Brush Clearance: Irvine vs Newport Beach
How do brush clearance rules compare between Irvine, CA and Newport Beach, CA?
Irvine and Newport Beach have similar restriction levels.
Irvine, CA
Orange County
Irvine enforces vegetation management under IMC Title 4, Division 4 (Fire) and the California Fire Code. Properties in Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space per California PRC Section 4291.
View full Irvine rules →Newport Beach, CA
Orange County
Newport Beach requires property owners to maintain defensible space around structures by clearing dry vegetation per California Fire Code and NBMC Title 9. Annual inspections focus on hillside properties in areas like Newport Coast and San Joaquin Hills.
View full Newport Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Irvine | Newport Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Defensible Space | 100 ft in FHSZ areas | - |
| Zone 1 | 0-30 ft: remove dead vegetation | 0–30 ft from structures |
| Zone 2 | 30-100 ft: reduce density | 30–100 ft reduced fuel load |
| FHSZ Map Updated | 2025 (expanded areas) | - |
| Enforcement | OCFA | - |
| Deadline | - | Typically June 1 annually |
| High-Risk Areas | - | Newport Coast, San Joaquin Hills |
| Contact | - | NB Fire (949) 644-3104 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Irvine FAQ
Is my Irvine property in a fire hazard zone?
Irvine updated its FHSZ maps in 2025. Check the city's Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map to see if your property is in a Moderate, High, or Very High zone.
How much brush clearance is required?
Properties in FHSZ areas must maintain 100 feet of defensible space, with stricter requirements in the first 30 feet from structures.
Newport Beach FAQ
Does Newport Beach require brush clearance?
Yes. Properties must maintain defensible space under the California Fire Code. Hillside properties in Newport Coast and San Joaquin Hills areas are inspected annually.
When is the brush clearance deadline?
Property owners receiving notices must typically complete clearance by June 1. Check your specific notice for the exact deadline.
Do all Newport Beach properties need brush clearance?
The 100-foot defensible space requirement applies statewide, but active enforcement and inspections focus on hillside and wildland-urban interface properties.
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