CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

How often must WUI designations be reviewed and who re‑evaluates them?

The code requires the local **code official** to reevaluate WUI designations at least every **5 years** and recommend changes; the **legislative body** can order more frequent reviews, and the **State Fire Marshal** conducts periodic statewide reviews aligned with five‑year SRA reviews and, when feasible, county general plan updates (see **§ 302.2**).

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

Under § 302.2 the code official must reevaluate and recommend modifications to wildland‑urban interface (WUI) area designations on a 5‑year basis, or more frequently if the legislative body deems it necessary. The State Fire Marshal also conducts periodic reviews of Fire Hazard Severity Zones and makes recommendations; those state reviews are tied to reviews of State Responsibility Area lands every five years and, when possible, are timed to align with county general plan updates.

The single most important rule: WUI designations must be re‑evaluated at least every five years by the code official, with the legislative body able to require more frequent review.

Requirements in detail

Who must do the re‑evaluation

  • Code official — responsible for local reevaluation and for recommending changes to WUI boundaries and designations. § 302.2 names the code official as the party who shall reevaluate and recommend modifications.
  • Legislative body — can require the code official to perform reviews more frequently than the 5‑year baseline. § 302.2 gives the legislative body authority to increase review frequency.
  • State Fire Marshal — performs periodic statewide reviews of Fire Hazard Severity Zones and makes recommendations; those reviews coincide with the five‑year review of State Responsibility Area lands and aim to align with county general plan update cycles as feasible. § 302.2 references the State Fire Marshal’s role and timing.

What triggers review and the timing

  • Baseline interval: every 5 years (scheduled reevaluation). § 302.2.
  • More frequent review: whenever the legislative body directs (no fixed interval required in the section). § 302.2.
  • State-level alignment: State Fire Marshal reviews FH zones on a periodic basis that coincides with the five‑year SRA review and, when possible, county general plan updates. § 302.2.

Decision‑relevant dimensions (quick reference table)

Decision dimension Value / trigger Who performs it Code Reference
Review interval (baseline) 5 years Code official (local) § 302.2
Authority to shorten interval As often as legislative body deems necessary Legislative body directs code official § 302.2
Statewide FH zone review cadence Periodic; coincides with SRA review every 5 years when possible State Fire Marshal § 302.2
Alignment opportunity County general plan update time frames State Fire Marshal (coordination) § 302.2

Exceptions & special cases

  • The section does not prescribe a different mandatory minimum interval for specific local conditions — the minimum cadence established by the text is 5 years, but the legislative body may require more frequent review. § 302.2.
  • § 302.2 ties State Fire Marshal reviews to the five‑year SRA review cycle and to county general plan updates “when possible.” It does not mandate that county map changes automatically follow state recommendations — local adoption procedures still apply.
  • The section does not spell out notice, hearing, mapping-change procedures, or appeal processes for revising WUI boundaries; those procedural details are left to local law or other code sections. The text of § 302.2 addresses timing and responsible parties but not the exact local adoption steps.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: “The State Fire Marshal alone sets the 5‑year review schedule for all jurisdictions.” Reality: the code official is responsible for local reevaluation on a 5‑year basis; the State Fire Marshal carries out periodic statewide reviews of Fire Hazard Severity Zones (tied to SRA reviews) — both roles are described in § 302.2.
  • Mistake: “Once five years pass, boundaries change automatically.” Reality: § 302.2 requires reevaluation and recommendation; it does not itself dictate the local legislative adoption process for map changes.
  • Mistake: “No reviews are allowed between five‑year cycles.” Reality: the legislative body may require more frequent reviews at any time. § 302.2.

