Chapter 7A Materials and Construction Methods

State Fire Marshal

Extensive amendments to Chapter 7A Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) regulations. The amendments were developed through the Office of the State Fire Marshal WUI task group and collaboration with local fire departments, other state agencies, building industry, testing labs, and stakeholders.

Other amendments have been made to be consistent with newly defined terms and to clarify established guidelines in WUI regulations that address different fire severity areas and agency responsibilities that are outlined in Chapter 49 of the CFC.

702A Definitions

FIRE PROTECTION PLAN
Amended this defined term to align with the same defined term in Section 4903 of the CFC.

FIRE-RESISTANT VEGETATION
New definition of plants less likely to ignite, contribute heat or spread flame. Also provides a list of resources for more information about these types of plants.

704A IGNITION-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION
Added testing standard for wood structural panels in Subsection 704A.3.1 Fire testing of wood structural panels. Additional amendments in Section 704A are consistent with previous amendments made in Chapter 23 regarding fire-retardant-treated-wood and pressure treated materials.

710A Accessory Buildings and Miscellaneous Structures

710A.1 General
Clarifies that Group U Occupancy accessory buildings shall conform to this section.

710A.3 Where required
Amendment and subsections that are organized by uniform categories of distances from applicable buildings, and mandate enforcement for buildings greater than 120 square feet, and leave discretion to local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for buildings less than 120 square feet.

710A.4 Roof construction
Amendment that for an accessory building required to be constructed of noncombustible or ignition resistant materials, its roof must meet Class A fire rating.