CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
Related California Fire Code key box standards (cross-reference)
If gates, locked doors or other impediments limit firefighter access on your WUI property, the local fire official can require a UL‑listed key box stocked with the needed keys; the CWUIC points to these access rules and the California Fire Code §506.1 family gives the specific listing, mounting, labeling, contents and maintenance requirements.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
Where access to a building or area is restricted (gated roads, locked doors) or where immediate entry is needed for life‑safety or firefighting, the fire code official may require a key box of an approved type to be installed and stocked with the keys/devices necessary for entry. The key box must be listed to UL 1037. This authority and these minimum requirements are stated in § 506.1 of the California Fire Code.
The single most important rule: if access is restricted or immediate firefighter access is needed, the fire code official can require a UL‑listed key box placed where firefighters can quickly use it. (§ 506.1)
Requirements in detail
Where CWUIC points you
The California Wildland‑Urban Interface Code (CWUIC) identifies key boxes as a component of the Chapter 4 (Wildland‑Urban Interface Area) requirements used to provide “ready access to properties secured by gated roadways or other impediments to rapid fire service access.” See CWUIC Chapter 4 intro and the chapter scope (Chapter 4 / Section 401 and related applicability sections).
CWUIC applies these Chapter 4 access requirements to new subdivisions and individual structures in WUI areas and points users to the California Fire Code for fire‑service feature details (access, key boxes, water supply). See § 401.1, § 402.1.1, and § 402.2.1.
Core California Fire Code obligations (decision‑relevant items)
| Decision dimension | Required value / threshold | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| When a key box may be required | Where access is restricted by secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life‑saving or firefighting | § 506.1 |
| Acceptable key box type | Must be an approved type listed to UL 1037 | § 506.1 |
| Elevator (nonstandard) key box labeling | Front cover must read “FIRE DEPARTMENT USE ONLY—ELEVATOR KEYS.” | § 506.1.2(2) |
| Elevator key box mounting location | At each elevator bank lobby nearest lowest level of fire department access; mounted 5 ft 6 in (1676 mm) above finished floor to the right side of the elevator bank | § 506.1.2(3)–(4) |
| Elevator bank grouping allowed | Single key box may serve multiple elevator banks if they are separated by not more than 30 ft (9144 mm); otherwise provide additional boxes | § 506.1.2(6) |
| Contents limits for elevator key boxes | Limited to fire service elevator keys unless otherwise authorized by the fire code official | § 506.1.2(5) |
| Replacement / rekey notification | Building operator must immediately notify the fire code official and provide the new key when a lock is changed or rekeyed | § 506.2 |
| Use with other CFC features | Where the CWUIC or CFC requires fire department access doors, a key box is required in accordance with § 506.1 | § 3206.7.8 → § 506.1 |
Definitions to note (first mention bolded)
- Key box — the approved secure container that holds keys/devices required by the fire service. (See CFC definitions chapter.) § 502.1 contains the definitions used in Chapter 5 (fire service features).
Exceptions & special cases
Elevator keys: Buildings using a standardized fire service elevator key system are expected to comply with the standardized‑key requirements; nonstandardized elevator keys may instead be secured in a key box installed per the elevator‑key box rules in § 506.1.2 (this is the explicit exception path in the elevator key rules). See § 604.6.2 Exception and § 506.1.2 for the elevator key box particulars.
Single key box alternative: A single elevator key box may be located adjacent to a fire command center or a nonstandard key can be secured in a different-purpose key box located per § 506.1 (see the exception in § 506.1.2).
Local discretion: The fire code official has authority to require key boxes “where access … is restricted” — this is an official determination; absence of a specific numeric threshold for many property types means local AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) practice controls in many situations. See § 506.1 and CWUIC Chapter 4 applicability language.
If a particular CWUIC provision you expect (for example, a specific numbered section in Chapter 4 that prescribes key box mounting or content for WUI‑specific gates) is not present in the retrieved CWUIC text, that means the CWUIC defers the technical key box details to the California Fire Code § 506.1 family of sections — do not invent additional technical thresholds beyond the CFC text cited.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a listed key box is optional: the AHJ can require it whenever access is restricted — don’t wait for a blanket rule; check with the local fire code official. § 506.1 and CWUIC Chapter 4 explain this authority.
- Using a non‑listed box: the code requires a UL 1037‑listed unit. § 506.1.
