Beaumont, CA Environmental Rules: Defensible Space (2026)
Key Facts
- Total clearance
- 100 feet from structures and decks
- Zone 0
- First 5 feet, including roof and under decks
- Zone 1
- 5-30 feet; 5-50 feet on slopes over 20 percent
- Tree crown spacing
- 20 feet in Zone 1, 10 feet in Zone 2
- Grass height
- Mowed to 4-inch stubble, clippings removed
- Retrofit window
- Two to four years under an approved compliance plan
Summary
In the City of Beaumont, California, Chapter 15.20 requires a 100-foot defensible space split into Zone 0 (the first 5 feet), Zone 1 (5 to 30 feet, or 5 to 50 feet on slopes over 20 percent), and Zone 2 (out to 100 feet). Fuels and vegetation are prohibited in Zone 0 for new buildings and new landscape.
604.8 Defensible Space clearance zones and requirements. The required 100-foot Defensible Space clearance is identified in three (3) distinct zones: Zone 0, 1, and 2. ... Zone 0 is the horizontal area within the first five (5) feet around the structure, including stairs, balconies, attached or adjacent decks, and outbuildings. ... 604.8.2.1 Non-Combustible Zone 0 for New Buildings, additions to Existing Buildings, and new or replacement landscape. Fuels, including Combustible Materials and vegetation, are prohibited in Zone 0 for all New Buildings, additions to Existing Buildings, installation of new landscape, and refurbishment of existing landscape areas. ... Zone 1 is the area within 5-30 feet of structures and decks, with slopes not greater than 20 percent; 5-50 feet from Buildings and decks, when slopes are greater than 20 percent. ... Zone 2 is the area from the outer edge of Zone 1 to 100 feet from structures and decks.
Full Breakdown
Section 604.8 of the wildland-urban interface code, added by Municipal Code § 15.20.020, defines the required 100-foot Defensible Space in three zones, and Section 604.8.1 ties them to Appendix A and the Riverside County Fire Department Guidelines.
Zone 0 is the first five feet around the structure, including stairs, balconies, decks, and outbuildings, and it includes the roof and the areas under and on top of decks, patio covers, and balconies. For new buildings, additions, new landscape, and refurbished landscape, Section 604.8.2.1 prohibits fuels, including combustible materials and vegetation. Section 604.8.2.2 adds these bans: tree canopies within 10 feet of new buildings (with a trimming exception for existing protected oak trees), landscaped roofs, vegetation under decks, artificial grass, vines and climbing plants on structures and fences within 5 feet, combustible mulch and wood chips, and firewood. All fencing and gates there must be non-combustible. For existing buildings with landscape installed before January 1, 2026, Section 604.8.2.3.1 requires no combustible mulch or firewood, no vegetation under decks, roofs and gutters free of leaves, at least 3 feet of clearance above and beside roofs and eaves, and no new trees.
Zone 1 runs 5 to 30 feet from structures on slopes of 20 percent or less, and 5 to 50 feet on steeper slopes. Zone 2 runs from the edge of Zone 1 to 100 feet. In all three zones all dead or dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds, and tree needles must be removed (Section 604.8.5.1). New tree crowns must be at least 20 feet apart in Zone 1 and 10 feet apart in Zone 2 (Section 604.8.5.5.1). Trees over 6 feet tall are limbed up 6 feet or one-third of their height, whichever is less (Section 604.8.5.5.2), and natural or annual grasses are mowed to a 4-inch stubble with clippings removed (Section 604.8.5.7).
Violations & Fines
Section 15.20.030 lets the Enforcement Officer issue an Administrative Citation under Chapter 1.17 or charge an infraction under Chapter 1.16, with each violation a separate offense. A first offense can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor punishable by a $1,000.00 fine, six months in jail, or both. Under Section 604.3.1 the Fire Code Official can require existing defensible space to be retrofitted by thinning or removing plants, trees, and vegetation. Section 108.7 lets Riverside County Fire Department response costs be charged to the responsible party.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as Zone 0 in Beaumont?
Can I keep my existing wood fence next to the house?
How long do I have to retrofit existing landscape?
Will new state Zone 0 rules change this?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Beaumont
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