Agenda packet — Menifee City Council, November 5, 2025 (part 5 of 5)

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editions of the California Building Standards Codes, California Fire Code and CWUIC are the product of the State’s regular triennial update cycle of the State Building Standards.

In August 2025, the City Council adopted by reference the 2025 California Building Standards Codes, with the adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code and CWUIC to be presented to the City Council separately at a future date to allow additional time for a comprehensive review of the newly adopted CWUIC provisions.

The 2025 editions of the California Fire Code and CWUIC will take effect statewide on January 1, 2026; the following are some of the key changes and impacts:
Road Width & Fire Access: New requirement for dual-access road separation can be mitigated or exempted where not practical or feasible.
Fire Sprinklers: Businesses undertaking major renovations may face new costs to retrofit fire sprinkler systems.
Defensible Space: New standards mandate the modification or removal of flammable fuels and vegetation around buildings in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas. Water Supply & Hydrants: Subdivisions In WUI areas will require an increased minimum fire flow, which may necessitate infrastructure upgrades by developers. Fire Command Centers: Large-scale projects must now incorporate dedicated fire command centers. All businesses are required to maintain clear access for emergency equipment.
Commercial Cooking & Food Trucks: New kitchen hood systems must be monitored by a fire alarm system; mobile food truck operators must comply with new maintenance and inspection requirements.
Explosives & Fireworks: The required safety “fallout area” for events involving explosives and fireworks has been increased.
Construction Requirements: WUI fire standards will now apply to all Fire Hazard Severity Zones, including Moderate.

The amendments introduced in proposed ordinance are designed to enhance the City of Menifee’s fire resiliency by aligning local codes with evolving wildfire risks, state mandates and best practices. These changes aim to protect lives, safeguard property and ensure that our community is better prepared for future fire events. Through proactive planning, consistent enforcement, and community collaboration, Menifee is building a safer, more fire-adapted future.

Item Title: 12.1
First

Reading

and

Introduction

Ordinance

Adopting

Reference

the

2025

California

Fire

Code,

2025

California

Wildland-
Urban Interface Code, and Local Amendments
Item Page Number: 2

Menifee Mayor and City Council
November 5, 2025
Page
983 of 1040

City of Menifee Staff Report
2025 California Fire Code Ordinance
November 5, 2025

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Item Title: 12.1
First

Reading

and

Introduction

Ordinance

Adopting

Reference

the

2025

California

Fire

Code,

2025

California

Wildland-
Urban Interface Code, and Local Amendments
Item Page Number: 3

Menifee Mayor and City Council
November 5, 2025
Page
984 of 1040

City of Menifee Staff Report
2025 California Fire Code Ordinance
November 5, 2025

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STRATEGIC PLAN OBJECTIVE
Safe and Vibrant Community

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Ordinance
Item Title: 12.1
First

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Introduction

Ordinance

Adopting

Reference

the

2025

California

Fire

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2025

California

Wildland-
Urban Interface Code, and Local Amendments
Item Page Number: 4

Menifee Mayor and City Council
November 5, 2025
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3157/031858-1001
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ORDINANCE NO. 2025-

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MENIFEE, CALIFORNIA REPLACING CHAPTER 8.20 OF THE MENIFEE MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE AND ADDING CHAPTER 8.21 TO THE MENIFEE MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN

INTERFACE CODE, INCLUDING ALL OF WHICH COMPRISE THE FIRE AND

WILDLAND-URBAN CODE OF THE CITY OF MENIFEE
WHEREAS, every three years the State of California adopts a new California Fire Code as part of the California Building Standards Code; and
WHEREAS, the State of California has created and adopted the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (CWUIC) as part of the 2025 California Building Standards Code, which establishes minimum standards for the mitigation of wildfire risks in designated wildland-urban interface areas; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code and the 2025 CWUIC by reference shall become effective within the City of Menifee thirty days following adoption by the Menifee City Council and shall be implemented beginning January 1, 2026, consistent with the effective date established by the State of California for the 2025 Building Standards Codes; and WHEREAS, consistent with the triennial code adoption cycle, the State of California will review, update, and adopt the CWUIC every three years in conjunction with updates to the California Building Standards Code to ensure continued alignment with evolving fire safety practices and construction standards; and
WHEREAS, the International Fire Code has been published and adopted, as amended, by the California Building Standards Commission into the California Code of Regulations as Title 24, Part 9, titled the California Fire Code; and
WHEREAS, the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code has been published and adopted, as amended, by the California Building Standards Commission into the California Code of Regulations as Title 24, Part 7, titled the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code; and WHEREAS, The City of Menifee may establish more restrictive standards reasonably necessary to provide fire protection for life and property because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, the additional requirements included herein are necessary to properly protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents and workers of the City of Menifee; and WHEREAS, revenue shortages make it difficult to locate additional fire stations and provide staffing sufficient to control fires in single and multi-story retail, commercial and industrial buildings, making enhanced built-in protection necessary; and WHEREAS, the City desires to create Chapter 8.21, placed in the Menifee Municipal Code to adopt the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code; and Item Title: 12.1
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Introduction

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the

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Fire

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2025

California

Wildland-
Urban Interface Code, and Local Amendments
Item Page Number: 5

Menifee Mayor and City Council
November 5, 2025
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WHEREAS, The sections of the California Fire Code may be referred to by the same number used in said published compilation preceded by the words the “City of Menifee Fire Code Section” or “Fire Code Section.”
WHEREAS, the sections of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code may be referred to by the same number used in said published compilation preceded by the words the “City of Menifee Wildland-Urban Interface Code Section” or “Wildland-Urban Interface Code Section.” NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Menifee does hereby ordain as follows:

SECTION 1. Recitals. The recitals above are true and correct and are incorporated herein in full.

SECTION 2. Purpose. The purpose of this ordinance is to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9, and the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 7, as amended, to govern the safeguarding of life and property from fire, explosion hazards and hazardous conditions and to regulate the issuance of permits and collection of fees.

SECTION 3. Authority. This ordinance is adopted pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5 which allow a city to adopt modifications or changes to the California Fire Code and California Wildland-Urban Interface Code that are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological and topographical conditions.

SECTION 4. Application and Adoption of the California Fire Code. Except as stated in this Section or as amended below in Section 5 of this ordinance, all of the provisions and appendices of the 2025 California Fire Code, inclusive of all of the inclusions and exclusions set for in each chapter’s matrix. In addition, the following provisions that are excluded in the 2025 California Fire Code are hereby adopted – Chapter 1, Division II of the California Fire Code is hereby adopted, except that Section 103.2 and 112.3 are not adopted, and Chapters 3, 25, and Sections, 503, 510.2, 1103.2, and 5707 are adopted.

SECTION 5. Local Climatic, Geological, and Topographical Findings. The City of Menifee hereby finds and determines it is reasonably necessary to adopt local amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code due to local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions as follows:

I. Climatic Conditions
A. The City of Menifee is located in Riverside County. Riverside County is located in Southern California and covers a vast and varied geographic area. The base climate in western Riverside County consists of semi- arid Mediterranean weather patterns. Eastern Riverside County is a desert area with Mohave Desert temperatures and weather patterns. Those two primary areas are divided by the San Bernardino Mountain Range. Both areas outside of the mountain terrain annually experience extended periods of high temperatures with little or no precipitation. Hot, dry winds, which may reach speeds of 70 M.P.H. or greater, are common to the area. Examples are: Santa Ana/ Foehn winds, afternoon surface- heating generated winds, and prevailing desert winds.

Item Title: 12.1
First

Reading

and

Introduction

Ordinance

Adopting

Reference

the

2025

California

Fire

Code,

2025

California

Wildland-
Urban Interface Code, and Local Amendments
Item Page Number: 6

Menifee Mayor and City Council
November 5, 2025
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B. These climatic conditions cause extreme drying of vegetation and common building materials. Frequent periods of drought and low humidity add to the fire danger. This predisposes the area to large destructive fires (conflagration) which necessitates rapid identification, locating and extinguishment of all fires in the smallest stage possible. In addition to directly damaging or destroying buildings, these fires are also prone to disrupt utility services throughout the City . Obstacles generated by a strong wind, such as fallen trees, streetlights and utility poles, will greatly impact the response time to reach an incident scene. During these winds, the inability to use aerial type firefighting apparatus would further decrease our ability to stop fires in large buildings and place rescue personnel at increased risk of injury.

C. Although Riverside County and the City of Menifee occasionally experiences periods of significant drought, the County can also experience periods of substantial rainfall. Annual rainfall varying from three (3) inches in Blythe to over thirty-three (33) inches in Pine Cove. When Riverside County does experience heavy rain, or rain over a period of days or weeks, many areas of the County are subject to flooding. Runoff from rain drains either naturally into rivers, washes, and creeks or into flood control facilities. Flash flooding is also a common problem, especially in the Coachella Valley and the easterly portions of the county. Flash flooding is typically associated with short duration, high intensity precipitation events often associated with summer thunderstorms. Such events can occur even during a drought.

D. Water demand in densely populated Southern California far exceeds the quantity supplied by natural precipitation; and although the population continues to grow, the already-taxed water supply does not. California is projected to increase in population by nearly 10 million over the next quarter of a century with 50 percent of that growth centered in Southern California. Due to storage capacities and consumption, and a limited amount of rainfall future water allocation is not fully dependable. This necessitates the need for additional and on-site fire protection features. It would also leave tall buildings vulnerable to uncontrolled fires due to a lack of available water and an inability to pump sufficient quantities of available water to floors in a fire.

E. These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of even small fires originating in high-density housing or vegetation. These fires spread very quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire protection. The added protection of fire sprinkler systems and other fire protection features such as identification and notification will supplement normal fire department response by providing immediate protection for the building occupants and by containing and controlling the fire spread to the area of origin. Fire sprinkler systems will also reduce the use of water for firefighting by as much as 50 to 75 percent.

II. Topographical Conditions
A. The topographical conditions of Riverside County vary from three hundred (300) feet below sea-level, flat desert communities, to mountains over ten thousand (10,000) feet in Alpine-like areas of the San Bernardino Mountain Range. In between these areas, developable slopes of 25 percent and greater generally occur throughout the foothills. Riverside County extends from Orange County to Item Title: 12.1
First

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Introduction

Ordinance

Adopting

Reference

the

2025

California

Fire

Code,

2025

California

Wildland-
Urban Interface Code, and Local Amendments
Item Page Number: 7

Menifee Mayor and City Council
November 5, 2025
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the State of Arizona and is mixed with congested urban areas, rural lands and wild lands. A large number of sensitive habitats for various animal species and vegetation consist within large open space areas between major urban centers that impact building and structure location, which impedes emergency access and response. This variety in regions contributes to an increased emergency response time, which necessitates cooperation between local agencies.

B. Traffic and circulation congestion is an artificially created, obstructive topographical condition, which is common throughout Riverside County.

C. These topographical conditions combine to create a situation, which places fire department response time to fire occurrences at risk and makes it necessary to provide automatic on-site fire-extinguishing systems and other protection measures to protect occupants and property.

III. Geological Conditions
A. Located within Riverside County are several known active and potentially active earthquake faults, including the San Andreas, San Jacinto, and Elsinore Fault. In the event of an earthquake, the location of the epicenter as well as the time of day and season of the year would have a profound effect on the number of deaths and casualties, as well as property damage.

B. The major form of direct damage from most earthquakes is damage to construction. Bridges are particularly vulnerable to collapse, and dam failure may generate major downstream flooding. Buildings vary in susceptibility, dependent upon construction and the types of soils on which they are built. Earthquakes destroy power and telephone lines; gas, sewer, or water mains; which, in tum, may set off fires and/or hinder firefighting or rescue efforts. The hazard of earthquakes varies from place to place, dependent upon the regional and local geology. Ground shaking may occur in areas 65 miles or more from the epicenter (the point on the ground surface above the focus). Ground shaking can change the mechanical properties of some fine grained, saturated soils, where upon they liquefy and act as a fluid (liquefaction).

C. Previous earthquakes in southern California have been accompanied by disruption of traffic flow and fires. A severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact any rescue or fire suppression activities because it is likely to create obstacles similar to those indicated under the high wind section above. With the probability of strong aftershocks there exists a need to provide increased protection for anyone on upper floors of buildings.

D. Road circulation features located throughout the County also make amendments reasonably necessary. Located through the County are major roadways, highways and flood control channels that create barriers and slow response times. Hills, slopes, street and storm drain design accompanied with occasional heavy rainfall, cause roadway flooding and landslides and at times may make an emergency access route impassable. There are areas in Riverside County that naturally have extended emergency response times that exceed the 5-minute goal.

