CWUIC · California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
Draft sites and pumper access point requirements
If you plan to use a pond or stream for firefighting, the CWUIC requires an approved draft site with emergency‑vehicle access and a pumper access point that is either an access area along a conforming road or an approved driveway no longer than 150 feet; the code official must approve the design and it must not force fire apparatus to block a road (see §§ 404.3, 404.3.1, 404.3.2) .
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
Approved draft sites (fire department drafting points at natural water sources) must be provided where natural water sources are intended for fire protection, and their design, construction, location, access and maintenance must be approved by the code official (§ 404.3) . The draft site must have emergency vehicle access from an access road (§ 404.3.1) . A pumper access point must be either (a) an emergency vehicle access area alongside a conforming access road, or (b) an approved driveway not longer than 150 feet (45,720 mm); pumper access must be designed per local codes and must not require the pumper to obstruct a road or driveway (§ 404.3.2) .
The single most important rule: a draft site must be accessible to emergency vehicles, and pumper access points must either be alongside a conforming access road or be an approved driveway no longer than 150 feet, so the pumper can operate without blocking the roadway (see § 404.3, § 404.3.1, § 404.3.2) .
Key defined terms (first use bolded)
- Draft site — an approved location at a natural water source intended for use for fire protection (§ 404.3) .
- Pumper access point — the location and access arrangement used by fire pumpers to draft water; may be an access area alongside a conforming road or an approved driveway (≤ 150 feet) (§ 404.3.2) .
- Emergency vehicle access — access from an access road meeting the requirements of Section 403 (see § 404.3.1) .
Requirements in detail
What must exist
- Provide an approved draft site at natural water sources intended for firefighting use; the code official must approve the draft-site design, construction, location, access and maintenance (§ 404.3) .
Access required to the draft site
- The draft site must have emergency vehicle access from an access road in accordance with Section 403; the access must satisfy whatever Section 403 requires for emergency vehicle access (turnaround, grade, width, etc., as applicable) (§ 404.3.1) .
Pumper access point options and limits
- A pumper access point must 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 driveways must be designed and constructed in accordance with all codes and ordinances enforced by the jurisdiction, and they must not require the pumper apparatus to obstruct a road or driveway (§ 404.3.2) .
Decision-relevant dimensions and values
| Decision dimension | Required value / action | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Need for draft site at natural water source | Approved draft site must be provided where natural water sources are intended for fire protection | § 404.3 |
| Approval authority | Design, construction, location, access and maintenance approved by code official | § 404.3 |
| Access to draft site | Emergency vehicle access from an access road per Section 403 | § 404.3.1 |
| Pumper access configuration | Either an emergency vehicle access area alongside a conforming access road OR an approved driveway | § 404.3.2 |
| Maximum approved driveway length for pumper access | 150 feet (45,720 mm) maximum | § 404.3.2 |
| Design standard requirement | Pumper access points/driveways must comply with all applicable local codes/ordinances | § 404.3.2 |
| Obstruction prohibition | Pumper access must not require the pumper to obstruct a road or driveway during operations | § 404.3.2 |
Exceptions & special cases
- The controlling CWUIC text for these sections does not list standalone exceptions to § 404.3, § 404.3.1, or § 404.3.2; instead, the sections require approval by the code official and conformance with applicable local codes and ordinances, which is the mechanism for handling site-specific exceptions or alternate designs (§ 404.3, § 404.3.2) .
- Special-case implication: because the code requires approval by the code official, a jurisdiction may approve alternate access or pumper arrangements where strict literal compliance is impractical — but that is an approval action, not an automatic exception in these sections (§ 404.3) .
- Site-specific technical details that are commonly relevant to pumper operations — for example, required pavement/load-bearing capacity, width, turning radius, slope limits, or specific turnaround/type-of-surface — are not specified in § 404.3 / § 404.3.2 themselves; these are addressed by Section 403 or by local codes and ordinances referenced in § 404.3.2. If you need those specifics, consult § 403 and the local enforcing agency (the code text cross-references Section 403) (§ 404.3.1) .
Common mistakes
- Measuring the driveway incorrectly: measuring only paved length or measuring to the wrong point can misclassify a driveway that exceeds the 150 ft limit. The code states a driveway not longer than 150 feet for a pumper access point (§ 404.3.2) .
- Forgetting the code-official approval requirement: the draft site’s design/location/access must be approved by the code official — don’t assume “if it’s a driveway it’s OK” (§ 404.3) .
