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San Jose, CA Environmental Rules: Defensible Space (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Clearance distance
100 feet around structures
Zone 0 ember zone
0 to 5 feet
Inspection authority
SJFD Wildland Section
State code
CA PRC §4291
High-risk areas
Almaden and Coyote Valley

Summary

San Jose properties in mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, including Almaden Valley and Coyote Valley, must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures under California Public Resources Code §4291, with annual San Jose Fire Department inspections.

(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. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a condition so that a wildfire would be unlikely to ignite the structure.

Source: SJFD Wildland Fire PreventionView official code

Full Breakdown

California PRC §4291 mandates 100 feet of defensible space around structures in State Responsibility Areas and Local Responsibility Area Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The clearance is structured as Zone 0 (0–5 ft, ember-resistant noncombustible), Zone 1 (5–30 ft, lean and green with irrigated low-fuel plants), and Zone 2 (30–100 ft, reduced-fuel transition). San Jose Fire Department's Wildland Section inspects mapped hillside parcels in Almaden, Alum Rock foothills, and Coyote Valley each spring before fire season. Owners must remove dead vegetation, prune limbs from chimneys, and clear roofs and gutters of combustible debris.

Violations & Fines

After a notice to abate, failure to clear triggers contractor abatement billed to the property as a tax lien, plus administrative penalties up to $1,000 per parcel and possible Cal Fire citations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if my property is in a fire hazard zone?
Use the Cal Fire Fire Hazard Severity Zone viewer or the San Jose Fire Department parcel lookup. Hillside neighborhoods in Almaden, Evergreen, and Alum Rock are commonly mapped Very High.
Can I keep mature trees within 30 feet of my home?
Yes if they are well-watered, limbed up at least six feet, and free of dead branches. Crowns must be spaced ten feet apart and trimmed away from the roof and chimney.
Who enforces clearance on vacant lots?
San Jose Fire Department's weed-abatement program issues notices to record owners. Unmaintained vacant parcels are force-cleared by city contractors with costs liened to the property tax bill.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Jose

Stormwater ManagementSome RestrictionsFlood Elevation RequirementsSome RestrictionsCoastal DevelopmentSome RestrictionsFlood ZonesSome RestrictionsErosion ControlSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All San Jose rules

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