Title 14 SRA rules and subdivision‑map findings (e.g., CWUIC §610.1–610.2) for the procedural hooks.

The single most important rule: local review and CWUIC mapping must use the State’s SRA/VHFHSZ designations and follow the Title 14 administrative pathways for inspections, exceptions, and transmission of subdivision findings — local processes cannot eliminate CAL FIRE’s SRA authority.

Note: the specific text of Title 14 CCR §§1270.02–1270.05 was not visible in the CWUIC files provided to me (the CWUIC reprints many Title 14 provisions for convenience, but I could not retrieve those exact section texts from the uploaded previews). Where I rely on CWUIC cross‑references (mapping, subdivision findings, inspection delegation, exceptions), I cite the CWUIC passages that point to Title 14 authority.

Requirements in detail

1) Which maps and designations govern

  • Who designates the WUI/SRA boundaries: the State’s Fire Hazard Severity Zones and SRA designations are the basis for CWUIC mapping. The CWUIC mapping rule is in §302.1 — Mapping. Local designations of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) are also used where adopted.

  • How CWUIC uses the maps:

    • CWUIC applies its construction and subdivision requirements where the state or local designations show SRA or LRA‑VHFHSZ (see CWUIC §610.1 for where Title 14 Fire Safe Development Regulations apply).

2) Notifications, map transmission & subdivision findings

  • Before approving a subdivision in SRA/VHFHSZ, the local legislative body must make findings about compliance with SRA Fire Safe Regulations and must transmit the map and findings to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection as described in CWUIC §610.2. That provision ties the local tentative/parcel‑map approval process to Title 14 development rules and to the Board notification process.

  • The CWUIC also references the Board’s subdivision survey and follow‑up (e.g., CWUIC §611.1–611.2), which creates a feedback loop to the Board and residents about high‑risk subdivisions.

3) Inspections, delegation, and enforcement links

  • Inspection authority in SRA can be exercised by the Director (CAL FIRE) or delegated to local jurisdictions; the delegation must be documented and can be revoked. CWUIC reprints the Title 14 inspection provisions at §1270.06 (Inspections) — including the explicit rule that delegation does not abrogate CAL FIRE’s authority to inspect/enforce in the SRA. Use this path to understand who must receive reports and how inspections tie into approvals and recordation (parcel map, certificate of occupancy).

  • Exceptions to Title 14 standards can be requested and, where granted by a local jurisdiction, must be forwarded to the appropriate CAL FIRE Unit and retained on file, per §1270.07 (Exceptions to Standards) as reprinted in the CWUIC.

Decision‑relevant table

Decision dimension Values / triggers Who acts Code reference
Area type SRA or LRA VHFHSZ State maps / local ordinances CWUIC §302.1; CWUIC §610.1
Subdivision approval requirement Tentative map / parcel map in SRA/VHFHSZ Local legislative body (must make findings & transmit) CWUIC §610.2
Inspection authority Director (CAL FIRE) or delegated Local Jurisdiction CAL FIRE / Local Jurs. (delegation documented) Title 14 §1270.06 (reprinted)
Exceptions / appeals Applicant requests; must be documented Inspection entity → Local jurisdiction → CAL FIRE unit (record) Title 14 §1270.07 (reprinted)
Map source to rely on State hazard maps; local ordinance maps where adopted Enforcing agency for the project CWUIC §302.1 and appendix cross‑refs

If you must rely on the verbatim SRA administrative text (Title 14 §1270.02–§1270.05), note that those specific section texts were not available in the uploaded CWUIC previews I searched; consult the official Title 14 register or the full CWUIC print for the exact language.

Exceptions & special cases

  • Delegation of inspections: a Local Jurisdiction may be delegated inspection authority, but CAL FIRE’s core enforcement authority remains — delegation must be documented and is revocable. (See §1270.06).

  • Exception requests to Title 14 standards: exceptions can be approved where they provide the same practical effect for defensible space; requests must be in writing with specific sections identified and a site map, and exceptions granted by local jurisdictions must be forwarded to the CAL FIRE Unit (see §1270.07).