Item Title: 12.1
First

Reading

and

Introduction

Ordinance

Adopting

Reference

the

2025

California

Fire

Code,

2025

California

Wildland-
Urban Interface Code, and Local Amendments
Item Page Number: 8

Menifee Mayor and City Council
November 5, 2025
Page
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SECTION 6. 2025 California Fire Code (CFC) Amendments and 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (CWUIC) Amendments Justification. The City of Menifee hereby finds and determines it is reasonably necessary to adopt local amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code and 2025 California Wildlife-Urban Interface Code due to the following justifications and findings:

I. Climatic Conditions:

A. Riverside County is located in Southern California and covers a vast and varied geographic area. The base climate in western Riverside County consists of semi- arid Mediterranean weather patterns. Eastern Riverside County is a desert area with Mohave Desert temperatures and weather patterns. Those two primary areas are divided by the San Bernardino Mountain Range. Both areas outside of the mountain terrain annually experience extended periods of high temperatures with little or no precipitation. Hot, dry winds, which may reach speeds of 70 M.P.H. or greater, are common to the area. Examples are: Santa Ana/ Foehn winds, afternoon surface-heating generated winds, and prevailing desert winds.

B. These climatic conditions cause extreme drying of vegetation and common building materials. Frequent periods of drought and low humidity add to the fire danger. This predisposes the area to large destructive fires (conflagration) which necessitates rapid identification, locating and extinguishment of all fires in the smallest stage possible. In addition to directly damaging or destroying buildings, these fires are also prone to disrupt utility services throughout the County.

Obstacles generated by a strong wind, such as fallen trees, streetlights and utility poles, will greatly impact the response time to reach an incident scene. During these winds, the inability to use aerial type firefighting apparatus would further decrease our ability to stop fires in large buildings and place rescue personnel at increased risk of injury.

C. Although Riverside County occasionally experiences periods of significant drought, the County can also experience periods of substantial rainfall. Annual rainfall varying from three (3) inches in Blythe to over thirty-three (33) inches in Pine Cove. When Riverside County does experience heavy rain, or rain over a period of days or weeks, many areas of the County are subject to flooding. Runoff from rain drains either naturally into rivers, washes, and creeks or into flood control facilities. Flash flooding is also a common problem, especially in the Coachella Valley and the easterly portions of the county. Flash flooding is typically associated with short duration, high intensity precipitation events often associated with summer thunderstorms. Such events can occur even during a drought.

Item Title: 12.1
First

Reading

and

Introduction

Ordinance

Adopting

Reference

the

2025

California

Fire

Code,

2025

California

Wildland-
Urban Interface Code, and Local Amendments
Item Page Number: 9

Menifee Mayor and City Council
November 5, 2025
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E. These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of even small fires originating in high-density housing or vegetation. These fires spread very quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire protection. The added protection of fire sprinkler systems and other fire protection features such as identification and notification will supplement normal fire department response by providing immediate protection for the building occupants and by containing and controlling the fire spread to the area of origin. Fire sprinkler systems will also reduce the use of water for firefighting by as much as 50 to 75 percent.

II. Topographical conditions
A. Natural: The topographical conditions of Riverside County vary from three hundred (300) feet below sea-level, flat desert communities, to mountains over ten thousand (10,000) feet in Alpine-like areas of the San Bernardino Mountain Range.

In between these areas, developable slopes of 25 percent and greater generally occur throughout the foothills. Riverside County extends from Orange County to the State of Arizona and is mixed with congested urban areas, rural lands and wild lands. A large number of sensitive habitats for various animal species and vegetation consist within large open space areas between major urban centers that impact building and structure location, which impedes emergency access and response. This variety in regions contributes to an increased emergency response time, which necessitates cooperation between local agencies.

B. Traffic and circulation congestion is an artificially created, obstructive topographical condition, which is common throughout Riverside County.

Item Title: 12.1
First

Reading

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Introduction

Ordinance

Adopting

Reference

the

2025

California

Fire

Code,

2025

California

Wildland-
Urban Interface Code, and Local Amendments
Item Page Number: 10

Menifee Mayor and City Council
November 5, 2025
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C. Previous earthquakes in southern California have been accompanied by disruption of traffic flow and fires. A severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact any rescue or fire suppression activities because it is likely to create obstacles similar to those indicated under the high wind section above. With the probability of strong aftershocks there exists a need to provide increased protection for anyone on upper floors of buildings.

SECTION 7. 2025 California Fire Code (CFC) Amendments Authority. California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.7 and 18941.5 require that the modification or change be expressly marked and identified as to which each finding refers. Therefore, the City Council finds that the following table sets forth the 2025 California Fire Code sections that have been modified and the associated local climatic, geological and/or topographical conditions described above supporting the modification.
2025 CODE

SECTION TITLE/SUBJECT FINDINGS I,

II, III
101.4 Severability Administrative
102.5 Application of the residential Code I, II & III
102.13.1 Application of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Administrative
104.1.1 Authority of the Fire Chief and Fire Department Administrative 104.2 Determination of Compliance Administrative
104.8 and 104.8.1 Liability Administrative
104.12 Authority of the Fire Chief to close hazardous fire areas Administrative 108.2 Fees Administrative
108.7 Cost Recovery Administrative
112.1 Board of Appeals established Administrative
113.4 Violation and Penalties Administrative
202 Fire Chief Administrative
308.1.7 Sky Lanterns and similar devices I, II & III
503.1.2.1 Remoteness I, II, & III
503.2.1 Dimensions Administrative
503.2.2 Authority Administrative
503.6.1 Automatic opener Administrative
503.7 Loading areas and passenger drop-offs Administrative 507.5.7 Fire hydrant size and outlets I & III
507.5.8 Fire hydrant street marker I, II & III
508.1 Fire command center – General I, II & III
508.1.1 Fire command center – Location and access I, II & III 508.1.3 Fire command center - Size I, II & III
509.2.1 Minimum clearances I & III
Item Title: 12.1
First

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Introduction

Ordinance

Adopting

Reference

the

2025

California

Fire

Code,

2025

California

Wildland-
Urban Interface Code, and Local Amendments
Item Page Number: 11

Menifee Mayor and City Council
November 5, 2025
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608.11.1.2 Manual operation II & III
903.2 Where required (automatic sprinkler systems) I, II & III 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems I & II
904.2.2.1 Activation of the Fire Alarm System I, II & III 3206.4.2 General Fire Protection and Life Safety Features Administrative 4107 Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles I, II & III
4107.1 Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles - General I, II & III 4107.2 Maintenance I, II & III
4107.2.1 Exhaust system I, II & III
4107.2.2 Fire protection systems and devices I, II & III 4107.2.3 Fuel gas systems I, II & III
5608.2 Fallout Area I, II & III
B103.2.1 Wildland-Urban Interface Area Subdivisions I, II & III Table B105.2 Buildings other than one- or two-family dwellings I, II & III C103.1 Fire hydrant location I, II & III
2025 CFC Local Amendment Justification/Statement of Reason Building Standards Law allows local amendments in accordance with the following:

For purposes of this subdivision, a city may make reasonably necessary modifications to the requirements, adopted pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5, contained in the provisions of the Code and regulations on the basis of local conditions.

CFC Chapter 1 – Scope and Administration:

Section 101.4: This section is carried over from the existing Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20. This section resolves any conflict with the Fire Code provisions. The City of Menifee maintains its own severability clause and does not adopt the Fire Code text.

Section 102.5: This section is carried over from the existing Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20. The scope and application of the fire Code needs to be expanded to apply to the fire sprinkler systems for accessory structures constructed under the 2025 California Residential Code (CRC) which are permitted to exceed 3,600 square feet in area. This existing modification maintains the applicability of the 2025 California Fire Code (CFC) Section 903.2 amendment to those accessory structures greater than or equal to 3,600 square feet in area. This has no change in intent for Menifee Municipal Code Chapter8.20 and maintains the protection offered.

Section 102.13.1: New section added to Section 102.13 to clarify that where a conflict exists between the provisions of the City of Menifee Fire Code and the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the provisions of the Fire Code shall apply.

Section 104.1.1: This section is carried over from the existing Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20. It is imperative that enforcement capability be disseminated to other law enforcement entities within the Riverside County area because of its vast topography and diversity. This gives the City of Menifee Fire Department greater enforcement capabilities due to the presence of these other agencies across the City of Menifee.

Section 104.2: New amendment to Section 104.2 to clarify that “Guidelines” may be created to render interpretations of the Fire Code and shall be enforceable as part of the Code.

Item Title: 12.1
First

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Introduction

Ordinance

Adopting

Reference

the

2025

California

Fire

Code,

2025

California

Wildland-
Urban Interface Code, and Local Amendments
Item Page Number: 12

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November 5, 2025
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Section 104.8 and 104.8.1: This section is carried over from the existing Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.20. to resolve any conflict between state law and the fire Code provisions.

Section 104.13: This section is carried over from the existing Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20 and grants authority to the Fire Chief, in cooperation with the Menifee City Council and/or the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, to close hazardous fire areas.

Section 108.2: This section is carried over from the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20 and relocated to the fees section of the Fire Code Section 108.2. This amendment is necessary to identify that fees are in accordance with t the City of Menifee Fee Schedule.

Section 108.7: This section is carried over from the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20 and relocated to the fees section of the fire Code. This section is maintained in accordance with Health and Safety Code 13009 and 13009.1, and Government Code 53150, et seq. for cost recovery.

Section 112.1: This section is carried over from the existing Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.20 to identify the board of appeals and additional criteria for clarification and implementation. The existing modifications to this section are consistent with Health and Safety Code 17920.5 where no board of appeals exists. This section provides for the ability to create a Board of Appeals as needed.

Section 113.4: This section is carried over from the existing Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.20 section 112.4 and relocated to this section to resolve any conflict with the Fire Code provisions.

Menifee Municipal Code Section 070 requires punishments and penalties for violations to be in accordance with Menifee Municipal Code Section 070 and Health and Safety Code Sections 17995 through 17995.5.

CFC Chapter 2 – Definitions:

Fire Chief: This definition is carried over from the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.20.

This definition was added to designate that this term means the Fire Chief of the City of Menifee whenever the wording appears in the California Fire Code or this Ordinance. This is to distinguish obligatory authority to the Fire Chief or any of the designated representatives for fire prevention measures and declarations in enforcing this Chapter.

CFC Chapter 3 - General Requirements
Section 308.1.7: This section is carried over from previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.20.

This section is amended to prohibit sky lanterns and similar devices. The California State Fire Marshal’s office issued Information Bulletin 12-005 indicating that there is a serious fire and safety hazard associated with sky lanterns, which include the potential to start an unintended fire on or off the property from which they are released. They are known to travel significant distances from the point of release. The National Association of State Fire Marshals Resolution 2013-3 recommends imposing State level bans on their sale and use. Multiple fires have been reported to be linked to the use of sky lanterns including, but not limited to, a recycling plant fire in Smethwick, England which caused approx. $9M in damage and a wildfire in Shell Beach on the mountain above Pirates Code in San Luis Obispo County, CA. This is similar to the existing amendment by Orange County Fire Authority.

CFC Chapter 5 – Fire Service Features
Item Title: 12.1
First

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Introduction

Ordinance

Adopting

Reference

the

2025

California

Fire

Code,

2025

California

Wildland-
Urban Interface Code, and Local Amendments
Item Page Number: 13

Menifee Mayor and City Council
November 5, 2025
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Section 503.1.2.1: This is a new section added to be consistent with the operational needs where two points of fire access are required as identified in the City of Menifee Fire Department – Commercial Access Guidelines and is consistent with Appendix D of the International Fire Code.

Section 503.2.1: This section is carried over from the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20. This correlation of the fire Code is necessary for minimum fire apparatus access widths for firefighter operations and consistency throughout the City. This modification does not supersede City road. This modification has no change in regulatory effect.

Section 503.2.2: This section is carried over from the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20. This section is enhanced to specify who has authority to designate Fire Lanes/Fire Apparatus Access Roads and modify minimum widths.

Section 503.6.1: This section is carried over from the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20. This section provides fire department and other emergency responders more rapid access to facilities with motorized gates. Underwriters Laboratory (UL) “determined that fires today are more dangerous and pose more risks than in the past. Fire propagation is faster, and time to flashover, escape times and collapse times are all shorter” (UL Fire Safety Journal Issue 1).

Placing our first responders on scene sooner or without disruption will provide for greater occupant and firefighter safety and assist in property protection and medical emergencies.

Section 503.7: This section is carried over from the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20. This section provides additional width for apparatus access roads where utilized for loading/unloading or passenger drop off/pick up to prevent interference with operational access needs.

Section 507.5.7: This section is carried over from the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20This section provides for the size and quantities of outlets for residential standard, super hydrant standard, and super hydrant enhanced fire hydrants and that they shall be required as determined by the Fire Code Official.

Section 507.5.8: This section is carried over from the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20. The section provides direct references to the City of Menifee Guidelines for specific requirements for the installation of blue reflective markers for fire hydrants.

