Brush Clearance: Chula Vista vs San Diego
How do brush clearance rules compare between Chula Vista, CA and San Diego, CA?
Chula Vista and San Diego have similar restriction levels.
Chula Vista, CA
San Diego County
Chula Vista requires property owners to maintain defensible space and manage hazardous vegetation under its fire code (CVMC Chapter 15.36) and the Hazardous Fuels Reduction Program. Properties in wildland-urban interface areas must maintain 100 feet of defensible space per California PRC 4291.
View full Chula Vista 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 | Chula Vista | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Defensible Space | Up to 100 ft per CA PRC §4291 | - |
| Zone 1 | 0-30 ft — lean, clean, green landscaping | - |
| Zone 2 | 30-100 ft — fuel reduction | - |
| Nesting Season | Jan 15 – Aug 15 (restricted clearing) | - |
| Contact | Fire Prevention — (619) 691-5055 | - |
| 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.
Chula Vista FAQ
How much brush clearance is required in Chula Vista?
Properties in wildland-urban interface areas must maintain up to 100 feet of defensible space around structures. Zone 1 (0-30 ft) requires the most significant vegetation reduction.
When does the city inspect for brush clearance?
The Fire Department conducts routine inspections in high fire hazard areas. Fuels reduction work is typically done outside bird nesting season (January 15 to August 15).
What happens if I don't clear brush on my property?
Non-compliance may result in notices of violation, fines, and abatement by the city at your expense. Contact Fire Prevention at (619) 691-5055 for questions.
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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