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.
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.
Inspection notices give 30 days to comply. Abatement contractors clear at owner cost. Liens recorded against parcels for unpaid abatement fees.
Thousand Oaks, CA
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Thousand Oaks, CA
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Thousand Oaks, CA
Significant portions of Thousand Oaks are designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones due to the city's location bordering the Santa Monica Mountains....
See how other cities in Ventura County handle defensible space.
See how Thousand Oaks's defensible space rules stack up against other locations.
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