Worked example — concrete scenario

  • County X formally adopted WUI boundary maps on March 1, 2024. Under § 302.2, the code official must schedule the next reevaluation on a 5‑year basis: by March 1, 2029. The code official will perform the reassessment and may recommend boundary changes to the governing body.
  • If the County Board of Supervisors determines new development patterns and recent wildfire behavior justify an earlier check, it can direct the code official to reassess in, say, 2026 (an earlier than 5‑year review). § 302.2 gives the legislative body that authority.
  • Concurrently, the State Fire Marshal is reviewing Fire Hazard Severity Zones on its periodic schedule that aligns with the five‑year SRA review; if the State Fire Marshal issues recommended FH zone adjustments in 2027, those recommendations can inform the county’s 2029 reevaluation or be considered earlier if the county chooses. § 302.2.

Related provisions

  • § 302.1 — Mapping (how Fire Hazard Severity Zones are classified and the mapping basis).
  • § 301.2 — Purpose of Chapter 3 (context for why WUI areas are identified and reviewed).
  • § 601.1 — Scope for Chapter 6, which covers applicability for buildings within WUI areas (useful when a boundary change affects code applicability).

(Primary authority for this whole page: § 302.2 of the California Wildland‑Urban Interface Code.)

Code references

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

  • CWUIC § 302.1 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 302—WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA DESIGNATIONS

    302.1 Mapping . The State Fire Marshal shall classify lands into Fire Hazard Severity Zones in accordance with California Public Resources Code, Sections 4201 through 4204 for State Responsibility Areas and in accordance with Government Code, Sections 51175 through 51189 for Local Responsibility Areas. The State Fire Marshal shall designate areas in the state as fire hazard severity zones and assign each zone based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Each fire hazard severity zone shall embrace relatively homogeneous lands, and the classification shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather and other relevant factors including areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread and other areas designated by the enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires.

    302.2 Review of wildland-urban interface areas. The code official shall reevaluate and recommend modification to the wildlandurban interface areas in accordance with Section 302.1 on a 5-year basis or more frequently as deemed necessary by the legislative body. The State Fire Marshal shall periodically review the areas in the state identified as fire hazard severity zones and, as necessary, shall make recommendations relative to fire hazard severity zones. This review shall coincide with the review of state responsibility area lands every five years and, when possible, fall within the time frames for the county’s general plan update.

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    CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 4 – WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS

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

  • CWUIC § 1.5 High 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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    3 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREAS

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 3 provides for the fundamental aspect of applying the code—the legal declaration and establishment of wildlandurban interface areas within the adopting jurisdiction, mapping of the area, periodic review and updates.

    SECTION 301—GENERAL

    301.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter provide methodology to establish and record wildland-urban interface areas in accor- dance with California Public Resources Code (PRC) and California Government Code (GC).

    301.2 Purpose . The purpose of this chapter is to classify lands in the state in accordance with the level of fire hazard present for the purpose of identifying measures that will retard the rate of spread and reduce the potential intensity of uncontrolled fires that threaten to destroy resources, life or property, and to require that those measures be taken.

    SECTION 302—WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA DESIGNATIONS

    302.1 Mapping . The State Fire Marshal shall classify lands into Fire Hazard Severity Zones in accordance with California Public Resources Code, Sections 4201 through 4204 for State Responsibility Areas and in accordance with Government Code, Sections 51175 through 51189 for Local Responsibility Areas. The State Fire Marshal shall designate areas in the state as fire hazard severity zones and assign each zone based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Each fire hazard severity zone shall embrace relatively homogeneous lands, and the classification shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather and other relevant factors including areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread and other areas designated by the enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires.

    302.2 Review of wildland-urban interface areas. The code official shall reevaluate and recommend modification to the wildlandurban interface areas in accordance with Section 302.1 on a 5-year basis or more frequently as deemed necessary by the legislative body. The State Fire Marshal shall periodically review the areas in the state identified as fire hazard severity zones and, as necessary, shall make recommendations relative to fire hazard severity zones. This review shall coincide with the review of state responsibility area lands every five years and, when possible, fall within the time frames for the county’s general plan update.

