Brush Clearance: Brentwood vs El Cerrito
How do brush clearance rules compare between Brentwood, CA and El Cerrito, CA?
Brentwood and El Cerrito have similar restriction levels.
Brentwood, CA
Contra Costa County
California Public Resources Code Section 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in State Responsibility Areas and in any CAL FIRE mapped fire hazard severity zone. Portions of eastern Brentwood abutting Mount Diablo foothills and Marsh Creek are mapped, and ECCFPD inspects compliance before fire season each year.
View full Brentwood rules →El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
Properties in State Responsibility Areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones across unincorporated Contra Costa must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under Public Resources Code 4291. ConFire conducts annual inspections in the WUI, and non-compliance can trigger abatement, liens, and fines starting at $100 and escalating to misdemeanor charges.
View full El Cerrito rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brentwood | El Cerrito |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Clearance distance | - | 100 feet (PRC 4291) |
| Zone 0 ember zone | - | 0 to 5 ft non-combustible (AB 3074) |
| Grass height in Zone 2 | - | Max 4 inches |
| Inspection | - | Annual by ConFire in WUI/VHFHSZ |
| Non-compliance | - | Abatement, lien, $100 to $500 penalties |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Brentwood FAQ
El Cerrito FAQ
Does PRC 4291 apply to renters?
Yes. The statute applies to any person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains the property. Owner and tenant share responsibility, though the owner is ultimately liable for the lien.
Are oak trees protected when I clear defensible space?
Native oaks and other protected trees may require a tree-removal permit for whole-tree removal, but routine limbing to 6 feet and removing dead wood for fire safety is allowed without a permit.
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