Wildfire Zones: Irvine vs Newport Beach
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Irvine, CA and Newport Beach, CA?
Irvine has fewer restrictions than Newport Beach.
Irvine, CA
Orange County
Irvine adopted updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps in 2025, expanding Moderate, High, and Very High designations into multiple communities. Properties in FHSZ areas face enhanced building standards and defensible space requirements.
View full Irvine rules →Newport Beach, CA
Orange County
Portions of Newport Beach, particularly the hillside areas of Newport Coast and San Joaquin Hills, are designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Properties in these areas face enhanced building, landscaping, and brush clearance requirements under NBMC and California fire code.
View full Newport Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Irvine | Newport Beach |
|---|---|---|
| FHSZ Map | Updated 2025, effective July 2025 | - |
| Zones | Moderate, High, Very High | - |
| Expanded Areas | 8+ communities added | - |
| Building Code | CBC Chapter 7A in VHFHSZ | - |
| Defensible Space | 100 ft required in FHSZ | 100 feet per PRC 4291 |
| Designation | - | Very High Fire Hazard Severity |
| Key Areas | - | Newport Coast, San Joaquin Hills |
| Construction | - | CBC Chapter 7A required |
| NB Fire | - | (949) 644-3104 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Irvine FAQ
Is my Irvine home in a wildfire zone?
Check the city's Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map. The 2025 update expanded zones into Orchard Hills, Woodbury, Portola Springs, Quail Hill, Turtle Rock, and other communities.
What building requirements apply in fire zones?
Properties in Very High FHSZ must meet CBC Chapter 7A standards for ignition-resistant construction, including Class A roofing and fire-resistant walls.
Newport Beach FAQ
Is my Newport Beach property in a wildfire zone?
Properties in Newport Coast, Crystal Cove, and the San Joaquin Hills are typically in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Check with NB Fire at (949) 644-3104 for your specific address.
What building requirements apply in fire zones?
CBC Chapter 7A requires Class A roofing, ember-resistant vents, tempered glass, and non-combustible materials within 5 feet of the structure for new construction.
How much brush clearance is required?
PRC 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures. NB Fire conducts annual inspections in designated fire hazard zones.
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