Wildfire Zones: Monterey vs Salinas
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Monterey, CA and Salinas, CA?
Salinas has fewer restrictions than Monterey.
Monterey, CA
Monterey County
Large portions of unincorporated Monterey County - including the Big Sur coast, Carmel Highlands, Carmel Valley, Cachagua, Arroyo Seco, and the Santa Lucia Range - are mapped as State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. New construction must meet Cal. Building Code Chapter 7A (wildfire-resistant materials) and MCC Chapter 18.56 defensible space rules. Disclosure under Cal. Government Code section 51183.5 is required on sale.
View full Monterey rules →Salinas, CA
Monterey County
Salinas may have wildfire hazard zones requiring defensible space around structures, fire-resistant building materials, and vegetation management.
View full Salinas rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Monterey | Salinas |
|---|---|---|
| Code Reference | MCC Ch. 18.09 and 18.56 | - |
| Map Authority | CAL FIRE FHSZ maps (PRC 4202) | - |
| Building Standard | Cal. Building Code Chapter 7A | - |
| Disclosure | Cal. Gov. Code 51183.5; Civ. Code 1103 | - |
| Local Authority | CAL FIRE BEU / Monterey County Regional FD | - |
| Zone 1 | - | 0 to 30 feet clearance |
| Zone 2 | - | 30 to 100 feet reduced fuel |
| Materials | - | Fire-resistant may be required |
| Insurance | - | May require compliance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Monterey FAQ
Is my Monterey County property in a wildfire zone?
Check the CAL FIRE FHSZ map. Most of Big Sur, Carmel Highlands, Carmel Valley, Cachagua, Arroyo Seco, and the Santa Lucia Range are mapped as SRA or VHFHSZ.
Do new homes need fire-resistant construction?
Yes. In SRA or VHFHSZ, Cal. Building Code Chapter 7A requires ignition-resistant siding, ember-resistant vents, Class A roofing, and protected eaves and decks.
Salinas FAQ
How much defensible space do I need?
Typically 30 feet of lean/clean zone and 100 feet of reduced fuel zone around structures in Salinas wildfire areas.
Is my property in a wildfire zone?
Check with Salinas fire department or your state wildfire hazard map. Real estate disclosures must include wildfire zone status.
Compare other topics
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