WUI building code.

Altadena sits inside the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). Your rebuild is reviewed under Chapter 7A of the 2022 California Building Code (in force during the 2025 and 2026 cycle) with specific provisions for Wildland Urban Interface construction. These rules are materially stricter than what was in force when most Altadena homes were originally built.

The major Chapter 7A requirements affecting your rebuild: ignition resistant siding or non combustible exterior cladding, Class A roof assembly, tempered glass or dual pane windows with specific performance ratings, ember resistant vents, enclosed eaves with non combustible material or mineral wool insulation, and specific detailing around deck to house intersections.

These requirements add approximately 3 to 6 percent to construction cost above a non WUI rebuild of the same plan. They are also the reason current rebuilds are meaningfully more fire survivable than what was there before.

Exterior walls: non combustible material or ignition resistant material tested to ASTM E2707. Common choices are stucco, fiber cement, or heavy timber with specific clearances. Wood siding without specific treatment does not qualify.

Roof: Class A assembly. Composition shingle Class A qualifies, as do standing seam metal, concrete tile, clay tile, and slate. Wood shake roofs are not permitted.

Windows: dual pane tempered or laminated glass, with a minimum performance rating tested to ASTM E2010 or SFM 12-7A-2. Standard dual pane glass does not meet the test. Check the NFRC label for the WUI rating.

Vents: ember resistant with 1/16 inch mesh minimum, listed to ASTM E2886. Standard louvered vents are not code compliant.

Eaves and soffits: enclosed with non combustible material or ignition resistant construction.

Decks: non combustible surface within ten feet of the house, or specific fire rated deck assemblies.

Our role on Altadena rebuild projects covers design, permit documentation, and construction administration. David Foote, Associate AIA, draws every project personally. No junior designer intermediaries. Forty years of California residential design, 1,532 completed homes.

We accept new Eaton Fire rebuild clients on a limited basis to preserve project quality. If your rebuild lot is in Altadena and you want to explore working with us, the next step is a free 90 minute consultation. Call (805) 444 1230 or email dcfoote@dcfoote.com. We respond within one business day.

Published hourly rate $350. Most rebuild projects quoted as fixed fee or percent of construction cost after initial scope is clear. Insurance often reimburses the design fee as a covered claim expense.