CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

Marking existing roads, fire protection equipment and hydrants

Q: Can I use a painted curb or pavement marking instead of a post sign for a hydrant?

§404.8 specifies a reflectorized blue marker mounted to an address sign or posted on a fire‑retardant post as accepted methods; alternative methods may be approved by the code official but should be coordinated prior to installation.

Q: What size should road name letters be so emergency crews can read them?

Road name signs should use minimum 4‑inch letter height and 0.5‑inch stroke and be reflectorized, and be legible from at least 100 feet , per the CWUIC signing/article rules.

Q: If my subdivision is old, do I still need to comply?

§402.3 addresses existing conditions : the code directs existing buildings, roads and fire protection equipment be provided with markings per the cited sections. Local enforcement may phase compliance; check with the AHJ for timelines.

If you own property in the wildland‑urban interface you must ensure roads, addresses and fire water equipment are visibly marked so firefighters can find them fast. The CWUIC requires existing roads to be marked per §403.4 and water sources/hydrants to be identified with a reflectorized blue marker (minimum 3 in) mounted on a fire‑retardant post and a sign placed within 3 ft and 3–5 ft above ground — see §402.3 and §404.8 for the controlling rules; consult your local code official for §403.4 text and site‑specific approvals.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

Existing buildings, roads and firefighting water equipment in wildland‑urban interface areas must be marked so firefighters can find them quickly. The California Wildland‑Urban Interface Code requires existing roads and fire protection equipment to be marked — see §402.3 — and it directs that markings for roads follow §403.4 and for hydrants/equipment follow §404.8.

The single most important rule: make hydrants and water‑sources visibly identifiable (reflectorized blue marker, mounted and positioned so they are not obscured) and ensure road/address signage is legible and maintained to support emergency response.

Requirements in detail

Governing references (what points to what)

§402.3 — Existing roads and fire protection equipment must be provided with markings in accordance with §403.4 (roads) and §404.8 (water sources / hydrants).
§404.8 — Contains the specific identification requirements for water sources, draft sites, hydrants and fire protection equipment (reflectorized markers, mounting, post location and height).
Note: §403.4 is the CWUIC section that §402.3 points to for marking existing roads; the exact text of §403.4 was not present in the retrieved files I reviewed, so the code’s requirement is that markings follow §403.4 but I could not reproduce §403.4 verbatim here. (See the table below for the road‑sign rules that are present elsewhere in the code and that are commonly applied.)

Key elements you will need to provide or verify

Legible, maintained road and address signage (for locating properties and access roads). (Related requirements appear in the CWUIC signing/article references.)
Hydrant / water source identification with a reflectorized blue marker and mounting on a fire‑retardant post; marker minimum dimension 3 inches (73 mm). Signpost for access‑road hydrants must be within 3 feet (914 mm) of the hydrant and the sign face mounted not less than 3 feet (914 mm) and not greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) above ground; sign oriented horizontally and visible from the driveway. These are in §404.8.
Keep hydrant access unobstructed at all times. (§404.7 / §404.8)

Decision‑relevant dimensions and values

Item	Required / Typical value	Where to check (code reference)
Hydrant marker type	Reflectorized blue marker	§404.8
Hydrant marker min. dimension	3 inches (73 mm)	§404.8
Hydrant signpost distance from hydrant	Within 3 feet (914 mm)	§404.8
Hydrant sign mounting height	Not less than 3 ft (914 mm) and not greater than 5 ft (1524 mm) above ground	§404.8
Road sign letter height (road name signs)	Minimum 4 inch letter height, 0.5 inch stroke; reflectorized	Road sign rules (CWUIC / Title 14 signing provisions) — see §403.2 / 1274.01–1274.02
Road sign visibility	Legible from at least 100 feet in both directions	§1274.02 (road sign visibility)
Address posting during construction	Address posted at the beginning of construction and maintained thereafter	§1274.02 / §1274.04 (address installation/visibility references)

Notes:

The CWUIC directs marking of existing roads to §403.4 but the retrieval did not include the full text of §403.4; consult your local jurisdiction/code official or the full code text for the precise language of §403.4.

How the hydrant / water‑source marking works in practice (from §404.8)

Where a hydrant is along a driveway, place a reflectorized blue marker (min. 3 in) on the driveway address sign and mount it on a fire‑retardant post.
Where a hydrant is along an access road, mount a reflectorized blue marker (min. 3 in) on a fire‑retardant post sited within 3 ft of the hydrant; the sign face must be horizontal and between 3 ft and 5 ft above ground and visible from the driveway. §404.8 lists these options.

