Fullerton, CA Environmental Rules: Defensible Space (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- FMC § 13.20.160 (Fire Code § 324.1)
- Applies to
- New construction in high/very high FHSZ
- Preliminary plan due
- With tentative map submittal
- Final plan due
- Before grading permit issues
- Adopted by
- Ordinance 3349, 2025
Summary
New construction in Fullerton's high or very high fire hazard severity zones must follow a Fire Department-approved fuel modification plan under Fullerton Code of Ordinances Section 13.20.160. Preliminary plans are due with any tentative map application, and a final plan must be approved before the city will issue a grading permit.
SECTION 324 FUEL MODIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION Section 324.1 Fuel Modification Requirements for New Construction (Added) All new construction within the high or very high fire severity zones, as identified by the California State Fire Marshal, shall comply with the following:
1. The fuel modification plans shall comply with Fullerton Fire Department Standard Fullerton Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Requirements - Technical Design for New Construction Fuel Modification Plans and Maintenance Program.
2. Preliminary fuel modification plans shall be submitted to and approved by the fire code official concurrent with the submittal for approval of any tentative map(s).
3. Final fuel modification plans shall be submitted to and approved by the fire code official prior to the issuance of a grading permit.
4. The fuel modification plan may be altered if conditions change. Any alterations to the fuel modification areas shall have prior approval by the fire code official.
5. All elements of the fuel modification plan shall be maintained in accordance with the approved plan and are subject to the enforcement process outlined in the Fire Code.
Full Breakdown
160, added to the Fullerton Fire Code as Section 324 by Ordinance 3349 in 2025, requires every new construction project inside a high or very high fire hazard severity zone identified by the California State Fire Marshal to follow a five-step fuel modification process. " Second, preliminary fuel modification plans must be submitted to, and approved by, the fire code official at the same time the developer submits any tentative map for approval, tying fire clearance review directly into the subdivision process rather than leaving it for the building permit stage.
Third, final fuel modification plans require separate fire code official approval before the city will issue a grading permit, giving the Fire Department two distinct checkpoints on the same project. Fourth, if site conditions change after approval, any alteration to the fuel modification areas needs the fire code official's prior sign-off before work proceeds. Fifth, once built, every element of the approved plan must be maintained in accordance with that plan, and maintenance failures are subject to the enforcement process set out elsewhere in the Fullerton Fire Code. 030.
Violations & Fines
Building or grading without fire code official approval of the required fuel modification plan violates Section 13.20.160 and can halt the project: the Fire Department may withhold grading permit sign-off, require corrective plan resubmission, or refer unmaintained fuel modification areas for enforcement under the Fullerton Fire Code's general nuisance and abatement provisions, which allow cost recovery against the property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
When must a new home in a Fullerton fire hazard severity zone submit a fuel modification plan?
Can an approved fuel modification plan be changed later?
Who has to maintain the fuel modification area after construction is finished?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fullerton
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