Cupertino, CA Environmental Rules: Defensible Space (2026)
Key Facts
- WUI designation source
- Chapter 16.74 of the Municipal Code
- State defensible-space standard
- Cal. Public Resources Code § 4291
- Fire-prone plants/mulch citywide
- Strongly discouraged
- Governing chapter
- 14.15, Landscape Ordinance
- Plan review office
- Director of Community Development
Summary
In Cupertino's wildland urban interface areas designated under Chapter 16.74, the Landscape Ordinance requires plants to be selected, arranged and maintained for defensible space under state Public Resources Code Section 4291, and discourages fire-prone materials and flammable mulch citywide.
Fire-prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches are strongly discouraged. In areas designated wildland urban interface by Chapter 16.74 of this Code, plants shall be selected, arranged and maintained to provide defensible space for wildfire protection, in conformance with California Public Resources Code Section 4291.
Full Breakdown
060 of the Landscape Ordinance requires that plants be arranged appropriately based on the project site's climate, slopes, sun exposure, soil characteristics, and wildfire susceptibility, among other site conditions. 74 of the Municipal Code, plants must be selected, arranged, and maintained to provide defensible space for wildfire protection, in conformance with California Public Resources Code Section 4291. 74 to be at significant risk from wildfires, and defines a 'Fuel Modification Plan Guideline' as guidance from a local fire authority for residents and businesses developing land or building structures in a fire hazard severity zone. 050.
Violations & Fines
Section 14.15.060's defensible-space and fire-prone-material provisions are enforced through the same permit review as the rest of the Landscape Ordinance: the Director of Community Development reviews landscape and irrigation plans before final permit issuance, and confirms installed conditions at final inspection through the Certificate of Completion and Certificate of Installation, so plans that do not reflect Public Resources Code Section 4291 defensible-space standards in a designated WUI area can be held at that stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cupertino require defensible space landscaping in wildfire-risk areas?
Are flammable mulches allowed in Cupertino landscaping?
How does Cupertino define a wildland urban interface area?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cupertino
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