Altadena, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Defensible Space
- 200 ft around structures
- Fence/Driveway Clearance
- 10 ft
- Grass Height
- ≤ 3 inches
- Tree Limb Up
- ≥ 6 ft above ground
- Authority
- LA County Fire Code Title 32 + PRC 4291
Summary
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.
4291. (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a condition so that a wildfire would be unlikely to ignite the structure. This subparagraph does not apply to single specimens of trees or other vegetation that are well-pruned and maintained so as to effectively manage fuels and
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much brush clearance is required in Altadena?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Altadena
California rules heatmap·Compare Altadena to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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Brush Clearance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle brush clearance.