CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
Gates, key boxes and emergency entry (keybox) provisions
CWUIC provisions (notably §403.1.10 and CFC §506) set gate clearances, require approved emergency operation for security gates, and authorize/define key‑box installation and maintenance to ensure rapid fire department entry.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This section of the California Wildland‑Urban Interface Code (CWUIC) covers requirements that ensure fire and emergency personnel can reach and enter properties in wildland‑urban interface areas where access is restricted by gates, locked openings or other barriers. Chapter 4 of the CWUIC groups these topics with other access and premises‑identification rules for WUI areas (fire apparatus access, addressing and key boxes) to support rapid response and firefighter safety .
Specific provisions you’ll consult here include the gate‑entrance requirements in §403.1.10 (minimum clearances, setback from the roadway, emergency operation for security gates) and the key‑box/emergency entry provisions adopted from the California Fire Code at §506 (authority to require a key box, UL 1037 listing, permitted contents and mounting/labeling rules) . Those rules work together: gates must allow emergency operation and adequate clearance, and when locked gates or secured openings would prevent timely access the fire code official may require an approved key box to be installed and maintained .
Why this matters: proper gate dimensions, approved emergency‑operation features, and compliant key‑box installation (and maintenance of keys) remove delays during life‑safety and fire suppression operations — a central CWUIC objective to reduce loss and protect responders in high‑risk areas .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CWUIC § 4-1 High relevance — show source text
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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:
Fire service access to the property that is to be protected, including fire apparatus access roads and off-road driveways.
Premises identification.
Key boxes to provide ready access to properties secured by gated roadways or other impediments to rapid fire service access.
Fire protection water supplies, including adequate water sources, pumper apparatus drafting sites, fire hydrant systems and system reliability.
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 § 402.1.1 High relevance — show source text
Title 19, Division 1]|||||||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section|||||||||||||||||||||||| |402|||†||||||||||||||||||||| |402.1.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.1.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.1.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.2.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.5|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.6_Reserved_|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.7|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.8|||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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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:
Fire service access to the property that is to be protected, including fire apparatus access roads and off-road driveways.
Premises identification.
Key boxes to provide ready access to properties secured by gated roadways or other impediments to rapid fire service access.
Fire protection water supplies, including adequate water sources, pumper apparatus drafting sites, fire hydrant systems and system reliability.
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.
CWUIC § 504.4 High relevance — show source text
504.4 Roof access. No person shall install or maintain any security barrier such as barbed wire fencing, razor wire fencing, chain link fencing or any other fencing material, cable, aerial, antenna or other obstruction on the roof of any commercial establishment in such a manner as to obstruct or render egress or access hazardous in the event of fire or other emergency.
Exception: Guy wire, rods and aerial antenna masts may be attached to a roof structure having a slope of less than 30 degrees provided there is full clearance of 7 feet or more between the roof and said obstruction. Guy wire or rods required to support aerial or antenna masts may be attached to a roof structure a lateral distance from the mast not in excess of one-sixth the height of the mast.
SECTION 505—PREMISES IDENTIFICATION
505.1 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each character shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm). Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.
505.2 Street or road signs. Streets and roads shall be identified with approved signs. Temporary signs shall be installed at each street intersection when construction of new roadways allows passage by vehicles. Signs shall be of an approved size, weather resistant and be maintained until replaced by permanent signs.
SECTION 506—KEY BOXES
506.1 Where required. Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or firefighting purposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved location. The key box shall be of an approved type listed in accordance with UL 1037, and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the fire code official.
506.1.1 Locks. An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar barriers where required by the fire code official.
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FIRE SERVICE FEATURES
506.1.2 Key boxes for nonstandardized fire service elevator keys. Key boxes provided for nonstandardized fire service elevator keys shall comply with Section 506.1 and all of the following:
The key box shall be compatible with an existing rapid entry key box system in use in the jurisdiction and approved by the fire code official.
The front cover shall be permanently labeled with the words “FIRE DEPARTMENT USE ONLY—ELEVATOR KEYS.”
