Brush Clearance: Los Angeles vs San Francisco
How do brush clearance rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA?
San Francisco has fewer restrictions than Los Angeles.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Properties in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone must maintain defensible space per LAMC 57.4906.5.2. Vegetation must be cleared within 200 feet of structures and 10 feet of combustible fences or roadways. Grass and native brush must be cut to 3 inches. LAFD conducts annual inspections April through October with fines for non-compliance.
View full Los Angeles rules →San Francisco, CA
San Francisco County
San Francisco Fire Code Section 4906 requires defensible space and vegetation management on properties adjacent to wildland-urban interface zones, including Mount Davidson, Twin Peaks, and Glen Canyon Park edges.
View full San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance Zone | 200 ft from structures | - |
| Grass Height | Max 3 inches | - |
| Roadside | 10 ft clearance from combustible fences | - |
| Code Section | LAMC 57.4906.5.2 | - |
| Inspections | LAFD April-October annually | - |
| Zone 1 distance | - | 30 feet |
| Zone 2 distance | - | 100 feet |
| State authority | - | PRC Section 4291 |
| Inspector | - | SFFD Fire Prevention |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
How far must I clear brush from my home in LA?
LAMC Section 57.322 requires clearing 200 feet from any structure and 10 feet from combustible fences. Grass must be cut to 3 inches or less.
What is the brush clearance inspection fee?
Properties in the VHFHSZ are charged a $31 inspection fee. Non-compliance triggers additional notices, and failure to pay results in a 200% penalty assessment.
San Francisco FAQ
Does defensible space apply to most SF homes?
Only homes adjacent to designated wildland-urban interface areas like Mt. Davidson, Twin Peaks, Glen Canyon, and McLaren Park edges. Most urban SF parcels are exempt due to dense building coverage.
Can I cut SF heritage trees for defensible space?
No. Heritage tree removal requires Public Works permits even for fire safety. SFFD coordinates with Public Works to balance defensible space rules and tree protection on a case-by-case basis.
Compare other topics
See how Los Angeles and San Francisco 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