  • Timing constraints: inspections tied to titles/permits must occur before issuance of a use permit or certificate of occupancy, or before recordation of a parcel map/final map (see §1270.06(f)). This directly affects when mapping/notifications must be completed in the development timeline.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming local map designations override State SRA mapping. CWUIC relies on State SRA/VHFHSZ designations and cross‑references state rules; local adoption can expand application but not eliminate CAL FIRE’s SRA authority. See CWUIC mapping cross‑references and the Title 14 inspection clause that preserves CAL FIRE authority.

  • Failing to transmit maps/findings to the Board for subdivision approvals in SRA/VHFHSZ. CWUIC §610.2 requires findings and transmission to the Board; omission can delay or invalidate map approvals.

  • Treating delegation of inspection authority as full transfer of enforcement power. Delegation is conditional and revocable; CAL FIRE still has enforcement authority in the SRA (see §1270.06(d)).

  • Thinking exceptions don’t need documentation or CAL FIRE notice. Exceptions must be written, show supporting facts and maps, and be forwarded/retained per §1270.07.

Worked example — subdivision in an SRA (numbers)

Scenario: County A is reviewing a tentative map for a 10‑lot subdivision that lies in the State Responsibility Area.

  1. Mapping rule: County confirms the parcel is within the SRA per the State hazard maps that CWUIC relies on (CWUIC §302.1).

  2. Findings & transmission: Before approving the tentative map, the county legislative body must make the required findings about compliance with SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations and transmit the tentative map and findings to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. (CWUIC §610.2 — this is tied to Title 14 SRA requirements). If the county approves without making/transmitting findings, the Board’s review/oversight process is bypassed and the approval risks administrative challenge.

  3. Inspections and timing: Any CAL FIRE or delegated inspection required by Title 14 (for defensible space, fuel modification, or other SRA standards) must be completed prior to recordation of the parcel map or issuance of certificates (see §1270.06(f)). If inspections are delegated, the delegation documentation must be on file.

  4. Exceptions: If the developer requests an exception to a Title 14 standard (for example, a different defensible‑space layout), the request must be written, include the specific sections, facts, and a map; if the Local Jurisdiction grants an exception it must forward the exception to the CAL FIRE Unit for retention (see §1270.07).

Numbers summary:

  • Tentative map: 10 lots → county must make findings and send map to Board (CWUIC §610.2).
  • Inspection deadline: prior to recordation/CO — per §1270.06(f).

Commonly consulted related CWUIC provisions

  • CWUIC §302.1 — Mapping (use of state/local fire hazard maps).
  • CWUIC §610.1 — Fire Safe Development Regulations; scope where Title 14 applies.
  • CWUIC §610.2 — Subdivision map findings and transmission to Board.
  • CWUIC §611.1–611.2 — Subdivision review survey and recommendations.
  • Title 14 §1270.06 — Inspections (reprinted in CWUIC; delegation, timing, reports).
  • Title 14 §1270.07 — Exceptions to Standards (reprinted in CWUIC; exception submission, forwarding).
  • CWUIC §604.3 / §604.2 — Defensible space maintenance and applicable laws (links to PRC 4291 and Title 14 vegetation rules).

If you need the verbatim wording of Title 14 CCR §§1270.02–1270.05 (the controlling sections you specified), I was unable to extract those exact numbered sections from the CWUIC files you uploaded; I can fetch them from the full CWUIC reprint or the official Title 14 source if you upload the specific text or allow me to search additional files.

Code references

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

  • CWUIC § 1.5 High relevance — show source text

    _ (d) Nothing in this section abrogates CAL FIRE's authority to inspect and enforce state forest and fire laws in the SRA even when the inspection duties have been delegated pursuant to this section. (e) Reports of violations within the SRA shall be provided to the CAL FIRE Unit headquarters that administers SRA fire protection in the Local Jurisdiction.

