Beaumont, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Structure firebreak
- 30 feet minimum around each structure
- Propane tanks
- 10-foot firebreak in all directions
- Mowing standard
- Three-inch stubble on parcels of five acres or less
- Parcels over five acres
- 100-foot perimeter swath plus 100-foot crisscross
- Time to comply
- Ten days after notice; ten days to appeal
- First-offense misdemeanor
- $1,000 fine or six months in jail, or both
Summary
In the City of Beaumont, California, Municipal Code § 8.08.015 requires owners and occupants to keep a firebreak of not less than 30 feet around every structure and 10 feet around propane tanks, and to mow parcels to a three-inch stubble. The Fire Chief enforces by notice, summary abatement, and liens for the cost.
Property owners and occupiers of real property in the City shall maintain their property to eliminate fire hazards. Whether by self-help or on order of the Fire Chief, property owners and occupiers shall maintain their properties in accordance with the following standards: A.Maintain a firebreak for the protection of structures by removing all flammable waste and materials (including wood piles) and growth around each structure for a distance of not less than 30 feet;B.Maintain a firebreak of at least ten feet in all directions from liquefied propane (LP) gas tanks;C.Remove dead or dying trees, and remove the portion of any tree which extends within ten feet of the outlet of any chimney or stovepipe; ... F.Parcels of five acres or less in size shall be mowed to a three inch-high stubble, or disked provided that such disking does not create fugitive dust emissions in violation of state air quality rules and that the owner takes all steps necessary to control fugitive dust emissions; ... The Fire Chief is authorized to impose such additional requirements as may be necessary in order to ensure the abatement of an existing or potential fire hazard.
Full Breakdown
Section 8.08.010 declares a public nuisance any weeds, dry grasses, dead shrubs, dead trees, rubbish, or other growth on streets, sidewalks, or private property that, by size, manner of growth, and location, constitutes a fire hazard to any building or property. Dry weeds and grasses count when, in the sole judgment of the Fire Chief, they are a fire hazard. Cultivated and useful grasses and pastures are not a nuisance, but the Fire Chief can require a firebreak to protect adjacent improved property.
Section 8.08.015 sets the working standards, whether by self-help or on order of the Fire Chief. Remove all flammable waste, materials (including wood piles), and growth for at least 30 feet around each structure. Keep a firebreak of at least ten feet in all directions from liquefied propane gas tanks. Remove dead or dying trees and any tree portion within ten feet of a chimney or stovepipe outlet, keep roofs free of leaves and needles, and cover every chimney and stovepipe outlet with a non-flammable screen with openings no larger than half an inch. Parcels of five acres or less are mowed to a three inch-high stubble or disked; larger parcels are mowed or disked around the perimeter in a swath 100 feet wide with a 100 foot wide crisscross through the center. Disking must not create fugitive dust in violation of state air quality rules.
The Fire Chief or a designee can enter property to inspect when there is reasonable cause to believe a fire hazard exists (§ 8.08.023) and can summarily abate an immediate threat without prior notice or hearing (§ 8.08.026). Otherwise a NOTICE TO CLEAN PREMISES is served personally, by mail, or by posting (§§ 8.08.030 and 8.08.040). The owner has ten days to appeal to the City Council and ten days to remove the nuisance (§§ 8.08.050 and 8.08.060). Inside a Fire Hazard Severity Zone, Chapter 15.20 Section 604.7.1 requires an effective firebreak of not less than 100 feet from all portions of a building.
Violations & Fines
Section 8.08.130 lets the Enforcement Officer issue an Administrative Citation under Chapter 1.17 or charge an infraction under Chapter 1.16, with the fine set by Section 1.16.030 and each violation a separate offense. A first offense can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor, punishable by a $1,000.00 fine, six months in jail, or both. If the owner does not clear the lot, the City abates it and the approved cost becomes a lien on the parcel collected with the county tax roll.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must I clear around my house in Beaumont?
How long do I have after a Beaumont fire notice?
Can Beaumont clear my lot without warning?
Does the rule apply to pasture or cultivated grass?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Beaumont
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How other cities in Riverside County handle brush clearance.