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  • 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 § 2.9 Medium relevance — show source text

    Fire district D102.2.9 Height modifications 503.1.4, 504.3 Impact resistance 1504.7 Insulation 1508 Lightning protection systems 1511.7.6 Materials 1506 Mechanical equipment screen 1511.6 Parapet walls 1503.2, 1503.3 Penthouses 713.12.1, 1511.2 Photovoltaic panels and modules 1511.10, 1511.10.1 Radiant barrier 1510

    Tanks 1511.3 Towers, spires, domes and cupolas 1511.5, 3108 Weather protection 1503 Wind resistance 1504.1, 1504.3, 1504.4, 1609.6 Roof Construction Construction walkways 3306.7 Coverings (see Roof Coverings) 1609.6.2 Draftstopping 718.4 Fire resistance Table 601 Fireblocking 718.2 Live loads 1607.14, Table 1607.1,

    3111.1.2

    Materials Chapter 6 Penetration of fire-resistant assemblies

    714 Protection from adjacent construction 3307.1

    Rain loads 1611

    Roof deck 1609.6.1 Signs, roof mounted H110 Slope, minimum Chapter 15

    Snow load 1608 Solar systems, rooftop-mounted 3111.1, 3111.3.2 Trusses 2206.1.3, 2303.4, 2308.11.12 Ventilation 1202.2

    Wood (see Roof Construction, Wood) Roof Construction, Wood 602.4, 602.5 Anchorage to walls 1604.8.2 Attic access 1209.2 Ceiling joists 2308.11.1 Diaphragms 2305.1, 2306.2 Fastening requirements 2304.10 Fire-retardant-treated Table 601,

    603.1

    Framing 2304.11.4, 2308.11 Rafters 2306.1.1, 2308.11.2 Sheathing 2304.8.2, 2308.11.9 Trusses 2303.4, 2308.11.12 Ventilation, attic 1202.2 Wind uplift 2308.11.4 Roof Coverings 1507 Asphalt shingles 1507.2, 1609.2.1 Built up 1507.10 Clay tile 1507.3, 1513 Concrete tile 1507.3, 1513 Fire district D102.2.4

  • CWUIC § 601.1 Medium 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 § 18941.5 Medium relevance — show source text

    Local modifications shall comply with Health and Safety Code Section 18941.5 for Building Standards Law, Health and Safety Code Section 17958 for State Housing Law or Health and Safety Code Section 13869.7 for Fire Protection Districts.

    1.1.8.1 Findings and Filings.

    (1) The city, county, or city and county shall make express findings for each amendment, addition, or deletion based upon climatic, topographical, or geological conditions.

    Exception: Hazardous building ordinances and programs mitigating unreinforced masonry build- ings.

    (2) The city, county, or city and county shall file the amendments, additions or deletions expressly marked and identified as to the applicable findings. Cities, counties, cities and counties, and fire depart- ments shall file the amendments, additions, or dele- tions, and the findings with the California Building Standards Commission at 2525 Natomas Park

    Drive, Suite 130, Sacramento, CA 95833.

    (3) Findings prepared by fire protection districts shall be ratified by the local city, county, or city and county and filed with the California Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of Codes and Standards, P.O. Box 278180, Sacra- mento, CA 95827-8180 or 9342 Tech Center Drive, Suite 500, Sacramento, CA, 95826-2582.

    1.1.8.2 California Energy Code Requirements for Locally Adopted Energy Standards. In addition to the provisions of Section 1.1.8.1 of this part, local jurisdic- tions that adopt changes to energy conservation or insu- lation standards (including energy efficiency measures) may not enforce such changes until the California Energy Commission has made the findings required by Public Resources Code Section 25402.1(h)(2), following the process specified in Section 10-106 of the California Administrative Code.

    1.1.9 Effective Date of This Code. Only those standards approved by the California Building Standards Commission that are effective at the time an application for building permit is submitted shall apply to the plans and specifications for, and to the construction performed under, that permit. For the effective dates of the provisions contained in this code, see the History Note page of this code.

    Exceptions: (1) [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Retroactive permits issued in accor- dance with Health and Safety Code Section 17958.12.

