Fire Regulations in San Mateo, CA (2026)
2 verified fire regulations for San Mateo, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Brush Clearance
Properties in fire-prone areas of San Mateo must maintain defensible space under California PRC 4291. The San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department enforces vegetation management requirements. Hillside properties on the western slopes are subject to enhanced clearance requirements.
San Mateo Brush Clearance & Vegetation Management
Some RestrictionsCA Public Resources Code § 4291 — Defensible Space
4291. (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary sha...
Wildfire Zones
Portions of western San Mateo are mapped in CAL FIRE's Fire Hazard Severity Zones. New construction in these areas must meet Chapter 7A of the California Building Code for ignition-resistant construction. The San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department enforces fire hazard zone requirements.
San Mateo Wildfire Hazard Zones
Some RestrictionsCA Public Resources Code §§ 4201-4204; 14 CCR § 1280; CA Government Code §§ 51175-51189
What are Fire Hazard Severity Zones? The State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within State Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). Fire Hazard Severity Zones fall into one of the following classifications: Moderate High Very High The California laws that require Fire Hazard Severity Zones include California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, California Code of Reg...
Looking for San Mateo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Mateo city rules.
Fire Regulations in San Mateo County →