Properties in mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California PRC Β§4291 and LACo Fire Code Title 32 Β§4906, with annual LACoFD Forestry Division inspections in Malibu, Topanga, Altadena, and Antelope Valley foothills.
California Public Resources Code Β§4291 mandates 100 feet of defensible space around structures in State Responsibility and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, broken into Zone 0 (0β5 ft, ember-resistant), Zone 1 (5β30 ft, lean-clean-green), and Zone 2 (30β100 ft, reduced fuel). LA County Fire Code Title 32 Β§4906 incorporates and locally enforces these standards through the LACoFD Forestry Division's Brush Clearance Unit. Inspectors run an annual cycle each spring, mailing notices to roughly 70,000 hillside parcels in unincorporated areas and contract cities. Owners must remove dead vegetation, prune trees six feet from chimneys, clear roofs and gutters, and limit ornamental plantings within five feet of walls.
Non-compliance after a 30-day notice triggers force-clearance by county contractors at owner cost, plus a property-tax lien. Administrative fines reach $500 per violation and $1,000 for repeat offenders.
Pomona, CA
Portions of northern Pomona near the foothills are in or near fire hazard severity zones. CalFire maps designate State Responsibility Areas. Defensible space...
Pomona, CA
Pomona enforces vegetation clearance under CA PRC Section 4291. Properties in fire hazard severity zones must maintain 100 ft of defensible space. Zone 1 (0-...
Pomona, CA
Pomona encourages water-efficient landscaping under MWELO. Native and drought-tolerant plants are promoted. CA law prohibits cities from banning drought-tole...
See how Pomona's defensible space rules stack up against other locations.
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