Properties in San Bernardino Mountain WUI zones must clear 100 feet of defensible space around structures. SBCFPD inspects annually before fire season; failure to comply triggers abatement orders, contractor cleanup at owner cost, and potential criminal citations.
California Public Resources Code section 4291 mandates 100-foot defensible space in State Responsibility Areas, which covers most of the San Bernardino Mountains, Cajon Pass slopes, and high-desert chaparral. Zone 1 (0 to 30 feet) requires lean, clean, green landscaping with no dead vegetation. Zone 2 (30 to 100 feet) allows reduced fuel loads and spacing between shrubs. SBCFPD conducts annual inspections in Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, Wrightwood, and other mountain communities. Defensible space is required for fire insurance under California FAIR Plan rules.
Inspection failure triggers a 30-day correction notice. Uncorrected parcels are abated by county contractors with costs assessed as a property tax lien plus administrative fees.
San Bernardino, CA
The northern San Bernardino foothills are mapped by CAL FIRE as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. VHFHSZ parcels must meet PRC 4291 defensible space and ...
San Bernardino, CA
Foothill Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone properties must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California PRC 4291. San Bernardino County Fire cond...
See how San Bernardino's defensible space rules stack up against other locations.
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