Fresno County, CA Environmental Rules: Defensible Space (2026)
Key Facts
- Firebreak radius
- 30 feet around dwellings
- Propane tank clearance
- 10 feet
- Enforcement season
- April 15 to September 30
- Covered area
- San Joaquin bluffs, Hwy 99-41 corridor
- Legal status of violation
- public nuisance
- Enforcing official
- legally authorized fire official
Summary
Fresno County requires owners of specific parcels along the San Joaquin River bluffs between Highways 99 and 41 to maintain a 30-foot firebreak around every inhabited dwelling from April 15 through September 30 each year, treating failure to do so as a public nuisance under County Code § 8.80.030.
Any person, corporation or other entity owning, leasing, occupying or directly controlling or having charge of any property subject to this article shall comply with the following standards for maintaining defensible space with respect to the area surrounding any inhabited dwellings and structures from April 15 through September 30 of each year as follows: A.Maintain a firebreak by removing and clearing away dangerous accumulation of flammable vegetation and other combustible growth within thirty feet of each inhabited dwelling and structure.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51).
Full Breakdown
010). 030 requires every owner, lessee, or occupant to 'maintain a firebreak by removing and clearing away dangerous accumulation of flammable vegetation and other combustible growth within thirty feet of each inhabited dwelling and structure,' seasonally, from April 15 through September 30. 030(C)). 030(B)). 040 separately declares it 'unlawful and a public nuisance' to maintain flammable vegetation within 30 feet of an occupied dwelling that blocks the firebreak, or within 10 feet of a propane tank. S. Forest Service and National Park Service officers, following that agency's own procedures. Ordinance No. 10-018, adopted September 14, 2010, created this chapter.
Violations & Fines
Maintaining flammable vegetation within 30 feet of an occupied dwelling, or within 10 feet of a propane tank, in the covered San Joaquin bluffs area is declared a public nuisance under § 8.80.040, enforceable by the legally authorized fire official under § 8.80.050 through that agency's own abatement procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Fresno County properties must maintain defensible space along the San Joaquin River?
How wide does the firebreak have to be?
Do I have to cut down healthy trees to comply?
What happens if I don't clear the firebreak?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno County
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