Brush Clearance: Ojai vs Santa Paula
How do brush clearance rules compare between Ojai, CA and Santa Paula, CA?
Ojai and Santa Paula have similar restriction levels.
Ojai, CA
Ventura County
Ojai requires 100 feet of defensible space around all structures per VCFPD standards and CA PRC 4291. Properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (most of Ojai) must maintain Zone 1 (0-30 feet lean/clean) and Zone 2 (30-100 feet reduced fuel). Annual clearance by June 1.
View full Ojai rules →Santa Paula, CA
Ventura County
Santa Paula properties in or adjacent to wildland areas must maintain 100 feet of defensible space per VCFPD and California PRC §4291. The first 30 feet (Zone 1) requires lean, clean, and green landscaping. Zone 2 (30–100 feet) requires reduced fuel loads. Clearance must be completed by June 1 annually.
View full Santa Paula rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ojai | Santa Paula |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 0-30 feet: lean/clean zone | 0–30 feet — lean, clean, green |
| Zone 2 | 30-100 feet: reduced fuel zone | 30–100 feet — reduced fuel |
| Annual Deadline | June 1 | - |
| Steep Slopes | Up to 200 feet clearance | - |
| VCFPD Inspections | May-June annually | - |
| Deadline | - | June 1 annually |
| Grass Height | - | 4 inches max in Zone 1 |
| Fire Context | - | 2017 Thomas Fire — high WUI risk |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ojai FAQ
How much brush clearance do I need in Ojai?
100 feet of defensible space around all structures. Zone 1 (0-30 feet) must be lean and clean. Zone 2 (30-100 feet) requires reduced vegetation density by 50%.
When must clearance be completed?
By June 1 annually. VCFPD begins inspections in May. Start early as Ojai properties with native chaparral often require significant work.
What happened during the Thomas Fire?
The 2017 Thomas Fire burned through much of the Ojai Valley, destroying homes and demonstrating the critical importance of defensible space. Enhanced enforcement followed.
Santa Paula FAQ
How far must I clear brush around my Santa Paula home?
100 feet of defensible space is required. Zone 1 (0–30 feet) must be lean, clean, and green. Zone 2 (30–100 feet) requires reduced fuel loads. Steep slopes may require more.
When is the brush clearance deadline in Santa Paula?
All defensible space work must be completed by June 1 annually. VCFPD begins inspections on that date.
Who enforces brush clearance in Santa Paula?
Ventura County Fire Protection District (VCFPD) conducts inspections and enforcement. Contact them at (805) 389-9710.
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