CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

Required road, driveway widths and vertical/horizontal clearances

Homes and new roads in WUI areas must let fire engines through and not be blocked by low branches or parked cars: two 10‑ft lanes for two‑way roads (or a 12‑ft one‑way lane if locally approved), driveways at least 10 ft wide with **14 ft** horizontal and **13'6"** vertical clearance, and road and driveway surfaces sized to carry heavy firefighting apparatus per **§ 403.1.2** and **§ 403.1.3**.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

Roads and driveways in wildland-urban interface areas must be built wide, strong, and clear enough to allow emergency vehicles and safe evacuation. The controlling rules are in § 403.1.2 (widths, lane/clearance minimums) and § 403.1.3 (surface/load requirements). These sections set minimum lane widths for two‑way and one‑way roads, driveway lane and clearance minimums, and the load-bearing requirements for road and driveway surfaces.

The single most important rule: Design roads and driveways so emergency apparatus can pass and not be blocked by low branches or parked vehicles — follow the lane widths, clearance heights, and load capacities in § 403.1.2 and § 403.1.3.

Requirements in detail

Key requirements (short list)

  • Roads: minimum of two 10‑ft traffic lanes for two‑way roads (shoulders/striping not counted). § 403.1.2.
  • One‑way roads: may be approved locally and must be a minimum 12‑ft traffic lane; one‑way roads cannot exceed 2,640 ft and must connect at both ends to two‑lane roads; a turnout is required near midpoint. § 403.1.2.
  • Driveways: minimum one 10‑ft traffic lane, 14 ft unobstructed horizontal clearance, and 13 ft 6 in (13'6") unobstructed vertical clearance. § 403.1.2.
  • Vertical clearance for roads generally must conform to the California Vehicle Code (see § 35250) as referenced by § 403.1.2(a).
  • Road surfaces: designed/maintained to support a fire apparatus of at least 75,000 lb and provide an aggregate base. § 403.1.3(a).
  • Driveway/road structures: designed/maintained to support at least 40,000 lb. § 403.1.3(b).

Decision‑relevant dimensions — quick reference table

Condition / element Minimum dimension / value Code reference
Two‑way road lanes Two × 10 ft traffic lanes (shoulders/striping not included) § 403.1.2(a)
One‑way road lane 12 ft traffic lane (may be approved by local jurisdiction) § 403.1.2(b)
One‑way road max length 2,640 ft; turnout at midpoint required § 403.1.2(b)(2)
Driveway lane width 10 ft (one lane minimum) § 403.1.2(c)
Driveway horizontal clearance 14 ft unobstructed § 403.1.2(c)
Driveway vertical clearance 13 ft 6 in (13'6") unobstructed § 403.1.2(c)
Road vertical clearance (general) Conform to California Vehicle Code § 35250 (as referenced) § 403.1.2(a)
Fire apparatus load capacity (roads) 75,000 lb minimum § 403.1.3(a)
Road/driveway structural design 40,000 lb minimum for structures § 403.1.3(b)

Notes on measurements

  • Lane widths are traffic lane dimensions — shoulders, striping or gutter widths are not included in the lane measurement per § 403.1.2(a).
  • Vertical clearance for roads refers to the Vehicle Code standard (the CWUIC points to that statute); the driveway vertical clearance is expressly specified in § 403.1.2(c).

Exceptions & special cases

  • Local approval for one‑way roads: the code allows the local jurisdiction to approve one‑way roads and any related conditions (for example where constrained by topography or parcel layout). See § 403.1.2(b).
  • Vehicle Code vertical clearances: for vertical clearance other than the driveway value, the CWUIC defers to the California Vehicle Code § 35250 (the CWUIC references that statute rather than restating it) — confirm with your local code official for any divergent local application. § 403.1.2(a).
  • Engineering specifications: the project proponent must be ready to provide engineering specifications if the local jurisdiction requests them to demonstrate that surfaces and structures meet the 75,000 lb and 40,000 lb design requirements in § 403.1.3(c).

Common mistakes

  • Assuming shoulder or striped width counts toward the required traffic lane — the code requires the stated lane widths exclusive of shoulders/striping. § 403.1.2(a).
  • Failing to provide the 14 ft horizontal or 13'6" vertical clearances on driveways — these clearances are explicit minimums in § 403.1.2(c).
  • Designing pavement strength only to passenger‑car standards — roads must carry 75,000 lb fire apparatus and structures must be able to support 40,000 lb per § 403.1.3.
  • Overlooking one‑way road limits: a one‑way cannot exceed 2,640 ft, must connect to two‑lane roads at both ends, and needs a midpoint turnout. § 403.1.2(b).