- Designing a pumper point that forces the pumper to block a public road or main driveway during drafting operations; the code explicitly prohibits arrangements that would require a pumper to obstruct a road or driveway (§ 404.3.2) .
- Assuming the §404 provisions specify detailed geometric/structural dimensions (width, bearing, radius). They do not — those details are handled by Section 403 and local codes/ordinances referenced in § 404.3.2 and § 404.3.1; failure to consult Section 403 or local standards is a frequent omission (§ 404.3.1, § 404.3.2) .
- Not identifying or marking the draft site and access in a manner approved by the code official (see related identification and obstruction rules in surrounding sections of Chapter 4) — signage and unobstructed access are required elsewhere in Chapter 4 (see § 404.7 and § 404.8) .
Worked example — a concrete scenario
Scenario: A homeowner/developer wants to use a natural pond to support firefighting at a cabin development.
Site facts:
- Pond is 60 ft from the end of the private driveway.
- The private driveway from the nearest conforming access road to the pond apron measures 120 feet (measured from the edge of the conforming access road to the drafting apron).
- The driveway surface is a compacted/all-weather surface capable of supporting emergency vehicles; the driveway allows a pumper to park at the pond apron without blocking the public road.
Application of the code:
- Because the pond is a natural water source intended for fire protection, an approved draft site must be provided and the code official must approve the draft-site design, construction, location, access and maintenance (§ 404.3) . Action: submit a draft-site plan to the AHJ for approval showing the pond apron, riprap or stable approach, and proposed hose layout.
- The draft site must have emergency vehicle access from an access road per Section 403 (§ 404.3.1) . Action: demonstrate that the private driveway meets Section 403 requirements (width, grade, turnouts/turnaround if required).
- For the pumper access point: the driveway is 120 ft, which is less than the 150-foot maximum, so it can qualify as an approved driveway pumper access point provided it meets local design and construction requirements and does not force the pumper to obstruct the road (§ 404.3.2) . Action: include cross-sections, structural capacity, and confirmation the pumper can operate without obstructing adjacent roads; obtain jurisdictional approval.
- If instead the driveway had been 200 ft, the driveway option would exceed the 150 ft limit in § 404.3.2; the applicant would need to provide an emergency vehicle access area alongside a conforming access road or seek an approved alternate from the code official (approval process) (§ 404.3.2) .
Related provisions (quick list)
- § 403 — Emergency vehicle access requirements (Section 403 is referenced by § 404.3.1)
- § 404.4 — Hydrants: design and location (related water-supply equipment)
- § 404.5 — Adequate water supply / fire-flow (related to overall water requirements)
- § 404.7 — Obstructions (access must be unobstructed at all times)
- § 404.8 — Identification of water sources, draft sites, hydrants and fire protection equipment (marking and signage)
- Section 507 of the California Fire Code — referenced for water supply standards (see chapter cross-references in Chapter 4)
If you need, I can:
- Draft a submission checklist and a drawing template you can use for code-official approval of a draft site and pumper access point, or
- Pull the specific Section 403 geometric and structural requirements that most jurisdictions use to evaluate emergency vehicle access so you can confirm the driveway meets those criteria.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
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 § 1274.02 High relevance — show source text
[CCR, Title 14 §1274.02]
403.2.4 Addresses for Buildings. (a) All Buildings shall be issued an address by the Local Jurisdiction which conforms to that jurisdiction's overall address system. Utility and miscellaneous Group U Buildings are not required to have a separate address; however, each Residential Unit within a Building shall be separately identified. (b) The size of letters, numbers and symbols for addresses shall conform to the standards in the California Fire Code, California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 9. (c) Addresses for residential Buildings shall be reflectorized.
[CCR, Title 14 §1274.03]
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WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS
403.2.5 Address installation, location and visibility. (a) All buildings shall have a permanently posted address which shall be plainly legible and visible from the Road fronting the property. (b) Where access is by means of a private Road and the address identification cannot be viewed from the public way, an unob- structed sign or other means shall be used so that the address is visible from the public way. (c) Address signs along one-way Roads shall be visible from both directions. (d) Where multiple addresses are required at a single driveway, they shall be mounted on a single sign or post. (e) Where a Road provides access solely to a single commercial or industrial business, the address sign shall be placed at the near- est Road intersection providing access to that site, 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.
