Folsom, CA Environmental Rules: Defensible Space (2026)

2 puts the defensible space duty on anyone owning, leasing, controlling, operating or maintaining a building or structure on or adjoining grass- or brush-covered land, or flammable growth, and on anyone owning or controlling adjacent land. They must maintain an effective firebreak for at least 30 feet on each side by removing flammable vegetation, including named flammable ornamentals such as Acacia, Cedar, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Pine and Pampas Grass, keep overhanging trees free of dead wood, and keep roofs free of leaves, needles or dead vegetative growth.

Two exceptions apply: individually spaced ornamental plants that don't carry fire from native growth to the structure, and maintained cultivated ground cover like green grass, ivy or succulents. 3 lets the fire code official require an additional firebreak from 30 to 100 feet where a 30-foot clearance isn't enough, though vegetation beyond 30 feet and under 18 inches tall can stay if it's stabilizing soil against erosion. 4 lets the official require 10 feet of clearance on each side of any roadway, public or private, entering private property to clear it and billing the responsible party if needed.

5 requires a fuel modification plan with preliminary approval before construction in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or within 30 feet of open space, finalized before any building permit issues. 060.