Thousand Oaks, CA Environmental Rules: Defensible Space (2026)
Key Facts
- Clearance distance
- 100 feet around structures
- Authority
- Ventura County Fire (VCFD)
- State law
- Public Resources Code 4291
- Inspection season
- Spring annually
Summary
Thousand Oaks parcels in state and local responsibility fire zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures, enforced by Ventura County Fire after the 2018 Borderlands fire.
(a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (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. ... The intensity of fuels management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being utilized between 5 and 30 feet around the structure, and an ember-resistant zone being required within 5 feet of the structure, based on regulations promulgated by the board... (2) Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe. (3) Maintain a tree, shrub, or other plant adjacent to or overhanging a building free of dead or dying wood. (4) Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles, or other vegetative materials.
Full Breakdown
Public Resources Code 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space: Zone 1 (0-30 feet) cleared of dead vegetation with thinned shrubs; Zone 2 (30-100 feet) reduced fuel with separated plants. Ventura County Fire Department inspects Thousand Oaks hillside neighborhoods bordering COSCA open space and the Santa Monica Mountains every spring. Roof and gutter cleaning, ember-resistant venting, and removal of woodpiles within five feet of homes are required. Violations after notice trigger abatement at owner expense plus administrative fees through the county.
Violations & Fines
Inspection notices give 30 days to comply. Abatement contractors clear at owner cost. Liens recorded against parcels for unpaid abatement fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does defensible space apply to all Thousand Oaks homes?
Can I keep oak trees in my defensible space zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thousand Oaks
California rules heatmap·Compare Thousand Oaks to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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Defensible Space in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle defensible space.