Sections 508.1, 508.1.1, and 508.1.3: These sections are carried over from the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.20. These sections have been amended to require fire command centers for structures larger than 300,000 square feet in size. To put into context, the Fire Command Center would be triggered when the buildings are approximately 2.5 times the typical Costco Warehouse store and approximately two times the size of a typical Walmart Supercenter.

Large structures of this size pose numerous challenges to emergency responders due to the large amounts of fuel loads from the storage, manufacturing and/or processing of flammable/combustible commodities and other processes within the building. Challenges include wide distribution of smoke throughout the structure, difficulty for firefighters to locate and reach the fire and difficulty in search and evacuation of the public, employees and firefighters. These structures typically require numerous fire protection, early suppression and detection systems that may include, but are not limited to, fire pumps, multiple fire sprinkler systems, advanced fire alarm systems, smoke control systems, and refrigeration gas detection system(s). During a fire, the incident commander must have the ability to readily identify the status of the various suppression and detection systems and have access to other building information details that may include, but are not limited to, building floor plans, high-pile/rack storage details, smoke Item Title: 12.1
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control/ventilation systems, fire sprinkler zoning details, mechanical refrigeration equipment and piping details, and hazardous materials data sheets along with quantities and storage/use locations. A fire command center provides a centralized location for the incident commander to review details about the building and the incident and to effectively coordinate emergency responders and suppression activities with increased efficiency and speed. The Menifee Fire Department has experienced several incidents in buildings with and without Fire Command Centers. Incident Commanders found that having detailed information on built in fire protection systems and controls, building schematics and hazardous materials storage plans were vital towards mitigating the event. When this information was not available, firefighting personnel were forced to operate upon assumptions and much less information. In addition, this increased efficiency and speed results in facilities returning to operation more expeditiously after incidents or false alarms thereby reducing loss of revenue for the business.

Section 509.2.1: This section is carried over from the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20. This section encompasses other exterior fire protection water supply appliances such as Fire Department connections, and other exterior fire protection system control valves, or any other exterior fire protection system component that may require immediate access.

CFC Chapter 6 – Building Services and Systems
Section 608.11.1.2: This section is carried over from the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.20. This section specifies the location of manual crossover valves when manual operation is required by the Fire Code Official. The amendment specifies that the manual valves shall be located in an approved location immediately outside of the machinery room, in a secure metal box or equivalent and marked as Emergency Controls. This is to ensure that the valves are in readily accessible location(s) for access during an emergency.

CFC Chapter 9 – Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems Section 903.2: This section is carried over from the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20 with modification. Modifications have been made to provide certain exemptions including, but not limited to, fueling canopies and agricultural and greenhouse Group U structures constructed in accordance with the California Building Code and specific shade structures. An additional sprinkler requirement has been added to include changes in use to existing structures greater than 3,600 sq. ft., and additions to existing structures where the new square footage is greater than 3,600 sq. ft.

The existing amendment provides a base square footage requirement for all new commercial, industrial, and residential occupancies other than one- and two-family dwellings. Though the amendment includes a reference to the requirement for one- and two-family dwellings, the authority for residential fire sprinkler requirements for these occupancies resides in Title 24, Part

2.5 [2025 California Residential Code].

Section 903.3.5.3: This section is carried over from the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20. The section limits all hydraulically calculated fire sprinkler systems to not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity. The 10% buffer in hydraulic calculation is a common engineering business practice that gives some flexibility to account for system water pressures that may decrease as additional demands are placed on the water system from additional construction or as the system ages.

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Section 904.2.2.1: This is a new section added to the Fire Code to require that all new hood and duct commercial kitchen extinguishing systems are monitored by a central station or remote supervising station to ensure that the fire department is notified and able to respond to a fire.

CFC Chapter 32 – High-Piled Combustible Storage
Section 3206.4.2: This section is carried over from the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20 and relocated to the automatic sprinkler section within Chapter 32 of the Fire Code. By requiring client leased or occupant owned warehouses to have a technical report completed by a registered engineer, it will minimize problems concerning commodity and sprinkler protection. By having an engineer complete a technical report for the proposed or existing building it will provide greater certainty that adequate protection for the commodities that are proposed will be sufficient.

By not having adequate sprinkler protection, it could be detrimental to the building and could also cause loss of life in the event of a fire. Geographically this can be a significant problem due to the seismic activity that Riverside County experiences. The Engineer can assess the adequate protection for the correct commodity classifications, ensure the correct seismic provisions are in place for the type of system to be installed, and provide a professional assurance to a very volatile type of occupancy. It takes a vast number of resources to extinguish a fire of this type. By adding this requirement, it will ensure an added level of safety. Modifications have been made to provide clarification that certain reference documents are not required.

CFC Chapter 49 - Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas Section 4904.2.1: This section has been deleted and is covered by the provisions of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code and under Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.21.

CFC Chapter 41 – Temporary Heating and Cooking Operations Section 4107: A new Section 4107, including Sections 4107.1 through 4107.2.3 is added to the Fire Code to provide the fire department with the authority to inspect Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles during special events. This section was removed from the CFC due to conflict in regulations, however HCD agrees that there would be an expectation for fire marshals to have jurisdiction over safety inspections (especially for fire protection equipment and systems’ inspections, testing and maintenance), for participating SPCM MFF during special events requiring CFC 105.6 operational permits (such as Carnivals and Fairs, Exhibits and Trade Shows, or local codified “Special Events”). See BSC TP-106 (Rev. 10/20) Initial Statement of Reasons June 21, 2021, Rulemaking File SFM 06/21 – Part 9 – 2021 Triennial Code Cycle.

CFC Chapter 56 – Explosives and Fireworks
Section 5608.2: A new Section 5608.2 is added to the Fire Code to establish a minimum required radius of the fallout area for aerial shells to be 100 ft/in. (22 m/25 mm) of the internal mortar diameter of the largest aerial shell to be fired, unless otherwise approved. This is necessary due to the climatic wind conditions within Riverside County.

CFC Appendix B – Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings
Section B103.2.1: A new Section B103.2.1 is added to the Fire Code to establish the minimum fire flow for any new subdivision or tract constructed within a Wildland-Urban Interface Area to be 1,500 gallons per minute to ensure that adequate fire-flow is provided.

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Table B105.2 of Appendix B: This amendment is carried over from the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.20. This allows the fire department to still have adequate fire flow mitigation with sprinkler protection and not jeopardize main distribution systems by inadequately under sizing them and have costly upgrades for future projects. With the geographical diversity that the County has it is important that this requirement be added to ensure adequate water in the event of a fire.

CFC Appendix C – Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution Section C103.1 of Appendix C: This provision is carried over from the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.20. This provision is to clarify the additional location of fire hydrants to be at intersections. This requirement has been standard policy within Riverside County.

SECTION 8. Application and Adoption of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. Except as stated in this Section or as amended below in Section 9 of this Ordinance, all of the provisions and appendices of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, inclusive of all of the inclusions and exclusions set for in each chapter’s matrix, are hereby adopted and shall apply to the City of Menifee. In addition, the following provisions that are excluded in the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code – Chapter 1, Division II of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is hereby adopted, except that Sections 103.2 and 112.3 are not adopted, and sections A101 through A102.2, A102.4, A104, A105.1, A105.4 through A105.4.2, A106 through A106.2 and A107 through A107.5 are adopted. As show in and incorporated in Exhibit B.

SECTION 9. 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (CWUIC) Amendments Authority. California Health and Safety Code Sections 1795f8.7 and 18941.5 require that the modification or change be expressly marked and identified as to which each finding refers.

Therefore, the Board of Supervisors finds that the following table sets forth the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code sections that have been modified and the associated local climatic, geological and/or topographical conditions described above supporting the modification. 2025 CWUIC

CODE SECTION TITLE/SUBJECT FINDINGS I,

II, III
102.4.1.1 Application of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Administrative
104.1.1 Authority of the Fire Chief and Fire Department Administrative 104.2 Determination of Compliance Administrative
104.8 and 104.8.1 Liability Administrative
105.2 Permits Required Administrative
108.2 Schedule of Permit fees Administrative
108.7 Cost Recovery Administrative
109.3.7 Violation and Penalties Administrative
202 Fire Chief Administrative
302.1.1 Designation of Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Administrative 501.1 Scope I, II, & III
602.1 General I, II, & III
602.3.2 Final Fire Protection Plan I, II, & III
603.1 General I, II, & III
603.3 Landscape and Fuel Modification plans I, II, & III 603.3.1 Contents I, II, & III
604.1 General I, II, & III
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2025 CWUIC

CODE SECTION TITLE/SUBJECT FINDINGS I,

II, III
604.3 Requirements I, II, & III
604.3.1 Retroactivity I, II, & III
604.6 Clearance of brush, vegetative growth, and combustible material from improved parcels I, II, & III
604.7 Clearance of fuels or vegetative growth from structures I, II, & III 604.7.1 Structures I, II, & III
604.7.2 Timing for New Buildings and additions to Existing Buildings I, II, & III
604.7.3 Photovoltaic Systems I, II, & III
604.8 Defensible Space clearance zones and requirements I, II, & III 604.8.1 Requirements I, II, & III
604.8.2 Zone 0 purpose and location I, II, & III
604.8.2.1 Non-Combustible Zone 0 for New Buildings, additions to Existing Buildings, and new or replacement landscape I, II, & III 604.8.2.2 Additional requirements in Zone 0 I, II, & III 604.8.2.3 Zone 0 requirements for Existing Buildings I, II, & III 604.8.2.3.1 Zone 0 restrictions I, II, & III
604.8.3 Zone 1 purpose and location I, II, & III
604.8.3.1 Requirements and allowable items I, II, & III 604.8.4 Zone 2 purpose and location I, II, & III
604.8.4.1 Requirements and allowable items I, II, & III 604.8.4.2 Spacing I, II, & III
604.8.5 General requirements for Zone 0, 1, and 2 I, II, & III 604.8.5.1 Dead and dying vegetation I, II, & III
604.8.5.2 Mulch and wood chips within Zones 1 and 2 I, II, & III 604.8.5.3 Firewood I, II, & III
604.8.5.4 Clearance from chimney, stovepipe I, II, & III 604.8.5.5 Trees I, II, & III
604.8.5.5.1 Tree spacing I, II, & III
604.8.5.5.2 Ground clearance of trees I, II, & III
604.8.5.5.3 Ground cover under tree canopy I, II, & III 604.8.5.6 Continuous tree canopies I, II, & III
604.8.5.6.1 New Structures I, II, & III
604.8.5.6.2 Existing Structures I, II, & III
604.8.5.7 Grasses I, II, & III
604.9 Fire protection equipment and utilities I, II, & III 604.10 Planting vegetation under or adjacent to energized electrical lines I, II, & III
604.11 Fencing I, II, & III
604.11.1 Scope I, II, & III
604.11.2 New Fencing I, II, & III
604.11.3 Existing Fencing I, II, & III
607.1 General I, II, & III
607.1.1 Combustible Materials I, II, & III
607.2 Storage for off-site use I, II, & III
608.1.1 Restricted development setbacks I, II, & III
608.2 General I, II, & III
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2025 CWUIC

CODE SECTION TITLE/SUBJECT FINDINGS I,

II, III
608.2.1 Setback reduction I, II, & III
609.2.7.1 Greenbelts I, II, & III
609.2.7.2 Access to Greenbelts I, II, & III
A102.1 General I, II, & III
A105.1 General I, II, & III
A105.4 Combustible Materials I, II, & III
2025 CWUIC Local Amendment Justification/Statement of Reason Building Standards Law allows local amendments in accordance with the following:

For purposes of this subdivision, a city may make reasonably necessary modifications to the requirements, adopted pursuant to the Health and Safety Code Section 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5, contained in the provisions of the Code and regulations on the basis of local conditions.

CWUIC Chapter 1 – Administration:

Section 102.4.1.1: A new section added to the CWUIC to clarify that where a conflict exists between the provisions of the California Fire Code as amended by the City of Menifee and the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the more restrictive provisions shall apply.

Section 104.1.1: Similar to the existing Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.20 amendment to the Fire Code, this section ensures that enforcement capability be disseminated to other law enforcement entities within the Riverside County area because of its vast topography and diversity. This gives the Menifee Fire Department greater enforcement capabilities due to the presence of these other agencies across the County of Riverside.

Section 104.2: New amendment to Section 104.2 to clarify that “Guidelines” may be created to render interpretations of the Wildland-Urban Interface Code and shall be enforceable as part of the Wildland-Urban Interface Code.

Section 104.8 and 104.8.1: This amended section is the same as in the Fire Code carried over from the existing Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.20to resolve any conflict between state law and the Fire Code provisions.

Section 105.2: This new amendment to CWUIC Section 105.2 adds an additional permit item for “Landscape and Fuel Modification Zones.”
Section 108.2: This amended section is similar to the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20for the Fire Code. This amendment is necessary to identify that fees are in accordance with the City of Menifee Fee Schedule.