- Wrong elevator box height or location: elevator key boxes must be mounted 5 ft 6 in (1676 mm) above finished floor on the right side of the elevator bank (unless the exception applies). § 506.1.2(4).
- Storing unauthorized contents in an elevator key box (e.g., general building keys or tools) without AHJ approval — elevator boxes are limited to fire service elevator keys unless authorized. § 506.1.2(5).
- Failing to notify on rekey: when a lock is changed/rekeyed the building operator must immediately notify the fire code official and supply the new key for the key box. § 506.2.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A WUI subdivision has two elevator banks in the lobby. The elevator banks are separated by 40 feet (12 192 mm). Each bank has nonstandard fire service elevator keys.
Application:
- Because the jurisdiction is in a WUI area, Chapter 4 CWUIC access rules apply and direct you to provide key boxes where access is restricted; technical key box requirements are governed by CFC § 506.1.
- CFC § 506.1.2(6) allows a single key box to serve multiple elevator banks only where the banks are separated by not more than 30 ft (9144 mm). Your banks are 40 ft, so you must provide two elevator key boxes (one for each bank). § 506.1.2(6).
- Each elevator key box must be compatible with the jurisdiction’s rapid entry system (if one exists), labeled “FIRE DEPARTMENT USE ONLY—ELEVATOR KEYS,” and mounted 5 ft 6 in (1676 mm) above finished floor on the right side of the elevator bank. § 506.1.2(1)–(4).
- The contents of each box must be limited to fire service elevator keys (unless the fire code official authorizes additional items). § 506.1.2(5).
Related provisions (useful cross‑references)
- CWUIC Chapter 4 (Wildland‑Urban Interface Area requirements; key boxes are included in the chapter scope): § 401.1, § 401.2 (chapter scope/objective).
- CWUIC applicability and access for subdivisions and individual structures: § 402.1.1 (subdivision access), § 402.2.1 (individual structure access). These reference the California Fire Code for fire‑service access features, including key boxes.
- California Fire Code — primary key box rules: § 506.1 (where required; UL 1037 listing) and § 506.2 (maintenance/rekey notification).
- California Fire Code — elevator key box details: § 506.1.2 (requirements for nonstandard fire service elevator keys; labeling, mounting, separation thresholds).
- California Fire Code — elevator key and standardized key rules and exception: § 604.6 and the exception permitting nonstandard keys to be placed in a key box per § 506.1.2.
- California Fire Code — specific use (example) requiring key box: § 3206.7.8 (high‑piled storage fire department access doors must have a key box per § 506.1).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CWUIC § 506.1 High 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.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 5-5
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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 § 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.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 5-5
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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 High 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 § 506.1. Medium relevance — show source text
- 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.
507.4 Water supply test. The fire code official shall be notified prior to the water supply test. Water supply tests shall be witnessed by the fire code official or approved documentation of the test shall be provided to the fire code official prior to final approval of the water supply system.
507.5 Fire hydrant systems. Fire hydrant systems shall comply with Sections 507.5.1 through 507.5.6 and Appendix C or by an approved method.
507.5.1 Where required. Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 400 feet (122 m) from a hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on-site fire hydrants and mains shall be provided where required by the fire code official.
Exception: For Group R-3 and Group U occupancies, equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3, the distance requirement shall be not more than 600 feet (183 m).
507.5.1.1 Hydrant for standpipe systems. Buildings equipped with a standpipe system installed in accordance with Section 905 shall have a fire hydrant within 100 feet (30 480 mm) of the fire department connections.
Exception: The distance shall be permitted to exceed 100 feet (30 480 mm) where approved by the fire code official.
