Palm Springs, CA Environmental Rules: Defensible Space (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- California WUI Code, Palm Springs Muni. Code § 8.04.090
- State authorities cited
- Pub. Res. Code § 4291; Gov. Code § 51182; 14/19 CCR
- Fire Dept. reference map
- PSFD Appendix S, Fire Hazard Severity Zones
- New construction plan
- Fuel modification plan approved before grading permit
- Maintenance duty
- In perpetuity, enforced under the Fire Code
Summary
Palm Springs' Wildland-Urban Interface Code, adopted at Municipal Code Section 8.04.090, requires hazardous vegetation and fuels around buildings to be maintained under five named state authorities, from Public Resources Code Section 4291 clearance to the Fire Department's own Appendix S vegetation map. New construction in a Wildfire Risk Area needs a Fire Code Official-approved fuel modification plan before grading begins.
603.5 Additional Requirements. Hazardous vegetation and fuels around all applicable buildings and structure shall be maintained in accordance with the following laws and regulations: 1. Public Resources Code, Section 4291. 2. California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 3, Section 1299 (see guidance for implementation "General Guideline to Create Defensible Space"). 3. California Government Code, Section 51182. 4. California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 7, Subchapter 1, Section 3.07. 5. PSFD's Appendix S (Vegetation Management in Fire Hazard Severity Zones).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4923139; v14 updated 2026-06-24).
Full Breakdown
07, and the Palm Springs Fire Department's own Appendix S, Vegetation Management in Fire Hazard Severity Zones. 3, Fuel Modification Requirements for New Construction, requiring that preliminary fuel modification plans be submitted to and approved by the Fire Code Official before or concurrently with any tentative map, and that final plans be approved before a grading permit issues. The plans must meet the criteria in PSFD Appendix S and must include provisions for maintaining the fuel modification area in perpetuity; the Fire Code Official can approve later alterations if conditions change, and every element of an approved plan is subject to Fire Code enforcement.
3, separately directs that weeds, grass, vines or other ignitable growth be cut and removed by the owner or occupant, with WUI-area clearance following Chapter 49 and fuel-modification-area maintenance following the same Appendix S map.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 8.04.510's Fire Code amendments make a fire or life-safety hazard on premises under a person's control an infraction, and failing to abate the hazard after the Fire Chief or a duly authorized representative orders correction a misdemeanor. Each day a defensible-space violation continues after notice is a separate offense under the citywide penalty scheme in Municipal Code Section 1.01.150.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must I clear around my Palm Springs home for defensible space?
Does new construction need a fuel modification plan before it can grade?
Who enforces defensible-space maintenance in Palm Springs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Springs
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