IFC chapter 3 is amended by adding a section to read:
SECTION 320
CLEARANCE OF VEGETATION FROM STRUCTURES
320.1
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 320.2.
320.2
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 (9,144 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 (9,144 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
(9,144 mm) to be insufficient to provide reasonable fire safety.
Exception: Grass and other vegetation located more
than 30 feet (9,144 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 (3,048 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.