Worked example — applying the rule with numbers

Scenario: A new private residence sits at the end of a 900‑ft driveway from the public road. The property owner will build a driveway that emergency vehicles must use for response.

What the code requires here:

  • Minimum driveway travel way: one 10‑ft traffic lane (driveway must be at least 10 ft wide). § 403.1.2(c).
  • Clearances: maintain 14 ft unobstructed horizontal clearance (no fences, vegetation, or parked vehicles narrowing the drive) and 13'6" unobstructed vertical clearance (no low branches, overhead wires within this envelope). § 403.1.2(c).
  • Load capacity: driveway structure must be designed/maintained to support 40,000 lb (structural strength). § 403.1.3(b).
  • Turnouts/turnarounds: because the driveway length is 900 ft (greater than 800 ft), turnouts must be provided so that spacing is no more than 400 ft apart (per the CWUIC turnout/driveway spacing rules found in the access chapter). Provide turnouts at roughly 400‑ft intervals and a turnaround at the terminus large enough for apparatus (see § 403.1.6 and the figures referenced).

Result: The owner must construct a 10‑ft wide, 13'6" high‑clearance driveway with 14‑ft horizontal clearance, build the driveway base to support 40,000 lb, and add turnouts so no two vehicle passing locations exceed 400 ft (and provide an approved turnaround at the house). Confirm turnout and turnaround geometry with the local jurisdiction. §§ 403.1.2, 403.1.3, 403.1.6.

Related provisions (CWUIC sections)

  • § 403.1.3 — Road surfaces; design loads and engineering specifications.
  • § 403.1.4 — Grades: maximum grades and local‑approval allowance.
  • § 403.1.5 — Radius: minimum horizontal radii and additional width for tight curves.
  • § 403.1.6 — Turnarounds: required on driveways and dead‑end roads and minimum turning radii.
  • § 403.1.7 — Turnouts: location and spacing requirements for longer drives/roads.
  • § 404.3.2 — Pumper access points (connects to driveway/access requirements).

If you want, I can: produce a one‑page printable checklist for plan reviewers, draw the simple clearance/turnout diagrams (schematic), or check how your local jurisdiction typically applies the one‑way road exception.

Code references

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

  • CWUIC § 4-3 High relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 4-3

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    WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS

    403.1.2 Width.

    (a) All Roads shall be constructed to provide a minimum of two ten-foot traffic lanes, not including shoulder and striping. These traffic lanes shall provide for two-way traffic flow to support emergency vehicle and civilian egress, unless other standards are provided in this article or additional requirements are mandated by local jurisdictions or local subdivision requirements. Verti- cal clearances shall conform to the requirements in California Vehicle Code Section 35250. (b) All one-way roads shall be constructed to provide a minimum of one twelve-foot traffic lane, not including Shoulders. The Local Jurisdiction may approve One-way Roads. (1) All one-way roads shall, at both ends, connect to a road with two traffic lanes providing for travel in different directions, and shall provide access to an area currently zoned for not more than ten (10) Residential Units. (2) In no case shall a One-way Road exceed 2,640 feet in length. A turnout shall be placed and constructed at approximately the midpoint of each One-way Road. (c) All Driveways shall be constructed to provide a minimum of one (1) ten-foot traffic lane, fourteen (14) feet unobstructed hori- zontal clearance, and unobstructed vertical clearance of thirteen feet, six inches (13' 6”).

    [CCR, Title 14 §1273.01]

    403.1.3 Road surfaces.

    (a) Roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing at least 75,000 pounds and provide an aggregate base. (b) Road and driveway structures shall be designed and maintained to support at least 40,000 pounds. (c) Project proponent shall provide engineering specifications to support design, if requested by the local jurisdiction.

    [CCR, Title 14 §1273.02]

    403.1.4 Grades.

    (a) At no point shall the grade for all roads and driveways exceed 16 percent. (b) The grade may exceed 16 percent, not to exceed 20 percent, with approval from the local jurisdiction and with mitigations to provide for same practical effect.

