West Covina, CA Environmental Rules: Defensible Space (2026)

2 of the 2022 California Fire Code as adopted by the city. The base rule applies citywide: any weeds, grass, vines, or other growth capable of being ignited and endangering property must be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant. For residential properties specifically, front, rear, and side yards, including slopes, must be kept free and clear of flammable and combustible vegetation for 100 feet, or to the property line, whichever distance is shorter. Two additional, more specific buffers apply everywhere in the city: a minimum 10-foot clearance must be maintained between roads and dry grass, weeds, vegetation, or other combustible material, and a minimum 10-foot clearance must separate any tree or tree limb from a chimney or stovepipe outlet.

Roofs must also stay free of leaves, needles, and other dead vegetative growth that can catch embers. It is separately unlawful to dump grass, weeds, brush, debris, trash, or other waste material on any vacant lot in the city, closing off the option of clearing one's own yard by piling debris on a neighboring vacant parcel. The same chapter also lets the city designate high fire hazard areas by adopting the county's High Fire Hazard Zone Map, layering an additional overlay of scrutiny onto properties that fall within it.