CWUIC § 1.5 High 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 § 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 § 7.62 Medium relevance — show source text
- For occupancies in Groups R-2 and R-3, within the interior conditioned space of individual dwelling units, where the open-sided walking surface is located not more than 25 feet (7.62 meters) measured vertically to the floor or walking surface below, required guards shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height measured vertically above the adjacent walking surface. 3. For occupancies in Group R-3, and within individual dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, where the top of the guard serves as a handrail on the open sides of stairs, the top of the guard shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the nosings. 4. The guard height in assembly seating areas shall comply with Section 1030.17 as applicable. 5. Along alternating tread devices and ship’s ladders, guards where the top rail serves as a handrail shall have height not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more than 34 inches (864 mm), measured vertically from a line connecting the leading edge of the treads. 6. In Group F occupancies where exit access stairways serve fewer than three stories and such stairways are not open to the public, and where the top of the guard also serves as a handrail, the top of the guard shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the nosings.
[BE] 1015.4 Opening limitations. Required guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter from the walking surface to the required guard height.
Exceptions:
- From a height of 36 inches (914 mm) to 42 inches (1067 mm), guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 [3] / 8 inches (111 mm) in diameter.
- The triangular openings at the open sides of a stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter.
- At elevated walking surfaces for access to and use of electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems or equipment, guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.
- In areas that are not open to the public within occupancies in Group I-3, F, H or S, and for alternating tread devices and ship’s ladders, guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.
- In assembly seating areas, guards required at the end of aisles in accordance with Section 1030.17.4 shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter up to a height of 26 inches (660 mm). From a height of 26 inches (660 mm) to 42 inches (1067 mm) above the adjacent walking surfaces, guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 8 inches (203 mm) in diameter.
- Within individual dwelling units and sleeping units in Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies, guards on the open sides of stairs shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 [3] / 8 (111 mm) inches in diameter. 7. [SFM] In lifeguard towers not open to the public, guards shall not have openings which allow passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.
CWUIC § 4-1 Medium 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 § 206.4.4.2 Medium relevance — show source text
11B- 206.4.4.2 Direct connections. Direct connections to other facilities shall provide an accessible route complying with Section 11B- 404 from the point of connection to boarding platforms and all transportation system elements required to be accessible. Any elements provided to facilitate future direct connections shall be on an accessible route connecting boarding platforms and all transportation system elements required to be accessible.
Exception: In key stations and existing intercity rail stations, existing direct connections shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 404 .
11B- 206.4.4.3 Key stations and intercity rail stations. Key stations and existing intercity rail stations required by Subpart C of 49 CFR part 37 to be altered, shall have entrances complying with Section 11B- 404 .
11B- 206.4.5 Tenant spaces. All entrances to each tenancy in a facility shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .
Exception: Self-service storage facilities not required to comply with Section 11B- 225.3 shall not be required to be on an accessible route.
11B- 206.4.6 Residential dwelling unit primary entrance. In residential dwelling units, at least one primary entrance shall comply with Section 11B- 404. The primary entrance to a residential dwelling unit shall not be to a bedroom.
11B- 206.4.7 Restricted entrances. Where restricted entrances are provided to a building or facility, all restricted entrances to the building or facility shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .
11B- 206.4.8 Service entrances. If a service entrance is the only entrance to a building or to a tenancy in a facility, that entrance shall comply with Section 11B- 404 . In existing buildings and facilities, a service entrance shall not be the sole accessible entrance unless it is the only entrance to a building or facility.
11B- 206.4.9 Entrances for inmates or detainees. Where entrances used only by inmates or detainees and security personnel are provided at judicial facilities, detention facilities or correctional facilities, at least one such entrance shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .
11B-206.4.10 Medical care and long-term care facilities. Weather protection by a canopy or roof overhang shall be provided at a minimum of one accessible entrance to licensed medical care and licensed long-term care facilities where the period of stay may exceed twenty-four hours. The area of weather protection shall include the passenger drop-off and loading zone complying with Section 11B-209.3 and the accessible route from the passenger loading zone to the accessible entrance it serves.
11B- 206.5 Doors, doorways and gates. Doors, doorways and gates providing user passage shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B -206.5.
11B- 206.5.1 Entrances. Each entrance to a building or facility required to comply with Section 11B- 206.4 shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .
11B- 206.5.2 Rooms and spaces. Within a building or facility, every door, doorway or gate serving rooms and spaces complying with this chapter shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .
