Los Angeles County, CA Environmental Rules: Defensible Space (2026)
Key Facts
- Ember-resistant zone
- 5 feet around any structure
- Intensive clearance zone
- 5 to 30 feet around structure
- Full defensible space
- 100 feet from all sides
- Firewood minimum distance
- 30 feet from any structure
- Woodpile clearance
- 10 feet bare mineral soil in all directions
- Named flammable ornamentals
- Acacia, cedar, cypress, eucalyptus, juniper, pine, pampas grass
Summary
Los Angeles County's defensible space rules require specific vegetation management within 100 feet of structures on or adjacent to brushland. Dead vegetation must be removed continuously, firewood stored 30 feet from structures, and named flammable species like eucalyptus and pampas grass must be cleared regardless of ornamental status.
§ 325.2.1.1 Ornamental plants and trees. Ornamental plants and trees known to be flammable — including but not limited to acacia, cedar, cypress, eucalyptus, juniper, pine, and pampas grass — shall not be exempt from compliance with these requirements.
§ 325.2.1.3 Dead vegetation. Remove all dead or dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds, and pine needles. Maintain any tree and/or shrub adjacent to or overhanging any building, structure, or apiary free of dead wood.
§ 325.2.1.5 Chimneys and stovepipes. That portion of any tree which extends within 10 feet (3.05 m) of the outlet of any chimney or stovepipe shall be removed.
§ 325.2.1.6 Firewood, compost, and similar piles. Place or store firewood, manure, compost, and other similar combustible materials a minimum of 30 feet (9.14 m) from any building, structure, or apiary. All exposed wood piles located within 100 feet (30.48 m) of a building, structure, or apiary shall maintain a minimum of 10 feet (3.05 m) of clearance, down to bare mineral soil, or equivalent, in all directions of the wood pile.
Full Breakdown
Within 5 feet of any structure, all materials that could be ignited by embers must be eliminated (ember-resistant zone). Between 5 and 30 feet, intensive fuel reduction applies. Within 100 feet overall, all dead or dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds, and pine needles must be removed. Flammable ornamental plants, specifically including acacia, cedar, cypress, eucalyptus, juniper, pine, and pampas grass, must meet clearance requirements. Firewood, manure, and compost must be stored at least 30 feet from any structure, and exposed woodpiles within 100 feet must have 10 feet of bare mineral soil clearance around them. A portion of the tree that extends within 10 feet of any chimney or stovepipe outlet must also be removed.
Violations & Fines
First violation: $0 administrative fine. Second violation: $500 administrative fine. The County may perform vegetation clearance at the owner's expense, with costs becoming a lien on the property. Noncompliance is also a misdemeanor subject to criminal prosecution. Property owners may be required to pay all associated abatement costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a eucalyptus tree near my house if I maintain it?
Where can I store firewood on my hillside property?
Does the 100-foot requirement apply if there is only grass on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
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