    [CCR, Title 14 §1273.03]

    403.1.5 Radius.

    (a) No road or road structure shall have a minimum horizontal inside radius of curvature of fifty (50) feet. An additional surface width of four (4) feet shall be added to curves of 50–100 feet radius; two (2) feet to those from 100–200 feet. (b) The length of vertical curves in roadways, exclusive of gutters, ditches and drainage structures designed to hold or divert water, shall be not less than one hundred (100) feet.

    [CCR, Title 14 §1273.04]

    403.1.6 Turnarounds.

    (a) Turnarounds are required on driveways and dead-end roads. (b) The minimum turning radius for a turnaround shall be forty (40) feet, not including parking, in accordance with the figures in 14 _CCR §§ 1273.05(e) and 1273.05(f).

  • CWUIC § 1273.02 High relevance — show source text

    Vertical clearances shall conform to the requirements in California Vehicle Code section 35250._ (b) All One-way Roads shall be constructed to provide a minimum of one twelve (12) foot traffic lane, not including Shoulders. The Local Jurisdiction may approve One-way Roads. (1) All one-way roads shall, at both ends, connect to a road with two traffic lanes providing for travel in different directions, and shall provide access to an area currently zoned for no more than ten (10) Residential Units. (2) In no case shall a One-way Road exceed 2,640 feet in length. A turnout shall be placed and constructed at approximately the midpoint of each One-way Road. (c) All driveways shall be constructed to provide a minimum of one (1) ten (10) foot traffic lane, fourteen (14) feet unobstructed horizontal clearance, and unobstructed vertical clearance of thirteen feet, six inches (13′ 6″).

    Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

    1273.02 Road surfaces.

    (a) Roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing at least 75,000 pounds and provide an aggregate base. (b) Road and driveway structures shall be designed and maintained to support at least 40,000 pounds. (c) Project proponent shall provide engineering specifications to support design, if requested by the local jurisdiction.

    Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

    1273.03 Grades.

    (a) At no point shall the grade for all roads and driveways exceed 16 percent. (b) The grade may exceed 16%, not to exceed 20%, with approval from the local jurisdiction and with mitigations to provide for same practical effect.

    Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

    1273.04 Radius.

    (a) No road or road structure shall have a horizontal inside radius of curvature of less than fifty (50) feet. An additional surface width of four (4) feet shall be added to curves of 50-100 feet radius; two (2) feet to those from 100-200 feet. (b) The length of vertical curves in roadways, exclusive of gutters, ditches, and drainage structures designed to hold or divert water, shall be not less than one hundred (100) feet.

    Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

    1273.05 Turnarounds.

    (a) Turnarounds are required on driveways and dead-end roads. (b) The minimum turning radius for a turnaround shall be forty (40) feet, not including parking, in accordance with the figures in 14 CCR §§ 1273.05(e) and 1273.05(f). If a hammerhead/T is used instead, the top of the “T” shall be a minimum of sixty (60) feet in length. (c) Driveways exceeding 150 feet in length, but less than 800 feet in length, shall provide a turnout near the midpoint of the drive- way. Where the driveway exceeds 800 feet, turnouts shall be provided no more than 400 feet apart.

  • CWUIC § 1273.02 High relevance — show source text

    (a) Roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing at least 75,000 pounds and provide an aggregate base. (b) Road and driveway structures shall be designed and maintained to support at least 40,000 pounds. (c) Project proponent shall provide engineering specifications to support design, if requested by the local jurisdiction.

    [CCR, Title 14 §1273.02]

    403.1.4 Grades.

    (a) At no point shall the grade for all roads and driveways exceed 16 percent. (b) The grade may exceed 16 percent, not to exceed 20 percent, with approval from the local jurisdiction and with mitigations to provide for same practical effect.

    [CCR, Title 14 §1273.03]

    403.1.5 Radius.

    (a) No road or road structure shall have a minimum horizontal inside radius of curvature of fifty (50) feet. An additional surface width of four (4) feet shall be added to curves of 50–100 feet radius; two (2) feet to those from 100–200 feet. (b) The length of vertical curves in roadways, exclusive of gutters, ditches and drainage structures designed to hold or divert water, shall be not less than one hundred (100) feet.

