Brush Clearance: Altadena vs Santa Monica
How do brush clearance rules compare between Altadena, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Santa Monica has fewer restrictions than Altadena.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Altadena is largely in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. LA County Fire requires year-round brush clearance within 200 feet of any structure and 10 feet of combustible fences and roadways.
View full Altadena rules →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited wildfire risk, but properties near the Santa Monica Mountains may fall in fire hazard zones.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Defensible Space | 200 ft around structures | 100 ft if in hazard zone |
| Fence/Driveway Clearance | 10 ft | - |
| Grass Height | ≤ 3 inches | - |
| Tree Limb Up | ≥ 6 ft above ground | - |
| Authority | LA County Fire Code Title 32 + PRC 4291 | - |
| State Law | - | CA PRC §4291 |
| City Risk | - | Low (urban/coastal) |
| Mountains | - | Nearby areas may be in VHFHSZ |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
How much brush clearance is required in Altadena?
200 feet of defensible space around any structure if you are in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, per LA County Fire and California PRC 4291.
Santa Monica FAQ
Do I need to clear brush in Santa Monica?
Yes. The adopted California Fire Code requires proper vegetation management and removal of dead vegetation to maintain fire safety.
Who enforces brush clearance in Santa Monica?
The Fire Prevention Division enforces fire code vegetation management requirements.
Compare other topics
See how Altadena and Santa Monica compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool