In an effort to keep our customers informed we’ve enclosed some important information about the new “Wildland Urban Interface Building Standards” which became effective January 1, 2008.  Big Creek is working closely with customers, local building inspectors, and fire officials in order to ensure that you have access to the building materials required to meet these new standards.

                               Wildland Urban Interface Building Standards

• Known as WUI.
• New Standards to the California Building Code will be called out under Chapter 7A.
• Went into effect for the state on January 1, 2008. Local jurisdictions will start implementation on July 1, 2008.
• Chapter 7A applies to new construction only, not remodels.
• Any local changes (less or more restrictive) must be sent to the state (Cal Fire) for approval.
• Chapter 7A will be enforced according to fire zones specified on maps provided by Cal Fire.  Local maps are not yet available.
• The 3 zones are:

  –  VHFHSZ- Very high fire hazard severity zone.

  –  HFHSZ- High fire hazard severity zone.

  –  MFHSZ- Moderate fire hazard severity zone.

      The zone in which a particular construction site is located will obviously be crucial to the code standards required. Cal Fire has set up a website for those seeking this information.

• Roof covering and attic vent standards have already been implemented.
• Chapter 7A applies to:

  –  Exterior Sidingi

      º  Exterior siding must have a flame spread rating of A or B.

      º  Redwoodi (Construction and better grades; either heart wood or sap wood) meets these criteria for horizontal applications.

  –  Exterior wall vents

  –  Exterior doors

  –  Windows

  –  Deckingi surfaces

      º  Decking must have a flame spread rating of A or B.

      º  Redwood (Construction and better grades; either heart wood or sap wood) meets these criteria.

  –  Floor projections

Compliance may be very complicated. What products comply and how the listing process is completed may be very confusing to all involved in the building process. It will be our job to help our customers by staying up to date on products that comply, stocking those products, and being able to convey the correct information. Though it is not illegal to sell non-compliant products, we need to be able to assist our customers in getting the right product for the right fire zone.

 

 

Download Technical Data Sheet on how redwood decking meets the new fire and building building standards. (California Redwood Association)

 

 

 

 

 

Download comprehensive information on products and systems that meet the new California State Fire Marshal's building standards. (CalFire)