CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
When are key boxes required for properties in the WUI?
If a gate, locked opening, or other access impediment would delay emergency responders, the CWUIC’s access rules in **§ 403.1** (Chapter 4) identify **Key boxes** as a tool to provide ready access; the local fire official may require an approved, compatible key box and the Fire Code (especially **§ 506.1** and **§ 506.2**) provides the technical and maintenance details.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
- The California Wildland‑Urban Interface Code (CWUIC) places key‑box requirements in Chapter 4 as part of the access rules: Chapter 4 identifies Key boxes to “provide ready access to properties secured by gated roadways or other impediments to rapid fire service access” (§ 403.1) .
- In practice the fire official is authorized to require a key box where access is restricted by secured openings (gates, locked access, etc.). That authority and the detailed key‑box provisions are carried in the California Fire Code § 506.1 (reprinted in the materials) and used alongside CWUIC access rules .
If a roadway, gate or driveway prevents the fire department from making immediate entry, the local fire official can require an approved key box so responders can gain timely access (CWUIC Chapter 4 with implementing Fire Code § 506.1).
Requirements in detail
Key points (short): CWUIC Chapter 4 treats key boxes as a tool to assure emergency access to properties that are physically or administratively restricted. The CWUIC access rules that trigger key‑box consideration include requirements for safe emergency access, gates, dead‑end roads, and turnarounds — see § 403.1 and subsections for the access standards the fire official enforces .
Decision‑relevant dimensions (use this table to decide whether a key box is likely required):
| Decision dimension | What triggers a key box? | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Access restricted by a security gate or locked opening | When access to the property or road is restricted by a gate or locked barrier the fire official may require a key box to provide timely entry. | § 403.1 (Chapter 4 overview) ; implementing authority: § 506.1 (Fire Code) |
| Property behind a gated roadway or other impediment to apparatus | CWUIC expressly lists Key boxes to provide ready access to properties secured by gated roadways or other impediments. | § 403.1 (Chapter 4 overview) |
| Dead‑end road lengths / remote driveways | Long dead‑end roads or remote driveways increase reliance on a single access; where access geometry/lengths create response challenges the fire official will consider key box needs as part of access mitigation. Dead‑end maximums: 800 ft, 1,320 ft, 2,640 ft, 5,280 ft depending on parcel size (see § 403.1.9). | § 403.1.9 (dead‑end lengths) |
| Gate design & emergency operation | Security gates must have an approved means of emergency operation; if that means is not adequate/approved the fire official may require a key box. | § 403.1.10(d) (gate emergency operation) |
| Where the Fire Code requires key boxes (buildings/features) | The Fire Code authorizes key boxes where access is restricted or immediate access is necessary for life‑saving/firefighting. That text defines required key‑box type (UL‑listed), and maintenance obligations. | California Fire Code § 506.1 and § 506.2 |
What “restricted access” means (defined term)
- Defensible Space and safe emergency access are elements of § 403.1; when a property’s access is impeded (locked gate, private gated community, locked fire‑access gate) the code contemplates tools — including key boxes — to restore timely entry for firefighting and rescue .
Exceptions & special cases
- Security gates are allowed only with approval and must have an approved means of emergency operation; an approved, maintained emergency gate mechanism can be the alternative to installing a key box if the AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) accepts it (§ 403.1.10(d)) .
- CWUIC text points to the California Fire Code for the specifics of key‑box type, contents and maintenance; the Fire Code allows the fire official discretion to require or waive a key box based on site‑specific factors (§ 506.1) .
- Where other accepted emergency access solutions exist (e.g., remote electronic gate release tied to dispatch, consistent rapid‑entry systems approved by the AHJ), the fire official may accept those instead of a physical key box — but that is at the AHJ’s discretion (see § 506.1 Fire Code) .
If you need the jurisdictional detail: local ordinances or fire department policy often add specific brand/compatibility requirements (e.g., Knox, Sentry systems) — the CWUIC and Fire Code delegate those technical approvals to the fire official .
Common mistakes
- Assuming a gate automatically triggers a key box requirement. (Reality: the AHJ evaluates whether the gate's emergency operation or other measures are adequate; if not, a key box can be required — § 403.1.10 and § 506.1) .
- Ignoring dead‑end road/driveway geometry. Long or single‑access roads have explicit CWUIC thresholds for maximum cumulative lengths; failure to provide required turnouts/turnarounds or other mitigations often leads the AHJ to require key boxes or other remedies (§ 403.1.9) .
