Brush Clearance: Antioch vs Martinez
How do brush clearance rules compare between Antioch, CA and Martinez, CA?
Antioch has fewer restrictions than Martinez.
Antioch, CA
Contra Costa County
California Public Resources Code 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in fire hazard areas. Antioch's hillside and open-space fringe parcels (especially near Black Diamond Mines and Deer Valley) fall within CAL FIRE-mapped moderate and high Fire Hazard Severity Zones where clearance is mandatory.
View full Antioch rules →Martinez, CA
Contra Costa County
Properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Martinez must maintain defensible space under CA Public Resources Code §4291. Zone 1 (0–30 ft from structures): remove all dead vegetation and maintain fire-resistant plants. Zone 2 (30–100 ft): reduce density of shrubs and trees. Annual inspections may be conducted by Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.
View full Martinez rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Antioch | Martinez |
|---|---|---|
| State law | PRC 4291 (100-ft clearance) | - |
| Zone 1 | 0-30 ft - lean, clean, green | - |
| Zone 2 | 30-100 ft - reduced fuel | - |
| Inspector | Contra Costa County FPD | - |
| Non-compliance | City abatement + lien on property | - |
| Zone 1 (0–30 ft) | - | Lean/clean/green — remove dead vegetation |
| Zone 2 (30–100 ft) | - | Reduce fuel density — space shrubs and trees |
| State Law | - | CA Public Resources Code §4291 |
| Inspection | - | Contra Costa County FPD annual inspections |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Antioch FAQ
Is my Antioch property in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone?
Check the CAL FIRE FHSZ viewer at osfm.fire.ca.gov. Hillside lots on the city's southern and eastern edges are most likely to be mapped High or Very High FHSZ.
What if my 100-foot zone crosses my property line?
PRC 4291 requires you to clear what you legally can on your own property and coordinate with neighbors. You cannot enter or clear a neighbor's land without permission.
Martinez FAQ
How much clearance do I need?
100 feet of defensible space if in a fire hazard zone. Two zones with different requirements.
Who inspects?
Martinez fire department or CAL FIRE conducts annual inspections in fire hazard areas.
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