Properties in mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California PRC Β§4291 and LACo Fire Code Title 32 Β§4906, with annual LACoFD Forestry Division inspections in Malibu, Topanga, Altadena, and Antelope Valley foothills.
California Public Resources Code Β§4291 mandates 100 feet of defensible space around structures in State Responsibility and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, broken into Zone 0 (0β5 ft, ember-resistant), Zone 1 (5β30 ft, lean-clean-green), and Zone 2 (30β100 ft, reduced fuel). LA County Fire Code Title 32 Β§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.
Compton, CA
Compton is a flat, urban city that is not classified as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) or State Responsibility Area (SRA). Standard fire code...
Compton, CA
California encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through MWELO. Compton cannot prohibit native plant gardens per CA Gov Code 65595. Water-effici...
Compton, CA
Compton is largely an urban, developed city not in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Standard vegetation maintenance applies under property maintenance ...
See how Compton's defensible space rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.