This policy is intended to clarify existmg Code requirements and standards for

creating and managing defensible space / brush management zone(s) between

development and wildland-urban interface areas.

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The provisions of this Policy shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement,

repair, maintenance and use of any building, structure or premises within the

wildland-urban interface areas in this jurisdiction.

Buildings or conditions in existence at the time of the adoption of this policy

(including habitable structures, accessory buildings, and other structures such as

fences, gazebos, and decks) are allowed to have their use or occupancy continued.

However, such use or occupancy must have been legal at the time of the adoption of

this policy and must not constitute a distinct danger to life or property.

Properties that have historically been granted Right-of-Entry Permits on adjoining

City-owned land for brush management purposes may continue to obtain such

permits at the discretion of the Department issuing the permit. However, any new

construction on such properties shall comply with the provisions of this policy for

new buildings or structures.

Buildings or structures moved into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall

comply with the provisions of this policy for new buildings or structures.

No permits are required for performing brush management in accordance with this

policy and underlying regulations except as noted below. However, to assure proper

implementation of these regulations, a Brush Management Plan and Program shall be

processed in conjunction with any development that is required to obtain entitlement

(discretionary), grading, and/or building permits.

Fire-Rescue Department. 1010 Second Avenue, Suite 300 • San Diego, CA 92101·4903

Tel (619) 533·4400 Fax544·6806

Page 8 of9

2) Walls and Openings - Depending on the adjacent fuel load, the fire resistance

of walls shall be one hour with 45 minute protected openings or two hour

walls with 60 minute protected openings. Operable windows and doors shall

be protected with an automatic closing mechanism, such as fusible-link

shutters, and self-closing doors. Fire resistance shall extend horizontally and

vertically along the face of the building adjacent to 'the native/naturalized

vegetation with a minimum lO-ft perpendicular return along adjacent wall

faces. In no instance shall parapets be required for brush management.

Note that the above criteria are for brush management purposes and are separate from the

300-ft fire ember requirements set forth under Additional Building Standards for

Buildings Located Adjacent to Hazardous Areas of Native or Naturalized Vegetation

[145.0501].

B. Pre-existing Structures and Additions, Exemptions [SDMC §142.0402] - This policy

and underlying regulations are intended primarily for application with new

construction and not for retrofits to existing, previously conforming structures that

encroach into the defensible space. However, it is strongly recommended that

whenever possible, upgrades to existing structures be incorporated into the project so

as to create a more fire-safe condition. Note that additions to existing, previously

conforming structures shall likewise be exempt from the fire-resistive construction if

the additions will not be located any closer to the native/naturalized vegetation than

the foot-print of the existing, previously conforming structure. Upper-story additions

over existing, previously conforming structures, however, must observe a setback

equivalent to the required brush management zone(s) to avoid fire-rating. Diagrams

VII.B-1 and B-2 show examples of additions that would not require fire-rating.

Diagrams VII.B-3 and B-4 show examples of additions that would require fire-rating.

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~

, ~tM1On oft'

' .... , .~

__________________.1i_[_

Defensible S~ce does

not meet Zone requirements

-----1-

I

I [

No~ng

Street

Diagram VII.S-1 Diagram VII.S-2

Page 9 of9

Diagram VII.B-3

Addition

I[

Defensible Space

does not meet

Zone requirements

Diagram VII.B-4

C. Accessory Structures within Brush Management Zone One [SDMC §142.0412(g)2] -

In addition to the allowance of noncombustible construction within Zone One, onehour

fire-rated and heavy-timber construction shall be permitted. Previously

conforming, legal structures (such as wooden fences, gazebos, decks) within Zone

One shall be allowed to remain. However, they must meet above mentioned firerating

criteria upon repair and/or replacement as determined by the Fire-Rescue

Department.