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.
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.
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.
Los Angeles, CA
Approximately one-third of LA city land is mapped as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Properties in VHFHSZ face mandatory brush clearance, enhanced build...
Los Angeles, CA
Properties in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone must maintain defensible space per LAMC 57.4906.5.2. Vegetation must be cleared within 200 feet of stru...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles actively encourages native plant landscaping through LADWP rebate programs. The turf replacement program offers up to $5 per square foot for conv...
See how Los Angeles's defensible space rules stack up against other locations.
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