    [CCR, Title 14 §1273.04]

    403.1.6 Turnarounds.

    (a) Turnarounds are required on driveways and dead-end roads. (b) The minimum turning radius for a turnaround shall be forty (40) feet, not including parking, in accordance with the figures in 14 CCR §§ 1273.05(e) and 1273.05(f). If a hammerhead/T is used instead, the top of the “T” shall be a minimum of sixty (60) feet in length. (c) Driveways exceeding 150 feet in length, but less than 800 feet in length, shall provide a turnout near the midpoint of the drive- way. Where the driveway exceeds 800 feet, turnouts shall be provided not more than 400 feet apart. (d) A turnaround shall be provided on driveways over 300 feet in length and shall be within fifty (50) feet of the building. (e) Each dead-end road shall have a turnaround constructed at its terminus. Where parcels are zoned five (5) acres or larger, turn- arounds shall be provided at a maximum of 1,320-foot intervals. (f) Figure A. Turnarounds on roads with two ten-foot traffic lanes. (g) Figure B. Turnarounds on driveways with one ten-foot traffic lane.

    [CCR, Title 14 §1273.05]

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    WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS

    FIGURE A—TURNAROUND WITH TWO 10-FOOT TRAFFIC LANES

    FIGURE B—TURNAROUND WITH ONE 10-FOOT TRAFFIC LANE

    403.1.7 Turnouts. Turnouts shall be a minimum of twelve (12) feet wide and thirty (30) feet long with a minimum twenty-five-foot taper on each end. [CCR, Title 14 §1273.06]

  • CWUIC § 402.3 High relevance — show source text

    402.3 Existing conditions. Existing buildings shall be provided with address markers in accordance with Sections 403.2.4 and 403.2.5 . Existing roads and fire protection equipment shall be provided with markings in accordance with Sections 403.4 and 404.8, respectively.

    SECTION 403—ACCESS

    USER NOTE: The standards in Section 403 applicable to roads shall not apply to roads used solely for agriculture; mining; or the management of timberland or harvesting of forest products. [CCR, Title 14 §1270.03(d)]

    403.1 General. Roads and driveways, whether public or private, unless exempted under 14 CCR § 1270.03(d), shall provide for safe access for emergency wildfire equipment and civilian evacuation concurrently, and shall provide unobstructed traffic circulation during a wildfire emergency consistent 403.1.1 to 403.1.9. [CCR, Title 14 §1273.00]

    403.1.1 Section 403 definitions. When used in Section 403, the term listed below shall be defined as follows:

    DEFENSIBLE SPACE. The area within the perimeter of a parcel, development, neighborhood or community where basic wildland fire protection practices and measures are implemented to defend against encroaching wildfire or to escape structure fires. The perimeter as used in this regulation [CCR Title 14] is the area encompassing the parcel or parcels proposed for construction and/or development, excluding the physical structure itself. The area is characterized by the establishment and maintenance of emer- gency vehicle access, emergency water reserves, road names and identification, and fuel modification measures. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(f)]

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    WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS

    403.1.2 Width.

    (a) All Roads shall be constructed to provide a minimum of two ten-foot traffic lanes, not including shoulder and striping. These traffic lanes shall provide for two-way traffic flow to support emergency vehicle and civilian egress, unless other standards are provided in this article or additional requirements are mandated by local jurisdictions or local subdivision requirements. Verti- cal clearances shall conform to the requirements in California Vehicle Code Section 35250. (b) All one-way roads shall be constructed to provide a minimum of one twelve-foot traffic lane, not including Shoulders. The Local Jurisdiction may approve One-way Roads. (1) All one-way roads shall, at both ends, connect to a road with two traffic lanes providing for travel in different directions, and shall provide access to an area currently zoned for not more than ten (10) Residential Units. (2) In no case shall a One-way Road exceed 2,640 feet in length. A turnout shall be placed and constructed at approximately the midpoint of each One-way Road. (c) All Driveways shall be constructed to provide a minimum of one (1) ten-foot traffic lane, fourteen (14) feet unobstructed hori- zontal clearance, and unobstructed vertical clearance of thirteen feet, six inches (13' 6”).

    [CCR, Title 14 §1273.01]

    403.1.3 Road surfaces.

  • CWUIC § 1203 Medium relevance — show source text

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

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

    SECTION A108—LAND USE LIMITATIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

    APPENDIX A-6 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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    APPENDIX A—GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

    SECTION A109—REFERENCED STANDARDS

    A109.1 General. See Table A109.1 for standards that are referenced in various sections of this appendix. Standards are listed by the standard identification with the effective date, standard title and the section or sections of this appendix that reference the standard.