- Buying/installing a non‑listed or incompatible key box. The Fire Code requires an approved type (listed per UL where applicable) and compatibility with local rapid‑entry systems when required (§ 506.1 and related subsections) .
- Failing to maintain the key(s) after rekeying — the Fire Code requires the building/operator to provide new keys to the AHJ immediately when locks are changed (§ 506.2) .
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A new 3‑lot subdivision is built in a WUI area. Access is via a private, gated single‑lane road that is a dead‑end with cumulative length 1,200 ft; each lot is zoned between 1 and 5 acres. The gate is situated 30 ft from the public road.
Apply the rules:
- Dead‑end maximum for parcels 1 to 4.99 acres is 1,320 ft (CWUIC § 403.1.9) — the 1,200 ft road is within the CWUIC maximum but near the limit, so the AHJ will scrutinize turnouts/turnaround requirements .
- Gate entrances must be at least 14 ft wide with 13 ft 6 in vertical clearance, and gates must provide an approved means of emergency operation (§ 403.1.10) — the developer must demonstrate compliance or provide an acceptable emergency‑operation method .
- Because the road is a gated private road and is the primary and only access, the fire official is authorized to require a key box (CWUIC Chapter 4 reference to key boxes in access requirements plus Fire Code § 506.1 authority). If the emergency gate mechanism is not acceptable, the official may require a UL‑listed key box containing keys to the gate and to any locked common‑area panels (§ 506.1) .
- The developer should coordinate with the AHJ early: confirm the gate emergency‑operation method, confirm required key‑box brand/compatibility, and document who is responsible for maintenance and lock changes (see § 506.2) .
Related provisions (CWUIC / Fire Code)
- § 403.1 — Access general provisions and Chapter 4 overview (Key boxes listed in Chapter 4)
- § 403.1.9 — Dead‑end road cumulative length thresholds (800 / 1,320 / 2,640 / 5,280 ft)
- § 403.1.10 — Gate entrance dimensions and requirement for approved emergency operation
- California Fire Code § 506.1 — Fire official authority to require key boxes; approved type and contents; key‑box compatibility requirements
- California Fire Code § 506.2 — Key‑box maintenance and rekeying notification obligations (owner/operator must provide new keys to AHJ)
Notes on sources and limits of this summary
- The CWUIC text in the supplied materials places the key‑box discussion within Chapter 4 (§ 403.1) and cross‑references existing gate/access standards (dead‑end lengths, gate emergency operation) that drive the AHJ's need for key boxes .
- The detailed operational requirements for key‑box type, labeling, mounting and maintenance are established in the California Fire Code (e.g., § 506.1 and § 506.2) and are reproduced in the supplied documents; those Fire Code sections are part of the implementing framework the CWUIC relies on for key‑box specifics .
- If you need the exact local implementation (e.g., mandatory brand, box location/height, emergency gate interface), check your local fire department’s key‑box policy and any local amendments to the CWUIC/Fire Code; the AHJ has approval authority under the cited sections.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CWUIC § 1-2 High 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 § 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 § 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 § 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 § 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 § 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 § 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 § 3306.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 3306—FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES
3306.1 Fire protection devices. The site safety director shall ensure that all fire protection equipment is maintained and serviced in accordance with this code. Fire protection equipment shall be inspected in accordance with the fire protection program.
3306.2 Impairment of fire protection systems. The site safety director shall ensure impairments to any fire protection system are in accordance with Section 901.
3306.3 Smoke detectors and smoke alarms. Smoke detectors and smoke alarms located in an area where airborne construction dust is expected shall be covered to prevent exposure to dust or shall be temporarily removed. Smoke detectors and alarms that were removed shall be replaced upon conclusion of dust-producing work. Smoke detectors and smoke alarms that were covered shall be inspected and cleaned, as necessary, upon conclusion of dust-producing work.
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FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
3306.4 Temporary covering of fire protection devices. Coverings placed on or over fire protection devices to protect them from damage during construction processes shall be immediately removed upon the completion of the construction processes in the room or area in which the devices are installed.
3306.5 Automatic sprinkler system. In buildings where an automatic sprinkler system is required by this code or the California Building Code, it shall be unlawful to occupy any portion of a building or structure until the automatic sprinkler system installation has been tested and approved, except as provided in Section 105.3.4.