    (2) [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Plans approved by the Department of Housing and Community Development or a Department- approved design approval agency for factory-built housing as defined by Health and Safety Code Section 19971. Approved plans, pursuant to the California Code of Regu- lations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 3, Subchapter 1, Article 3, Section 3037 remain valid for a period of 36 months from the date of plan approval.

  • CWUIC § 2.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    **_ Refer to the Special Occupancy Parks Act, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 2.3, commencing with Section 18860 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 2.2, commencing with Section 2000 for special occupancy park administra- tive and enforcement authority, permits, fees, viola- tions, inspections, and penalties both within and outside of special occupancy parks. Exception: Special occupancy parks where the Department of Housing and Community Develop- ment is the enforcing agency. 1.8.3.2.4 Employee Housing Act. Refer to the Employee Housing Act, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 1, commencing with Section 17000 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, commencing with Section 600 for employee housing administrative and enforcement authority, permits, fees, violations, inspections, and penalties. 1.8.3.2.5 Factory-Built Housing Law. Refer to the Factory-Built Housing Law, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 6, commencing with Section 19960 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 3, Subchapter 1, commencing with Section 3000 for factory-built housing administrative and enforcement authority, permits, fees, violations, inspections, and penalties. 1.8.4 Permits, Fees, Applications, and Inspections. 1.8.4.1 Permits. A written construction permit shall be obtained from the enforcing agency prior to the erection, construction, reconstruction, installation, relocation, or alteration of any mechanical system. Exceptions: (1) Work exempt from permits as specified in Chapter 1, Scope and Administration, Division II, Section 104.2 Items (1) through (5) of this code. (2) Changes, alterations, or repairs of a minor nature not affecting structural features, egress, sanitation, safety, or accessibility as determined by the enforcing agency.

    (3) Retroactive permits issued in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 17958.12.

    Exemptions from permit requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of other provisions of law or this code. 1.8.4.2 Fees. Subject to other provisions of law, the governing body of any city, county, or city and county may prescribe fees to defray the cost of enforcement of rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. The amount of the fees shall not exceed the amount reasonably neces- sary to administer or process permits, certificates, forms, or other documents, or to defray the costs of enforcement. For additional information, see State Housing Law, Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 1.5, Section 17951 and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Divi- sion 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1, Article 3, commencing with Section 6.

    _**1.8.4.3 Plan Review and Time Limitations.

  • CWUIC § 4811.13 Medium relevance — show source text

    4811.13 Fire extinguishers. Approved fire extinguishers shall be provided as required by the fire code official.

    4811.14 Solid-ceiling sets and platforms. In buildings with existing fire protection systems and where production intends to construct solid-ceiling sets over 600 square feet (55.7 m [2] ) in area, and platforms over 600 square feet (55.7 m [2] ) in area and which exceed 3 feet (914 mm) in height, such buildings shall be protected by one of the following:

    1. An approved and listed heat detector system. Heat detectors shall be spaced 30 feet (9144 mm) on center or as required by the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Detectors shall be connected to an approved and listed central, proprietary or remote station service or a local alarm, which will give an audible signal at a constantly attended location. Such system shall be installed in accordance with Chapter 9.

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    MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION STUDIO SOUND STAGES, APPROVED PRODUCTION FACILITIES AND PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

    2. The ceiling shall be positioned to allow for the operation of the building’s automatic fire sprinkler system after rehearsal, video- taping, filming or broadcasting of programs has been completed for the day. 3. An approved fire watch. 4 . Special hazards shall be reviewed by the enforcing agency (see additional fire protection systems, Section 901.4.3).

    4811.15 Buildings without fire protection systems. Special hazards shall be reviewed by the fire code official (see special hazards Section 901.4.4).

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    49 REQUIREMENTS FOR WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE FIRE AREAS

    User notes :

    Requirements for wildland-urban interface areas are now located in Part 7, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. See Section 102.13 Wildland-Urban Interface.

    The provisions of Part 7, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code shall apply to buildings and structures located in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) or Fire Hazard Severity Zone.

