Wildfire Zones: Costa Mesa vs Fullerton
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Fullerton, CA?
Fullerton has fewer restrictions than Costa Mesa.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Unincorporated Orange County contains extensive Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) as designated by CAL FIRE and adopted by the Board of Supervisors via Ordinance No. 25-015. Canyon and hillside communities face the strictest building and vegetation management requirements.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Fullerton, CA
Orange County
Portions of Fullerton in the northern hills near the Puente Hills and West Coyote Hills are designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) by CAL FIRE. Properties in these zones face additional building and landscaping requirements.
View full Fullerton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinance | No. 25-015 (Aug 2025) | - |
| Zones | Very High, High, Moderate | - |
| Building Code | CBC Ch. 7A / CRC R327 | CBC Chapter 7A ignition-resistant |
| Disclosure Required | CC §1103 NHD Statement | - |
| VHFHSZ Areas | Canyon communities | - |
| Fire Zones | - | Northern hills — VHFHSZ designated |
| Defensible Space | - | 100 ft clearance required (PRC §4291) |
| Inspections | - | Annual by Fullerton Fire Dept. |
| Contact | - | Fullerton Fire — (714) 738-6500 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
Is my unincorporated Orange County property in a wildfire zone?
Check the OC Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map adopted under Ordinance No. 25-015. Most canyon and hillside communities (Trabuco Canyon, Silverado, Modjeska, Santiago Canyon) are classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
What building requirements apply in Orange County wildfire zones?
Properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must use fire-resistive construction per California Building Code Chapter 7A, including ignition-resistant materials, ember-resistant vents, and fire-rated roofing.
Fullerton FAQ
Is my Fullerton property in a wildfire zone?
Properties in northern Fullerton near the West Coyote Hills and Puente Hills may be in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Check the CAL FIRE FHSZ map or contact the Fullerton Fire Department at (714) 738-6500.
What is defensible space in Fullerton?
Properties in fire hazard zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures per California PRC Section 4291, including removing dead vegetation and maintaining fire-resistant landscaping.
Do fire zone properties need special building materials?
Yes. Properties in VHFHSZ areas must comply with CBC Chapter 7A for ignition-resistant construction including fire-rated roofing, walls, and ember-resistant vents.
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