Brush Clearance: Ojai vs Simi Valley
How do brush clearance rules compare between Ojai, CA and Simi Valley, CA?
Ojai and Simi Valley 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 →Simi Valley, CA
Ventura County
Simi Valley requires property owners to maintain defensible space and clear brush within prescribed distances from structures. The Ventura County Fire Protection District enforces vegetation management standards critical to the city's wildfire-prone landscape.
View full Simi Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ojai | Simi Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 0-30 feet: lean/clean zone | 0-30 feet, aggressive clearance |
| Zone 2 | 30-100 feet: reduced fuel zone | - |
| Annual Deadline | June 1 | - |
| Steep Slopes | Up to 200 feet clearance | - |
| VCFPD Inspections | May-June annually | - |
| Defensible Space | - | 100 feet from structures |
| Grass Height Limit | - | Under 4 inches in Zone 1 |
| Annual Inspections | - | Spring, compliance by June |
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.
Simi Valley FAQ
How much brush clearance is required in Simi Valley?
Property owners must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures. Zone 1 (0-30 feet) requires aggressive vegetation removal, and Zone 2 (30-100 feet) requires 50% fuel reduction.
When are brush clearance inspections in Simi Valley?
Ventura County Fire conducts annual inspections beginning in spring. Property owners typically must achieve compliance by early June before peak fire season.
What happens if I do not clear my brush?
After notice, the fire district may clear the vegetation and bill you for the work plus administrative fees. Fines and property liens may also be imposed for non-compliance.
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