Exceptions & special cases

The CWUIC does not require renaming or renumbering existing roads solely to comply with new requirements; the signing rules apply primarily to newly constructed or approved roads but §402.3 makes existing‑condition marking mandatory to the extent the code references it. (See the CWUIC signing intent and road‑sign wording.)
The code allows the code official latitude to approve identification methods “in a manner approved by the code official” (for example color, format, or location alternatives) — always coordinate with your local authority having jurisdiction where onsite constraints exist. §404.8 requires identification “in a manner approved by the code official.”
§404.8(2.3) references the State Fire Marshal’s Guidelines for Fire Hydrant Markings along State Highways and Freeways (May 1988) for certain situations; that guideline is a separate document — consult it where state highways/freeways are involved. The guideline text was not reproduced here.
If you cannot find the text of §403.4 in your copy of the CWUIC, the local code official must be consulted because §402.3 points to §403.4 for existing‑road marking requirements.

Common mistakes

Installing a blue marker that is non‑reflective, too small, or mounted on a non‑approved (combustible) post — the code requires a reflectorized marker and mounting on a fire‑retardant post for driveway applications.
Mounting a hydrant sign too high or too low (must be between 3 ft and 5 ft for access‑road hydrants).
Assuming existing road names don’t need attention — §402.3 explicitly ties existing‑condition marking to the signing/identification rules; don’t ignore address/road signage for older neighborhoods.
Confusing road name sign letter‑height (minimum 4 in) with hydrant marker size (3 in marker). Use the correct dimension for the element being marked. file
Relying on private property signs that are blocked by parked vehicles, vegetation or winter snow — §404.7 and §404.8 require access and identification not be obstructed.

Worked example — cul‑de‑sac with one hydrant and a driveway address sign

Scenario: Single cul‑de‑sac with a private access road. A fire hydrant is installed 8 ft from the road edge near Parcel A’s driveway.

What to do:

Install a reflectorized blue marker (min 3 in / 73 mm) on Parcel A’s driveway address sign and mount that address sign on a fire‑retardant post so the marker is visible from the road. This satisfies the option for “where located along a driveway.” (§404.8)
If instead the hydrant is principally accessed from the access road, install a separate sign on a fire‑retardant post placed within 3 ft (914 mm) of the hydrant. Make the sign face horizontal and mount it between 3 ft (914 mm) and 5 ft (1524 mm) above ground so firefighters can see it from the vehicle. (§404.8)
Ensure road name / address signs on the cul‑de‑sac use minimum 4 in letters, reflectorized finish and are legible from 100 ft, so responders can locate the property quickly (per the CWUIC signing provisions). If the road name sign currently uses 2.5 in letters, replace to meet the 4 in minimum.

Related provisions (quick links)

§402.3 — Existing conditions: address markers, roads, and fire protection equipment marking requirements (references §403.4 and §404.8).
§403.2.4 and §403.2.5 — CWUIC address/numbering provisions referenced by §402.3 (see signing/article provisions).
§1274.01 / §1274.02 (Title 14 / CCR) — Road sign size, installation and visibility requirements (minimum 4 in letters; legible from 100 ft). These Title 14 provisions are reprinted in the CWUIC signing article and apply to address/road signage.
§404.7 — Obstructions to water sources (access must be unobstructed).
§404.8 — Identification of water sources, draft sites, hydrants and fire protection equipment (main hydrant identification requirements).

If you need the exact wording of §403.4 (the section the code points to for existing‑road marking), I was not able to locate the full text of that particular subsection in the files available to me; for the definitive requirement locate §403.4 in your jurisdiction’s copy of the CWUIC or ask the local code official.

