Properties in mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California PRC §4291 and LACo Fire Code Title 32 §4906, with annual LACoFD Forestry Division inspections in Malibu, Topanga, Altadena, and Antelope Valley foothills.
California Public Resources Code §4291 mandates 100 feet of defensible space around structures in State Responsibility and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, broken into Zone 0 (0–5 ft, ember-resistant), Zone 1 (5–30 ft, lean-clean-green), and Zone 2 (30–100 ft, reduced fuel). LA County Fire Code Title 32 §4906 incorporates and locally enforces these standards through the LACoFD Forestry Division's Brush Clearance Unit. Inspectors run an annual cycle each spring, mailing notices to roughly 70,000 hillside parcels in unincorporated areas and contract cities. Owners must remove dead vegetation, prune trees six feet from chimneys, clear roofs and gutters, and limit ornamental plantings within five feet of walls.
Non-compliance after a 30-day notice triggers force-clearance by county contractors at owner cost, plus a property-tax lien. Administrative fines reach $500 per violation and $1,000 for repeat offenders.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Altadena, CA
LA County allows backyard chickens in R-1 zones in unincorporated areas (including Altadena) subject to coop setbacks under LA County Code Title 10 and Title...
Altadena, CA
LA County Code Section 10.32.010 prohibits dogs running at large in any public place or private property other than the owner's, unless restrained by a chain...
Altadena, CA
Trimming protected oak trees (≥8 in DBH) requires an Oak Tree Permit if the work enters the protected zone or removes >25% of crown. Street trees in the publ...
Altadena, CA
In Altadena's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, grass and weeds must be kept under 3 inches under LA County Fire Code Title 32 defensible-space rules.
Altadena, CA
LA County Fire's Brush Clearance program also functions as the weed-abatement ordinance — vacant and improved lots must keep weeds and grasses cut to under 3...
Altadena, CA
Outdoor watering in Altadena (served by Lincoln Avenue Water Co., Las Flores Water Co., Rubio Cañon, and Kinneloa Irrigation District) is limited to 2 days p...
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