IFC Chapter 3 is amended by adding a section to read:
SECTION 316
CLEARANCE OF VEGETATION FROM STRUCTURES
316.1
General. Land that is
covered with grass, grain brush, or forest, whether privately or publicly
owned, which is so situated or is of such inaccessible location that a fire
originating upon the land would present an abnormally difficult job of
suppression or would result in great and unusual damage through fire or
resulting erosion shall comply with Section 316.2.
316.2
Fire breaks. Persons
owning, leasing, controlling, operating or maintaining buildings or structures
in, upon or adjoining land covered with grass, grain brush or forest, and
persons owning, leasing or controlling land adjacent to such buildings or
structures, shall comply at all times with all of the following requirements:
1. Maintain an effective fire break by
removing and clearing away flammable vegetation and combustible growth from
areas within 30 feet (9144 mm) of such buildings or structures.
Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental
shrubbery or similar plants used as ground covers, provided they do not form a
means of rapidly transmitting fire from the native growth to any
structure.
2. Maintain
additional fire protection or firebreak by removing brush, flammable vegetation
and combustible growth located from 30 feet to 100 feet (9144 mm to 30 480 mm)
from such buildings or structures, when required by the fire chief because of
extrahazardous conditions causing a firebreak of only 30 feet (9144 mm) to be
insufficient to provide reasonable fire safety.
Exception: Grass and other vegetation located
more than 30 feet (9144 mm) from buildings or structures and less than 18
inches (457 mm) in height above the ground need not be removed where necessary
to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
3. Remove portions of trees that extend
within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the outlet of a chimney.
4. Maintain trees adjacent to or overhanging
a building free of deadwood.
5.
Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles or other dead
vegetative growth.