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    CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 50 – HAZARDOUS MATERIALS—GENERAL PROVISIONS

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

  • CWUIC § 104.2.2.7 Medium relevance — show source text

    Outbuilding 202

    Peer Review 104.2.2.7, 202 Permits

    Application 105.4 Approval 105.5 Expiration 105.8 Issuance 105.6 Preliminary inspection 105.4.1 Refusal to issue 105.6.1

    Required 105.2 Retention 105.9

    Revocation 105.10 Validity 105.7 Work exempt from permit 105.3 Placarding as Unsafe 109.3.5.3 Powers and Duties of the Code

    Official 104.1

    Practical Difficulties 104.2.3 Protection of Pumps and Water Storage Facilities Appendix A, A107

    Rafter Tail 202 Referenced Standards 102.4, Chapter 7 Registered Design Professional 104.2.1.2, 104.2.2.6.2, 106.1, 202 Residential Unit 202 Retroactivity 101.4 Ridgelline 202 Road 202 Roof Covering 202 Roof Covering System 202 Roof Coverings, Replacement or Repair of 507

    Roof Deck 202

    Scope 101 Self-Defense Mechanism Appendix G Service Utilities 111

    Slope 202 Spark Arrestors 605 Stop Work Order 113 Storage of Firewood and Combustible Materials 607 Strategic Ridgeline 202 Structure 202

    Subdivision 202

    Technical Assistance 104.2.1 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems 107 Tree Crown 202

    Trees 603.4.2

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    INDEX

    Undeveloped Ridgeline 202 Unenclosed Accessory Structure 202

    Vegetation Control Appendix A, A102 Vegetation management compliance 106.4 Vegetation Management Plan Appendix B Vents 504.10

    Vertical Curve 202

    Water Supply Adequate water supply 404.5 Applicability 402 Draft sites 404.3 Hydrants 404.4 Identification 404.8

    Obstructions 404.7 Reliability 404.10 Required water supply 404.2 Subdivisions 402.1 Testing and maintenance 404.9 Water sources 404.2

    Wildfire 202

    Wildland 202

    Wildland-Urban Interface Area 202

    Wildland-Urban Interface Area Designations 302 Declaration 302.1

    Mapping 302.2 Review 302.3

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    HISTORY NOTE APPENDIX

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

    HISTORY:

  • CWUIC § 101.1 Medium 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 § 1-21 Medium relevance — show source text

    107 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems . . . . . . 1-21

    108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

    109 Inspection and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

    110 Certificate of Completion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

    111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

    112 Means of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

    113 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25

    CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

    201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

    202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

    CHAPTER 3 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREAS . . . . 3-3

    301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

    302 Wildland-Urban Interface Area Designations . . . . . .3-3

    CHAPTER 4 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA

    REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

    401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

    402 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

    403 Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

    404 Water Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7

    CHAPTER 5 SPECIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

    REGULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

    501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3

  • 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|||||||||

    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,
    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.

Frequently asked questions

Who decides whether WUI boundaries actually change after a reevaluation?

The code official makes a reevaluation and recommendation, but actual changes to maps or ordinances follow the local adoption process (legislative or administrative steps) — § 302.2 explains who reevaluates and recommends.

Can the State Fire Marshal force a local jurisdiction to change its WUI map?

No — § 302.2 describes that the State Fire Marshal reviews and makes recommendations for Fire Hazard Severity Zones; it does not itself prescribe an automatic local map change. Local adoption procedures govern final changes.

If a county updates its general plan every 10 years, does that delay the 5‑year WUI review?

No. § 302.2 establishes a 5‑year reevaluation cadence for the code official. The State Fire Marshal’s review aims to coincide with county general plan updates “when possible,” but the local 5‑year schedule stands unless the legislative body sets a different timetable.

Is there a different rule for State Responsibility Areas (SRAs)?

The State Fire Marshal’s review of Fire Hazard Severity Zones is tied to the review of SRA lands every five years, per § 302.2; the local code official still has the 5‑year reevaluation duty for local WUI designations.

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California Wildland-Urban Interface Code