Section 108.7: This new section is similar to the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.20for the Fire Code. This section is maintained in accordance with the Health and Safety Code Sections 13009 and 13009.1, and Government Code Section 53150, et seq. for cost recovery.

Section 109.3.7: This amended section is similar to the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20for the Fire Code provisions. Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.20requires punishments and Item Title: 12.1
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penalties for violations to be in accordance with Menifee Municipal Code Section 8.20.070 and Health and Safety Code Sections 17995 through 17995.5.

CWUIC Chapter 2 – Definitions:

Section 202: This new amendment is similar to the previous Menifee Municipal Code Chapter

8.20for the Fire Code. This definition was added to designate that this term means the Fire Chief of the City of Menifee whenever the wording appears in the California Fire Code or this Ordinance.

This is to distinguish obligatory authority to the Fire Chief or any of the designated representatives for fire prevention measures and declarations in enforcing this Ordinance.

CWUIC Chapter 3 – Wildland-Urban Interface Areas:

Section 302.1.1: New amendment designating the Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The City of Menifee has adopted the recommendations of the State Fire Marshal made pursuant to Government Code Section 51178 and designated those areas within the City as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones as shown on the Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones Maps published by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Maps have been adopted under City of Menifee Ordinance No. 2025-416.

CWUIC Chapter 5 – Special Building Construction Requirements:

Section 501.1: A new amendment clarifying that for the purpose of the special building construction requirements in Chapter 5, a wildland-urban interface area shall be defined as a geographical area identified by the state as a “Fire Hazard Severity Zone” in accordance with the Public Resources Code Sections 4201 through 4204 and Government Code Sections 51175 through 51189, and other areas designated by the enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires, and shall include those areas designated by City of Menifee Ordinance No. 2025- 416 as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on recommendations from the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Government Code Section 51178. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

CWUIC Chapter 6 – Fire Protection Requirements:

Section 602.1: A new amendment to Section 602.1 to clarify when a Fire Protection Plan is required. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 602.3.2: A new amendment to Section 602.3.2 to clarify the items required in a Final Fire Protection Plan. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 603.1: A new amendment to Section 603.1 to include a reference to replacement landscaping. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 603.3: A new amendment to Section 603.1 to require Landscape and Fuel Modification Plans for any project in a Wildland-Urban Interface Area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

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Section 603.3.1: A new amendment to Section 603.3.1 adding the requirement for the delineation of the 5-foot (1524 mm) (Zone 0), 30-foot (9144 mm) (Zone 1) and 100-foot (30 480 mm) (Zone 2) fuel management zones from all structures as part of the landscape plans. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.1: A new amendment to Section 604.1 to delete references to State Responsibility Areas (SRA) to include the defensible space requirements within the local responsibility area.

This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.3: A new amendment to Section 604.3 to include a reference to Appendix A of the CWUIC and the City of Menifee Fire Department Guidelines.

Section 604.3.1: A new Section 604.3.1 is added to the CWUIC to add a requirement that when required, by the Fire Code Official, or State Law, existing Defensible Space/Fuel Modification Zones (FMZ) shall require retrofitting, including thinning and/or removal of plants, trees, and vegetation, to meet this Code or State Law. Upon notification by the Fire Code Official, and when approved, work to bring an existing Defensible Space and FMZ into compliance with this Code, may be done over a two to four (2-4) year period as determined by the Fire Code Official. A compliance plan prepared by the property owner may be requested for review and approval by the Fire Code Official. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.6: A new Section 604.6 is added to the CWUIC requiring that all improved parcels declared a Public Nuisance shall be cleared entirely of combustible material. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.7: A new Section 604.7 is added to the CWUIC to require clearance of fuels or vegetative growth from structures. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.7.1: A new Section 604.7.1 is added to the CWUIC to specify the requirements for clearance of vegetation around structures located in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.7.2: A new Section 604.7.2 is added to the CWUIC to provide a timeline for the clearance of fuels or vegetative growth from structures. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.7.3: A new Section 604.7.3 is added to the CWUIC to delineate the vegetation clearance requirements around freestanding photovoltaic systems in the wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8: A new Section 604.8 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the three defensible space zones. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

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Section 604.8.1: A new Section 604.8.1 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the Code sections for the defensible space requirements. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.2: A new Section 604.8.2 is added to the CWUIC to clarify the purpose and location of Zone 0. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.2.1: A new Section 604.8.2.1 is added to the CWUIC to delineate the Zone 0 requirements for all new buildings, additions to existing buildings, installation of new landscape, and refurbishment of existing landscape areas. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.2.2: A new Section 604.8.2.2 is added to the CWUIC to clarify the vegetation and landscape requirements in Zone 0. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.2.3: A new section heading 604.8.2.3 is added to the CWUIC for the Zone 0 requirements for existing buildings. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.2.3.1: A new Section 604.8.2.3.1 is added to the CWUIC to clarify the Zone 0 requirements applicable to existing buildings with landscape installed prior to January 1, 2026.

This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.3: A new Section 604.8.3 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the purpose and location of Zone 1. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.3.1: A new Section 604.8.3.1 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the requirements and allowable vegetation in Zone 1. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.4: A new Section 604.8.4 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the purpose and location of Zone 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.4.1: A new Section 604.8.4.1 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the requirements and allowable vegetation in Zone 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.4.2: A new Section 604.8.4.2 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the spacing requirements for trees and vegetation in Zone 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.5: A new section heading 604.8.5 is added to the CWUIC for the general requirements for Zone 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

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Section 604.8.5.1: A new Section 604.8.5.1 is added to the CWUIC requiring the removal of all dead or dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds, and tree needles within Zone 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.5.2: A new Section 604.8.5.2 is added to the CWUIC requiring the use of combustible mulch and wood chips shall be in accordance with the requirements of the City of Menifee Guidelines within Zones 1 and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.5.3: A new Section 604.8.5.3 is added to the CWUIC indicating the requirements for firewood within Zones 0, 1, and 2 are found in Section 607 of the Code. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.5.4: A new Section 604.8.5.4 is added to the CWUIC requiring that any portion of a tree or shrub that extends within 10 feet horizontally or vertically of a chimney outlet or stovepipe outlet shall be removed within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.5.5: A new Section 604.8.5.5 is added to the CWUIC requiring that new trees shall be planted and maintained so that the tree’s drip line at maturity is a minimum of 10 feet from any combustible structure within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.5.5.1: A new Section 604.8.5.5.1 is added to the CWUIC requiring the horizontal distance between crowns of new trees and crowns of adjacent trees shall not be less than 20 feet in Zone 1 and not less than 10 feet in Zone 2 and separation distance may be increased for slopes exceeding 20 percent with the required spacing measured between trees at maturity. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.5.5.2: A new Section 604.8.5.5.2 is added to the CWUIC addressing the ground clearance requirements for trees within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.5.5.3: A new Section 604.8.5.5.3 is added to the CWUIC addressing the ground cover under tree canopies within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.5.6: A new section heading 604.8.5.6 is added to the CWUIC to address continuous tree canopies within Zone 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.5.6.1: A new Section 604.8.5.6.1 is added to the CWUIC prohibiting continuous tree canopies adjacent to new structures within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.8.5.6.2: A new Section 604.8.5.6.2 is added to the CWUIC to address the requirements for continuous tree canopies adjacent to existing structures within Zones 0, 1, and

2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Item Title: 12.1
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Section 604.8.5.7: A new Section 604.8.5.7 is added to the CWUIC requiring that natural or annual grasses shall be mowed to a maximum height of 4-inch stubble with clippings removed within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.9: A new Section 604.9 is added to the CWUIC addressing defensible space requirements around communication site towers and their support buildings; required fire protection water supplies, including water tanks, water supply pumps, and pump houses; and any other utility structure as required by the Fire Code Official within a wildland-urban interface area.

This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.10: A new Section 604.10 is added to the CWUIC prohibiting vegetation planted under or adjacent to energized power lines that, at maturity, will grow within 10 feet of the energized conductors within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.11: A new section heading 604.11 is added to the CWUIC to address fencing requirements within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.11.1: A new Section 604.11.1 is added to the CWUIC to address fencing requirements within Zone 0 in a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.11.2: A new Section 604.11.2 is added to the CWUIC to require new fencing and gates to be constructed of a non-combustible material in a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 604.11.3: A new Section 604.11.3 is added to the CWUIC to allow fencing installed prior to January 1, 2026, in a wildland-urban interface area to remain, except the entire fencing not parallel and within 5 feet of the building, including gates within the fencing, shall be constructed of a non-combustible material when any portion of the existing fencing within 5 feet is replaced.

This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 607.1: A new amendment to Section 607.1 of the CWUIC to prohibit the storage of firewood within Zone 0. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 607.1.1: A new Section 607.1.1 is added to the CWUIC requiring combustible materials, other than vegetation, stored within Zones 1 and 2 shall not be stored so as to pose a hazard to any building and that piles shall not exceed 100 square feet of area and a maximum height of 10 feet and shall be separated by a minimum of 20-foot clear area when located within a wildland- urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 607.2: A new amendment to Section 607.2 of the CWUIC to prohibit the storage of firewood and combustible materials not for consumption on the premises within Zones 0, 1, and Item Title: 12.1
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2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 608.1.1: A new Section 608.1.1 is added to the CWUIC with restricted development setbacks for new structures and additions to existing structures located less than 100 feet from any protected habitat within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 608.2: A new amendment to Section 608.2 of the CWUIC expanding the applicability of the required 30-foot setback to new tract and parcel maps, new buildings, and additions to existing buildings within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 608.2.1: A new amendment to Section 608.2.1 of the CWUIC deleting the exception of complying with the special building construction requirements as a setback reduction within a wildland-urban interface area, since the structures would already be subject to those requirements. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 609.2.7.1: A new amendment to Section 608.2.7.1 of the CWUIC addressing the approval of greenbelt locations within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section 609.2.7.2: A new amendment to Section 608.2.7.2 of the CWUIC addressing the access points to proposed greenbelt locations for subdivisions and other developments within a wildland- urban interface area to allow for on-going maintenance and firefighter access. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

CWUIC Appendix A – General Requirements:

Section A102.1: A new amendment to Section A102.1 of the CWUIC adding a reference for vegetation control to Chapter 6 of the Wildland-Urban Interface Code. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section A105.1: A new amendment to Section A105.1 of the CWUIC adding a reference for the storage and use of materials to Chapter 6 of the Wildland-Urban Interface Code. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

Section A105.4: A new amendment to Section A105.4 of the CWUIC adding a reference for the outside storage and use of combustible materials to the applicable fire Code sections. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Riverside County.

SECTION 10. Additions and Amendments to the Fire Code. Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.20 Fire Code shall be replaced in its entirety with the additions and amendments described in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein.

SECTION 11. Addition of the Wildland-Urban Interface Code. Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.21 Wildland-Urban Interface Code shall be added as described in Exhibit B attached hereto and incorporated herein.

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SECTION 12. References to Prior Code. Unless superseded and expressly repealed, references in the City forms, documents, and regulations to the chapters and sections of the former City’s Fire Code, Title 8 of the Menifee Municipal Code, shall be construed to apply to the corresponding provisions contained in this Ordinance of the City of Menifee and all other ordinances or parts or ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby superseded and expressly repealed.

SECTION 13. Severability and Validity. If any section, subsection, paragraph, or sentence of this Ordinance, or any part thereof, is for any reason found to be unconstitutional, invalid, or beyond the authority of the City of Menifee by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.

SECTION 14. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its adoption.

SECTION 15. Implementation Date. This Ordinance shall be implemented on January 1, 2026.

This Ordinance was introduced on the 5 day of November, 2025 and APPROVED AND ADOPTED on the ____ day of _______ 2025.