The key box shall be mounted at each elevator bank at the lobby nearest to the lowest level of fire department access.
The key box shall be mounted 5 feet 6 inches (1676 mm) above the finished floor to the right side of the elevator bank.
Contents of the key box are limited to fire service elevator keys.
CWUIC § 3206.7.2 Medium relevance — show source text
3206.7.2 Where located. Where exterior walls surrounding high-piled storage areas face fire apparatus access roads, such walls shall be provided with fire department access doors.
3206.7.3 Access to doors. Fire department access doors shall be able to be accessed without the use of a ladder.
3206.7.4 Marking on fire department access doors. Fire department access doors shall be labeled on the exterior side with the following sign or other approved sign:
FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS DOOR
DO NOT BLOCK
The lettering shall be in a contrasting color to the background. Letters shall have a minimum height of 2 inches (51 mm) with a minimum stroke of [3] / 8 inch (10 mm).
3206.7.5 Number of doors required. The required fire department access doors shall be distributed such that the lineal distance between adjacent fire department access doors does not exceed 125 feet (38 100 mm) measured center to center.
Exception: The linear distance between adjacent access doors shall not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm) in existing buildings where change in occupancy is not proposed.
3206.7.6 Door size and type. Fire department access doors shall be not less than 3 feet (914 mm) in width and 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) in height. Roll-up doors shall not be considered fire department access doors unless approved.
3206.7.7 Locking devices. Locking devices on fire department access doors shall be approved.
3206.7.8 Key box. Where fire department access doors are required, a key box shall be installed in accordance with Section 506.1. The key box shall contain keys or devices to allow for entry through the fire department access doors.
3206.8 Smoke and heat removal. Where smoke and heat removal is required by Table 3206.2 it shall be provided in accordance with Section 910.
3206.9 Fire department hose connections. Where exit passageways are required by the California Building Code for egress, a Class I standpipe system shall be provided in accordance with Section 905.
3206.10 Aisles. Aisles providing access to exits and fire department access doors shall be provided in high-piled storage areas exceeding 500 square feet (46 m [2] ), in accordance with Sections 3206.10.1 through 3206.10.3. Aisles separating storage piles or racks shall comply with NFPA 13. Aisles shall comply with Chapter 10.
Exception: Where aisles are precluded by rack storage systems, alternate methods of access and protection are allowed where approved.
3206.10.1 Width. Aisle width shall be in accordance with Sections 3206.10.1.1 and 3206.10.1.2.
Exceptions:
- Aisles crossing rack structures or storage piles, that are used only for employee access, shall be not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide.
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HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE
- Aisles separating shelves classified as shelf storage shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm) wide.
CWUIC § 1-2 Medium relevance — show source text
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 CHAPTER SUBJECT 1-2 Administration and Definitions 3-4 Wildland-Urban Interface Area Designation and Requirements 5 Building Construction Regulations 6 Fire Protection Requirements 7 Referenced Standards Appendices A-I Adoptable and Informational Appendices Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.
Chapter 3 Wildland-Urban Interface Areas.
Chapter 3 provides for the fundamental aspect of applying the code—the legal declaration and establishment of wildland-urban interface areas within the adopting jurisdiction, mapping of the area, periodic review and updates.
Chapter 4 Wildland-Urban Interface Area Requirements.
The requirements of Chapter 4 apply to all occupancies in the wildland-urban interface and pertain to all of the following:
Fire service access to the property that is to be protected, including fire apparatus access roads and off-road driveways.
Premises identification.
Key boxes to provide ready access to properties secured by gated roadways or other impediments to rapid fire service access.
Fire protection water supplies, including adequate water sources, pumper apparatus drafting sites, fire hydrant systems and system reliability.
Fire department access to equipment such as fire suppression equipment and fire hydrants.
Chapter 5 Special Building Construction Regulations.
The regulations in Chapter 5 establish minimum standards for the location, design and construction of buildings and structures based on construction within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone or a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Area.
The construction provisions of Chapter 5 are intended to supplement the requirements of the California Building Code and Califor- nia Residential Code and address mitigation of the unique hazards posed to buildings by wildfire and to reduce the hazards of building fires spreading to wildland fuels. This is accomplished by requiring ignition-resistant construction materials.