Code references

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

CWUIC § 304.8 High relevance — show source text
Where streets are provided with median dividers which can be crossed by firefighters pulling hose lines, or where arterial streets are provided with four or more traffic lanes and_
have a traffic count of more than 30,000 vehicles per day, hydrant spacing shall average 500 feet on each side of the street and be arranged on an alternating basis up to a fire-flow
requirement of 7,000 gallons per minute and 400 feet for higher fire-flow requirements.
c Where new water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not needed for protection of structures or similar fire problems, fire hydrants shall be provided at spacing
not to exceed 1,000 feet to provide for transportation hazards.
d. Reduce by 50 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
e. One hydrant for each 1,000 gallons per minute or fraction thereof.|For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m.
a. Reduce by 100 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
b. Where streets are provided with median dividers which can be crossed by firefighters pulling hose lines, or where arterial streets are provided with four or more traffic lanes and
have a traffic count of more than 30,000 vehicles per day, hydrant spacing shall average 500 feet on each side of the street and be arranged on an alternating basis up to a fire-flow
requirement of 7,000 gallons per minute and 400 feet for higher fire-flow requirements.
c Where new water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not needed for protection of structures or similar fire problems, fire hydrants shall be provided at spacing
not to exceed 1,000 feet to provide for transportation hazards.
d. Reduce by 50 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
e. One hydrant for each 1,000 gallons per minute or fraction thereof.|For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m.
a. Reduce by 100 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
b. Where streets are provided with median dividers which can be crossed by firefighters pulling hose lines, or where arterial streets are provided with four or more traffic lanes and
have a traffic count of more than 30,000 vehicles per day, hydrant spacing shall average 500 feet on each side of the street and be arranged on an alternating basis up to a fire-flow
requirement of 7,000 gallons per minute and 400 feet for higher fire-flow requirements.
c Where new water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not needed for protection of structures or similar fire problems, fire hydrants shall be provided at spacing
not to exceed 1,000 feet to provide for transportation hazards.
d. Reduce by 50 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
e. One hydrant for each 1,000 gallons per minute or fraction thereof.|For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m.
a. Reduce by 100 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
_b.
CWUIC § 903.3.1.1 High relevance — show source text
Where new water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not needed for protection of structures or similar fire problems, fire hydrants shall be provided at
spacing not to exceed 1,000 feet to provide for transportation hazards.
d. Reduce by 50 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
e. One hydrant for each 1,000 gallons per minute or fraction thereof.
f. A 50-percent spacing increase shall be permitted where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 of the_California Fire Code_.
g. A 25-percent spacing increase shall be permitted where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3 of the_California Fire Code_ or Section P2904 of the_California Residential Code_.
h. The fire code official is authorized to modify the location, number and distribution of fire hydrants based on site-specific constraints and hazards.|For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m.
a. Reduce by 100 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
b. Where streets are provided with median dividers that cannot be crossed by firefighters pulling hose lines, or where arterial streets are provided with four or more traffic lanes
and have a traffic count of more than 30,000 vehicles per day, hydrant spacing shall average 500 feet on each side of the street and be arranged on an alternating basis.
c. Where new water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not needed for protection of structures or similar fire problems, fire hydrants shall be provided at
spacing not to exceed 1,000 feet to provide for transportation hazards.
d. Reduce by 50 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
e. One hydrant for each 1,000 gallons per minute or fraction thereof.
f. A 50-percent spacing increase shall be permitted where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 of the_California Fire Code_.
g. A 25-percent spacing increase shall be permitted where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3 of the_California Fire Code_ or Section P2904 of the_California Residential Code_.
h. The fire code official is authorized to modify the location, number and distribution of fire hydrants based on site-specific constraints and hazards.|For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m.
a. Reduce by 100 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
b. Where streets are provided with median dividers that cannot be crossed by firefighters pulling hose lines, or where arterial streets are provided with four or more traffic lanes
and have a traffic count of more than 30,000 vehicles per day, hydrant spacing shall average 500 feet on each side of the street and be arranged on an alternating basis.
c. Where new water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not needed for protection of structures or similar fire problems, fire hydrants shall be provided at
spacing not to exceed 1,000 feet to provide for transportation hazards.
d. Reduce by 50 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
e. One hydrant for each 1,000 gallons per minute or fraction thereof.
f.
CWUIC § 402.1.1 High relevance — show source text
402.1.1 Access. New subdivisions, as determined by this jurisdiction, shall be provided with fire apparatus access roads in accordance with the California Fire Code; the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 2; and access requirements in accordance with Section 403.

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

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

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

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

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

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

SECTION 403—ACCESS

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

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

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

DEFENSIBLE SPACE. The area within the perimeter of a parcel, development, neighborhood or community where basic wildland fire protection practices and measures are implemented to defend against encroaching wildfire or to escape structure fires. The perimeter as used in this regulation [CCR Title 14] is the area encompassing the parcel or parcels proposed for construction and/or development, excluding the physical structure itself. The area is characterized by the establishment and maintenance of emer- gency vehicle access, emergency water reserves, road names and identification, and fuel modification measures. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(f)]
CWUIC § 903.3.1.1 High relevance — show source text
Reduce by 50 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
e. One hydrant for each 1,000 gallons per minute or fraction thereof.
f. A 50-percent spacing increase shall be permitted where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 of the_California Fire Code_.
g. A 25-percent spacing increase shall be permitted where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3 of the_California Fire Code_ or Section P2904 of the_California Residential Code_.
h. The fire code official is authorized to modify the location, number and distribution of fire hydrants based on site-specific constraints and hazards.|For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m.
a. Reduce by 100 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
b. Where streets are provided with median dividers that cannot be crossed by firefighters pulling hose lines, or where arterial streets are provided with four or more traffic lanes
and have a traffic count of more than 30,000 vehicles per day, hydrant spacing shall average 500 feet on each side of the street and be arranged on an alternating basis.
c. Where new water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not needed for protection of structures or similar fire problems, fire hydrants shall be provided at
spacing not to exceed 1,000 feet to provide for transportation hazards.
d. Reduce by 50 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
e. One hydrant for each 1,000 gallons per minute or fraction thereof.
f. A 50-percent spacing increase shall be permitted where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 of the_California Fire Code_.
g. A 25-percent spacing increase shall be permitted where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3 of the_California Fire Code_ or Section P2904 of the_California Residential Code_.
h. The fire code official is authorized to modify the location, number and distribution of fire hydrants based on site-specific constraints and hazards.|

2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE APPENDIX C-3

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APPENDIX C—FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION

SECTION C103—FIRE HYDRANT SPACING

C103.1 Hydrant spacing. Fire apparatus access roads and public streets providing required access to buildings in accordance with Section 503 shall be provided with one or more fire hydrants, as determined by Section C102.1. Where more than one fire hydrant is required, the distance between required fire hydrants shall be in accordance with Sections C103.2 and C103.3.

