Brush Clearance: Clovis vs Fresno
How do brush clearance rules compare between Clovis, CA and Fresno, CA?
Clovis has fewer restrictions than Fresno.
Clovis, CA
Fresno County
Clovis enforces weed abatement under CMC Chapter 8.12, requiring property owners to clear dry vegetation. Eastern edge parcels near the Sierra foothills must comply with CA PRC §4291 defensible space (100 ft clearance) if mapped in a State Responsibility Area.
View full Clovis rules →Fresno, CA
Fresno County
Fresno is classified by CAL FIRE as mostly non-VHFHSZ for the city proper, but hillside neighborhoods near the San Joaquin River bluffs and northeast Fresno have Local Responsibility Area fire hazard zones. FMC §10-605 and CA Public Resources Code §4291 require 100 feet of defensible space around structures in designated areas. Vacant lots must be disced and weeds abated by June 1 annually.
View full Fresno rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clovis | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Weed Abatement | Annual, owner-funded | - |
| Defensible Space | 100 ft in VHFHSZ | - |
| Code | CMC Ch. 8.12; PRC §4291 | - |
| Enforcement | Lien on property | - |
| Risk Zone | East Clovis/foothills | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clovis FAQ
Does my Clovis property need 100 ft defensible space?
Only if your parcel is mapped in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone — check CAL FIRE's fire hazard severity zone viewer. Most urban Clovis lots are not in VHFHSZ but still subject to weed abatement.
When does Clovis issue weed abatement notices?
Typically spring (April-May) after rains cease. Owners receive a notice giving 10-30 days to comply before city contractor clears and bills.
Fresno FAQ
When do I have to clear weeds on my Fresno lot?
By roughly June 1 each year under FMC §10-605. The Fire Department mails a notice in spring. If not abated, the city will disc or mow and charge you plus administrative fees as a lien.
Do I need 100 feet of defensible space in central Fresno?
Only if your parcel is in a designated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (generally San Joaquin River bluffs and some northeast areas). In standard urban Fresno, general weed abatement rules apply instead of the 100-foot standard.
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