Brush Clearance: Carlsbad vs San Diego
How do brush clearance rules compare between Carlsbad, CA and San Diego, CA?
Carlsbad and San Diego have similar restriction levels.
Carlsbad, CA
San Diego County
100 ft defensible space in Very High FHSZ. Wildfire mitigation specialist works with HOAs. $180 inspection fee. New construction: ignition-resistant per CBC Ch. 7A.
View full Carlsbad rules →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
San Diego requires 100 feet of defensible space around all structures in Very High Fire Severity Zones under SDMC 142.0412. Three fuel modification zones apply. Properties must be cleared by June 1 annually. New AB 3074 Zone 0 requirements (0-5 ft ember-resistant zone) effective 2027.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carlsbad | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Defensible Space | 100 ft (Very High FHSZ) | - |
| Construction | CBC Ch. 7A | - |
| Specialist | Full-time wildfire mitigation | - |
| Inspection Fee | $180 | - |
| Fire Dept | carlsbadca.gov/fire | - |
| Clearance Zone | - | 100 feet from structures |
| Zone 0 (AB 3074) | - | 0-5 ft ember-resistant |
| Annual Deadline | - | June 1 |
| Grass Height | - | Cut to ~2 inches |
| Code Section | - | SDMC 142.0412 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carlsbad FAQ
Defensible space?
100 ft in Very High FHSZ.
Inspection?
Home Hardening inspection available for $180.
HOA role?
HOAs maintain fuel modification zones. City specialist works with them.
San Diego FAQ
How far do I need to clear brush around my home in San Diego?
100 feet of defensible space in three zones under SDMC 142.0412, if your property is in a Very High Fire Severity Zone. All dead vegetation must be removed.
What is Zone 0 under AB 3074?
A new 0-5 foot ember-resistant zone immediately around structures. New construction must comply as of February 2026; existing homes by February 2027.
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