C103.2 Average spacing. The average spacing between fire hydrants shall be in accordance with Table C102.1.

Exception: The average spacing shall be permitted to be increased by 10 percent where existing fire hydrants provide all or a portion of the required number of fire hydrants.

C103.3 Maximum spacing. The maximum spacing between fire hydrants shall be in accordance with Table C102.1.
CWUIC § 4-1 High 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:
1. Fire service access to the property that is to be protected, including fire apparatus access roads and off-road driveways.
2. Premises identification.
3. Key boxes to provide ready access to properties secured by gated roadways or other impediments to rapid fire service access.
4. Fire protection water supplies, including adequate water sources, pumper apparatus drafting sites, fire hydrant systems and system reliability.
5. Fire department access to equipment such as fire suppression equipment and fire hydrants.
SECTION 401—GENERAL

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

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

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

SECTION 402—APPLICABILITY

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

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

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

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

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

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

402.2.2 Water supply. Individual structures hereafter constructed or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with a conforming water supply in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 4; California Fire Code Section 507; and Section 404.
CWUIC § 403.2 Medium relevance — show source text
APPENDIX I-4 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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

Individual structures 402.2 Marking of roads 402.3, 403.4 Restricted 403.1

Subdivisions 402.1 Accessory Buildings and Miscellaneous Structures

Defined 202

Detached 504.11 Exempt from permit 105.3 Additions or Alterations 101.5

Address Markers 402.3 Agriculture 202 Alternative Materials or Methods 104.2.2

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

Building 202 Building Official 202

Certificate of Completion 111 Certificate of occupancy 111.2 Revocation 111.4

Temporary occupancy 111.3

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

Amended 106.10

Examination of 106.9 Information on plans and specifications 106.2 Phased 106.12

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

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

Director 202 Driveway 202 Dumping Appendix A, A106 Dwelling 202

Exterior Covering 202

INDEX

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

Fire Weather 202

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

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

Fuel Modification Distance 603.2

Fuel Mosaic 202 Fuel-Loading 202

General Requirements Appendix A Green Belt 202

Greenways 202
CWUIC § 1.5 Medium relevance — show source text

Division 1.5
Section|Title 19,
Division 1
Section|Gov Code
Section|PRC
Section|HSC
Section| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Section|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title| |Chapter 4|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements|Wildland-urban interface area requirements| |403.2.5|Address installation,
location, and visibility|Y||||1274.04(a)
1274.04(b)
1274.04(c)
1274.04(d)
1274.04(e)
1274.04(f)||||| |404|Water supply|Y||||1275.02||||| |404.1|General|Y|||507|1275.02(b)||||| |404.2|Required water supply|Y||||1275.02(c)||||| |404.3|Draft sites|Y||||||||| |404.3.1|Access|Y|||507.5.4|||||| |404.3.2|Pumper access points|Y|404.3.2|||||||| |404.4|Hydrants|Y|||507.5|||||| |404.5|Adequate water
supply|Y|||507.3|1275.02(b)||||| |404.6|Reserved|N||||||||| |404.7|Obstructions|Y|||507.5.4|||||| |404.8|Identification|Y||||1275.04(a)||||| |404.9|Testing and
maintenance|Y|||507.5.2|||||| |404.10|Reliability|Y|||507.5.2|||||| |404.10.1|Objective|Y|404.10.1|||||||| |404.10.2|Clearance of fuel|Y|||4907.1|||||| |404.10.3|Standby power|Y|||507.5.2|||||| |Chapter 5|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations|Special building construction regulations| |501|General|Y||701A||||||| |501.1|Scope|Y||701A.3||||||| |501.2|Objective|Y||701A.2||||||| |501.3|Fire-resistance-rated
construction|Y||703.2.1.5||||||| |501.4|Noncombustibility
tests|Y||703.3||||||| |501.4.1|Noncombustible
materials|Y||703.3.
CWUIC § 603.4.2 Medium relevance — show source text
Trees 603.4.2

2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE INDEX-1

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INDEX

Undeveloped Ridgeline 202 Unenclosed Accessory Structure 202

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

Vertical Curve 202

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

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

Wildfire 202

Wildland 202

Wildland-Urban Interface Area 202

Wildland-Urban Interface Area Designations 302 Declaration 302.1

Mapping 302.2 Review 302.3

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HISTORY NOTE APPENDIX

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

HISTORY:
1. (SFM 08/24)—Adoption by reference of the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code with necessary amendments relocated from the California Building Code, California Residential Code and California Fire Code to become the 2025 Califor- nia Wildland-Urban Interface Code . Approved by the California Building Standards Commission on February 26, 2025, filed with Secretary of State on March 7, 2025, and effective on January 1, 2026.
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE HIST-1

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HIST-2 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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CWUIC § 3-3 Medium relevance — show source text
301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

