scope:

The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, repair, maintenance and use of any building, structure or premises within the wildland-urban interface areas in this jurisdiction.

Buildings or conditions in existence at the time of the adoption of this code are allowed to have their use or occupancy continued, if such condition, use or occupancy was legal at the time of the adoption of this code, provided that such continued use does not constitute a distinct danger to life or property.

Buildings or structures moved into or within the jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions of this code for new buildings or structures.

The code does not attempt to achieve perfection by requiring every conceivable or available safeguard for every structure, premises or operation within the scope of the code; rather, the code seeks to establish a minimum acceptable safety level to balance the many factors that must be considered, including loss statistics, relative hazard and the economic and social impact.

Buildings in existence at the time this code is adopted may not comply with the requirements in the code. That situation is understood and the code specifically states that those noncomplying buildings may continue to be used provided they were constructed in accordance with the code at the time of construction. The code also contains regulations on maintenance of landscaping and vegetation on the property surrounding the existing structures. Since vegetation continues to grow and decorative trees or bushes may be added during the life of the building, management and control of the vegetation needs to conform to the maintenance in the code.

Appendices.

Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.

The code has several appendices, which provide additional information regarding the provisions in the code and additional regulations that are available for adoption if desired by the adopting jurisdiction. If the jurisdiction decides to include any of the appendices as part of the code, each of the appendices to be adopted must be specifically listed in the adoption ordinance for the code.