Brush Clearance: Ojai vs Ventura
How do brush clearance rules compare between Ojai, CA and Ventura, CA?
Ojai and Ventura 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 →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
Ventura requires 100-foot defensible space around all buildings in hazardous fire areas. Outbuildings and LPG tanks need 10 feet clearance to bare mineral soil plus 10 additional feet of non-flammable vegetation. All vacant parcels declared a nuisance must be entirely cleared of combustible material.
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ojai | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 0-30 feet: lean/clean zone | - |
| 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 all building portions |
| Outbuildings/LPG | - | 10 ft bare soil + 10 ft no flammable vegetation |
| Vacant Parcels | - | Must be entirely cleared if declared nuisance |
| Enforcement | - | Ventura City Fire (805) 339-4300 |
| Penalty | - | SBMC 1.50 + CA H&S Code 13871 |
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.
Ventura FAQ
How much brush clearance do I need around my home in Ventura?
Property owners must clear all combustible material within 100 feet of any building in a hazardous fire area. Outbuildings and propane tanks require 10 feet of bare soil plus 10 additional feet free of flammable vegetation.
What counts as combustible material?
Seasonal and recurrent weeds, stubble, brush, dry leaves, tumbleweeds, rubbish, litter, and any flammable materials of any kind.
What if I have a vacant lot in Ventura?
Vacant parcels declared a public nuisance must be cleared entirely of all combustible material. Failure to comply may result in the City performing the clearance and billing you for costs.
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