Bob Karwin, Mayor Pro Tem
ATTEST:

Stephanie Roseen, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Jeffrey T. Melching, City Attorney
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EXHIBIT A
TITLE 8: BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
CHAPTER 8.20: FIRE CODE
Sections:

8.20.010 APPLICATION AND ADOPTION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

8.20.020 SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

8.20.030 APPLICABILITY

8.20.040 DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE FIRE CODE OFFICIAL

8.20.050 FEES

8.20.060 BOARD OF APPEALS

8.20.070 VIOLATIONS

8.20.080 FIRE CHIEF

8.20.090 OPEN FLAMES

8.20.100 FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS

8.20.110 FIRE PROTECTION WATER SUPPLIES

8.20.120 FIRM COMMAND CENTER

8.20.130 FIRE PROTECTION AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION

8.20.140 MECHANICAL REFRIGERATION

8.20.150 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

8.20.160 COMMERCIAL HOOD AND DUCT SYSTEMS

8.20.170 MOBILE FOOD PREPARATION VEHICLES – GENERAL

8.20.180 FALLOUT AREA

8.20.190 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA SUBDIVISIONS

8.20.200 GENERAL FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY FEATURES

8.20.210 FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES

8.20.220 TABLE B105.2

8.20.230 FIRE HYDRANT LOCATION

8.20.240 REMOTENESS
§ 8.20.010 APPLICATION AND ADOPTION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE.

Except as stated in this section or as amended below in this chapter, all of the provisions and appendices of the 2025 California Fire Code, inclusive of all of the inclusions and exclusions set for in each chapter's matrix, are hereby adopted and shall apply to the City of Menifee. In addition, the following provisions that are excluded in the 2025 California Fire Code are hereby adopted, except that Section 103.2 and 111.3 are not adopted, and Chapters 3 and 25 and Sections 403.11, 503, 510.2, and 1103.2 are adopted.
§ 8.20.020 SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
(A) Section 101.4 of the California Fire Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
§ 101.4 Severability. If any provision, clause, sentence or paragraph of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstances shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of this ordinance which can be given effect without the Item Title: 12.1
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invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.
§ 8.20.030 APPLICABILITY.
(A) Section 102.5 of the California Fire Code is amended as follows:
§ 102.5 Application of residential Code. Where structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the California Residential Code, the provisions of this Code shall apply as follows:

1. Construction and design provisions of this Code pertaining to the exterior of the structure shall apply including, but not limited to, premises identification, fire apparatus access and water supplies. Where interior or exterior systems or devices are installed, construction permits required by Section 105.6 of this Code shall apply.

2. Administrative, operational and maintenance provisions of this Code shall apply.

3. Automatic fire sprinkler system requirements of this Code shall apply to detached accessory buildings 3,600 square feet or greater in accordance with Section 903.2.

The provisions contained in Section 903.2.18 of the California Fire Code or Section R317.5.1 of the California Residential Code may be used for the design of the automatic fire sprinkler system for detached private garages. (B) A new Section 102.13.1 is added to Section 102.13 of the California Fire Code to read as follow:
§ 102.13.1 Application of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. Where a conflict exists between the provisions of the City of Menifee Fire Code and the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the more restrictive provisions shall apply. § 8.20.040 DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE FIRE CODE OFFICIAL. (A) A new Section 104.1.1 is added to Section 104.1 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 104.1.1 Authority of the Fire Chief, Chief Deputy and Fire Department.

1. The Fire Chief, Chief Deputy, or their designee, is authorized and directed to enforce all applicable State fire laws and provisions of this ordinance and to perform such duties as directed by the City Council of the City of Menifee.

2. The Fire Chief, Chief Deputy, or their designee, is authorized to administer, interpret and enforce this chapter. Under the Fire Chief’, Chief Deputy, or their designee’s, direction, the Menifee Fire Department is authorized to enforce ordinances of the City of Menifee pertaining to the following:

2.1 The prevention of fires.

2.2 The suppression or extinguishment of dangerous or hazardous fires.

2.3 The storage, use and handling of hazardous materials.

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2.4 The installation and maintenance of automatic, manual and other private fire alarm systems and fire extinguishing equipment.

2.5 The maintenance and regulation of fire escapes.

2.6 The maintenance of fire protection and the elimination of fire hazards on land, in buildings, structures and other property, including those under construction.

2.7 The maintenance of means of egress.

2.8 The investigation of the cause, origin and circumstances of fire and unauthorized releases of hazardous materials.
3 The following persons are hereby authorized to interpret and enforce the provisions of this ordinance and to make arrests and issue citations as authorized by law:

3.1 The Unit Chief, Peace Officers and Public Officers of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

3.2 The Fire Chief, Peace Officers and Public Officers of the City of Menifee Fire Department and authorized agents and contractors.

3.3 The Police Chief and any police officer of any city served by the City of Menifee Fire Department.

3.4 Officers of the California Highway Patrol.

3.5 Code Officers of the City of Menifee Code Enforcement Department.

3.6 Peace Officers of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

3.7 The law enforcement office of the Federal Bureau of Land Management. (B) Section 104.2 of the California Fire Code is hereby deleted and replaced with the following:
§ 104.2 Determination of compliance. The fire code official shall have the authority to determine compliance with this code, to render interpretations of this code and to develop policies, procedures, guidelines, standards and information bulletins in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, procedures:

1. Shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code.

2. Shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code.

3. Shall be enforced as part of this code.
(C) § 104.8 and 104.8.1 of the California Fire Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
§ 104.8 Liability. Any liability against City of Menifee or any officer or employee for damages resulting from the discharge of their duties shall be as provided by law.

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(D) § 104.12 of the California Fire Code is hereby added with the following:
§104.12 Authority of the Fire Chief to close hazardous fire areas. Except upon National Forest Land, the Fire Chief is authorized to determine and announce the closure of any hazardous fire area or portion thereof. Any closure by the Fire Chief for a period of more than fifteen (15) calendar days must be approved by the City of Menifee City Council within fifteen (15) calendar days of the Fire Chief’s original order of closure. Upon such closure, no person shall go in or be upon any hazardous fire area, except upon the public roadways and inhabited areas. During such closure, the Fire Chief shall erect and maintain at all entrances to the closed area sufficient signs giving notice of closure. This section shall not prohibit residents or owners of private property within any closed area, or their invitees, from going in or being upon their lands. This section shall not apply to any entry, in the course of duty, by a peace officer, duly authorized public officer or fire department personnel. For the purpose of this section, “hazardous fire area” shall mean public or private land that is covered with grass, grain, brush or forest and situated in a location that makes suppression difficult resulting in great damage. Such areas are designated on Hazardous Fire Area maps filed with the office of the Fire Chief. § 8.20.050 FEES.
(A) Section 108.2 of the California Fire Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
§ 108.2 Schedule of permit fees. Fees for services and permits shall be as set forth in City of Menifee fee schedule.
(B) A new Section 108.7 is added to Section 108 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 108.7 Cost recovery. Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code sections 11374.5(b)(1 ), 13009 et seq., 25259.4, 25515(a), 25540(a), 25541 (a), California Government Code sections 53150 et seq, and all other provisions of law, all costs incurred by the City of Menifee Fire Department for the inspection and enforcement of any provision of these Codes, the investigation of any fire, explosion or other hazardous condition, the suppression of fire, the response to a traffic collision or accident, the containment and/or mitigation of a hazardous materials release, and any rescue or rendering of medical or physical aid or assistance, may be charged to any responsible party, any person who violates these Codes or any person who, due to a negligent or unlawful act or omission, is responsible for or requires or causes the emergency response of the City of Menifee Fire Department. Any expense incurred by the City of Menifee Fire Department for such an emergency response shall constitute a debt of such person and shall be collectible by the City in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under contract, express or implied. These provisions shall be applied uniformly against all such persons in violation of a Penal Code, Vehicle Code, Health and Safety Code or other state law statutory violation; only a City official shall have authority to reduce or cancel the debt obligation arising from the incident.

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§ 8.20.060 BOARD OF APPEALS.
(A) Section 112.1 of the California Fire Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
§ 112.1 Board of appeals established. The Board of Appeals shall be the City Manager of the City of Menifee. If he or she determines an outside board is needed, he or she shall designate an outside hearing officer to hear the appeal. The Fire Chief and Chief Deputy shall be notified of any appeal and the Fire Chief, Chief Deputy or their designees shall be in attendance at the appeal hearing. Depending on the subject of the appeal, specialized expertise may be solicited, at the expense of the applicant, for the purpose of providing input to the Appeals Board.
§ 8.20.070 VIOLATIONS.
(A) Section 113.4 of the California Fire Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
§113.4 Violation and penalties. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or association of persons to violate any provision of this ordinance, or to violate the provisions of any permit granted pursuant to this Code. Punishments and penalties for violations shall be in accordance with Menifee Municipal Code Section and Health and Safety Code Sections 17995 through 17995.5.
§ 8.20.080 FIRE CHIEF.
(A) Section 202, definition of “Fire Chief” in the California Fire Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

Fire Chief. The Fire Chief of the City of Menifee or the Fire Chief’s designee. § 8.20.090 OPEN FLAMES.
(A) Section 308.1.7 of the California Fire Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
§ 308.1.7 Sky lanterns or similar devices. A person shall not release or cause to be released a sky lantern or similar device.
§ 8.20.100 FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS.
(A) A new Section 503.1.2.1 is added to Section 503.1.2 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 503.1.2.1 Remoteness. Unless otherwise approved, where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the property or area to be served, measured in a straight line between accesses.
(B) Section 503.2.1 of the California Fire Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

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§ 503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 24 feet (7315 mm), exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4115 mm). For additional requirements or alternatives see the City of Menifee Standards and Policies, as may be amended from time to time. (C) Section 503.2.2 of the California Fire Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
§ 503.2.2 Authority. The fire Code official shall be the only authority authorized to designate fire apparatus access roads and fire lanes and to modify the minimum fire lane access widths for fire or rescue operations.
(D) A new Section 503.6.1 is added to Section 503.6 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 503.6.1 Automatic opener. New motorized gates shall be provided with means to be automatically opened remotely by emergency vehicle in accordance with the City of Menifee Fire Department Standards and Policies, as may be amended from time to time.

Exception: Gates serving individual one- and two-family dwelling parcels. (E) A new Section 503.7 is added to Section 503 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 503.7 Loading areas and passenger drop-off areas. On private properties, where fire apparatus access roads are utilized for loading or unloading or utilized for passenger drop- off or pick-up, an additional eight (8) feet of width shall be added to the minimum required width for the fire apparatus access road.
§ 8.20.110 FIRE PROTECTION WATER SUPPLIES.
(A) A new Section 507.5.7 is added to Section 507.5 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 507.5.7 Fire hydrant size and outlets. As determined by the fire Code official, fire hydrant sizes and outlets shall be based on the following:

1. Residential Standard – one (1) four (4) inch outlet and one (1) two and half (2 ½) inch outlet.

2. Super Hydrant Standard – one (1) four (4) inch outlet and two (2) two and one half (2 ½) inch outlet.

3. Super Hydrant Enhanced – two (2) four (4) inch outlet and one (1) two and one half (2 ½) inch outlet.
(B) A new Section 507.5.8 is added to Section 507.5 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 507.5.8 Fire hydrant street marker. Fire hydrant locations shall be visually indicated in accordance with the City of Menifee Fire Department Guidelines, as may be amended Item Title: 12.1
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from time to time. Any hydrant marker damaged or removed during the course of street construction or repair shall be immediately replaced by the contractor, developer or person responsible for removal or damage.
§ 8.20.120 FIRM COMMAND CENTER.
(A) Section 508.1 of the California Fire Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
§ 508.1 General. Where required by other sections of this Code and in all buildings classified as high-rise buildings by the California Building Code, in all buildings greater than 300,000 square feet (27 870 m2), and in Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access a fire command center for fire department operations shall be provided and shall comply with Sections 508.1.1 through 508.1.7.
(B) Section 508.1.1 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
§ 508.1.1 Location and access. The fire command center shall be located adjacent to the main lobby and shall be accessible from fire department vehicular access or as approved by the fire Code official. The room shall have direct access from the building exterior at the lowest level of fire department access. (C) Section 508.1.3 of the California Fire Code is amended as follows:
§ 508.1.3 Size. The fire command center shall be not less than 0.015 percent of the total building area of the facility served or 200 square feet (19 m2) in area, whichever is greater, with a minimum dimension of 0.7 times the square root of the room area or 10 feet (3048 mm), whichever is greater.

Where a fire command center is solely required because a building is greater than 300,000 square feet (27 870 m2), the fire command center shall have a minimum size of 96 square feet (9 m2) with a minimum dimension of 8 feet (2438 mm) where approved by the fire Code official.
§ 8.20.130 FIRE PROTECTION AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION.
(A) A new Section 509.2.1 is added to Section 509.2 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 509.2.1 Minimum clearances. A 3-foot (914 mm) clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of exterior fire protection system control valves, or any other exterior fire protection system component that may require immediate access, except as otherwise required or approved.

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§ 8.20.140 MECHANICAL REFRIGERATION.
(A) Section 608.11.1.2 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
§ 608.11.1.2 Manual operation. When required by the fire Code official, automatic crossover valves shall be capable of manual operation. The manual valves shall be located in an approved location immediately outside of the machinery room in a secure metal box or equivalent and marked as Emergency Controls. § 8.20.150 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.
(A) Section 903.2 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
§ 903.2 Where required.

1. In all new buildings and structures which are 3,600 square feet or greater, an approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided regardless of occupancy classification.

Where the Sections 903.2.1 – 903.2.21 of the California Fire Code require more restrictive requirements than those listed below, the more restrictive requirement shall take precedence.

