Los Angeles, CA Environmental Rules: Defensible Space (2026)
Key Facts
- Clearance distance
- 100 feet around structures
- Zone 0 ember zone
- 0 to 5 feet
- Inspection authority
- LAFD Brush Clearance Unit
- Code section
- LAFC §57.322; PRC §4291
- Inspection season
- May through October annually
Summary
Properties in or near Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures, with annual LAFD brush clearance inspections in hillside neighborhoods. Failure triggers code-enforcement action and forced abatement.
4291. (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. ... The intensity of fuels management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being utilized between 5 and 30 feet around the structure, and an ember-resistant zone being required within 5 feet of the structure.
Full Breakdown
California Public Resources Code §4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in fire hazard zones, structured as Zone 0 (0–5 ft, ember-resistant), Zone 1 (5–30 ft, lean and green), and Zone 2 (30–100 ft, reduced fuel). LAFC §57.322 and LAMC §57.5106 incorporate these requirements through the LA Fire Code, with LAFD running a Brush Clearance Unit that inspects roughly 200,000 hillside parcels annually. Owners receive a notice to comply before peak fire season, typically May 1, and must remove dead vegetation, prune trees away from chimneys, and clear roofs and gutters of combustible debris.
Violations & Fines
Failure to clear after notice triggers forced abatement by city contractors with costs billed as a property-tax lien, plus administrative fines up to $1,200 per parcel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my property need defensible space?
What if my neighbor refuses to clear?
Are native plants allowed in defensible zones?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
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Defensible Space in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle defensible space.