Brush Clearance: Fillmore vs Ojai
How do brush clearance rules compare between Fillmore, CA and Ojai, CA?
Fillmore and Ojai have similar restriction levels.
Fillmore, CA
Ventura County
Fillmore requires defensible space vegetation clearance around structures per California PRC §4291 and Ventura County Fire Protection District standards. Properties must maintain 100 feet of defensible space in two zones: 0-30 feet (lean/clean/green) and 30-100 feet (reduced fuel).
View full Fillmore rules →Ojai, CA
Ventura County
Ojai requires 100 feet of defensible space around all structures per VCFPD standards and CA PRC 4291. Properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (most of Ojai) must maintain Zone 1 (0-30 feet lean/clean) and Zone 2 (30-100 feet reduced fuel). Annual clearance by June 1.
View full Ojai rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fillmore | Ojai |
|---|---|---|
| Defensible Space | 100 feet around structures | - |
| Zone 1 (0-30 ft) | Lean, clean, green | - |
| Zone 2 (30-100 ft) | Reduced fuel load | - |
| State Law | PRC §4291 | - |
| Contact | Ventura County Fire (805) 389-9710 | - |
| Zone 1 | - | 0-30 feet: lean/clean zone |
| Zone 2 | - | 30-100 feet: reduced fuel zone |
| Annual Deadline | - | June 1 |
| Steep Slopes | - | Up to 200 feet clearance |
| VCFPD Inspections | - | May-June annually |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fillmore FAQ
How much brush clearance is required in Fillmore?
Properties must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures in two zones: Zone 1 (0-30 feet) requires removal of dead vegetation and keeping grass under 4 inches. Zone 2 (30-100 feet) requires reduced fuel loads.
When are brush clearance inspections in Fillmore?
Ventura County Fire typically conducts inspections before fire season, which runs from June through November. Complete your clearance by June 1 to avoid violations.
What happens if I don't clear brush on my Fillmore property?
Ventura County Fire can issue citations with fines up to $500, perform the clearance work and bill you for the cost, and place liens on the property for unpaid charges.
Ojai FAQ
How much brush clearance do I need in Ojai?
100 feet of defensible space around all structures. Zone 1 (0-30 feet) must be lean and clean. Zone 2 (30-100 feet) requires reduced vegetation density by 50%.
When must clearance be completed?
By June 1 annually. VCFPD begins inspections in May. Start early as Ojai properties with native chaparral often require significant work.
What happened during the Thomas Fire?
The 2017 Thomas Fire burned through much of the Ojai Valley, destroying homes and demonstrating the critical importance of defensible space. Enhanced enforcement followed.
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