6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Ventura County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational fire pits in unincorporated Ventura County must comply with Ventura County Fire Department and VCAPCD regulations. Fire pits require 15-foot clearance from structures, and wood-burning pits are prohibited on no-burn days.
All fireworks are completely banned in unincorporated Ventura County, including safe-and-sane varieties. The ban applies year-round and is enforced by both the Ventura County Fire Department and the Ventura County Sheriff.
Ventura County Fire Department requires 100 feet of defensible space around all structures in fire hazard areas. The code requires clearing brush, flammable vegetation, and combustible growth with specific standards for Zone 0 (0-5 feet), Zone 1 (5-30 feet), and Zone 2 (30-100 feet).
Cal. Pub. Resources Code Β§ 4291
4291. (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary sha...
Open burning in unincorporated Ventura County is heavily regulated by the Ventura County Fire Department and VCAPCD. Burning of trash, yard waste, and debris is prohibited. Agricultural burning requires VCAPCD permits and compliance with no-burn day declarations.
Ventura County designates fire hazard severity zones throughout unincorporated areas pursuant to California Government Code Section 51175-51189 and PRC 4201-4204. Properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones face additional building, landscaping, and vegetation management requirements.
California Public Resources Code Β§Β§ 4201-4204; CCR Title 14 Β§ 1280
The State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within State Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). Fire Hazard Severity Zones fall into one of the following classifications: Moderate High Very High The California laws that require Fire Hazard Severity Zones include California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1280 and C...
Smoke detectors are required in all residential dwellings in unincorporated Ventura County per California Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7 and the California Residential Code. Detectors must be installed in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home.
California Health & Safety Code Β§ 13113.7
(a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, smoke alarms, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13114 at the time of installation, shall be installed, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in each dwelling intended for human occupancy. (2) For all dwelling units intended for human occupancy for which a building permit is issued on or after Janu...
10 cities in Ventura County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
7 verified rules β’ Backyard Fires, Brush Clearance
5 verified rules β’ Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
7 verified rules β’ Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
7 verified rules β’ Backyard Fires, Brush Clearance
7 verified rules β’ Backyard Fires, Brush Clearance
7 verified rules β’ Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
6 verified rules β’ Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
6 verified rules β’ Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
6 verified rules β’ Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
6 verified rules β’ Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
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Ventura County Ordinance Hub β