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

CHAPTER 4 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA

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

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

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

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

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

CHAPTER 5 SPECIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

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

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

502 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3

503 Ignition-Resistant Construction and Material. . . . . .5-3

504 Ignition-Resistant Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4

505 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9

506 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9

507 Replacement or Repair of Roof Coverings. . . . . . . . .5-9

CHAPTER 6 FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . .6-3

601 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

602 Fire Protection Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

603 Vegetation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

604 Maintenance of Defensible Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
CWUIC § 601.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Title 19, Division 1]|||||||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section|||||||||||||||||||||||| |601.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |601.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |601.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |602.1 –602.3.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |603.1 –603.4.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |604.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |604.2 –604.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |606.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |606.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |607.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |610|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |611|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |612|||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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6-2 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

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6 FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

User notes:

About this chapter: In addition to the building construction requirements in the California Building Code and California Residential Code, this chapter contains 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.

CWUIC § 201.3 Medium relevance — show source text

Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	Col5	HCD	Col7	Col8	DSA	Col10	OSHPD	Col12	Col13	Col14	Col15	Col16	BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	T-24	T-19*	1	2	1/AC	AC	SS	1	1R	2	3	4	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Adopt Entire Chapter
Adopt Entire Chapter as amended (amended sections listed below)			X
Adopt only those sections that are listed below
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1]
Chapter / Section
201.3			X
Applicable Building			X
Defensible Space			X
Exterior Wall Assembly			X
Exterior Wall Covering			X
Fire Code Official			X
Fire Hazard Severity Zones			X
Fire Protection Plan			X
Fire-Smart Vegetation			X
Flame Spread Index			X
Fuel			X
Fuel Modification			X
Local Responsibility Area (LRA)			X
Rafter Tail			X
Roof Eave			X
Roof Eave Soffit			X
State Responsibility Area (SRA)			X
Structure			X
Wildfire			X
Wildfire Exposure			X
Wildland-Urban Interface Area			X

The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

CWUIC § 1.7 Medium relevance — show source text

1.7_|Turnouts|Y||||1273.06||||| |403.1.8|Road and driveway
structures|Y||||1273.07(a)
1273.07(b)
1273.07(c)
1273.07(d)||||| |403.1.9|Dead-end roads|Y||||1273.08(a)
1273.08(b)||||| |403.10|Gate Entrances|Y||||1273.09(a)
1273.09(b)
1273.09(c)
1273.09(d)||||| |403.2|Signing and Building
Numbering|Y||||Article 3||||| |403.2.1|Intent|Y||||1274.00||||| |403.2.2|Road signs|Y||||1274.01||||| |403.2.3|Road Sign
Installation, Location
and Visibility|Y||||1274.02(a)
1274.02(b)
1274.02(c)
1274.02(d)||||| |403.2.4|Addresses for
Buildings|Y||||1274.03(a)
1274.03(b)
1274.03(c)||||| ||||||||||||

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APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

2025 CWUIC—continued	Col2	Adopted Yes/No	IWUIC Section	CBC Section	CFC Section	Title 14, Division 1.5 Section	Title 19, Division 1 Section	Gov Code Section	PRC Section	HSC Section
Section	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title	Title
Chapter 4	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements	Wildland-urban interface area requirements
403.2.5	Address installation, location, and visibility	Y				1274.04(a) 1274.04(b) 1274.04(c) 1274.04(d) 1274.04(e) 1274.04(f)
404	Water supply	Y				1275.02
404.1	General	Y			507	1275.02(b)
404.2	Required water supply	Y				1275.02(c)
404.3	Draft sites	Y
404.3.1	Access	Y			507.5.4
404.3.

CWUIC § 402.3 High relevance — show source text
402.3 Existing conditions. Existing buildings shall be provided with address markers in accordance with Sections 403.2.4 and 403.2.5 . Existing roads and fire protection equipment shall be provided with markings in accordance with Sections 403.4 and 404.8, respectively.

SECTION 403—ACCESS

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

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

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

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

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WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS

403.1.2 Width.

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

[CCR, Title 14 §1273.01]

403.1.3 Road surfaces.
CWUIC § 304.8 High relevance — show source text
Reduce by 50 feet for dead-end streets or roads._
e. One hydrant for each 1,000 gallons per minute or fraction thereof.|For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m.
a. Reduce by 100 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
b. Where streets are provided with median dividers which can be crossed by firefighters pulling hose lines, or where arterial streets are provided with four or more traffic lanes and
have a traffic count of more than 30,000 vehicles per day, hydrant spacing shall average 500 feet on each side of the street and be arranged on an alternating basis up to a fire-flow
requirement of 7,000 gallons per minute and 400 feet for higher fire-flow requirements.
c Where new water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not needed for protection of structures or similar fire problems, fire hydrants shall be provided at spacing
not to exceed 1,000 feet to provide for transportation hazards.
d. Reduce by 50 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
e. One hydrant for each 1,000 gallons per minute or fraction thereof.|For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m.
a. Reduce by 100 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
b. Where streets are provided with median dividers which can be crossed by firefighters pulling hose lines, or where arterial streets are provided with four or more traffic lanes and
have a traffic count of more than 30,000 vehicles per day, hydrant spacing shall average 500 feet on each side of the street and be arranged on an alternating basis up to a fire-flow
requirement of 7,000 gallons per minute and 400 feet for higher fire-flow requirements.
c Where new water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not needed for protection of structures or similar fire problems, fire hydrants shall be provided at spacing
not to exceed 1,000 feet to provide for transportation hazards.
d. Reduce by 50 feet for dead-end streets or roads.
e. One hydrant for each 1,000 gallons per minute or fraction thereof.|