CWUIC § 5-3 Medium relevance — show source text
503 Fire Apparatus Access Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 504 Access to Building Openings and Roofs . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5 505 Premises Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
506 Key Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5 507 Fire Protection Water Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 508 Fire Command Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
509 Fire Protection and Utility Equipment Identification and Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
510 Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
CHAPTER 6 BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . .6-3
601 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
602 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
603 Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards . . . . . . . . . 6-3 604 Elevator Operation, Maintenance and Fire Service Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 605 Fuel-Fired Appliances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6 606 Commercial Cooking Equipment and Systems . . . . . 6-9 607 Commercial Cooking Oil Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10 608 Mechanical Refrigeration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10 609 Hyperbaric Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13 610 Clothes Dryer Exhaust Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
CHAPTER 7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION
FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3
701 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
CWUIC § 4-3 Medium relevance — show source text
402 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
403 Emergency Preparedness Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . 4-3 404 Fire Safety, Evacuation and Lockdown Plans . . . . . . 4-10 405 Emergency Evacuation Drills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13 406 Employee Training and Response Procedures. . . . . 4-15
407 Hazard Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
CHAPTER 5 FIRE SERVICE FEATURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
501 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
502 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
503 Fire Apparatus Access Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 504 Access to Building Openings and Roofs . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5 505 Premises Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
506 Key Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5 507 Fire Protection Water Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 508 Fire Command Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
509 Fire Protection and Utility Equipment Identification and Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
510 Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
CHAPTER 6 BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . .6-3
601 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
602 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
CWUIC § 4-1 Medium relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 4-1
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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:
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 § 5-1 Medium relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 5-1
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PART III— BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN FEATURES
5 FIRE SERVICE FEATURES
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 5 provides requirements that apply to all buildings and occupancies and pertain to access roads, access to building openings and roofs, premises identification, key boxes, fire protection water supplies, fire command centers, fire department access to equipment and emergency responder communications enhancement coverage in buildings. Although many safety features are part of the building design, features such as proper fire department access roads and communication coverage are necessary in case of emergency and are important tools for emergency responders for public safety and their own safety.
SECTION 501—GENERAL
501.1 Scope. Fire service features for buildings, structures and premises shall comply with this chapter.
501.2 Permits. A permit shall be required as set forth in Sections 105.5 and 105.6.
501.3 Construction documents. Construction documents for proposed fire apparatus access, location of fire lanes, security gates across fire apparatus access roads and construction documents and hydraulic calculations for fire hydrant systems shall be submitted to the fire department for review and approval prior to construction.
501.3.1 Site safety plan. The owner or owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of an approved written site safety plan in accordance with Section 3303.
501.4 Timing of installation. Where fire apparatus access roads or a water supply for fire protection are required to be installed, such protection shall be installed and made serviceable prior to and during the time of construction except where approved alternative methods of protection are provided. Temporary street signs shall be installed at each street intersection where construction of new roadways allows passage by vehicles in accordance with Section 505.2.
SECTION 502—DEFINITIONS
502.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
AGENCY.
FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROAD.
FIRE COMMAND CENTER.
FIRE DEPARTMENT MASTER KEY.
FIRE LANE.
KEY BOX.
TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES.
SECTION 503—FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS
503.1 Where required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Sections 503.1.1 through 503.1.3.
503.1.1 Buildings and facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility.
Exceptions:
- The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45 720 mm) where any of the following conditions occur:
CWUIC § 2.2. Medium relevance — show source text
2.2. Loss of power or circuit continuity to the electronic monitoring device shall initiate a trouble signal. 2.3. The extinguishers shall be installed inside of a building or cabinet in a noncorrosive environment. 2.4. Electronic monitoring devices and supervisory circuits shall be tested every 3 years when extinguisher maintenance is performed. 2.5. A written log of required hydrostatic test dates for extinguishers shall be maintained by the owner to verify that hydrostatic tests are conducted at the frequency required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3. 3. In Group I-3, and in mental health areas of Group I-2, portable fire extinguishers shall be permitted to be located at staff locations.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §565.1(a) through (c)] Classification of Hazards.
(a) Light (Low) Hazard. Locations where the total amounts of Class A combustible materials, including furnishings, decorations and contents, is of minor quantity. These shall include buildings or rooms occupied as offices, classrooms, churches, assembly halls, etc. This classification anticipates that the majority of the contents are either noncombustible or so arranged that a fire is not likely to spread rapidly. Small amounts of Class B flammables used for duplicating machines, art departments, etc., are included provided that they are kept in closed containers and safely stored.
(b) Ordinary (Moderate) Hazard. Locations where the total amounts of Class A combustibles and Class B flammables are present in greater amounts than expected under Light (Low) Hazard occupancies. These occupancies could consist of offices, classrooms, mercantile shops and allied storage, light manufacturing, research operations, auto showrooms, parking garages, workshop or support service areas of Light (Low) Hazard occupancies, and warehouses containing Class I or Class II commodities.
(c) Extra (High) Hazard. Locations where the total amount of Class A combustibles and Class B flammables are present, in storage, production use, and/or finished product over and above those expected and classed as Ordinary (Moderate) Hazards. These occupan- cies could consist of woodworking, vehicle repair, aircraft and boat servicing, individual product display showrooms, product convention center displays, storage and manufacturing processes such as painting, dipping, coating, including flammable liquid handling. Also, included in warehousing of, or in-process storage of other Class I and Class II commodities.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §565.2(a) through (e)] Selection by Hazard.