3306.5.1 Operation of valves. Operation of sprinkler control valves shall be allowed only by properly authorized personnel and shall be accompanied by notification of duly designated parties. Where the sprinkler protection is being regularly turned off and on to facilitate connection of newly completed segments, the sprinkler control valves shall be checked at the end of each work period to ascertain that protection is in service.
3306.6 Portable fire extinguishers. Structures under construction, alteration or demolition shall be provided with not less than one approved portable fire extinguisher in accordance with Section 906 and sized for not less than ordinary hazard as follows:
- At each stairway on all floor levels where combustible materials have accumulated.
- In every storage and construction shed.
- Additional portable fire extinguishers shall be provided where special hazards exist including, but not limited to, the storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids.
SECTION 3307—FIRE DEPARTMENT SITE ACCESS AND WATER SUPPLY
3307.1 Required access. Approved vehicle access for firefighting shall be provided to all construction or demolition sites. Vehicle access shall be provided to within 100 feet (30 480 mm) of temporary or permanent fire department connections. Vehicle access shall be provided by either temporary or permanent roads, capable of supporting vehicle loading under all weather conditions. Vehicle access shall be maintained until permanent fire apparatus access roads are available.
3307.1.1 Key boxes. Key boxes shall be provided as required by Chapter 5.
[BE] 3307.1.2 Stairways required. Where building construction exceeds 40 feet (12 192 mm) in height above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, a temporary or permanent stairway shall be provided. As construction progresses, such stairway shall be extended to within one floor of the highest point of construction having secured decking or flooring.
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 § 5-1 Medium relevance — show source text
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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 § 601.3 Medium relevance — show source text
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
Hammerhead/T 202 Hazardous Land Use 202
Hazardous Materials 202 Heavy Timber Construction 202
Ignition Source Control Appendix A, A104 Ignition-Resistant Building Material 202, 503 Ignition-Resistant Construction 504 Appendages 504.7 Detached accessory structures 504.11 Eaves 504.3
Exterior doors 504.9
Exterior walls 504.5
Gutters and downspouts 504.4 Protection of eaves 504.3 Roof covering 504.2 Underfloor protection 504.6 Vents 504.10
Windows 504.8 Ignition-Resistant Construction and Material 503 Inspection and Enforcement 109 Abatement 109.3.8 Authority to inspect 109.1.2 Citations 109.3.4
Enforcement 109.2 Placarding 109.3.5.3 Prosecution 109.3.6
Reinspections 109.1.3 Right of entry 104.4 Testing 109.1.4 Unsafe conditions 109.3.5
Key Box 403.1
Land Use Limitations Appendix A, A108 Legal Defense of the Code Official 104.8.1 Liability of the Code Official 104.8
Log Wall Construction 202 LP-Gas Installations 606
Maintenance 101.6 Maintenance of Defensible Space 604 Modified area 604.2 Responsibility 604.3 Trees 604.4 Mapping of Wildland-Urban Interface Area 302.2 Multilayered Glazed Panels 202
Noncombustible Roof Covering 202
Outbuilding 202
CFC § 701 Medium relevance — show source text
PART I—ADMINISTRATIVE
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.
PART II—GENERAL SAFETY PROVISIONS
Chapter 3 General Requirements
General regulations contained in Chapter 3, are intended to improve premises safety for everyone, including construction workers, tenants, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency response personnel.
Chapter 4 Emergency Planning and Preparedness
Chapter 4 addresses the human contribution to life safety during emergencies. Continuous training and scheduled fire, evacuation and lockdown drills can be as important as the required periodic inspections and maintenance of built-in fire protection features. The level of preparation by the occupants also improves the emergency responders’ abilities during an emergency.
PART III—BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN FEATURES
Chapter 5 Fire Service Features
The requirements of Chapter 5 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 in-building emergency responder communication system coverage.
Chapter 6 Building Services and Systems
Chapter 6 provides a more systematic view of building systems and services as they relate to potential safety hazards and when and how they should be installed.
Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features
The maintenance of assemblies required to be fire-resistance rated is a key component in a passive fire protection philosophy. Chapter 7 sets forth requirements to maintain required fire-resistance ratings of building elements and limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the basics of what construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers need to be maintained as well as defining the owner’s responsibility. Sections 703 through 708, deals with various fire and smoke protection features that must also be maintained.