2. All existing buildings, except for one- and two-family dwellings, shall be retrofitted with automatic fire sprinklers when a structure exceeds 3,600 square feet and changes are made to the building including any of the following: change of use/occupancy, removal of an existing fire wall as defined by the California Building Code, or additions of 50% or more are made to the original building area and the resulting square footage exceeds 5,000 square feet.

3. One- and two-family dwellings shall have an automatic fire sprinkler system regardless of square footage in accordance with the California Residential Code. Fire sprinkler systems shall be installed in mobile homes, manufactured homes and multifamily manufactured homes with two dwelling units in accordance with Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations.

Exceptions: Unless required elsewhere in this Code or the California Building Code, automatic fire sprinkler systems shall not be required for the following:

1. Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries not required to have an automatic sprinkler system by Section 1207 for energy storage systems and standby engines, provided that those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 and are separated from the remainder of the building by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the California Building Code or not less than 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, or both.

2. Detached Group U occupancies used for agricultural purposes constructed in accordance with the California Building Code.

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3. Detached non-combustible equestrian arena shade canopies that are open on all sides and used for riding only - no commercial, assembly or storage uses.

4. Non-combustible fueling station canopies not exceeding 10,000 square feet when separated from other buildings by a distance of not less than 50 feet.

5. Detached fabric or non-combustible shade structures that are open on all sides and used to shade playground equipment, temporary storage of vehicles and dining areas with no cooking.

6. Where determined by the Fire Chief that no major life safety hazard exists, and the fuel load does not pose a significant threat to firefighter safety or to other structures or property, automatic fire sprinklers may be exempted.

The following exceptions in the California Fire Code shall not be allowed:
a. Exception in Section 903.2.3
b. Exception in Section 903.2.11.3
(B) A new Section 903.3.5.3 is added to Section 903.3.5 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems. The design of hydraulically calculated fire sprinkler systems shall not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity. § 8.20.160 COMMERCIAL HOOD AND DUCT SYSTEMS.
(A) A new Section 904.2.2.1 is added to Section 904.2.2 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 904.2.2.1 Activation of the Fire Alarm System. Where a fire alarm signaling system, or a Dedicated Function Fire Alarm System is serving the occupancy where the extinguishing system is located, the actuation of the automatic fire-extinguishing system shall actuate the fire alarm signaling system in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72. If a fire alarm signaling system, or a Dedicated Function Fire Alarm System is not present, one will be required to be installed to provide monitoring for the automatic fire -extinguishing system.
§ 8.20.170 MOBILE FOOD PREPARATION VEHICLES – GENERAL.
(A) A new Section 4107.1 is added to Chapter 41 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 4107.1 General. Mobile food preparation vehicles that are equipped with appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors shall comply with this section. (B) A new Section 4107.2 is added to Chapter 41 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 4107.2 Maintenance. Maintenance of systems on mobile food preparation vehicles shall be in accordance with Section 4107.2.1 through 4107.2.3.

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(C) A new Section 4107.2.1 is added to Chapter 41 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 4107.2.1 Exhaust system. The exhaust system, including hood, grease-removal devices, fans, ducts and other appurtenances, shall be inspected and cleaned in accordance with Section 606.3.
(D) A new Section 4107.2.2 is added to Chapter 41 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 4107.2.2 Fire protection systems and devices. Fire protection systems and devices shall be maintained in accordance with Section 901.6.
(E) A new Section 4107.2.3 is added to Chapter 41 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 4107.2.3 Fuel gas systems. LP-gas containers installed on the vehicle and fuel-gas piping systems shall be inspected annually by an approved inspection agency or a company that is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation to requalify LP-gas cylinders, to ensure that system components are free from damage, suitable for the intended service and not subject to leaking. CNG containers shall be inspected every 3 years in a qualified service facility. CNG containers shall not be used past their expiration date as listed on the manufacturer’s container label. Upon satisfactory inspection, the approved inspection agency shall affix a tag on the fuel gas s?ystem or within the vehicle indicating the name of the inspection agency and the date of satisfactory inspection. § 8.20.180 FALLOUT AREA.
(A) A new Section 5608.2 is added to Section 5608 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 5608.2 Fallout Area. For aerial shells, the minimum required radius of the fallout area shall be 100 ft/in. (22 m/25 mm) of the internal mortar diameter of the largest aerial shell to be fired, unless otherwise approved.
§ 8.20.190 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA SUBDIVISIONS.
(A) A new Section B.103.2.1 is added to Section B103.2 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ B103.2.1 Wildland-Urban Interface Area Subdivisions. The minimum fire flow for any new subdivision or tract constructed within a Wildland-Urban Interface Area shall be 1,500 gallons per minute.
§ 8.20.200 GENERAL FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY FEATURES. (A) A new Section 3206.4.2 is added to Section 3206.4 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 3206.4.2 Minimum requirements for client leased or occupant owned warehouses.

Designs of an automatic sprinkler system for client leased or occupant owned buildings Item Title: 12.1
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containing high pile storage shall be based on the requirements of NFPA 13. Unless otherwise approved a Professional Engineer, licensed in the State of California, shall perform a survey of the building to determine commodity classification, storage configuration, building height and other information related to the development of an appropriate sprinkler system design. The engineer shall also make reasonable efforts to meet with the building owner or operator to understand seasonal or customer related fluctuations to the stored commodities, storage height, and configuration. The sprinkler design shall be based on the most demanding requirements determined through the onsite survey and discussions with the building owner or operator. The technical report shall describe the basis for determining the commodity and sprinkler design selection, how the commodities will be isolated or separated, and include references to the design document(s). If a specific fire test is used as the basis of design, a copy of the fire test report shall be provided at the time of plan review.
§ 8.20.210 FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES.

The Fire Hazard Severity Zones are addressed in Menifee Municipal Code Section 8.21.070 Wildland-Urban Interface Area Designations.
§ 8.20.220 TABLE B105.2.
(A) Table B105.2 of the California Fire Code is amended as follows:

REQUIRED FIRE-FLOW FOR BUILDINGS OTHER THAN ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS, GROUP R-3 AND R-4 BUILDINGS AND TOWNHOUSES

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER
SYSTEM
(Design Standard)

MINIMUM FIRE-
FLOW
(gallons per minute)

FLOW DURATION
(hours)
No automatic sprinkler
system Value in Table B105.1(2) Duration in Table
B105.1(2)
Section 903.3.1.1 of the
California Fire Code
50% of the value in Table
B105.1(2)a
Duration in Table
B105.1(2) at the reduced
flow rate
Section 903.3.1.2 of the
California Fire Code
50% of the value in Table
B105.1(2)b
Duration in Table
B105.1(2) at the reduced
flow rate
For SI: 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m
a. The reduced fire-flow shall not be less than 1,000 gallons per minute. b. The reduced fire-flow shall not be less than 1,5000 gallons per minute.

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§ 8.20.230 FIRE HYDRANT LOCATION.
(A) Section C103.1 of the California Fire Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
§ C103.1 Hydrant spacing. Fire apparatus access roads and public streets providing required access to buildings in accordance with Section 503 of the California Fire Code 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. Fire hydrants shall be provided at street intersections.
§ 8.20.240 REMOTENESS.
(A) A new Section 503.1.2.1 is added to Section 503.1.2 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
§ 503.1.2.1 Remoteness. Unless otherwise approved, where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one-half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the property or area to be served, measured in a straight line between accesses.

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Item Title: 12.1
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Exhibit B
TITLE 8: BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
CHAPTER 8.21: CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

8.21.010 APPLICABILITY

8.21.020 DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE CODE OFFICIAL

8.21.030 PERMITS

8.21.040 FEES

8.21.050 INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT

8.21.060 DEFINITIONS

8.21.070 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA DESIGNATIONS

8.21.080 SPECIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS

8.21.090 FIRE PROTECTION PLANS

8.21.100 VEGETATION PLAN

8.21.110 MAINTENANCE OF DEFENSIBLE SPACE

8.21.120 STORAGE OF FIREWOOD AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS

8.21.130 BUILDING SITING SETBACKS

8.21.140 RIDGELINES, FUEL BREAKS, AND GREENBELTS

8.21.150 APPENDIX A
§ 8.21.010 APPLICABILITY.
(A)§ 102.4.1.1 Application of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. Where a conflict exists between the provisions of the City of Menifee Fire Code and the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the more restrictive provisions shall apply.

Except as stated in this Section or as amended in this Chapter 8.21, all of the provisions and appendices of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, inclusive of all of the inclusions and exclusions set for in each chapter’s matrix, are hereby adopted and shall apply to the unincorporated areas of the City of Menifee. In addition, the following provisions that are excluded in the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code – Chapter 1, Division II of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is hereby adopted, except that Sections 103.2 and 112.3 are not adopted, and sections A101 through A102.2, A102.4, A104, A105.1, A105.4 through A105.4.2, A106 through A106.2 and A107 through A107.5 are adopted.
§ 8.21.020 DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE CODE OFFICIAL.
(A) A new Section 104.1.1 is added to Section 104.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 104.1.1 Authority of the Fire Chief, Chief Deputy, and Fire Department.

1. The Fire Chief, Chief Deputy, or their designee is authorized and directed to enforce all applicable State fire laws and provisions of this ordinance and to perform such duties as directed by the City Council of the City of Menifee.

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2. The Fire Chief, Chief Deputy, or their designee is authorized to administer, interpret and enforce this ordinance. Under the Fire Chief, Chief Deputy, or their designee’s direction, the City of Menifee Fire Department is authorized to enforce ordinances of City of Menifee pertaining to the following:

2.1 The prevention of fires.

2.2 The suppression or extinguishment of dangerous or hazardous fires.

2.3 The storage, use and handling of hazardous materials.

2.4 The installation and maintenance of automatic, manual and other private fire alarm systems and fire extinguishing equipment.

2.5 The maintenance and regulation of fire escapes.

2.6 The maintenance of fire protection and the elimination of fire hazards on land, in buildings, structures and other property, including those under construction.

2.7 The maintenance of means of egress.

3.1 The Unit Chief, Peace Officers and Public Officers of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

3.2 The Fire Chief, Peace Officers and Public Officers of the City of Menifee Fire Department and authorized agents and contractors.

3.3 The Police Chief and any police officer of any city served by the City of Menifee Fire Department.

3.4 Officers of the California Highway Patrol.

3.5 Code Officers of the City of Menifee Code Enforcement Department.

3.6 Peace Officers of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

3.7 The law enforcement officer of the Federal Bureau of Land Management. (B) Section 104.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is hereby deleted and replaced with the following:
§ 104.2 Determination of compliance. The fire Code official shall have the authority to determine compliance with this Code, to render interpretations of this Code and to develop policies, procedures, guidelines, standards, and information bulletins in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, procedures:

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1. Shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this Code.

2. Shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this Code.

3. Shall be enforceable as part of this Code.
(C) Sections 104.8 and 104.8.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are hereby deleted in their entirety and replaced with the following:
§ 104.8 Liability. Any liability against The City of Menifee or any officer or employee for damages resulting from the discharge of their duties shall be as provided by law. § 8.21.030 PERMITS.
(A) Section 105.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
§ 105.2 Permits Required. Unless otherwise exempted, buildings or structures regulated by this Code shall not be erected, constructed, altered, repaired, moved, removed, converted, demolished or changed in use or occupancy unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the Code official.

For buildings or structures erected for temporary uses, see Section A108.3.

Where required by the Code official, a permit shall be obtained for the following activities, operations, practices or functions within a wildland-urban interface area:

1. Automobile wrecking yard.

2. Candles and open flames in assembly areas.

3. Explosives or blasting agents.

4. Fireworks.

5. Flammable or combustible liquids.

6. Hazardous materials.

7. Liquefied petroleum gases.

8. Landscape and fuel modification zones.

9. Lumberyards.

10. Motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stations.

11. Open burning.

12. Pallet Yards.

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13. Pyrotechnical special effects material.

14. Tents, canopies and temporary membrane structures.

15. Tire storage.

16. Welding and cutting operations.
§ 8.21.040 FEES.
(A) Section 108.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
§ 108.2 Schedule of permit fees. Fees for services and permits shall be as set forth in Menifee Municipal Code Section City of Menifee Adoption of Fee Schedule (B) A new Section 108.7 is added to Section 108 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 108.7 Cost recovery. Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code sections 11374.5(b)(1 ), 13009 et seq., 25259.4, 25515(a), 25540(a), 25541 (a), California Government Code sections 53150 et seq, and all other provisions of law, all costs incurred by the City of Menifee Fire Department for the inspection and enforcement of any provision of these Codes, the investigation of any fire, explosion or other hazardous condition, the suppression of fire, the response to a traffic collision or accident, the containment and/or mitigation of a hazardous materials release, and any rescue or rendering of medical or physical aid or assistance, may be charged to any responsible party, any person who violates these Codes or any person who, due to a negligent or unlawful act or omission, is responsible for or requires or causes the emergency response of the City of Menifee Fire Department. Any expense incurred by the City of Menifee Fire Department for such an emergency response shall constitute a debt of such person and shall be collectible by the City in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under contract, express or implied. These provisions shall be applied uniformly against all such persons in violation of a Penal Code, Vehicle Code, Health and Safety Code or other state law statutory violation; only a City official shall have authority to reduce or cancel the debt obligation arising from the incident.
§ 8.21.050 INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT.
(A) Section 109.3.7 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
§ 109.3.7 Violation and penalties. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or association of persons to violate any provision of this ordinance, or to violate the provisions of any permit granted pursuant to this Code. Punishments and penalties for violations shall be in accordance with Menifee Municipal Code Section 725, Health and Safety Code Sections 17995 through 17995.5 and Government Code Section 51185.