Chapter 6 Fire Protection Requirements.
Chapter 6 contains additional requirements for development and construction in Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and areas designated by the State Fire Marshal as State Responsibility Areas (SRA). While many of these provisions are found in Title 14 and Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations, they are replicated here for the code user. The local jurisdiction has the authority to apply the same regulations to LRA when the regulations are adopted by local ordinance.
The requirements in this chapter reference the process for adoption of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the LRA; criteria for evaluating existing subdivisions that are at significant fire risk and are without an adequate secondary egress; and criteria for fire safety provisions required in the Safety Element of a city or county General Plan.
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CWUIC § 506.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 506—KEY BOXES
506.1 Where required. Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or firefighting purposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved location. The key box shall be of an approved type listed in accordance with UL 1037, and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the fire code official.
506.1.1 Locks. An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar barriers where required by the fire code official.
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FIRE SERVICE FEATURES
506.1.2 Key boxes for nonstandardized fire service elevator keys. Key boxes provided for nonstandardized fire service elevator keys shall comply with Section 506.1 and all of the following:
The key box shall be compatible with an existing rapid entry key box system in use in the jurisdiction and approved by the fire code official.
The front cover shall be permanently labeled with the words “FIRE DEPARTMENT USE ONLY—ELEVATOR KEYS.”
The key box shall be mounted at each elevator bank at the lobby nearest to the lowest level of fire department access.
The key box shall be mounted 5 feet 6 inches (1676 mm) above the finished floor to the right side of the elevator bank.
Contents of the key box are limited to fire service elevator keys. Additional elevator access tools, keys and information pertinent to emergency planning or elevator access shall be permitted where authorized by the fire code official.
In buildings with two or more elevator banks, a single key box shall be permitted to be used where such elevator banks are separated by not more than 30 feet (9144 mm). Additional key boxes shall be provided for each individual elevator or elevator bank separated by more than 30 feet (9144 mm).
Exception: A single key box shall be permitted to be located adjacent to a fire command center or the nonstandard fire service elevator key shall be permitted to be secured in a key box used for other purposes and located in accordance with Section 506.1.
506.2 Key box maintenance. The operator of the building shall immediately notify the fire code official and provide the new key where a lock is changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.
SECTION 507—FIRE PROTECTION WATER SUPPLIES
507.1 Required water supply. An approved water supply capable of supplying the required fire flow for fire protection shall be provided to premises on which facilities, buildings or portions of buildings are hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction.
507.2 Type of water supply. A water supply shall consist of reservoirs, pressure tanks, elevated tanks, water mains or other fixed systems capable of providing the required fire flow.
507.2.1 Private fire service mains. Private fire service mains and appurtenances shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 24 as amended in Chapter 80.
507.2.2 Water tanks. Water tanks for private fire protection shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 22.
507.3 Fire flow. Fire-flow requirements for buildings or portions of buildings and facilities shall be determined by an approved method or Appendix B.
CWUIC § 403.1.8 Medium relevance — show source text
403.1.8 Road and Driveway Structures. (a) Appropriate signing, including but not limited to weight or vertical clearance limitations, one-way road or single traffic lane conditions, shall reflect the capability of each bridge. (b) Where a bridge or an elevated surface is part of a Fire Apparatus access road, the bridge shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials Standard Specifications for High- way Bridges, 17 [th] Edition, published 2002 (known as AASHTO HB-17), hereby incorporated by reference. Bridges and elevated surfaces shall be designed for a live load sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus. Vehicle load limits shall be posted at both entrances to bridges when required by the local authority having jurisdiction. (c) Where elevated surfaces designed for emergency vehicle use are adjacent to surfaces which are not designed for such use, barriers or signs, or both, as approved by the local authority having jurisdiction, shall be installed and maintained.
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WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS
(d) A bridge with only one traffic lane may be authorized by the Local Jurisdiction; however, it shall provide for unobstructed visi- bility from one end to the other and turnouts at both ends.