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Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
The overall purpose of Chapter 8 is to regulate interior finishes, decorative materials and furnishings in new and existing buildings so that they do not significantly add to or create fire hazards within buildings. This chapter is consistent with Chapter 8 of the CBC, which regulates the interior finishes of new buildings.
Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active systems of fire protection equipment to perform the following functions: detect a fire, alert the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, and control smoke and control or extinguish the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the CBC; however, this chapter also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the CBC. In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in CBC
CWUIC § 2-2 Medium relevance — show source text
ceiling, and
two clear-span
floors|2-2 × 12|5-11|2|4-6|3|3-9|3|5-11|2|4-6|3|3-9|3|5-8|2|4-5|3|3-9|3| |Roof, ceiling, and
two clear-span
floors|3-2 × 8|5-3|1|4-0|2|3-5|2|5-3|2|4-0|2|3-5|2|5-1|2|3-11|2|3-4|2| |Roof, ceiling, and
two clear-span
floors|3-2 × 10|6-3|2|4-9|2|4-0|2|6-3|2|4-9|2|4-0|2|6-1|2|4-8|2|4-0|3| |Roof, ceiling, and
two clear-span
floors|3-2 × 12|7-5|2|5-8|2|4-9|3|7-5|2|5-8|2|4-9|3|7-2|2|5-6|3|4-8|3| |Roof, ceiling, and
two clear-span
floors|4-2 × 8|6-1|1|4-8|2|3-11|2|6-1|1|4-8|2|3-11|2|5-11|1|4-7|2|3-10|2| |Roof, ceiling, and
two clear-span
floors|4-2 × 10|7-3|2|5-6|2|4-8|2|7-3|2|5-6|2|4-8|2|7-0|2|5-5|2|4-7|2| |Roof, ceiling, and
two clear-span
floors|4-2 × 12|8-6|2|6-6|2|5-6|2|8-6|2|6-6|2|5-6|2|8-3|2|6-4|2|5-4|3| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
a. Spans are given in feet and inches.
b. Spans are based on minimum design properties for No. 2 grade lumber of Douglas fir-larch, hem-fir, Southern pine, and spruce-pine-fir.
c. Building width is measured perpendicular to the ridge. For widths between those shown, spans are permitted to be interpolated.
d. NJ = Number of jack studs required to support each end. Where the number of required jack studs equals one, the header is permitted to be supported by an approved fram-
ing anchor attached to the full-height wall stud and to the header.
e. Use 30 psf ground snow load for cases in which ground snow load is less than 30 psf and the roof live load is equal to or less than 20 psf.
f. Spans are calculated assuming the top of the header or girder is laterally braced by perpendicular framing.CWUIC § 101.1 Medium relevance — show source text
PART 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
[A] 101.2 Scope. This code applies to building materials, systems and/or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings located within a wildland-urban interface (WUI) area and contains minimum requirements to mitigate conditions that might cause a fire originating in a structure to ignite vegetation in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) area, and conversely, a wildfire burning in vegetative fuels to transmit fire to buildings and threaten to destroy life, overwhelm fire suppression capabilities or result in large property losses.
[A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.
[A] 101.3 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish minimum regulations for the safeguarding of life and for property protection. Regulations in this code are intended to mitigate the risk to life and structures from intrusion of fire from wildland fire exposures and fire exposures from adjacent structures and to mitigate structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels. The extent of this regulation is intended to be tiered commensurate with the relative level of hazard present.
The unrestricted use of property in wildland-urban interface areas is a potential threat to life and property from fire and resulting erosion. Safeguards to prevent the occurrence of fires and to provide adequate fire protection facilities to control the spread of fire in wildland-urban interface areas shall be in accordance with this code.
This code shall supplement the jurisdiction’s building and fire codes, if such codes have been adopted, to provide for special regulations to mitigate the fire- and life-safety hazards of the wildland-urban interface areas.
101.3.1 Application. New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Area designated by the enforcing agency constructed after the application date shall comply with the provisions of this code. This shall include all new buildings with residential, commercial, educational, institutional or similar occupancy type use, which shall be referred to in this code as “applicable buildings,” as well as new buildings and structures accessory to those applicable buildings.
Exceptions: 1. Group U occupancy accessory buildings of any size located at least 50 feet (15 240 mm) from an applicable building on the same lot.