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§ 8.21.060 DEFINITIONS.
(A) Section 202, definition of “Fire Chief” in the California Fire Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

Fire Chief. The Fire Chief of the City of Menifee or the Fire Chief’s designee. § 8.21.070 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA DESIGNATIONS.
(A) Section 302.1.1 is added to Section 302.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 302.1.1 Designation of Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The City of Menifee has adopted the recommendations of the State Fire Marshal made pursuant to Government Code section 51178 and designated those areas within the City as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones as shown on the Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones Maps published by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Maps have been adopted under the City of Menifee Ordinance No. 2025-416. § 8.21.080 SPECIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS.
(A) Section 501.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface shall be amended as follows:
§ 501.1 Scope. Buildings and structures in a wildland-urban interface area shall be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code and this Code. For the purpose of this Chapter, a wildland-urban interface area shall be defined as a geographical area identified by the state as a “Fire Hazard Severity Zone” in accordance with the Public Resources Code Sections 4201 through 4204 and Government Code Sections 51175 through 51189, and other areas designated by the enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires, and shall include those areas designated by Ordinance as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on recommendations from the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Government Code Section 51178.

Exceptions:

1. Group U accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet (11 m 2) in floor area where located not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from applicable buildings.

2. Group U agricultural buildings not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from applicable buildings.
§ 8.21.090 FIRE PROTECTION PLANS.
(A) Section 602.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended as follows:
§ 602.1 General. A fire protection plan shall be submitted to the Fire Code Official for any proposed subdivision of land or building project. The fire protection plan shall be prepared to determine the acceptability of fire protection and life safety measures designed to mitigate wildfire hazards presented for the property under consideration.

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The fire protection plan shall be prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist or similar specialist acceptable to the Code official and shall analyze the wildfire risk of the building, project, premises or region to recommend necessary changes.

Submittal of a preliminary fire protection plan shall be required prior to the submission of a final fire protection plan.

Exception: A single-family dwelling (Group R-3 Occupancy) when located on an existing legal parcel.
(B) Section 602.3.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended as follows:
§ 602.3.2 Final Fire Protection Plan. Final fire protection plan shall include items listed in Section 602.3.1 and the following:

1. A map identifying all proposed plants in the fuel modification zones with a legend that includes a symbol for each proposed plant species. The plan shall include specific information on each species proposed, including but not limited to:

1.1 The plant life-form;

1.2 The scientific and common name; and

1.3 The expected height and width for mature growth.

2. Identification of irrigated and non-irrigated zones.

3. Requirements for vegetation reduction around emergency access and evacuation routes.

4. Identification of existing vegetation proposed to remain.

5. Identification of points of access for equipment and personnel to maintain vegetation in common areas.

6. Methods and timetables for controlling, changing, or modifying areas on the property.

7. Legally binding statements regarding community responsibility for maintenance of fuel modification zones.

8. Legally binding statements to be included in covenants, conditions and restrictions regarding property owner responsibilities for vegetation maintenance. § 8.21.100 VEGETATION PLAN.
(A) Section 603.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended as follows:
§ 603.1 General. Planting of vegetation for new and replacement landscaping shall be selected to reduce vegetation in proximity to a structure and to maintain vegetation as it matures.

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(B) Section 603.3 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended as follows:
§ 603.3 Landscape and Fuel Modification plans. Landscape and Fuel Modification plans shall be submitted for any project located in a WUI area. The landscape and Fuel Modification plan shall include development and maintenance requirements for the vegetation management zone adjacent to structures and roadways, and to provide significant fire hazard reduction benefits for public and firefighting safety. (C) Section 603.3.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended as follows:
§ 603.3.1 Contents. Landscape plans shall contain the following:

1. Delineation of the 5-foot (1524 mm) (Zone 0), 30-foot (9144 mm) (Zone 1) and 100- foot (30 480 mm) (Zone 2) fuel management zones from all structures.

2. Identification of existing vegetation to remain and proposed new vegetation.

3. Identification of irrigated areas.

4. A plant legend with both botanical and common names, and identification of all plant material symbols.

5. Identification of ground coverings within the 30-foot (9144 mm) zone. § 8.21.110 MAINTENANCE OF DEFENSIBLE SPACE.
(A) Section 604.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended as follows:
§ 604.1 General. Vegetation and fuels shall be managed to reduce the severity of potential exterior wildfire exposure to buildings and to reduce the risk of fire spreading to buildings as required by applicable laws and regulations.
(B) Section 604.3 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended as follows:
§ 604.3 Requirements. Vegetation and fuels around all buildings and structures shall be maintained in accordance with the following laws and regulations:

1. Public Resources Code, Section 4291.

2. California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 3, Article 3, Section 1299.03.

3. California Government Code, Section 51182.

4. California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 1 Subchapter 1, Article 3, Section 3.07.

5. The requirements of Section 7, Appendix A of this ordinance and the City of Menifee Fire Department Guidelines.
(C) Section 604.3.1 is added to Section 604.3 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

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§ 604.3.1 Retroactivity. When required by the Fire Code Official, or State Law, existing Defensible Space/Fuel Modification Zones (FMZ) shall require retrofitting, including thinning and/or removal of plants, trees, and vegetation, to meet this Code or State Law.

Upon notification by the Fire Code Official, and when approved, work to bring an existing Defensible Space and FMZ into compliance with this Code, may be done over a two to four (2-4) year period as determined by the Fire Code Official. A compliance plan prepared by the property owner may be requested for review and approval by the Fire Code Official. (D) Section 604.6 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.6 Clearance of brush, vegetative growth, and combustible material from improved parcels. All improved parcels declared a Public Nuisance shall be cleared entirely of combustible material. If the Fire Code Official determines this impractical, the provisions of Section 604.7 may be used.
(E) Section 604.7 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.7 Clearance of fuels or vegetative growth from structures. Clearance of fuels and vegetative growth from structures shall be per sections 604.7.1 through 604.7.4 of this Code.
(F) Section 604.7.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.7.1 Structures. Any person owning, leasing, controlling, operating, or maintaining any Building or structure in, upon, or adjoining any FHSZ, governed by this section, and any person owning, leasing, or controlling any land adjacent to such Buildings, shall at all times maintain around and adjacent to such Building, an effective firebreak made by removing and clearing away, all combustible material on their property for a distance not less than 100 feet from all portions of the Building.

Distances may be increased by the Fire Code Official due to a site-specific analysis based on local conditions and when required, based on a Fire Protection Plan. This section shall not apply to single specimens or stands of protected species of trees, Ornamental Landscape or similar plants used in landscaping and ground covers, that are well-pruned, maintained, and spaced, and do not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to a structure or from a structure to other nearby vegetation or to interrupt the advance of embers toward a structure.
(G) Section 604.7.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.7.2 Timing for New Buildings and additions to Existing Buildings. The provisions of Section 604.7 shall be completed prior to vertical construction of any New Building or addition to an Existing Building.
(H) Section 604.7.3 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.7.3 Photovoltaic Systems. The clearance requirements around freestanding photovoltaic systems and equipment shall comply with the following:

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1. A minimum 10-foot clearance for clusters of panels not exceeding 1,500 square feet of combined panel area.

2. A minimum of 30-foot clearance for clusters of panels greater than 1,500 square feet of combined panel area.

3. Clusters shall be separated by a minimum of 20 feet.

4. Panels and clusters shall be not located within 30 feet of any Building subject to clearance requirements of Section 604 unless the clearance requirements of Section 604 are provided as measured from the perimeter of the panel or cluster. (I) Section 604.8 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8 Defensible Space clearance zones and requirements. The required 100-foot Defensible Space clearance is identified in three (3) distinct zones: Zone 0, 1, and 2. (J) Section 604.8.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.1 Requirements. Defensible Space shall be in accordance with the requirements of Appendix A of this Code, The City of Menifee Fire Department Guidelines and the specific requirements for each zone listed in Sections 604.8.2 through 604.8.5. (K) Section 604.8.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.2 Zone 0 purpose and location. Zone 0 reduces the likelihood of structure ignition by reducing the potential for direct ignition of the structure from flame contact, by embers that accumulate at the base of a wall, and/or indirect ignitions when embers ignite vegetation, vegetative debris, or other combustible materials located close to the structure that result in either a radiant heat and/or a direct flame contact exposure to the structure.

Zone 0 is the horizontal area within the first five (5) feet around the structure, including stairs, balconies, attached or adjacent decks, and outbuildings. Zone 0 is measured from the edge of a structure, attached or adjacent decks, patio covers, balconies, and floor projections above-grade. Zone 0 also includes the area on the roof of a building, and underneath and on top of attached decks, patio covers, balconies, and stair landings.

Advisory Notice: The City of Menifee Fire Department has local Zone 0 requirements currently in effect for new Buildings and additions to existing Buildings. New State regulations for Zone 0 are currently under development by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. Any State regulation more restrictive than this ordinance shall apply.

This may require thinning and/or removal of plants, trees, and vegetation to meet State Law and regulations.
(L) Section 604.8.2.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.2.1 Non-Combustible Zone 0 for New Buildings, additions to Existing Buildings, and new or replacement landscape.

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Fuels, including Combustible Materials and vegetation, are prohibited in Zone 0 for all New Buildings, additions to Existing Buildings, installation of new landscape, and refurbishment of existing landscape areas.

The application date of Section 604.8.2.1 shall be the later application date when any of the following occur:

1. Fire Department Clearance for a New Building or addition to an Existing Building.

2. Building permit for a New Building or addition to an Existing Building.

3. Landscape plans submitted for The City of Menifee Fire Department review.

4. Replacement of landscape when landscape plans are not required. (M) Section 604.8.2.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.2.2 Additional requirements in Zone 0.

1. New and existing tree canopies are prohibited within 10 feet of New Buildings, including the addition portion to Existing Buildings.

Exception: Existing protected oak trees shall be trimmed to provide a minimum 5- foot clearance above the roof and 5 feet to the side of any New Building, or the addition portion to an Existing Building.

2. Landscaped roofs are prohibited.

3. Vegetation underneath decks is prohibited.

4. Other Combustible Materials underneath any deck, not part of the deck structure itself, shall be removed.

5. Artificial or synthetic grass is prohibited within Zone 0.

6. Vines and climbing plants are not allowed on structures, including decks, patio/shade structures, and any fences within 5 feet of a Building.

7. Combustible mulch and wood chips are prohibited.

8. Firewood is prohibited.

9. All fencing and gates shall be non-combustible. See Section 604.11. (N) Section 604.8.2.3 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.2.3 Zone 0 requirements for Existing Buildings. (O) Section 604.8.2.3.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

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§ 604.8.2.3.1 Zone 0 requirements for Existing Buildings. The following requirements apply within Zone 0 for all Existing Buildings with landscape installed prior to January 1, 2026:

1. No combustible landscape mulch or wood chips.

2. No firewood.

3. No vegetation underneath decks.

4. Other Combustible Materials underneath any deck, not part of the deck structure itself, shall be removed.

5. Roofs and gutters on Buildings shall be maintained free of any leaves, needles, or other vegetative Combustible Materials.

6. The vertical clearance distance for trees and vegetation above any roof shall be not less than 3 feet.

7. A minimum 3-foot clearance of trees and vegetation shall be provided to the side and above any eave or roof projection from the exterior wall of a Building. A minimum 3- foot clearance of trees and vegetation shall be provided below any eave or roof projection. This requirement also applies to any patio cover or other Building projections.

8. New trees are not allowed.

9. New or replacement landscaping shall comply with Sections 604.8.1, 604.8.2.1, and 604.8.2.2.
(P) Section 604.8.3 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.3 Zone 1 purpose and location. Zone 1 reduces the likelihood of fire burning directly to the structure. This is accomplished by modifying Fuels and creating a discontinuity between planting groups that limits the pathways for fire to burn to the structure and reduces the potential for near-to-building ember generation and radiant heat exposures. An additional purpose of this zone is to provide a defendable area for fire personnel to stage and take direct action.