APPENDIX CC-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

APPENDIX D – FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS

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

(Not adopted by the State Fire Marshal)
CWUIC § 404.5 High relevance — show source text
404.5 Adequate water supply. Fire-flow requirements shall be determined in accordance with Appendix B or BB of the California Fire Code, as applicable.

404.6 Reserved.

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

404.8 Identification. Water sources, draft sites, hydrants and fire protection equipment and hydrants shall be clearly identified in a manner approved by the code official to identify location and to prevent obstruction by parking and other obstructions. Each fire hydrant and access to a water supply shall be identified in accordance with one of the following: 1. Where located along a driveway, a reflectorized blue marker with a minimum dimension of 3 inches (73 mm) shall be located on the driveway address sign and mounted on a fire-retardant post. 2. Where located along an access road: 2.2. A reflectorized blue marker with a minimum dimension of 3 inches (73 mm) shall be mounted on a fire-retardant post. The signpost shall be within 3 feet (914 mm) of said fire hydrant with the sign not less than 3 feet (914 mm) nor greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) above ground, in a horizontal position and visible from the driveway. 2.3. As specified in the State Fire Marshal’s Guidelines for Fire Hydrant Markings Along State Highways and Freeways, May 1988.

404.9 Testing and maintenance. Water sources, draft sites, hydrants and other fire protection equipment required by this code shall be subject to periodic tests as required by the code official. Such equipment installed under the provisions of this code shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be repaired or replaced where defective. Additions, repairs, alterations and servicing of such fire protection equipment and resources shall be in accordance with approved standards.

404.10 Reliability. Water supply reliability shall comply with Sections 404.10.1 through 404.10.3.

404.10.1 Objective. The objective of this section is to increase the reliability of water supplies by reducing the exposure of vegetative fuels to electrically powered systems.

404.10.2 Clearance of fuel. Defensible space shall be provided around water tank structures, water supply pumps and pump houses in accordance with Section 603.

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WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS

404.10.3 Standby power. Standby power shall be provided to pumps, controllers and related electrical equipment so that stationary water supply facilities within the wildland-urban interface area that are dependent on electrical power can provide the required water supply. The standby power system shall be in accordance with Section 2702 of the California Building Code and Section 1203 of the California Fire Code . The standby power source shall be capable of providing power for not less than 2 hours.
California Wildland-Urban Interface Code High relevance — show source text
BB103 Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX BB-3

BB104 Fire Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX BB-3

BB105 Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX BB-3

APPENDIX C FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS AND

DISTRIBUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX C-3

C101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX C-3

C102 Number of Fire Hydrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX C-3 C103 Fire Hydrant Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX C-4 C104 Consideration of Existing Fire Hydrants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX C-4 C105 Referenced Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX C-4

APPENDIX CC FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS AND

DISTRIBUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX CC-3

CC101 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX CC-3

CC102 Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX CC-3

CC103 Number of Fire Hydrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX CC-3 CC104 Consideration of Existing Fire Hydrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX CC-3 CC105 Distribution of Fire Hydrants. . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX CC-3

APPENDIX D FIRE APPARATUS

ACCESS ROADS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX D-3

D101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX D-3
CWUIC § 17742.5 High relevance — show source text
- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire 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.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE APPENDIX CC-1

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APPENDIX CC-2 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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CC FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION

SECTION CC101—SCOPE

CC101.1 Fire hydrants shall be provided in accordance with this appendix for the protection of any school buildings, or portions thereof hereafter constructed for which review and approval are required under Subdivision(a) of Section 17280 of the Government Code.

SECTION CC102—LOCATION

CC102.1 Fire hydrants shall be provided along required fire apparatus access roads and adjacent public streets.

SECTION CC103—NUMBER OF FIRE HYDRANTS

CC103.1 The minimum number of fire hydrants available to a building shall not be less than that listed in Table CC105.1. The number of fire hydrants available to a complex or subdivision shall not be less than that determined by spacing requirements listed in Table CC105.1 when applied to fire apparatus access roads and perimeter streets from which fire operations could be conducted.

SECTION CC104—CONSIDERATION OF EXISTING FIRE HYDRANTS

CC104.1 Existing fire hydrants on public streets are allowed to be considered as available. Existing fire hydrants on adjacent properties shall not be considered available unless fire apparatus access roads extend between properties and easements are established to prevent obstruction of such roads.

