Fire Regulations in Camarillo, CA

Camarillo maintains 132 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with fire regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Camarillo falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Wildfire Zones

Portions of Camarillo, particularly hillside areas near the Santa Monica Mountains and Conejo Grade, are designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) by CAL FIRE. Properties in these zones face stricter building standards, enhanced defensible space requirements, and mandatory fire-resistant construction materials under CMC Title 16 and the California Building Code.

Key details: Fire Zone Designation: VHFHSZ in hillside areas. Roofing Requirement: Class A fire-rated. Defensible Space: Up to 200 feet in VHFHSZ. Building Code: CBC Chapter 7A applies. Fire Prevention: (805) 389-9710.

Building without required fire-resistant materials in VHFHSZ areas violates CMC Title 16 and the California Building Code. Stop-work orders and permit revocation may result. Failure to maintain defensible space in fire zones carries enhanced penalties. Contact Ventura County Fire Prevention at (805) 389-9710.

Brush Clearance

Camarillo Municipal Code Chapter 9.24 requires property owners to maintain defensible space by clearing dry brush, weeds, and combustible vegetation. The Ventura County Fire Protection District enforces 100-foot defensible space requirements around structures in fire hazard areas, with annual inspections typically beginning in spring.

Key details: Zone 1 Clearance: 0-30 feet from structures. Zone 2 Clearance: 30-100 feet from structures. Inspection Period: Annual, typically spring. State Law: PRC 4291 (100-ft defensible space). Fire District: (805) 389-9710.

Failure to clear brush results in notices from the Ventura County Fire District with deadlines to comply. Noncompliance leads to city-performed abatement with costs plus administrative fees assessed as a lien on the property. California PRC 4291 violations carry fines up to $500 per violation. Contact Ventura County Fire at (805) 389-9710.

Outdoor Burning

Camarillo bans burning solid waste, hazardous waste, or medical waste anywhere in the city under Municipal Code Section 9.04.110. There is no permit path around it: the prohibition is absolute, and the city's solid waste officer and code enforcement officers cite violators under the general Title 1 penalty scheme.

Key details: Governing section: Municipal Code Sec. 9.04.110. What's banned: Burning solid, hazardous, medical waste. Enforcing officer: Solid waste officer / code enforcement. Misdemeanor penalty: Up to $1,000 fine, 6 months jail. Infraction fines: $100 / $200 / $500 escalating.

Camarillo Municipal Code Section 1.12.020 makes any violation of the code a misdemeanor by default, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both. Under Section 1.12.030, if the city attorney or a citing officer reduces the charge to an infraction, fines run $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second violation of the same section within a year, and up to $500 for each additional violation within that year. Section 1.12.020(D) treats each day a burning condition continues as a new, separate violation, so a smoldering pile can generate stacked citations rather than a single fine.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Camarillo actively enforces its outdoor burning requirements.

The Bottom Line

Camarillo's fire regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Camarillo is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Camarillo's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.