[CCR, Title 14 §1273.07]
403.1.9 Dead-end Roads.
(a) The maximum length of a Dead-end Road, including all Dead-end Roads accessed from that Dead-end Road, shall not exceed the following cumulative lengths, regardless of the number of parcels served:
Parcels zoned for less than one acre – 800 feet (262 m)
Parcels zoned for 1 acre to 4.99 acres – 1,320 feet (433 m)
Parcels zoned for 5 acres to 19.99 acres – 2,640 feet (866 m)
Parcels zoned for 20 acres or larger – 5,280 feet (1732 m) All lengths shall be measured from the edge of the road surface at the intersection that begins the road to the end of the road surface at its farthest point. Where a Dead-end Road crosses areas of differing zoned parcel sizes requiring different length limits, the shortest allowable length shall apply. (b) See Section 403.1.5 for Dead-end Road turnaround requirements.
[CCR, Title 14 §1273.08]
403.1.10 Gate entrances.
(a) Gate entrances shall be at least two (2) feet wider than the width of the traffic lane(s) serving that gate and a minimum width of fourteen (14) feet unobstructed horizontal clearance and unobstructed vertical clearance of thirteen feet, six inches (13' 6”). (b) All gates providing access from a road to a driveway shall be located at least thirty (30) feet from the roadway and shall open to allow a vehicle to stop without obstructing traffic on that Road. (c) Where a one-way road with a single traffic lane provides access to a gated entrance, a forty-foot turning radius shall be used. (d) Security gates shall not be installed without approval. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means _of emergency operation. Approval shall be by the local authority having jurisdiction.
CWUIC § 3119B.2 Medium relevance — show source text
3119B.2 Gates. Gates and doors opening into the pool enclosure also shall meet the following specifications:
1. Gates and doors shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices. The self-latching device shall keep the gate or door securely closed. Gates and doors shall open outwardly away from the pool except where otherwise prohibited by law. Hand activated door or gate opening hardware shall be located at a height no lower than 42 inches (1067 mm) but no higher than 44 inches (1179 mm) above the deck or walkway; and
2. Gates and doors shall be capable of being locked during times when the pool is closed. Exit doors which comply with Chapter 10, Title 24, California Code of Regulations shall be considered as meeting these requirements; and
3. The pool enclosure shall have at least one means of egress without a key for emergency purposes. Unless all gates or doors are so equipped, those gates and/or doors which will allow egress without a key shall have a sign in letters at least 4 inches (102 mm) high stating EMERGENCY EXIT; and
4. The enclosure shall be constructed so that all persons will be required to pass through common pool enclosure gates or doors in order to gain access to the pool area. All gates and doors exiting the pool area shall open into a public area or a walkway accessible by all patrons of the pool.
3119B.3 Retroactivity. Sections 3119B.1 and 3119B.2 shall apply only to public pool enclosures constructed on or after July 1, 1994. Notwithstanding the foregoing effective date, no fence enclosure shall be less than 4 feet (1219 mm) in height.
3119B.4 Enclosure of pools constructed prior to July 1, 1994. The enforcing agent may allow the installation of an enclosure which reduces the pool deck to less than 4 feet (1219 mm) in width when the physical characteristics of a site preclude providing a 4-foot (1219 mm) wide deck around the perimeter of an existing pool.
SECTION 3120B—REQUIRED SIGNS
3120B.1 General. All signs shall have clearly legible letters or numbers not less than 4 inches (102 mm) high, unless otherwise required in this section, affixed to a wall, pole, gate or similar permanent structure in a location visible to all pool users.
3120B.2 Pool user capacity sign. A sign shall indicate the maximum number of pool users permitted for each pool.
3120B.2.1 Spa pool. The pool user capacity of a spa pool shall be based on one pool user for every 10 square feet (0.929 m [2] ) of pool water surface area.
3120B.2.2 Other pools. The pool user capacity for all other pools shall be based on one pool user for every 20 square feet (1.858 m [2] ) of pool water surface area.
Exception: Pool user capacity requirements do not apply to wading pools or spray grounds.
