Brush Clearance: Santa Paula vs Ventura
How do brush clearance rules compare between Santa Paula, CA and Ventura, CA?
Santa Paula and Ventura have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Santa Paula | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 0–30 feet — lean, clean, green | - |
| Zone 2 | 30–100 feet — reduced fuel | - |
| Deadline | June 1 annually | - |
| Grass Height | 4 inches max in Zone 1 | - |
| Fire Context | 2017 Thomas Fire — high WUI risk | - |
| 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.
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.
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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