CWUIC § 1-2 Medium relevance — show source text
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 CHAPTER SUBJECT 1-2 Administration and Definitions 3-4 Wildland-Urban Interface Area Designation and Requirements 5 Building Construction Regulations 6 Fire Protection Requirements 7 Referenced Standards Appendices A-I Adoptable and Informational Appendices Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.
Chapter 3 Wildland-Urban Interface Areas.
Chapter 3 provides for the fundamental aspect of applying the code—the legal declaration and establishment of wildland-urban interface areas within the adopting jurisdiction, mapping of the area, periodic review and updates.
Chapter 4 Wildland-Urban Interface Area Requirements.
The requirements of Chapter 4 apply to all occupancies in the wildland-urban interface and pertain to all of the following:
Fire service access to the property that is to be protected, including fire apparatus access roads and off-road driveways.
Premises identification.
Key boxes to provide ready access to properties secured by gated roadways or other impediments to rapid fire service access.
Fire protection water supplies, including adequate water sources, pumper apparatus drafting sites, fire hydrant systems and system reliability.
Fire department access to equipment such as fire suppression equipment and fire hydrants.
Chapter 5 Special Building Construction Regulations.
The regulations in Chapter 5 establish minimum standards for the location, design and construction of buildings and structures based on construction within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone or a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Area.
The construction provisions of Chapter 5 are intended to supplement the requirements of the California Building Code and Califor- nia Residential Code and address mitigation of the unique hazards posed to buildings by wildfire and to reduce the hazards of building fires spreading to wildland fuels. This is accomplished by requiring ignition-resistant construction materials.
Chapter 6 Fire Protection Requirements.
Chapter 6 contains additional requirements for development and construction in Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and areas designated by the State Fire Marshal as State Responsibility Areas (SRA). While many of these provisions are found in Title 14 and Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations, they are replicated here for the code user. The local jurisdiction has the authority to apply the same regulations to LRA when the regulations are adopted by local ordinance.
The requirements in this chapter reference the process for adoption of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the LRA; criteria for evaluating existing subdivisions that are at significant fire risk and are without an adequate secondary egress; and criteria for fire safety provisions required in the Safety Element of a city or county General Plan.
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CWUIC § 1-21 Medium relevance — show source text
107 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems . . . . . . 1-21
108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
109 Inspection and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
110 Certificate of Completion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
112 Means of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
113 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
CHAPTER 3 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREAS . . . . 3-3
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
CWUIC § 402.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Title 19, Division 1]|||||||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section|||||||||||||||||||||||| |402|||†||||||||||||||||||||| |402.1.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.1.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.1.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.2.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.5|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.6_Reserved_|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.7|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |404.8|||X|||||||||||||||||||||- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, Division 1.5 provisions that are found in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are not listed in the Matrix Adoption Tables as they are not within the State Fire Marshal’s authority to adopt. These provisions are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 14, Division 1.5 text for the code user’s convenience only and are identified in the body of the code by square brackets containing references to applicable Title 14 sections.
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4 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA REQUIREMENTS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 4 provides requirements that apply to all occupancies in the wildland-urban interface and pertain to all of the following:
Fire service access to the property that is to be protected, including fire apparatus access roads and off-road driveways.
Premises identification.
Key boxes to provide ready access to properties secured by gated roadways or other impediments to rapid fire service access.
Fire protection water supplies, including adequate water sources, pumper apparatus drafting sites, fire hydrant systems and system reliability.
Fire department access to equipment such as fire suppression equipment and fire hydrants.
SECTION 401—GENERAL
401.1 Scope. Wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with emergency vehicle access and water supply in accordance with this chapter.
401.2 Objective. The objective of this chapter is to establish the minimum requirements for emergency vehicle access and water supply for buildings and structures located in the wildland-urban interface areas.
CWUIC § 402.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
402.1.1 Access. New subdivisions, as determined by this jurisdiction, shall be provided with fire apparatus access roads in accordance with the California Fire Code; the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 2; and access requirements in accordance with Section 403.
402.1.2 Water supply. New subdivisions as determined by this jurisdiction shall be provided with water supply in accordance with Section 507 of the California Fire Code; California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 4; and Section 404.
402.1.2.1 Parcel map approval. Water supply requirements shall apply in the tentative and parcel map process when new parcels are approved by the local jurisdiction.
402.2 Individual structures. Individual structures shall comply with Sections 402.2.1 and 402.2.2.
402.2.1 Access. Individual structures hereafter constructed or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with fire apparatus access in accordance with the California Fire Code; the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Subsection 1273; and Section 403 .