SECTION CC105—DISTRIBUTION OF FIRE HYDRANTS

CC105.1 The average spacing between fire hydrants shall not exceed that listed in Table CC105.1.

Exception: A deficiency of up to 10 percent shall not be allowed when existing fire hydrants provide all, or a portion, of the required fire hydrant service.

Regardless of the average spacing, fire hydrants shall be located such that all points on streets and access roads adjacent to a build- ing are within the distances listed in Table CC105.1.

CC105.2 When public or private water mains are not available to supply fire flow [not within 1,000 feet (304 800 mm) of the proposed building], the following alternatives shall be used: 1. Building(s) shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system Exception: Portable (relocatable) buildings, as defined in California Education Code Section 17742.5(e), which requires that portable buildings be designed and constructed to be relocatable over public streets, shall be designed and constructed for relocation without the separation of the roof or floor from the building and when measured at the most exterior walls, shall have a floor area not in excess of 2,000 square feet (186 m [2] _).
CWUIC § 1274.04 High relevance — show source text
or otherwise posted to provide for unobstructed visibility from that_ intersection.

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

[CCR, Title 14 §1274.04]

SECTION 404—WATER SUPPLY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

404.6 Reserved.

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

404.8 Identification. Water sources, draft sites, hydrants and fire protection equipment and hydrants shall be clearly identified in a manner approved by the code official to identify location and to prevent obstruction by parking and other obstructions. Each fire hydrant and access to a water supply shall be identified in accordance with one of the following: 1. Where located along a driveway, a reflectorized blue marker with a minimum dimension of 3 inches (73 mm) shall be located on the driveway address sign and mounted on a fire-retardant post. 2. Where located along an access road: 2.2. A reflectorized blue marker with a minimum dimension of 3 inches (73 mm) shall be mounted on a fire-retardant post. The signpost shall be within 3 feet (914 mm) of said fire hydrant with the sign not less than 3 feet (914 mm) nor greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) above ground, in a horizontal position and visible from the driveway. _2.3.
CWUIC § 903.3.1.1 High relevance — show source text
A 50-percent spacing increase shall be permitted where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 of the_California Fire Code_.
g. A 25-percent spacing increase shall be permitted where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3 of the_California Fire Code_ or Section P2904 of the_California Residential Code_.
h. The fire code official is authorized to modify the location, number and distribution of fire hydrants based on site-specific constraints and hazards.|

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APPENDIX C—FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION

SECTION C103—FIRE HYDRANT SPACING

C103.1 Hydrant spacing. Fire apparatus access roads and public streets providing required access to buildings in accordance with Section 503 shall be provided with one or more fire hydrants, as determined by Section C102.1. Where more than one fire hydrant is required, the distance between required fire hydrants shall be in accordance with Sections C103.2 and C103.3.

C103.2 Average spacing. The average spacing between fire hydrants shall be in accordance with Table C102.1.

Exception: The average spacing shall be permitted to be increased by 10 percent where existing fire hydrants provide all or a portion of the required number of fire hydrants.

C103.3 Maximum spacing. The maximum spacing between fire hydrants shall be in accordance with Table C102.1.

SECTION C104—CONSIDERATION OF EXISTING FIRE HYDRANTS

C104.1 Existing fire hydrants. Existing fire hydrants on public streets are allowed to be considered as available to meet the requirements of Sections C102 and C103. Existing fire hydrants on adjacent properties are allowed to be considered as available to meet the requirements of Sections C102 and C103 provided that a fire apparatus access road extends between properties and that an easement is established to prevent obstruction of such roads.

SECTION C105—REFERENCED STANDARD

C105.1 General. See Table C105.1 for standards that are referenced in various sections of this appendix. Standards are listed by the standard identification with the effective date, standard title, and the section or sections of this appendix that reference the standard.

TABLE C105.1—REFERENCED STANDARDS Col2 Col3

STANDARD ACRONYM STANDARD NAME SECTIONS HEREIN REFERENCED

CRC—25 California Residential Code Table C102.1

APPENDIX C-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

APPENDIX CC – FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
CWUIC § 904.2 High relevance — show source text
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.

(a) All automatic fire extinguishing systems, including systems installed as an alternate to other building requirements, shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the following frequencies. Local authorities may require more frequent inspec- tion, testing and maintenance and additional procedures.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)(1)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.

(1) Water-based fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the frequencies required by NFPA 25 (2011 edition) including Annexes A, B, C, D and G as amended by the State of California. (Published as NFPA 25, 2013 Califor- nia Edition.)

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(b)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.

(b) When proof of the installation date of standpipe systems or automatic fire sprinkler systems cannot be furnished, such systems shall receive initial testing and maintenance by July 1, 1985.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(a)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

(a) All testing and maintenance on automatic fire extinguishing systems in accordance with Health & Safety Code Section 13195 shall be performed by those licensed in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 13196.5.

Exceptions:

(1) The State Fire Marshal may waive, in writing, licensing of fire departments which conduct fire sprinkler and standpipe system testing and maintenance.