Zone 1 is the area within 5-30 feet of structures and decks, with slopes not greater than 20 percent; 5-50 feet from Buildings and decks, when slopes are greater than 20 percent. (Q) Section 604.8.3.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.3.1 Requirements and allowable items. This is a minimal planting zone which includes very limited trees of a fire-smart type with additional spacing provided. Plants and other vegetation shall be in accordance with Appendix A of this Code and the City of Menifee Fire Department Guidelines.

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(R) Section 604.8.4 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.4 Zone 2 purpose and location. Zone 2 is designed to reduce the potential behavior of an oncoming fire in such a way as to drop an approaching fire from the crown of trees to the ground, reducing the flame heights, and the potential for ember generation and radiant heat exposure to structures. Additional benefits of the Zone 2 include facilitating direct defense actions and improving the function of Zones 0 and 1.

Zone 2 is the area from the outer edge of Zone 1 to 100 feet from structures and decks. (S) Section 604.8.4.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.4.1 Requirements and allowable items. Plants and other vegetation shall be in accordance with Appendix A of this Code and the City of Menifee Fire Department Guidelines.
(T) Section 604.8.4.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.4.2 Spacing. Spacing of vegetation and trees at the outer edge of Zone 2 shall be based upon the height of the vegetation within Zone 2 or the adjacent area beyond the 100-foot zone, whichever provides for the greater spacing. This may require clearance outside the 100-foot zone or setting back vegetation and trees within Zone 2 away from the 100-foot line.
(U) Section 604.8.5 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.5 General requirements for Zone 0, 1, and 2.
(V) Section 604.8.5.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.5.1 Dead and dying vegetation. All dead or dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds, and tree needles shall be removed. (W) Section 604.8.5.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.5.2 Mulch and wood chips within Zones 1 and 2. Use of combustible Mulch and wood chips shall be in accordance with the requirements the City of Menifee Fire Department Guidelines.
(X) Section 604.8.5.3 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.5.3 Firewood. See Section 607 of the California Wildland Urban Interface Code.

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(Y) Section 604.8.5.4 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.5.4 Clearance from chimney, stovepipe. Any portion of a tree or shrub that extends within 10 feet horizontally or vertically of a chimney outlet or stovepipe outlet shall be removed.
(Z) Section 604.8.5.4 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.5.5 Trees. New trees shall be planted and maintained so that the tree’s drip line at maturity is a minimum of 10 feet from any combustible structure. (AA) Section 604.8.5.5.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.5.5.1 Tree spacing. The horizontal distance between crowns of new trees and crowns of adjacent trees shall not be less than 20 feet in Zone 1 and not less than 10 feet in Zone 2. Separation distance may be increased for slopes exceeding 20 percent.

Required spacing is measured between trees at maturity. (BB) Section 604.8.5.5.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.5.5.2 Ground clearance of trees. Trees exceeding 6 feet in height shall be limbed up from the ground 6 feet or 1/3 the height of the tree, whichever is less.

Exception: Fruit trees when approved by the Fire Code Official. (CC) Section 604.8.5.5.3 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.5.5.3 Ground cover under tree canopy. When approved ground cover and shrubs are located underneath trees, the vertical clearance to the lowest branch of the tree canopy shall not be less than three times the height of the ground cover or shrub under or adjacent to the tree. The horizontal clearance shall be 3 feet from the trunk of the tree.
(DD) Section 604.8.5.6 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.5.6 Continuous tree canopies.
(EE) Section 604.8.5.6.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.5.6.1 New Structures. Continuous tree canopies are not allowed. Tree spacing shall be in accordance with the City of Menifee Fire Department. (FF) Section 604.8.5.6.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

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§ 604.8.5.6.2 Existing Structures. Continuous tree canopies may be allowed as determined by the Fire Code Official but will require the complete removal of any understory and smaller trees to meet requirements for a shaded fuel zone. Any remaining trees shall be limbed up a minimum of 12 feet from the ground or 1/3 the tree height, whichever is less. The intent is to not allow a crown (canopy) fire to spread unchecked to a structure and to bring any crown fire down to the ground level prior to Zone 1. (GG) Section 604.8.5.7 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.8.5.7 Grasses. Natural or annual grasses shall be mowed to a maximum height of 4-inch stubble with clippings removed.
(HH) Section 604.9 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.9 Fire protection equipment and utilities. The clearance requirements of Sections 604.7 and 604.8 shall apply to communication site towers and their support Buildings; required fire protection water supplies, including water tanks, water supply pumps, and pump houses; and any other utility Structure as required by the Fire Code Official. The Fire Code Official may consider a reduced distance, not less than 30 feet, for communication site towers, water tanks, and Structures with no interior space, based upon a site risk assessment. Also see Appendix A.
(II) Section 604.10 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.10 Planting vegetation under or adjacent to energized electrical lines. No vegetation shall be planted under or adjacent to energized power lines that, at maturity, will grow within 10 feet of the energized conductors.
(JJ) Section 604.11 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.11 Fencing.
(KK) Section 604.11.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.11.1 Scope. This section only applies to fences, including gates within the fencing, within 5 feet of Building(s), including Decks, (Zone 0) that are in an applicable Fire Hazard Severity Zone req by Chapter 6 of the California Wildland Urban Interface Code. (LL) Section 604.11.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 604.11.2 New fencing. New fencing and gates shall be constructed of a non- combustible material.
(MM) Section 604.11.3 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

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§ 604.11.3 Existing fencing. Fencing installed prior to January 1, 2026, may remain.

Exception: The entire fencing not parallel and within 5 feet of the Building, including gates within the fencing, shall be constructed of a non-combustible material when any portion of the existing fencing within 5 feet is being replaced. Fencing beyond 5 feet from the Building is not required to be replaced with non-combustible material. § 8.21.120 STORAGE OF FIREWOOD AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS. (A) Section 607.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:
§ 607.1 General. Firewood and combustible materials shall not be stored in unenclosed spaces beneath Buildings or Structures, or on Decks or under eaves, canopies, or other projections or overhangs. Firewood piles shall be located 30 feet (9144 mm) or more from structures unless completely covered by a fire-resistant material. Exposed wood piles located within the defensible space shall have a minimum clearance of 10 feet (3048 mm) down to bare mineral soil in all directions. Firewood shall not be stored within Zone 0. (B) Section 607.1.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:
§ 607.1.1 Combustible Materials. Combustible Materials, other than vegetation, stored within Zones 1 and 2 shall not be stored so as to pose a hazard to any Building. Piles shall not exceed 100 square feet of area and a maximum height of 10 feet. Piles shall be separated by a minimum of 20-foot clear area.
(C) Section 607.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:
§ 607.2 Storage for off-site use. Firewood and Combustible Materials not for consumption on the premises shall not be stored within Zones 0, 1, and 2. See Appendix A for storage requirements.
§ 8.21.130 BUILDING SITING SETBACKS.
(A) Section 608.1.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 608.1.1 Restricted development setbacks.

New Structures and additions to existing Structures shall not be constructed less than 100 feet from any protected habitat, whether on the same or adjacent Parcels, where the 100- foot Defensible Space required under Section 604.7 cannot be provided, unless an alternate method of construction and protection is provided that can ensure the safety of the Structure and emergency responders as approved by the Fire Code Official. Protected habitat includes lands restricted from brush clearance or modification due to Federal or State listed endangered species. Protected habitat does not include sensitive habitat areas.

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(B) Section 608.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:
§ 608.2 General. All parcels shall provide a minimum 30-foot (9144 mm) setback for all buildings from property lines and the center of a road, except as provided for in Section 608.2.1. [CCR T14 §1276.00(a)] This section applies to new Tract and Parcel maps, new Buildings, and additions to Existing Buildings.
(C) Section 608.2.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:
§ 608.2.1 Setback reduction. A reduction in the minimum setback shall be based upon practical reasons, which may include but are not limited to, parcel dimensions or size; topographic limitations; Development density requirements or other Development patterns that promote low-carbon emission outcomes; sensitive habitat or other site constraints, and shall provide for an alternative method to reduce structure-to-structure ignition by incorporating a combination of features such as, but not limited to:

1. Non-combustible block walls or fences; or

2. Non-combustible material extending 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally from the furthest extent of the building; or

3. Hardscape landscaping; or

4. A reduction of exposed windows on the side of the structure with setback less than 30 feet (9144 mm). [CCR T14 §1276.01]
§ 8.21.140 RIDGELINES, FUEL BREAKS, AND GREENBELTS.
(A) Section 609.2.7.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 609.2.7.1 Greenbelts. Subdivisions and other developments, which propose Greenbelts as a part of the development plan, shall locate the Greenbelts strategically, as a separation between wildland fuels and Structures. The locations shall be approved by the inspection authority.
(B) Section 609.2.7.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
§ 609.2.7.2 Access to Greenbelts. A minimum of one (1) access point shall be provided to new Greenbelts at an approved location to allow for on-going maintenance and firefighter access. Additional access points shall be provided when required by the Fire Code Official.
§ 8.21.150 APPENDIX A
(A) Section A102.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

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A102.1 General. Vegetation control shall comply with Sections A102.2 through A102.4 and with Chapter 6. In addition to the requirements of the California Fire Code, Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.20, and Chapter 6 of the California Wildland Urban Interface Code, storage and use of the materials shall be in accordance with Sections A105.2 through A105.4.2.
(B) Section A105.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

A105.1 General. In addition to the requirements of the California Fire Code, Ordinance 787 and Chapter 6, storage and use of the materials shall be in accordance with Sections A105.2 through A105.4.2.
(C) Section A105.4 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:
§ A105.4 Combustible Materials. Outside storage of Combustible Materials such as, but not limited to, wood, rubber tires, building materials, or paper products shall comply with the other applicable sections of this Ordinance and this section. Storage of pallets shall be in accordance with Section 5, Section 2810. Storage and processing of wood chips, hogged materials, fines, Compost, Compostable Material, Mulch, solid biomass, raw product, and combustible yard waste and recycle material shall be in accordance with Section 5, Section 2808.

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CITY OF MENIFEE
SUBJECT: 2026 City Council Meeting Calendar
MEETING DATE: November 5, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
PREPARED BY: Rachel Valencia, Management Aid
REVIEWED BY: Stephanie Roseen, City Clerk
APPROVED BY: Armando G. Villa, City Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION

1. Review the dates for the 2026 City Council Meetings and provide direction to staff on potential conflicts and cancellations.

DISCUSSION
The City Council’s regular meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month starting at 6:00 p.m. In Table 1 on the following page is the full meeting calendar for 2026.

Annually, the City Council is provided with the opportunity to review next year’s meeting calendar to determine if there is a need for any meeting cancellations or rescheduling due to any conflicts.

Although the City Council may cancel or reschedule a meeting at any time throughout the year for any reason, this advanced planning process provides an opportunity for staff to plan for placement of agenda items accordingly. If the need arises, the City Council could call for a special meeting or choose to hold a regular meeting and not move forward with the cancellation.

The following meeting dates have been identified as dates that may have conflicts with staff report preparation and approvals or are dates that have been previously canceled by the City Council. In previous years the City Council cancelled one meeting in October due to conflict with the Cal Cities Annual Conference. In 2026, the conference does not conflict with a City Council meeting. January 7, 2026: Due to proximity to and observation of New Years Day. July 1, 2026: The City Council may also want to consider canceling a meeting during the summer months. Many other cities and regional agencies cancel meetings to allow for vacations during this time due to proximity to and observance of Independence Day.

Item Title: 12.2
2026 City Council Meeting Calendar
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City of Menifee Staff Report
2026 City Council Meeting Calendar
November 5, 2025

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3 0
5 0
See the list of 2026 City Council meeting dates in Table 1 below and City recognized holidays and other observances in Table 2.

TABLE 1 – CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES TABLE 2 – OBSERVED HOLIDAYS

STRATEGIC PLAN OBJECTIVE
Regular City Business.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.

ATTACHMENTS
None.

City Council Meeting Dates
January 7, 2026
January 21, 2026
February 4, 2026
February 18, 2026
March 4, 2026
March 18, 2026
April 1, 2026
April 15, 2026
May 6, 2026
May 20, 2026
June 3, 2026
June 17, 2026
July 1, 2026
July 15, 2026
August 5, 2026
August 19, 2026
September 2, 2026
September 16, 2026
October 7, 2026
October 21, 2026
November 4, 2026
November 18, 2026
December 2, 2026
December 16, 2026
Holidays/Conference Dates
2025 City Holiday
Closure
December 24 –
January 1
New Year’s Day
Observed January 1
Martin Luther King
Day January 19
President’s Day February 16
Memorial Day May 25
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day September 7
Annual Cal Cities
Conference
September 23 -
25 Veteran’s Day
Observed November 11
Thanksgiving Day November 26
The Day After
Thanksgiving November 27
2026 City Holiday
Closure
December 24 -
January 1
Item Title: 12.2
2026 City Council Meeting Calendar
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Menifee City Council
November 5, 2025