Wildfire Zones: Costa Mesa vs Huntington Beach
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Huntington Beach, CA?
Huntington Beach 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 →Huntington Beach, CA
Orange County
Huntington Beach is a coastal urban city with minimal wildfire risk. The city does not contain Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). Standard California Fire Code provisions apply citywide.
View full Huntington Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Huntington Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinance | No. 25-015 (Aug 2025) | - |
| Zones | Very High, High, Moderate | - |
| Building Code | CBC Ch. 7A / CRC R327 | - |
| Disclosure Required | CC §1103 NHD Statement | - |
| VHFHSZ Areas | Canyon communities | None in Huntington Beach |
| Fire Service | - | HB Fire Department |
| WUI Requirements | - | Not applicable |
| Primary Risk | - | Structural, not wildland |
| Standard Code | - | California Fire Code enforced |
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.
Huntington Beach FAQ
Is Huntington Beach in a wildfire zone?
No. Huntington Beach is a coastal urban city with no areas designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
Do I need fire-resistant building materials?
Enhanced WUI building material requirements do not apply. Standard California Building Code fire protection requirements still apply.
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