    (f) When inspections are conducted, they shall occur prior to: the issuance of the use permit or certificate of Occupancy; the recor- dation of the parcel map or final map; the filing of a notice of completion; or the final inspection of any project or Building permit.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, §1270.07] Exceptions to Standards. (a) Upon request by the applicant, an Exception to standards within this Subchapter may be allowed by the Inspection entity in accordance with 14 CCR § 1270.06 (Inspections) where the Exceptions provide the Same Practical Effect as these regulations towards providing Defensible Space. Exceptions granted by the Local Jurisdiction listed in 14 CCR § 1270.06, shall be made on a case-by-case basis only. Exceptions granted by the Local Jurisdiction listed in 14 CCR § 1270.06 shall be forwarded to the appro- priate CAL FIRE unit headquarters that administers SRA fire protection in that Local Jurisdiction, or the county in which the Local Jurisdiction is located and shall be retained on file at the Unit Office.

    (b) Requests for an Exception shall be made in writing to the Local Jurisdiction listed in 14 CCR § 1270.06 by the applicant or the applicant's authorized representative.

    At a minimum, the request shall state the specific section(s) for which an Exception is requested; material facts supporting the contention of the applicant; the details of the Exception proposed; and a map showing the proposed location and siting of the Exception. Local Jurisdictions listed in § 1270.06 (Inspections) may establish additional procedures or requirements for Exception requests. (c) Where an Exception is not granted by the inspection entity, the applicant may appeal such denial to the Local Jurisdiction. The Local Jurisdiction may establish or utilize an appeal process consistent with existing local building or planning department appeal processes. (d) Before the Local Jurisdiction makes a determination on an appeal, the inspector shall be consulted and shall provide to that Local Jurisdiction documentation outlining the effects of the requested Exception on Wildfire protection. (e) If an appeal is granted, the Local Jurisdiction shall make findings that the decision meets the intent of providing Defensible Space consistent with these regulations. Such findings shall include a statement of reasons for the decision. A written copy of these findings shall be provided to the CAL FIRE Unit headquarters that administers SRA fire protection in that Local Jurisdiction.

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    ADMINISTRATION

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, §1270.08] Distance Measurements.

    All specified or referenced distances are measured along the ground unless otherwise stated.

  • CWUIC § 1270.07 Medium relevance — show source text

    Exceptions requested_ and approved in conformance with § 1270.07 (Exceptions to Standards) may be granted on a case-by-case basis. (d) Notwithstanding a local regulation that equals or exceeds the State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations, building construction shall comply with the State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, §1270.06] Inspections.

    Inspections shall conform to the following requirements: (a) Inspections in the SRA shall be made by: (1) the Director, or (2) Local Jurisdictions that have assumed state fire protection responsibility on SRA lands, or (3) Local Jurisdictions where the inspection duties have been formally delegated by the Director to the Local Jurisdictions, pursuant to subsection (b). (b) The Director may delegate inspection authority to a Local Jurisdiction subject to all of the following criteria: (1) The Local Jurisdiction represents that they have appropriate resources to perform the delegated inspection authority. (2) The Local Jurisdiction acknowledges that CAL FIRE's authority under subsection (d) shall not be waived or restricted. (3) The Local Jurisdiction consents to the delegation of inspection authority. (4) The Director may revoke the delegation at any time. (5) The delegation of inspection authority, and any subsequent revocation of the delegation, shall be documented in writing and retained on file at the CAL FIRE Unit headquarters that administers SRA fire protection in the area. (c) Inspections in the VHFHSZ shall be made by the Local Jurisdiction. (d) Nothing in this section abrogates CAL FIRE's authority to inspect and enforce state forest and fire laws in the SRA even when the inspection duties have been delegated pursuant to this section. (e) Reports of violations within the SRA shall be provided to the CAL FIRE Unit headquarters that administers SRA fire protection in the Local Jurisdiction.