3120B.3 No diving sign. Signs shall be posted in conspicuous places and shall state, “NO DIVING” at pools with a maximum water depth of 6 feet or less.
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 § 1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Division 1]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section|||||||||||||||||||||||| |Division I|||||||||||||||||||||||| |1.1.1 –1.11.2.1.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §1.11]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §1.12]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |1.11.2.1.2 –1.11.2.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §1.08]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §1.13]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |1.11.2.3 –1.11.11|||||||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §1.03]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §1.09.1]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |1.12|||||||||||||||||||||||| |Division II|||||||||||||||||||||||| |101.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |101.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |101.3.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |101.3.1.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |101.6|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |102.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |102.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |102.6|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |104.2.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |104.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |104.6|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |104.8|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |104.8.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.8|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |105.10|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |106.1 – 106.5|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |106.8|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |106.10|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |107|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |109.1 – 109.1.2.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |109.3.7.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |109.3.7.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |110 – 111|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |113|||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.
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 G-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX G-2 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
G VOLUNTARY HOME-HARDENING RECOMMENDATIONS
This appendix is for informational purposes and is not intended for adoption.
User notes:
About this appendix: Appendix G is an information appendix that provides discussion of some elements of the proposed self-defense mechanisms and their role in enhancing the protection of exposed structures in the wildland-urban interface. The items provided in this appendix provide owners with suggestions for increasing the survivability of their structure. These items are not mandatory but can be considered by owners to increase the safety of structures.
SECTION G101—GENERAL
G101.1 Identification of the problem. The California Wildland-Urban Interface Code establishes a set of minimum standards to reduce the loss of property from wildfire. The purpose of these standards is to prevent wildfire spreading from vegetation to a building. Many homes were built in the wildland-urban interface areas prior to the implementation of provisions found in this code. As a result, many homes are lacking in their ability to survive an approaching wildfire. Many of the features discussed in this appendix are designed as low- cost features to retrofit existing homes. Additionally, recommendations are provided beyond the minimum code requirements for those homeowners who desire to increase the survivability of their home. This appendix chapter provides a discussion of some possible self- defense features to enhance survivability and harden the structure against an approaching wildfire.
G101.2 Structural survivability. The home-hardening features listed in Section G101.2.1 were developed as a best practices guide to assist homeowners in increasing the ignition resistance of their homes from wildfires. Some of these items are based on upgrading to more stringent building materials when that building component is due for replacement as part of its normal maintenance or lifespan, such as the roof covering.
Frequently asked questions
When is a key box required?
A key box may be required when access is restricted by secured openings or where immediate entry is necessary for life‑safety or firefighting, at the discretion of the fire code official; key boxes must be an approved type (UL 1037) and contain the necessary keys or devices .
What do the gate rules require?
Gate entrances must provide minimum horizontal and vertical clearances, be set back from the roadway so a vehicle can stop without blocking traffic, and security gates must have an approved means of emergency operation as required by §403.1.10 .
Who is responsible for key‑box maintenance and updates?
The building or property operator must notify the fire code official and promptly provide replacement keys when locks are changed or rekeyed; keys to required locks must be kept in the key box per §506.2 .
More in California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
- Administration and Definitions
- Board of Appeals, Administration & Enforcement (permits, code official duties, appeals process)
- Wildland‑Urban Interface Area Designation & Mapping
- Fire Service Access & Water Supply (fire apparatus roads, driveways, hydrants, draft sites, standby power)
- Wildland‑Urban Interface Area Requirements (access, water, premises identification, key boxes)
- Referenced Standards & Test Methods
- Special Building Construction Regulations (ignition‑resistant construction, roof/vent/assembly requirements)
- Appendices and Model Ordinances (vegetation plans, severity‑zone adoption, home‑hardening guidance)
- Fire Protection Requirements (fire protection plans, systems, safety element provisions)
- Referenced California Documents & Matrix (CCR/Title 14 & 19 cross‑references, statutory references)
- Vegetation Management & Defensible Space (vegetation plans, maintenance, fire‑smart characteristics)
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