Wildfire Zones: Delano vs Ridgecrest
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Delano, CA and Ridgecrest, CA?
Delano has fewer restrictions than Ridgecrest.
Delano, CA
Kern County
Delano lies on the western edge of the Tehachapi foothills; CAL FIRE maps portions of eastern Kern County as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). Properties in a VHFHSZ must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under Public Resources Code §4291.
View full Delano rules →Ridgecrest, CA
Kern County
California uniformly classifies and maps Fire Hazard Severity Zones statewide, with mandatory building, disclosure, and defensible space rules tied to zone designations.
View full Ridgecrest rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Delano | Ridgecrest |
|---|---|---|
| State Code | Cal. Public Resources Code §4291 | - |
| Defensible Space | 100 feet around structures | - |
| Enforcer | CAL FIRE / Kern County Fire | - |
| Statutes | - | Gov Code 51178, PRC 4202 |
| Zones | - | Moderate, High, Very High |
| Mapping authority | - | State Fire Marshal, CAL FIRE |
| Adoption deadline | - | 120 days after release |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Delano FAQ
Is all of Delano in a VHFHSZ?
No — most of incorporated Delano is in the Central Valley flats; only east-foothill outskirts are in a VHFHSZ.
Ridgecrest FAQ
Can my city downgrade my Very High zone designation?
No. Cities must adopt the state maps and may only increase, not decrease, the hazard classification of any parcel.
What disclosures apply when selling a home in a fire hazard zone?
AB 38 requires sellers of homes built before 2010 in High or Very High zones to provide a home-hardening disclosure to buyers.
Compare other topics
See how Delano and Ridgecrest compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool