Wildfire Zones: Camarillo vs Oxnard
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Camarillo, CA and Oxnard, CA?
Oxnard has fewer restrictions than Camarillo.
Camarillo, CA
Ventura County
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.
View full Camarillo rules →Oxnard, CA
Ventura County
Oxnard is primarily a low-fire-risk coastal and agricultural city. Most of the city is not within a CalFire-designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. However, areas near open space and the Santa Clara River may have moderate fire risk during dry conditions.
View full Oxnard rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Camarillo | Oxnard |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | CBC Chapter 7A in fire zones |
| Fire Prevention | (805) 389-9710 | - |
| VHFHSZ Status | - | Most of Oxnard is NOT in VHFHSZ |
| Risk Areas | - | Near Santa Clara River, open space |
| CalFire Maps | - | Available at fire.ca.gov |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Camarillo FAQ
Is my Camarillo property in a wildfire zone?
Check the CAL FIRE FHSZ map or contact the Ventura County Fire Protection District at (805) 389-9710. Hillside areas near the Santa Monica Mountains and Conejo Grade are most likely to be in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
What building materials are required in fire zones?
California Building Code Chapter 7A requires Class A roofing, fire-resistant siding, tempered or dual-pane windows, enclosed eaves, ember-resistant vents, and ignition-resistant decking. These requirements apply to new construction and major remodels in VHFHSZ areas.
Do fire zone requirements affect home renovations?
Major remodels and additions in VHFHSZ areas must comply with CBC Chapter 7A fire-resistant construction standards. Minor repairs using like-for-like materials may be exempt. Contact Community Development at (805) 388-5360 for specific project requirements.
Oxnard FAQ
Is Oxnard in a high fire hazard zone?
Most of Oxnard is not in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The coastal location and agricultural surroundings reduce wildfire risk, though seasonal Santa Ana winds can elevate risk near open spaces.
Do I need fire-resistant construction in Oxnard?
If your property is in a CalFire-designated fire zone, new construction must meet Chapter 7A of the California Building Code. Most Oxnard residential areas do not have this requirement.
Where can I check my property's fire zone?
Check CalFire's fire hazard severity zone maps at fire.ca.gov or contact Oxnard Fire Department at (805) 385-7722 for property-specific information.
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