    (f) When inspections are conducted, they shall occur prior to: the issuance of the use permit or certificate of Occupancy; the recor- dation of the parcel map or final map; the filing of a notice of completion; or the final inspection of any project or Building permit.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, §1270.07] Exceptions to Standards. (a) Upon request by the applicant, an Exception to standards within this Subchapter may be allowed by the Inspection entity in accordance with 14 CCR § 1270.06 (Inspections) where the Exceptions provide the Same Practical Effect as these regulations towards providing Defensible Space. Exceptions granted by the Local Jurisdiction listed in 14 CCR § 1270.06, shall be made on a case-by-case basis only. Exceptions granted by the Local Jurisdiction listed in 14 CCR § 1270.06 shall be forwarded to the appro- priate CAL FIRE unit headquarters that administers SRA fire protection in that Local Jurisdiction, or the county in which the Local Jurisdiction is located and shall be retained on file at the Unit Office.

    (b) Requests for an Exception shall be made in writing to the Local Jurisdiction listed in 14 CCR § 1270.06 by the applicant or the applicant's authorized representative.

  • 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|||||||||

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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,

  • CWUIC § 1.5 Medium relevance — show source text

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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 1270.01(y)
    Roof assembly Y
    Roof covering Y
    Roof covering system Y
    Roof deck Y
    Roof eave Y 702A
    Roof eave soffit Y 702A
    Slope Y
    State Responsibility
    Area (SRA)    		 Y 702A 4902.1
    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.
  • 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 § 1.5 Medium relevance — show source text

    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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    1 ADMINISTRATION

    DIVISION I

    CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION

    SECTION 1.1—GENERAL

    1.1.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as “this code.” The California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is Part 7 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publica- tion of the adoptions, amendment, and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part incorporates by adoption of the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code of the International Code Council (ICC) with necessary California amendments.

    1.1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish minimum requirements to reduce the likelihood of life and property loss due to a wildfire through the use of performance and prescriptive requirements for construction and development in all Fire Hazard Severity Zones in State Responsibility Areas (SRA), and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, and increase the ability of buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within State Responsibility Areas (SRA), or Wildland-Urban Inter- face (WUI) Areas, to resist the intrusion of flames or burning embers projected by a vegetation fire and contributes to a systematic reduction in conflagration losses and reduce the likelihood of life and property loss due to a wildfire.

    1.1.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equip- ment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal, and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such building structures throughout the State of California.

    This code establishes regulations affecting or relating to buildings, structures, processes, premises, and a reasonable degree of life and property safeguards regarding: 1. The hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling, or use of structures, materials, or devices. 2. Conditions hazardous to life, property, or public welfare in the use or occupancy of buildings, structures, or premises. 3. Fire hazards in the buildings, structures, orp on-premises from use of, occupancy of, or operation. 4. Matters related to the construction, extension, repair, alteration, or removal of fire suppression or alarm systems. 5. Conditions affecting the safety of firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

  • CWUIC § 609.2.6 Medium relevance — show source text

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    FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

    609.2.6 Maintenance of fuel breaks. Where a local jurisdiction requires fuel breaks, maintenance mechanisms shall be established to ensure the fire behavior objectives and thresholds are maintained over time.

    The mechanisms required shall be binding upon the property for which the fuel break is established, shall ensure adequate main- tenance levels, and may include: written legal agreements; permanent fees, taxes, or assessments; assessments through a homeowners’ association; or other funding mechanisms. [CCR T14 §1276.03(g) and (h)]

    609.2.7 Greenbelts, greenways, open spaces and parks. Where a greenbelt, greenway, open space, park, landscaped or natural area or portion thereof is intended to serve as a fuel break, the space or relevant portion thereof shall conform with the requirements in California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 1276.03. [CCR T14 §1276.04]

    SECTION 610—FIRE SAFE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

    610.1 General. Pursuant to Public Resources Code, Section 4290, all residential, commercial and industrial building construction within state responsibility areas approved after January 1, 1991, and within lands classified and designated as an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as defined in subdivision (i) of Section 51177 of the Government Code after July 1, 2021, shall comply with the SRA Fire Safe Development Regulations as specified in Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2.