2. Group U occupancy agricultural buildings, as defined in Section 202 of the California Building Code of any size located at least 50 feet (15 240 mm) from an applicable building. 3. Group C occupancy special buildings conforming to the limitations specified in Section 450.4.1 of the California Building Code. 4. New accessory buildings and miscellaneous structures specified in Section 504.11 shall comply only with the requirements of that section.
5. Additions to and remodels of buildings originally constructed prior to July 1, 2008.
101.3.1.1 Application date and where required. New buildings for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after July 1, 2008, located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface Area shall comply with this code, including all of the following areas:
CWUIC § 504.7 Medium relevance — show source text
Ignition Source Control Appendix A, A104 Ignition-Resistant Building Material 202, 503 Ignition-Resistant Construction 504 Appendages 504.7 Detached accessory structures 504.11 Eaves 504.3
Exterior doors 504.9
Exterior walls 504.5
Gutters and downspouts 504.4 Protection of eaves 504.3 Roof covering 504.2 Underfloor protection 504.6 Vents 504.10
Windows 504.8 Ignition-Resistant Construction and Material 503 Inspection and Enforcement 109 Abatement 109.3.8 Authority to inspect 109.1.2 Citations 109.3.4
Enforcement 109.2 Placarding 109.3.5.3 Prosecution 109.3.6
Reinspections 109.1.3 Right of entry 104.4 Testing 109.1.4 Unsafe conditions 109.3.5
Key Box 403.1
Land Use Limitations Appendix A, A108 Legal Defense of the Code Official 104.8.1 Liability of the Code Official 104.8
Log Wall Construction 202 LP-Gas Installations 606
Maintenance 101.6 Maintenance of Defensible Space 604 Modified area 604.2 Responsibility 604.3 Trees 604.4 Mapping of Wildland-Urban Interface Area 302.2 Multilayered Glazed Panels 202
Noncombustible Roof Covering 202
Outbuilding 202
Peer Review 104.2.2.7, 202 Permits
Application 105.4 Approval 105.5 Expiration 105.8 Issuance 105.6 Preliminary inspection 105.4.1 Refusal to issue 105.6.1
Required 105.2 Retention 105.9
Revocation 105.10 Validity 105.7 Work exempt from permit 105.3 Placarding as Unsafe 109.3.5.3 Powers and Duties of the Code
Official 104.1
Practical Difficulties 104.2.3 Protection of Pumps and Water Storage Facilities Appendix A, A107
Rafter Tail 202 Referenced Standards 102.4, Chapter 7 Registered Design Professional 104.2.1.2, 104.2.2.6.2, 106.1, 202 Residential Unit 202 Retroactivity 101.4 Ridgelline 202 Road 202 Roof Covering 202 Roof Covering System 202 Roof Coverings, Replacement or Repair of 507
Roof Deck 202
Scope 101 Self-Defense Mechanism Appendix G Service Utilities 111
Slope 202 Spark Arrestors 605 Stop Work Order 113 Storage of Firewood and Combustible Materials 607 Strategic Ridgeline 202 Structure 202
Subdivision 202
CWUIC § 868-880. Medium relevance — show source text
C101.7 Infrastructure / COOP / COG. The locations and needs of key facilities for maintaining continuity of operations (COOP) and conti- nuity of government (COG), such as police, fire, EMS, hospitals, government buildings, cell towers, water sources, water provider infrastructure, electrical utility key infrastructure and natural gas key infrastructure, should be listed and incorporated in this part of the evaluation framework.
Infrastructure characteristics, particularly related to water supply and electric utilities, can impact response and potential prefire hazard reduction. The public water system dependence on power supply, including the availability of backup power sources (e.g., gener- ator backup) will provide insight into the resilience of the water system. The location of power lines (e.g., above or below ground) can impact evacuation, as downed power lines can impact evacuation and mobility throughout the community.
- An example of a framework which includes coupled fire and evacuation considerations, as well as background on the individual model components, is provided in Ronchi et al. (2019) “An open multi-physics framework for modelling WUI fire evacuations,” Safety Science 118:868-880.
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APPENDIX C—COMMUNITY WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE (WUI) FIRE HAZARD EVALUATION FRAMEWORK
C101.8 Firefighting response. The type of fire department, whether volunteer, career, or combined, may impact the likely availability and response time of first responder resources. The density of firefighting (ff) responders, as a ratio of the number of personnel on shift to the number of structures (number of ffs/number of structures) will provide information on the maximum possible coverage by the local
resources.
