Brush Clearance: Carlsbad vs Vista
How do brush clearance rules compare between Carlsbad, CA and Vista, CA?
Carlsbad and Vista 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 βVista, CA
San Diego County
Vista requires defensible space of 100 feet around structures per PRC 4291. The city maintains a Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map. Fire-wise landscaping required in the 30-foot Green Zone. Highly flammable mulch is prohibited.
View full Vista rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carlsbad | Vista |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - | 100 ft from structures |
| Green Zone | - | 30 ft flammable-free |
| Mulch | - | Flammable types prohibited |
| FHSZ Map | - | Available on city website |
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.
Vista FAQ
Is my Vista property in a fire hazard zone?
Check Vista's Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map on the city website or the CAL FIRE FHSZ viewer.
How much clearance do I need?
100 feet of defensible space around structures. The first 30 feet (Green Zone) must be free of all flammable materials.
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