    610.2 Subdivision map findings. Pursuant to Government Code (GC), Section 66474.02, before approving a tentative map, or a parcel map for which a tentative map was not required, for an area located in an SRA or an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as both are defined in GC Section 51177, a legislative body of a county, except as provided in GC Section 66474.02(c), shall make findings regarding compliance with the SRA Fire Safe Regulations and the availability of structural fire protection and suppression services. These findings and accompanying map shall be transmitted to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and comply with the requirements in Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 1, Article 1.

    SECTION 611—SUBDIVISION REVIEW SURVEY

    611.1 Subdivision identification. Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 4290.5 and Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 1, Article 2, the Board, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, shall survey local governments to identify existing subdivi- sions, as defined in Article 2, located in an SRA area or an LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone without a secondary egress route that is at significant fire risk.

    611.2 Fire safety recommendations. The Board, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the local government that identified the subdivision, shall develop recommendations to improve the subdivision’s fire safety. The Board shall provide the final recommendations to the local government that identified the subdivision and to the residents of the subdivision.

  • CWUIC § 601.1 Medium relevance — show source text


    Title 19, Division 1]|||||||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section|||||||||||||||||||||||| |601.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |601.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |601.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |602.1 –602.3.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |603.1 –603.4.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |604.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |604.2 –604.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |606.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |606.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |607.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |610|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |611|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |612|||X|||||||||||||||||||||

    • The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

    The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, Division 1.5 provisions that are found in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are not listed in the Matrix Adoption Tables as they are not within the State Fire Marshal’s authority to adopt. These provisions are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 14, Division 1.5 text for the code user’s convenience only and are identified in the body of the code by square brackets containing references to applicable Title 14 sections.

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    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.

  • CWUIC § 6-4 Medium 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 § 11A-46 Medium relevance — show source text

    2. The slopes of the planned finished grade measured between the entrance and all vehicular or pedestrian arrival points within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of the planned entrance also exceed 15 percent.

    If there are no vehicular or pedestrian arrival points within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of the planned entrance, the slope for the purposes of Test No. 1 will be measured to the closest vehicular or pedestrian arrival point.

    For purposes of these requirements, vehicular or pedestrian arrival points include public or resident parking areas, public trans- portation stops, passenger loading zones and public streets or sidewalks. To determine site impracticality, the slope would be measured at ground level from the point of the planned entrance on a straight line to (1) each vehicular or pedestrian arrival point that is within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of the planned entrance, or (2) if there are no vehicular or pedestrian arrival points within the speci- fied area, the vehicular or pedestrian arrival point closest to the planned entrance. In the case of sidewalks, the closest point to the entrance will be where a public sidewalk entering the site intersects with the walk to the entrance. In the case of resident parking areas, the closest point to the planned entrance will be measured from the entry point to the parking area that is located closest to the planned entrance.

    TEST NO. 2—SITE ANALYSIS TEST

    For a site having multiple buildings, or a site with a single building with multiple entrances, it is not required to provide an accessible route to all ground floor units under the following conditions:

    1. Calculate the percentage of the total buildable area of the undisturbed site with a natural grade less than 10-percent slope. The analysis of the existing slope (before grading) shall be done on a topographic survey with 2-foot (610 mm) contour intervals

    11A-46 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

    HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY

    with slope determination made between each successive interval. The accuracy of the slope analysis shall be certified by a licensed engineer, landscape architect, architect or surveyor. 2. Determine the requirement of providing an accessible route to planned multifamily dwellings based on the topography of the existing natural terrain. The minimum percentage of ground floor units required on an accessible route shall equal the percent- age of the total buildable area (not restricted-use areas) of the undisturbed site with an existing natural grade of less than 10- percent slope. In no case shall less than 20 percent of the ground floor dwelling units be on an accessible route and comply with the provisions of Division IV. 3. In addition to the percentage established in paragraph (2), all additional ground floor units in a building or ground floor units served by a particular entrance, that fall within an 8.33-percent slope between their planned entrances and an arrival point shall be on an accessible route and comply with the provisions of Division IV. 4. All additional ground floor units in a building, or ground floor units served by a particular entrance, not on an accessible route shall comply with the features listed in Section 1150A.2.

