California Code of Regulations
Title 14 - Natural Resources
Division 1.5 - Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Chapter 7 - Fire Protection
Subchapter 2 - State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations
Article 1 - Administration
Section 1270.07 - Exceptions to Standards

(a) Upon request by the applicant, an Exception to standards within this Subchapter may be allowed by the Inspection entity in accordance with 14 CCR § 1270.06 (Inspections) where the Exceptions provide the Same Practical Effect as these regulations towards providing Defensible Space. Exceptions granted by the Local Jurisdiction listed in 14 CCR § 1270.06, shall be made on a case-by-case basis only. Exceptions granted by the Local Jurisdiction listed in 14 CCR § 1270.06 shall be forwarded to the appropriate CAL FIRE unit headquarters that administers SRA fire protection in that Local Jurisdiction, or the county in which the Local Jurisdiction is located and shall be retained on file at the Unit Office.

(b) Requests for an Exception shall be made in writing to the Local Jurisdiction listed in 14 CCR § 1270.06 by the applicant or the applicant's authorized representative.

At a minimum, the request shall state the specific section(s) for which an Exception is requested; material facts supporting the contention of the applicant; the details of the Exception proposed; and a map showing the proposed location and siting of the Exception. Local Jurisdictions listed in § 1270.06 (Inspections) may establish additional procedures or requirements for Exception requests.

(c) Where an Exception is not granted by the inspection entity, the applicant may appeal such denial to the Local Jurisdiction. The Local Jurisdiction may establish or utilize an appeal process consistent with existing local building or planning department appeal processes.

(d) Before the Local Jurisdiction makes a determination on an appeal, the inspector shall be consulted and shall provide to that Local Jurisdiction documentation outlining the effects of the requested Exception on Wildfire protection.

(e) If an appeal is granted, the Local Jurisdiction shall make findings that the decision meets the intent of providing Defensible Space consistent with these regulations. Such findings shall include a statement of reasons for the decision. A written copy of these findings shall be provided to the CAL FIRE Unit headquarters that administers SRA fire protection in that Local Jurisdiction.