(a) Extinguishers shall be selected for the specific class or classes of hazards to be protected in accordance with the following subdivi- sions (b), (c), (d) and (e).
(b) Extinguishers for protecting Class A hazards shall be selected from the following: Water-type, halogenated agent types, multipur- pose dry chemical and wet chemical type.
(c) Extinguishers for protection of Class B hazards shall be selected from the following: carbon dioxide, dry chemical types, haloge- nated agent types and water-type and water chemical extinguishers rated for Class B hazards.
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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
CWUIC § 604.5.2 Medium relevance — show source text
604.5.2 Occupant evacuation elevators and lobbies. Where occupant evacuation elevators are provided in accordance with Section 3008 of the California Building Code, occupant evacuation elevator fire protection and safety features shall be maintained and lobbies required by Section 3008 of the California Building Code shall be maintained free of storage and furniture.
604.5.3 Storage within elevator lobbies. Where hoistway opening protection is required by Section 3006.2 of the California Building Code, elevator lobbies shall be maintained free of storage.
604.5.4 Water protection of hoistway enclosures. Methods to prevent water from infiltrating into a hoistway enclosure required by Sections 3007.3 and 3008.3 of the California Building Code shall be maintained.
604.6 Elevator keys. All elevators shall be provided with elevator car door and firefighter service keys in accordance with Sections 604.6.1 through 604.6.2.4.
604.6.1 Elevator key location. Keys for the elevator car doors and firefighter service keys shall be kept in an approved location for immediate use by the fire department.
604.6.2 Standardized fire service elevator keys. Buildings with elevators equipped with Phase I emergency recall, Phase II emergency in-car operation, or a fire service access elevator shall be equipped to operate with a standardized fire service elevator key approved by the fire code official or a standardized key in accordance with ASME A17.1/CSA B44.
Exception: The owner shall be permitted to place the building’s nonstandardized fire service elevator keys in a key box installed in accordance with Section 506.1.2.
604.6.2.1 Requirements for standardized fire service elevator keys. Standardized fire service elevator keys shall comply with all of the following:
- All fire service elevator keys within the jurisdiction shall be uniform and approved in accordance with Section 604.6.2. Keys shall be cut to a uniform key code.
- Fire service elevator keys shall be of a patent-protected design to prevent unauthorized duplication.
- Fire service elevator keys shall be factory restricted by the manufacturer to prevent the unauthorized distribution of key blanks. Uncut key blanks shall not be permitted to leave the factory.
- Fire service elevator keys subject to these rules shall be engraved with the words “DO NOT DUPLICATE.”
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 6-5
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BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS
604.6.2.2 Access to standardized fire service keys. Access to standardized fire service elevator keys shall be restricted to the following:
Elevator owners or their authorized agents.
Elevator contractors.
Elevator inspectors of the jurisdiction.
Fire code officials of the jurisdiction.
The fire department and other emergency response agencies designated by the fire code official.
604.6.2.3 Duplication or distribution of keys. A person shall not duplicate a standardized fire service elevator key or issue, give, or sell a duplicated key unless in accordance with this code.
604.6.2.4 Responsibility to provide keys. The building owner shall provide up to three standardized fire service elevator keys where required by the fire code official, upon installation of a standardized fire service key switch or switches in the building.
CWUIC § 402.1.1 Medium 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 § 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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Frequently asked questions
Who decides whether a key box is required?
The local fire code official determines whether a key box is required where access is restricted or immediate access is needed, per § 506.1.
Do key boxes have to be a specific brand?
No brand requirement, but the unit must be an approved type listed to UL 1037 as required by § 506.1. Check with your AHJ for compatibility with local rapid‑entry systems.
Can elevator nonstandard keys be stored offsite?
Nonstandard elevator keys may be secured in a key box installed in accordance with § 506.1.2; standardized systems have different provisions in § 604.6. Consult both sections and your AHJ.
What must I do if I rekey a door whose key is in the box?
Immediately notify the fire code official and provide the new key to be secured in the key box per § 506.2.
If my property is in a WUI area, does CWUIC add extra key box rules beyond CFC?
CWUIC Chapter 4 identifies key boxes as required components for WUI access and directs you to CFC technical requirements; the specific technical standards (listing, mounting, contents) are in § 506.1 and related CFC sections.
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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