In this section, mutual aid resources should be counted only if mutual aid agreements are in place and can ensure rapid deployment. Mutual aid response is captured through a histogram in 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-hour travel times. This may also be approximated using a geographic radius of distance from the community. The purpose of this information is to provide insight into the minimum response times by mutual aid.
TABLE C101—COMMUNITY WUI FIRE HAZARD EVALUATION FRAMEWORK Col2 Col3 COMMUNITY DATA TYPE DATA LAYER
IN MDSCommunity shapefile, geodatabase or GeoPackage including topography and geographic
attributes, and prevailing weather patterns (e.g. wind)GIS layer x FUELS FUELS FUELS Structure density (structure separation distances—SSD) SSD histogram Age of structures Histogram Vegetative fuel loading:
- Fuel type
- Fuel loadingFuel type
Tons/acreNatural and artificial fuel breaks
_ (including fuel treatments within and around community and year built)_List, GIS layer x Community hazards (e.g. hazmat and high fuel load facilities) Specify, GIS layer x Fire history _Frequency of, and most recent, CWUIC § 601.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 601—GENERAL
601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter establish general requirements for new and existing buildings, structures and premises located within wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas .
601.2 Objective. The objective of this chapter is to establish minimum requirements to mitigate conditions that might cause a fire originating in a structure to ignite vegetation in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) area, and conversely, a wildfire burning in vegetative fuels to transmit fire to buildings and threaten to destroy life, overwhelm fire suppression capabilities or result in large property losses.
601.3 Chapter 6 definitions. Where used in this chapter, the term listed below shall be defined as follows:
DEFENSIBLE SPACE. The buffer that landowners are required to create on their property between a “Building or Structure” and the plants, brush and trees or other items surrounding the “Building or Structure” that could ignite in the event of a fire. [CCR Title 14 §1299.02(a)]
SECTION 602— FIRE PROTECTION PLANS
602.1 General. The code official is authorized to require the owner or owner’s authorized agent to provide a fire protection plan. The fire protection plan shall be prepared to determine the acceptability of fire protection and life safety measures designed to mitigate wildfire hazards presented for the property under consideration.
The fire protection plan shall be prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist or similar specialist acceptable to the code official and shall analyze the wildfire risk of the building, project, premises or region to recommend necessary changes.
The code official is authorized to require a preliminary fire protection plan prior to the submission of a final fire protection plan.
602.2 Contents. The fire protection plan shall be based on a project-specific wildfire hazard assessment that includes considerations of location, topography, aspect and climatic and fire history.
The plan shall identify conformance with all applicable state wildfire protection regulations, statutes and applicable local ordi- nances, whichever are more restrictive.
The plan shall address fire department access, egress, road and address signage and water supply in addition to fuel reduction in accordance with Public Resources Code (PRC) 4290; the defensible space requirements in accordance with PRC 4291 or Government Code 51182; and the applicable building codes and standards for wildfire safety. The plan shall identify mitigation measures to address the project’s specific wildfire risk and shall include the information required in Sections 602.3 through 602.3.2.
602.3 Project information. The final fire protection plan shall be reviewed and approved prior to start of construction.
602.3.1 Preliminary fire protection plan. When a preliminary fire protection plan is submitted, it shall include, at a minimum, the following: 1. Total size of the project. 2. Information on the adjoining properties on all sides, including current land uses, and if known, existing structures and densi- ties, planned construction, natural vegetation, environmental restoration plans, roads and parks. 3. A map with all project boundary lines, property lines, slope contour lines, proposed structure foundation footprints, and proposed roads and driveways. The map shall identify project fuel modification zones and method of identifying the fuel modification zone boundaries.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 6-3
CWUIC § 4.1 Medium relevance — show source text
4|Combustible
materials|N||||||||| |A105.4.1|Individual piles|N||||||||| |A105.4.2|Separation|N||||||||| |A106|Dumping|N||||||||| |A106.1|Waste material|N||||||||| |A106.2|Ashes and coals|N||||||||| |A107|Protection of pumps
and water storage
facilities|N||||||||| |A107.1|General|N||||||||| |A107.2|Objective|N||||||||| |A107.3|Fuel modification
area|N||||||||| |A107.4|Trees|N||||||||| |A107.5|Protection of electri-
cal power supplies|N||||||||| |A108|Land use limitations|N||||||||| |A108.1|General|N||||||||| |A108.2|Objective|N||||||||| |A108.3|Permits|N||||||||| |A108.4|Access roadways|N||||||||| |A109|Referenced standards|N||||||||| |A109.1|General|N|||||||||APPENDIX H-34 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
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APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
2025 CWUIC—continued Col2 Adopted
Yes/NoIWUIC
SectionCBC
SectionCFC
SectionTitle 14,
Division 1.5
SectionTitle 19,
Division 1
SectionGov Code
SectionPRC
SectionHSC
SectionSection Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Appendix B Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan Vegetation management plan B101 General N B101.1 Scope N B101.2 Plan content N B101.3 Fuel modification N Appendix C Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework **_Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) CWUIC § 1-2 Medium relevance — show source text
Population growth and the expanding urban development into traditionally nonurban areas have increasingly brought humans into contact with wildfires. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), every year, wildfires burn across the United States and a growing number of people are living where wildfires are a real risk. In 2018 more than 58,000 fires burned nearly 9 million acres across the US. More than 25,000 structures were destroyed, including 18,137 residences and 229 commercial structures. California accounted for the highest number of structures lost in one state due to the number of significant fires, including the Mendocino Complex, Carr, Camp and Woolsey fires.
