The purpose of this document is to provide information about special requirements for all structures constructed in the State Responsibility Area (SRA). It is intended to be general information only and may not address every situation that could arise.  Contact the Stanislaus County Building Permit Division at (209) 525-6557 or the Office of the Fire Marshal at (209) 552-3700 if you have questions or need additional information.

What is the State Responsibility Area (SRA)?

The State Responsibility Area (SRA) is the area where the State has fiscal responsibility for preventing and suppressing wildfires.  In Stanislaus County SRA zones are located on both sides of the county.  On the west side the SRA includes almost all the area located west of Interstate 5.  On the east side the SRA includes almost all the area that is east of a line that would connect Woodward Lake, Modesto Lake, and Turlock Lake.  More precise maps are available at http://www.fire.ca.gov/fire_prevention/fire_prevention_wildland_zones.php.

Why are there special requirements in these areas?

There are special requirements because of the enhanced risk from wildfires and the potential for wildfires spreading to and destroying lives and property located in and immediately adjacent to these areas.

Who enforces these special requirements?

The requirements are included in Chapter 7A of the California Building Code and Chapter 47 of the California Fire Code and are applied by local Building and Fire Officials during the normal building permit application process.  The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for these provisions is Cal Fire, not the local fire district.

What are the special requirements?

The special requirements are found in Chapter 7A of the California Building Code and Chapter 47 of the California Fire Code.  The special requirements apply to the following construction features:

• Roofing – approved firestopping must be provided if there is a space between the roof covering and roof decking.
• Roof gutters shall be provided with a means to prevent accumulation of leaves and debris in the gutter.
• Attic vents shall resist the intrusion of flame and embers into the attic area.
• Eaves and soffits shall be protected on the exposed underside.
• Exterior walls shall be of approved non-combustible or ignition-resistant material.
• Exterior vents shall resist the intrusion of flame or embers into the structure.
• Exterior windows shall be insulating-glass units with at least one tempered pane or have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 20 minutes.
• Exterior doors shall meet the stated standards or have a fire rating of not less than 20 minutes.
• Exterior decking and floor surfaces within 10’ of the structure shall be of approved fire-resistant or non-combustible construction.
• The underside of appendages and floor projections must be protected in an approved manner or enclosed to the level of grade.