Brush Clearance: Fallbrook vs San Diego
How do brush clearance rules compare between Fallbrook, CA and San Diego, CA?
Fallbrook and San Diego have similar restriction levels.
Fallbrook, CA
San Diego County
San Diego County requires property owners in unincorporated areas to maintain defensible space around structures per the 2023 Consolidated Fire Code. Zone 0 (0–5 ft): non-combustible only. Zone 1 (5–50 ft): fire-resistant, irrigated plants. Zone 2 (50–100 ft): reduced fuel load. Compliance is mandatory year-round.
View full Fallbrook 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 | Fallbrook | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | 0–5 ft: non-combustible hardscape only | - |
| Zone 1 | 5–50 ft: fire-resistant, irrigated plants | - |
| Zone 2 | 50–100 ft: reduced fuel load | - |
| Tree Pruning | Branches 6+ ft above ground | - |
| Authority | County Fire Authority / Consolidated Fire Code | - |
| 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.
Fallbrook FAQ
What is the defensible space requirement in San Diego County?
Property owners must maintain three zones of defensible space: Zone 0 (0-5 ft) with non-combustible materials only, Zone 1 (5-50 ft) with irrigated fire-resistant plants, and Zone 2 (50-100 ft) with reduced vegetation density.
When must brush clearance be completed?
Defensible space must be maintained year-round. The County issues annual weed abatement notices reminding owners of clearance requirements, with inspections conducted by the County Fire Authority.
What happens if I don't clear brush on my property?
You may receive a citation, face fines, and the County may perform forced abatement with costs added to your property tax bill. This can be very expensive.
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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