    TABLE A109.1—REFERENCED STANDARDS Col2 Col3
    STANDARD ACRONYM STANDARD NAME SECTIONS HEREIN REFERENCED
    CBC—25 California Building Code A107.5
    CFC—25 California Fire Code A104.6, A105.1, A107.5
    CEC—25 California Electrical Code A107.5

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    APPENDIX A-8 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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    CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    APPENDIX B – VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

    (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)

  • CWUIC § 402.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    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)
    1273.01(b)
    1273.01(c)||||| |403.1.3|Road Surfaces|Y||||1273.02(a)
    1273.02(b)
    1273.02(c)||||| |403.1.4|Grades|Y||||1273.03(a)
    1273.03(b)||||| |403.1.5|Radius|Y||||1273.04(a)
    1273.04(b)||||| |403.1.6|Turnarounds|Y||||1273.05(a)
    1273.05(b)
    1273.05(c)
    1273.05(d)
    1273.05(e)
    1273.05(f)
    1273.05(g)||||| |Figure A|Turnaround with two
    10' traffic lanes|Y||||Figure A||||| |Figure B|Turnaround with one
    10' traffic lane|Y||||Figure B||||| |403.1.7|Turnouts|Y||||1273.06||||| |403.1.8|Road and driveway
    structures|Y||||1273.07(a)
    1273.07(b)
    1273.07(c)
    1273.07(d)||||| |403.1.9|Dead-end roads|Y||||1273.08(a)
    1273.08(b)||||| |403.10|Gate Entrances|Y||||1273.09(a)
    1273.09(b)
    1273.09(c)
    1273.09(d)||||| |403.2|Signing and Building
    Numbering|Y||||Article 3||||| |403.2.1|Intent|Y||||1274.00||||| |403.2.2|Road signs|Y||||1274.01||||| |403.2.3|Road Sign
    Installation, Location
    and Visibility|Y||||1274.02(a)
    1274.02(b)
    1274.02(c)
    1274.02(d)||||| |403.2.4|Addresses for
    Buildings|Y||||1274.03(a)
    1274.03(b)
    1274.03(c)||||| ||||||||||||

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  • CWUIC § 403.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    APPENDIX I-4 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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    Access Applicability 402 Driveways 403.2 Fire apparatus access roads 403.3 Grade 403.7

    Individual structures 402.2 Marking of roads 402.3, 403.4 Restricted 403.1

    Subdivisions 402.1 Accessory Buildings and Miscellaneous Structures

    Defined 202

    Detached 504.11 Exempt from permit 105.3 Additions or Alterations 101.5

    Address Markers 402.3 Agriculture 202 Alternative Materials or Methods 104.2.2

    Appeals 112 Appendices 101.2.1 Applicable Building 202 Applicability 102 Approved 202 Approved Agency 104.2.2.6.1, 202 Authority of Code Official 104

    Building 202 Building Official 202

    Certificate of Completion 111 Certificate of occupancy 111.2 Revocation 111.4

    Temporary occupancy 111.3

    Code Official 202 Code Official, Authority 104 Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Appendix C Compliance Alternatives 105 Construction Documents 106

    Amended 106.10

    Examination of 106.9 Information on plans and specifications 106.2 Phased 106.12

    Previous approval 106.11 Retention of 106.8 Site plan 106.3 Vegetation management plans 106.4 Control of Storage Appendix A, A105 Critical Fire Weather 202

    Dead-end Road 202 Defensible Space 403, 601.3 Vegetation Plan 603 Definitions 202 Designation of Wildland-Urban Interface Area 302.1

    Director 202 Driveway 202 Dumping Appendix A, A106 Dwelling 202

    Exterior Covering 202

    INDEX

    Fees 109 Findings of Fact Appendix E Fire Chief 202 Fire Danger Rating System Appendix D Fire Flow Calculation Area Application 404.5 Defined 202 Fire Hazard Severity Zones 1.1.2, 202, 302.1, 302.2, Appendix D, Appendix H Fire Protection Plans 602

    Fire Weather 202

    Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction 501.3 Fire-Resistive Vegetation Appendix F Fire-Retardant-Treated Lumber or

    Wood 503.2, 504.5, 504.7, 504.11 Flame Spread Index 202 Flashing 504.2.1, 504.5.1 Fuel Break 202, 609 Fuel Models Appendix D Fuel Modification 202

    Fuel Modification Distance 603.2

    Fuel Mosaic 202 Fuel-Loading 202

    General Requirements Appendix A Green Belt 202

    Greenways 202

  • CWUIC § 402.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    402.1.1 Access. New subdivisions, as determined by this jurisdiction, shall be provided with fire apparatus access roads in accordance with the California Fire Code; the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 2; and access requirements in accordance with Section 403.

