Properties in mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California PRC §4291 and LACo Fire Code Title 32 §4906, with annual LACoFD Forestry Division inspections in Malibu, Topanga, Altadena, and Antelope Valley foothills.
California Public Resources Code §4291 mandates 100 feet of defensible space around structures in State Responsibility and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, broken into Zone 0 (0–5 ft, ember-resistant), Zone 1 (5–30 ft, lean-clean-green), and Zone 2 (30–100 ft, reduced fuel). LA County Fire Code Title 32 §4906 incorporates and locally enforces these standards through the LACoFD Forestry Division's Brush Clearance Unit. Inspectors run an annual cycle each spring, mailing notices to roughly 70,000 hillside parcels in unincorporated areas and contract cities. Owners must remove dead vegetation, prune trees six feet from chimneys, clear roofs and gutters, and limit ornamental plantings within five feet of walls.
Non-compliance after a 30-day notice triggers force-clearance by county contractors at owner cost, plus a property-tax lien. Administrative fines reach $500 per violation and $1,000 for repeat offenders.
Torrance, CA
Properties in fire hazard areas must maintain defensible space per CA PRC 4291. Torrance has limited wildfire zones but brush clearance is enforced where app...
Torrance, CA
Native and drought-tolerant plants are encouraged under MWELO and city water conservation goals. California law protects homeowners' right to water-efficient...
Torrance, CA
Torrance has limited wildfire risk due to its urban coastal location, but some hillside areas may be in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones requiring enhanc...
See how Torrance's defensible space rules stack up against other locations.
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