402.2.2 Water supply. Individual structures hereafter constructed or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with a conforming water supply in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Article 4; California Fire Code Section 507; and Section 404.
402.3 Existing conditions. Existing buildings shall be provided with address markers in accordance with Sections 403.2.4 and 403.2.5 . Existing roads and fire protection equipment shall be provided with markings in accordance with Sections 403.4 and 404.8, respectively.
SECTION 403—ACCESS
USER NOTE: The standards in Section 403 applicable to roads shall not apply to roads used solely for agriculture; mining; or the management of timberland or harvesting of forest products. [CCR, Title 14 §1270.03(d)]
403.1 General. Roads and driveways, whether public or private, unless exempted under 14 CCR § 1270.03(d), shall provide for safe access for emergency wildfire equipment and civilian evacuation concurrently, and shall provide unobstructed traffic circulation during a wildfire emergency consistent 403.1.1 to 403.1.9. [CCR, Title 14 §1273.00]
403.1.1 Section 403 definitions. When used in Section 403, the term listed below shall be defined as follows:
DEFENSIBLE SPACE. The area within the perimeter of a parcel, development, neighborhood or community where basic wildland fire protection practices and measures are implemented to defend against encroaching wildfire or to escape structure fires. The perimeter as used in this regulation [CCR Title 14] is the area encompassing the parcel or parcels proposed for construction and/or development, excluding the physical structure itself. The area is characterized by the establishment and maintenance of emer- gency vehicle access, emergency water reserves, road names and identification, and fuel modification measures. [CCR Title 14 §1270.01(f)]
CWUIC § 301.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGT-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 301.1 X 301.2 X 302.1 X 302.2 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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3 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREAS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 3 provides for the fundamental aspect of applying the code—the legal declaration and establishment of wildlandurban interface areas within the adopting jurisdiction, mapping of the area, periodic review and updates.
SECTION 301—GENERAL
Frequently asked questions
What exactly counts toward the 150‑foot driveway measurement?
The code text in § 404.3.2 states a pumper access driveway must be not longer than 150 feet (45,720 mm); the section does not define the precise measuring points. Measure from the conforming access road’s usable edge to the pumper’s operating position at the draft site, and confirm the AHJ’s measuring convention when you submit for approval (§ 404.3.2) .
Can a pumper park partially on the road while drafting if there’s no other option?
No. § 404.3.2 explicitly states pumper access points shall not require the pumper apparatus to obstruct a road or driveway. If your design would force obstruction, you must provide an alternate access area or obtain an approved alternate from the code official (§ 404.3.2) .
Who approves the draft site design and pumper access?
The code official must approve the draft site’s design, construction, location, access and maintenance as required by § 404.3; for pumper access, design and construction must also comply with all applicable local codes and ordinances and be approved by the AHJ (§ 404.3, § 404.3.2) .
If my driveway is longer than 150 ft, is there any path to compliance?
Yes — the code allows the pumper access point to be an emergency vehicle access area alongside a conforming access road instead of an approved driveway, or you can seek an approved alternate from the code official; the sections rely on the AHJ approval process rather than enumerating a specific automatic alternative in the text (§ 404.3.2) .
Where are the detailed dimensional standards (width, grade, surface) for the driveway?
Those detailed requirements are not specified in § 404.3 / § 404.3.2; instead, § 404.3.1 references Section 403 for emergency vehicle access standards, and § 404.3.2 requires compliance with all codes and ordinances enforced by the jurisdiction. Consult § 403 and your local fire/access standards for the exact geometric and structural criteria (§ 404.3.1, § 404.3.2) .
More in California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
- Administration and Definitions
- Board of Appeals, Administration & Enforcement (permits, code official duties, appeals process)
- Wildland‑Urban Interface Area Designation & Mapping
- Fire Service Access & Water Supply (fire apparatus roads, driveways, hydrants, draft sites, standby power)
- Wildland‑Urban Interface Area Requirements (access, water, premises identification, key boxes)
- Referenced Standards & Test Methods
- Special Building Construction Regulations (ignition‑resistant construction, roof/vent/assembly requirements)
- Appendices and Model Ordinances (vegetation plans, severity‑zone adoption, home‑hardening guidance)
- Fire Protection Requirements (fire protection plans, systems, safety element provisions)
- Referenced California Documents & Matrix (CCR/Title 14 & 19 cross‑references, statutory references)
- Vegetation Management & Defensible Space (vegetation plans, maintenance, fire‑smart characteristics)
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