    402.1.2 Water supply. New subdivisions as determined by this jurisdiction shall be provided with water supply in accordance with Section 507 of the California Fire Code; California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 4; and Section 404.

    402.1.2.1 Parcel map approval. Water supply requirements shall apply in the tentative and parcel map process when new parcels are approved by the local jurisdiction.

    402.2 Individual structures. Individual structures shall comply with Sections 402.2.1 and 402.2.2.

    402.2.1 Access. Individual structures hereafter constructed or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with fire apparatus access in accordance with the California Fire Code; the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Subsection 1273; and Section 403 .

    402.2.2 Water supply. Individual structures hereafter constructed or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with a conforming water supply in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 4; California Fire Code Section 507; and Section 404.

    402.3 Existing conditions. Existing buildings shall be provided with address markers in accordance with Sections 403.2.4 and 403.2.5 . Existing roads and fire protection equipment shall be provided with markings in accordance with Sections 403.4 and 404.8, respectively.

    SECTION 403—ACCESS

    USER NOTE: The standards in Section 403 applicable to roads shall not apply to roads used solely for agriculture; mining; or the management of timberland or harvesting of forest products. [CCR, Title 14 §1270.03(d)]

    403.1 General. Roads and driveways, whether public or private, unless exempted under 14 CCR § 1270.03(d), shall provide for safe access for emergency wildfire equipment and civilian evacuation concurrently, and shall provide unobstructed traffic circulation during a wildfire emergency consistent 403.1.1 to 403.1.9. [CCR, Title 14 §1273.00]

    403.1.1 Section 403 definitions. When used in Section 403, the term listed below shall be defined as follows:

    DEFENSIBLE SPACE. The area within the perimeter of a parcel, development, neighborhood or community where basic wildland fire protection practices and measures are implemented to defend against encroaching wildfire or to escape structure fires. The perimeter as used in this regulation [CCR Title 14] is the area encompassing the parcel or parcels proposed for construction and/or development, excluding the physical structure itself. The area is characterized by the establishment and maintenance of emer- gency vehicle access, emergency water reserves, road names and identification, and fuel modification measures. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(f)]

  • CWUIC § 4-1 Medium relevance — show source text

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    4-2 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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    4 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 4 provides requirements that apply to all occupancies in the wildland-urban interface and pertain to all of the following:

    1. Fire service access to the property that is to be protected, including fire apparatus access roads and off-road driveways.

    2. Premises identification.

    3. Key boxes to provide ready access to properties secured by gated roadways or other impediments to rapid fire service access.

    4. Fire protection water supplies, including adequate water sources, pumper apparatus drafting sites, fire hydrant systems and system reliability.

    5. Fire department access to equipment such as fire suppression equipment and fire hydrants.

    SECTION 401—GENERAL

    401.1 Scope. Wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with emergency vehicle access and water supply in accordance with this chapter.

    401.2 Objective. The objective of this chapter is to establish the minimum requirements for emergency vehicle access and water supply for buildings and structures located in the wildland-urban interface areas.

    401.3 General safety precautions. General safety precautions shall be in accordance with this chapter. See also Appendix A.

    SECTION 402—APPLICABILITY

    402.1 Subdivisions. Subdivisions shall comply with Sections 402.1.1 and 402.1.2.

    402.1.1 Access. New subdivisions, as determined by this jurisdiction, shall be provided with fire apparatus access roads in accordance with the California Fire Code; the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 2; and access requirements in accordance with Section 403.

    402.1.2 Water supply. New subdivisions as determined by this jurisdiction shall be provided with water supply in accordance with Section 507 of the California Fire Code; California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 4; and Section 404.

    402.1.2.1 Parcel map approval. Water supply requirements shall apply in the tentative and parcel map process when new parcels are approved by the local jurisdiction.

    402.2 Individual structures. Individual structures shall comply with Sections 402.2.1 and 402.2.2.

    402.2.1 Access. Individual structures hereafter constructed or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with fire apparatus access in accordance with the California Fire Code; the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Subsection 1273; and Section 403 .

    402.2.2 Water supply. Individual structures hereafter constructed or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with a conforming water supply in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 4; California Fire Code Section 507; and Section 404.