    TEST NO. 3—UNUSUAL CHARACTERISTICS TEST

  • 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.

    2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX H-1

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

    APPENDIX H-2 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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

    H REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

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

    User notes:

    About this appendix: Appendix H contains portions of California statutes and regulations located in other documents. Much of the text in the CWUIC is based on the requirements found in these other documents.

    The text is reprinted below to aid the user in understanding the requirements applicable to wildland-urban interface areas and to provide a background for the provisions.

    SECTION H101—CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE

    Sections 1102.6f and 1102.19.

    1102.6f.

    (a) On or after January 1, 2021, in addition to any other disclosure required pursuant to this article, the seller of any real property subject to this article that is located in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, as identified by the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code or Article 9 (commencing with Section 4201) of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, shall provide a disclosure notice to the buyer, if the home was constructed before January 1, 2010, that includes the following information: (1) A statement as follows: “This home is located in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone and this home was built before the implementation of the Wildfire Urban Interface building codes which help to fire harden a home. To better protect your home from wildfire, you might need to consider improvements. Information on fire hardening, including current building standards and information on minimum annual vegetation management standards to protect homes from wildfires, can be obtained on the internet website http://www.readyforwildfire.org.” (2) _On or after July 1, 2025, a list of low-cost retrofits developed and listed pursuant to Section 51189 of the Government Code.

  • CWUIC § 201.3 Medium relevance — show source text
    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 SFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 T-24 T-19* 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
    Adopt Entire Chapter
    Adopt Entire Chapter as
    amended (amended sections
    listed below)    		 X
    Adopt only those sections that
    are listed below
    [California Code of Regulations,
    Title 19, Division 1]
    Chapter / Section
    201.3 X
    Applicable Building X
    Defensible Space X
    Exterior Wall Assembly X
    Exterior Wall Covering X
    Fire Code Official X
    Fire Hazard Severity Zones X
    Fire Protection Plan X
    Fire-Smart Vegetation X
    Flame Spread Index X
    Fuel X
    Fuel Modification X
    Local Responsibility Area (LRA) X
    Rafter Tail X
    Roof Eave X
    Roof Eave Soffit X
    State Responsibility Area (SRA) X
    Structure X
    Wildfire X
    Wildfire Exposure X
    Wildland-Urban Interface Area X
    • The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

Frequently asked questions

Who designates SRA and VHFHSZ maps that CWUIC relies on?

The State (via the Director of Forestry/CAL FIRE and statutes) produces the hazard maps; local jurisdictions may adopt additional VHFHSZ designations but CWUIC cross‑references the State maps for SRA application. See CWUIC §302.1.

Must a tentative map in SRA be transmitted to the Board?

Yes — before approving a tentative map or certain parcel maps in SRA or LRA VHFHSZ, the local legislative body must make findings re compliance with SRA regulations and transmit the map/findings to the Board as required by CWUIC §610.2.

If a local jurisdiction does inspections, does CAL FIRE still have authority?

Yes — delegation of inspection duties is possible but does not abrogate CAL FIRE’s authority to inspect and enforce in the SRA (see Title 14 §1270.06 as reprinted in the CWUIC).

What must be included in an exception request to Title 14 standards?

A written request stating the specific section(s), material facts, proposed exception details, and a map of the site/siting; local approvals must be forwarded to the CAL FIRE Unit for record keeping (see §1270.07 reprint).

Where are the Title 14 SRA provisions in the CWUIC?

The CWUIC reproduces many Title 14 CCR provisions for convenience and cross‑references them in the appendices; however, the precise texts of §1270.02–§1270.05 were not visible in the CWUIC previews I searched — consult the full CWUIC reprint or the California CCR source for verbatim text.

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California Wildland-Urban Interface Code