Wildfire Zones: Mead Valley vs Menifee
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Mead Valley, CA and Menifee, CA?
Menifee has fewer restrictions than Mead Valley.
Mead Valley, CA
Riverside County
Much of unincorporated Riverside County — foothills and mountains — is mapped as High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). Riverside County Ordinance 787 (CFC Section 4904.2.1) adopts CAL FIRE's VHFHSZ maps. Properties in these zones and in State Responsibility Areas must maintain 100 feet of defensible space (PRC 4291) and meet Wildland-Urban Interface building standards.
View full Mead Valley rules →Menifee, CA
Riverside County
The state Fire Marshal issued updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps covering Menifee in March 2025. Owners in Very High zones must keep 100 feet of defensible space, meet home-hardening and wildland-urban-interface building standards, and disclose the designation when selling.
View full Menifee rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mead Valley | Menifee |
|---|---|---|
| Zone map adoption | Ord. 787, CFC Section 4904.2.1 adopts CAL FIRE VHFHSZ-in-LRA maps | - |
| Classifications | Moderate, High, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) | - |
| Authority | Gov. Code 51175–51189; CAL FIRE / OSFM (2025 LRA maps released 3/24/2025) | - |
| VHFHSZ defensible space | 100 ft around structures (PRC 4291) | - |
| Building standards | Wildland-Urban Interface / home-hardening codes apply | - |
| Disclosure | FHSZ designation must be disclosed when selling | - |
| Map update | - | OSFM 2025 LRA maps, March 24, 2025 |
| Zone classes | - | Moderate, High, Very High |
| Defensible space | - | 100 feet (Gov. Code 51182) |
| Local code | - | Menifee Municipal Code Sec. 8.20.170 |
| Sale disclosure | - | FHSZ designation must be disclosed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mead Valley FAQ
Is my unincorporated Riverside County property in a fire hazard zone?
A large share of the unincorporated County's foothill and mountain areas is mapped as High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Riverside County adopts CAL FIRE's VHFHSZ maps under Ordinance 787 (CFC 4904.2.1). You can check your parcel on the Riverside County GIS mapping portal or the CAL FIRE / OSFM FHSZ maps; the controlling map is on file with the Fire Chief.
What extra rules apply if I'm in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone?
VHFHSZ properties must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under PRC 4291, comply with Wildland-Urban Interface building and home-hardening standards (ignition-resistant materials, ember-resistant vents) for new and renovated structures, and disclose the FHSZ designation when selling the property.
Menifee FAQ
How do I find out if my Menifee home is in a fire hazard zone?
Check the 2025 Menifee-specific FHSZ map posted on the city's Fire Maps page or use the OSFM property lookup tool at osfm.fire.ca.gov to search by address.
What must I do if my home is in a Very High zone?
Maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures per Government Code Section 51182, comply with home-hardening requirements, follow WUI building codes for new construction, and disclose the designation when selling.
Do High-zone owners have obligations too?
Yes. The city notes High-zone owners must comply with home-hardening requirements, follow wildland-urban-interface building codes for new builds or renovations, and disclose the FHSZ designation at sale.
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