The IWUIC is a model code that is intended to be adopted and used supplemental to the adopted building and fire codes of a jurisdiction. The unrestricted use of property in wildland-urban interface areas is a potential threat to life and property from fire and resulting erosion. The IWUIC has as its objective the establishment of minimum special regulations for the safeguarding of life and
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property from the intrusion of fire from wildland fire exposures and fire exposures from adjacent structures and to prevent structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels, even in the absence of fire department intervention.
Safeguards to prevent the occurrence of fires and to provide adequate fire protection facilities to control the spread of fire in wildland-urban interface areas are provided in a tiered manner commensurate with the relative level of hazard present.
ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CWUIC
The format of the CWUIC allows each chapter to be devoted to a particular subject. The following table shows how the CWUIC is divided. The chapter synopses detail the scope and intent of the provisions of the CWUIC.
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.
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 § 1273.09 Medium relevance — show source text
Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.
1273.09 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 (40) 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. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times.
Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.
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APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
1273.10 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 Highway Bridges, 17th 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. (d) A bridge with only one traffic lane may be authorized by the local jurisdiction; however, it shall provide for unobstructed visibil- ity from one end to the other and turnouts at both ends.
Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.
Article 3 Signing and Building Numbering
1274.00. Intent. To facilitate locating a fire and to avoid delays in response, all newly constructed or approved Roads and Buildings shall be designated by names or numbers posted on signs clearly visible and legible from the Road. This section shall not restrict the size of letters or numbers appearing on road signs for other purposes.
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.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE 4-5
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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 § 1273.05 Medium relevance — show source text
APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS
(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.
Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.
FIGURE FOR CCR 1273.05—TURNAROUND EXAMPLES
1273.06 Turnouts. Turnouts shall be a minimum of twelve (12) feet wide and thirty (30) feet long with a minimum twenty-five (25) foot taper on each end.
Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.
1273.08 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
Parcels zoned for 1 acre to 4.99 acres – 1,320 feet
Parcels zoned for 5 acres to 19.99 acres – 2,640 feet
Parcels zoned for 20 acres or larger – 5,280 feet 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 1273.05 for dead-end road turnaround requirements.
Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.
1273.09 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 (40) 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. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times.
Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX H-13
Frequently asked questions
Who decides whether a key box is required?
The local fire code official (AHJ) decides based on access conditions and CWUIC Chapter 4 criteria; the Fire Code § 506.1 authorizes the official to require a key box .
If I have an electronic gate with remote release, do I still need a key box?
Not automatically. The gate must have an approved means of emergency operation acceptable to the AHJ under § 403.1.10; if the AHJ finds the mechanism inadequate or unreliable they can require a key box .
What kind of key box is acceptable?
The Fire Code requires an approved type (UL‑listed where applicable) and may require compatibility with the jurisdiction’s rapid‑entry system; final approval rests with the AHJ (§ 506.1) .
What must I do when I rekey my gate or locks?
You must immediately notify the fire code official and supply the new key for the key box per § 506.2 (Fire Code) .
Do the CWUIC dead‑end road length limits affect key‑box decisions?
Yes. Long dead‑end roads and driveway geometry are part of the access evaluation and often lead the AHJ to require additional mitigations — including key boxes — under § 403.1.9 and related access rules .
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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