  • CWUIC § A107 Medium relevance — show source text

    Exception: Approved public and approved private dumping areas.

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

    Exceptions:

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

    SECTION A107—PROTECTION OF PUMPS AND WATER STORAGE FACILITIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    SECTION A108—LAND USE LIMITATIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

    APPENDIX A-6 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

  • CWUIC § 1274.04 Medium relevance — show source text

    or otherwise posted to provide for unobstructed visibility from that_ intersection.

    (f) In all cases, the address shall be posted at the beginning of construction and shall be maintained thereafter.

    [CCR, Title 14 §1274.04]

    SECTION 404—WATER SUPPLY

    404.1 General. An approved water source shall have an adequate water supply for the use of the fire protection service to protect buildings and structures from exterior fire sources or to suppress structure fires within the wildland-urban interface area of the jurisdiction in accordance with this section.

    404.2 Required water supply. An approved water supply capable of supplying the required fire flow for structural fire protection and wildland fire exposure shall be provided to the premises on which facilities, buildings or portions of buildings are hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction in accordance with Section 507 of the California Fire Code.

    404.3 Draft sites. Approved draft sites shall be provided at natural water sources intended for use as fire protection for compliance with this code. The design, construction, location, access and access maintenance of draft sites shall be approved by the code official.

    404.3.1 Access. The draft site shall have emergency vehicle access from an access road in accordance with Section 403.

    404.3.2 Pumper access points. The pumper access point shall be either an emergency vehicle access area alongside a conforming access road or an approved driveway not longer than 150 feet (45 720 mm). Pumper access points and access driveways shall be designed and constructed in accordance with all codes and ordinances enforced by this jurisdiction. Pumper access points shall not require the pumper apparatus to obstruct a road or driveway.

    404.4 Hydrants. Hydrants shall be designed and constructed in accordance with nationally recognized standards. The location and access shall be approved by the code official. The number and spacing of fire hydrants shall be in accordance with Appendix C or CC of the California Fire Code, as applicable.

    404.5 Adequate water supply. Fire-flow requirements shall be determined in accordance with Appendix B or BB of the California Fire Code, as applicable.

    404.6 Reserved.

    404.7 Obstructions. Access to water sources required by this code shall be unobstructed at all times. The fire department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to water source equipment, fire protection equipment or hydrants.

    404.8 Identification. Water sources, draft sites, hydrants and fire protection equipment and hydrants shall be clearly identified in a manner approved by the code official to identify location and to prevent obstruction by parking and other obstructions. Each fire hydrant and access to a water supply shall be identified in accordance with one of the following: 1. Where located along a driveway, a reflectorized blue marker with a minimum dimension of 3 inches (73 mm) shall be located on the driveway address sign and mounted on a fire-retardant post. 2. Where located along an access road: 2.2. A reflectorized blue marker with a minimum dimension of 3 inches (73 mm) shall be mounted on a fire-retardant post. The signpost shall be within 3 feet (914 mm) of said fire hydrant with the sign not less than 3 feet (914 mm) nor greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) above ground, in a horizontal position and visible from the driveway. _2.3.

  • 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

Can I count parking or a shoulder toward the required lane width?

No. The CWUIC specifies the lane widths exclusive of shoulder and striping — shoulders or parking do not satisfy the required traffic lane dimensions. § 403.1.2(a).

What vertical clearance applies to a private driveway under the CWUIC?

For driveways the code requires 13 ft 6 in (13'6") unobstructed vertical clearance. For other road vertical‑clearance issues the CWUIC defers to the California Vehicle Code (referenced in § 403.1.2(a)).

How strong must the pavement or base be?

Roads must be designed/maintained to support a 75,000 lb fire apparatus; road/driveway structures must be designed/maintained to support 40,000 lb. Be prepared to supply engineering specifications if requested. § 403.1.3.

Are one‑way roads ever allowed?

Yes — the local jurisdiction may approve one‑way roads provided they meet the CWUIC conditions (minimum 12‑ft lane, connect to two‑lane roads at both ends, and be no longer than 2,640 ft with a midpoint turnout). § 403.1.2(b).

If my driveway is over 150 ft long, do I need a turnout?

Yes — for driveways longer than 150 ft but less than 800 ft, a turnout near the midpoint is required; for drives over 800 ft, turnouts must be spaced no more than 400 ft apart. See the access/turnout provisions in Chapter 4. § 403.1.6 (and related text).

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