Burbank, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Defensible Space
- 100 ft from structures
- Zone 1
- 0-30 ft: lean, clean, green
- Zone 2
- 30-100 ft: reduce fuel load
- State Law
- CA PRC 4291
- Local Risk
- Verdugo Mountain hillside areas
Summary
Properties in fire hazard zones must maintain 100 ft of defensible space per CA PRC 4291. Burbank Fire Department enforces brush clearance in hillside areas near the Verdugo Mountains. Zone 1 (0-30 ft) requires lean/clean/green landscaping; Zone 2 (30-100 ft) requires fuel reduction.
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 ... The intensity of fuels management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being utilized between 5 and 30 feet around the structure, and an ember-resistant zone being required within 5 feet of the structure ... (4) Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles, or other vegetative materials.
Full Breakdown
The Burbank Fire Department's annual Fire Hazard Reduction Program requires property owners in fire hazard areas to maintain defensible space year-round. Weeds and grasses must be trimmed to 3 inches or less. Trees taller than 18 feet must be trimmed so all foliage is at least 5 feet above a roof and 10 feet from chimneys or stovepipes. Native shrubs must be trimmed to clear the ground by at least one-third their height, maintained below 216 cubic feet, and spaced at least 3 times their diameter but not less than 18 feet apart. Mountain Fire Zones and fuel modification zones have additional requirements. ADUs in Mountain Fire Zones must comply with brush clearance.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliance with brush clearance requirements may result in severe fines enforced by the Burbank Fire Department. The city may perform abatement and bill the property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How short must weeds be in Burbank fire zones?
How far must trees be from my roof?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Burbank
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