(2) Service on fire alarm systems and industrial systems as specified in Health and Safety Code Sections 13196.5(b) and (c) may be conducted without a license.

(3) Testing and maintenance on automatic fire extinguishing systems exempted in writing by the State Fire Marshal, when the building owner or occupant has the staff and equipment to conduct testing and maintenance.

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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(b)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

(b) Any testing and maintenance of automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be performed in accordance with these requirements.

Exceptions:

(1) The State Fire Marshal may waive, in writing, the requirement that testing and maintenance be performed in accordance with these requirements when a licensee can demonstrate that a system cannot functionally be tested and maintained in accor- dance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5.

(2) If at any time a licensee encounters a specialized or modified system which cannot be tested and maintained in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5, the licensee shall contact the State Fire Marshal and test and maintain the system as directed.

(A) The intent of this section is to cover automatic fire extinguishing systems as originally designed, installed and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. It is not, however, intended to require that such systems be upgraded to current adopted standards.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(h)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

CFC § C104 Medium relevance — show source text

C103.3 Maximum spacing. The maximum spacing between fire hydrants shall be in accordance with Table C102.1.

SECTION C104—CONSIDERATION OF EXISTING FIRE HYDRANTS

C104.1 Existing fire hydrants. Existing fire hydrants on public streets are allowed to be considered as available to meet the requirements of Sections C102 and C103. Existing fire hydrants on adjacent properties are allowed to be considered as available to meet the requirements of Sections C102 and C103 provided that a fire apparatus access road extends between properties and that an easement is established to prevent obstruction of such roads.

SECTION C105—REFERENCED STANDARD

C105.1 General. See Table C105.1 for standards that are referenced in various sections of this appendix. Standards are listed by the standard identification with the effective date, standard title, and the section or sections of this appendix that reference the standard.

TABLE C105.1—REFERENCED STANDARDS	Col2	Col3
STANDARD ACRONYM	STANDARD NAME	SECTIONS HEREIN REFERENCED
CRC—25	California Residential Code	Table C102.1

APPENDIX C-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

APPENDIX CC – FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION

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

Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	Col5	HCD	Col7	Col8	DSA	Col10	OSHPD	Col12	Col13	Col14	Col15	Col16	BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	T-24	T-19*	1	2	1/AC	AC	SS	1	1R	2	3	4	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Adopt Entire Chapter			X
Adopt Entire Chapter as amended (amended sections listed below)
Adopt only those sections that are listed below
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1]
Chapter / Section

The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire 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.

CWUIC § 1270.08 Medium relevance — show source text
The_ Local Jurisdiction may establish or utilize an appeal process consistent with existing local building or planning department appeal processes. (d) Before the Local Jurisdiction makes a determination on an appeal, the inspector shall be consulted and shall provide to that Local Jurisdiction documentation outlining the effects of the requested Exception on Wildfire protection. (e) If an appeal is granted, the Local Jurisdiction shall make findings that the decision meets the intent of providing Defensible Space consistent with these regulations. Such findings shall include a statement of reasons for the decision. A written copy of these findings shall be provided to the CAL FIRE Unit headquarters that administers SRA fire protection in that Local Jurisdiction.

1270.08 Distance measurements. All specified or referenced distances are measured along the ground, unless otherwise stated.

Article 2 Ingress and Egress.

1273.00 Intent. Roads, and driveways, whether public or private, unless exempted under 14 CCR § 1270.03(d), shall provide for safe access for emergency wildfire equipment and civilian evacuation concurrently, and shall provide unobstructed traffic circulation during a wildfire emergency consistent with 14 CCR §§ 1273.00 through 1273.09.

1273.01 Width.

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

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

1273.02 Road surfaces.

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

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

1273.03 Grades.

Frequently asked questions

Who is responsible for installing and maintaining these markings?

The property owner or the entity responsible for the road/water facility is typically responsible for installing and maintaining markings; local authorities enforce compliance and the code requires signs be posted at construction and maintained thereafter. file

Can I use a painted curb or pavement marking instead of a post sign for a hydrant?

§404.8 specifies a reflectorized blue marker mounted to an address sign or posted on a fire‑retardant post as accepted methods; alternative methods may be approved by the code official but should be coordinated prior to installation.

What size should road name letters be so emergency crews can read them?

Road name signs should use minimum 4‑inch letter height and 0.5‑inch stroke and be reflectorized, and be legible from at least 100 feet, per the CWUIC signing/article rules.

If my subdivision is old, do I still need to comply?

§402.3 addresses existing conditions: the code directs existing buildings, roads and fire protection equipment be provided with markings per the cited sections. Local enforcement may phase compliance; check with the AHJ for timelines.

What if a hydrant sign will be obscured by parked vehicles or vegetation?

§404.7 and §404.8 require access and identification not be obstructed. Keep the immediate area clear and place the sign where it remains visible from the road/driveway. If necessary, relocate the sign or trim vegetation.

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California Wildland-Urban Interface Code