Altadena is largely in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. LA County Fire requires year-round brush clearance within 200 feet of any structure and 10 feet of combustible fences and roadways.
The LA County Fire Department's Defensible Space program (adopted from California PRC 4291 and Title 32 Appendix P) requires property owners in the VHFHSZ to maintain a 200-foot defensible space around all structures. Grass must be cut to 3 inches; native brush reduced to 3 inches except for individual shrubs spaced ≥18 feet apart and trimmed up by 1/3. Trees over 18 ft must have lower branches trimmed so no foliage is within 6 ft of the ground. Combustible fences and any driveable surface require 10 feet of cleared vegetation. Notices are issued annually by LA County Fire's Forestry Division.
Non-compliance results in a Notice to Comply; failure to abate leads to county-contracted clearance with charges plus administrative fines on the property tax bill.
Altadena, CA
LA County allows backyard chickens in R-1 zones in unincorporated areas (including Altadena) subject to coop setbacks under LA County Code Title 10 and Title...
Altadena, CA
LA County Code Section 10.32.010 prohibits dogs running at large in any public place or private property other than the owner's, unless restrained by a chain...
Altadena, CA
Trimming protected oak trees (≥8 in DBH) requires an Oak Tree Permit if the work enters the protected zone or removes >25% of crown. Street trees in the publ...
Altadena, CA
In Altadena's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, grass and weeds must be kept under 3 inches under LA County Fire Code Title 32 defensible-space rules.
Altadena, CA
LA County Fire's Brush Clearance program also functions as the weed-abatement ordinance — vacant and improved lots must keep weeds and grasses cut to under 3...
Altadena, CA
Outdoor watering in Altadena (served by Lincoln Avenue Water Co., Las Flores Water Co., Rubio Cañon, and Kinneloa Irrigation District) is limited to 2 days p...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle brush clearance.
See how Altadena's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.