County fire officials outline 2025 wildland-urban-interface and fire-code amendments for Martinez

Representatives from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District presented recommended local amendments to the 2025 wildland-urban-interface (WUI) and fire code during the Jan. 21 Martinez City Council meeting, describing countywide efforts to achieve consistent standards and to address wildfire risk in high- and very-high-severity zones.

Deputy Fire Marshal Steve Aubert summarized key changes: separating the WUI into its own code part; applying new requirements to state-responsibility and local-responsibility areas (including expanding certain protections to high-severity zones); and introducing noncombustible perimeter fencing requirements for developments of 30 or more homes where parcels back into open space, with a 30-foot consideration zone around structures. The amendments also include an operational permit for five-year sprinkler testing with hands-on witnessing, clarified fire access and road standards, Knox Box upgrades to a new electronic standard by Dec. 31, 2028, and stronger enforcement and liability for fireworks events, including increased insurance and a social-hosting enforcement option.

Council members asked how the changes would affect residents (permits and counterparty coordination) and about potential effects on homeowner insurance. Fire staff said much of the new defensible-space detail awaits final state defensible-space regulations; these local amendments primarily address new development and subdivision requirements rather than retroactive existing-structure mandates. Staff also noted coordination with the building industry and insurance carriers to help underwriters account for mitigation work.

Several council members signaled support for codifying the county amendments into Martinez’s municipal code so residents have clear standards. Staff will return with draft ordinance language to align the city code with the Fire District’s amendments.