Properties in SLO County State Responsibility Areas and High/Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California PRC 4291. Real-estate transfers of pre-2020 homes in these zones require a passing Defensible Space Inspection before sale (AB-38).
Most of unincorporated San Luis Obispo County lies within State Responsibility Area (SRA) for wildfire, and large portions are designated High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. California Public Resources Code Section 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space (or to the property line) around every structure. Zone 0 (0-5 feet) must be free of all combustibles including wood mulch, plants, and stored items. Zone 1 (5-30 feet) requires lean, clean, and green landscaping. Zone 2 (30-100 feet) requires reduced fuels with mowed grass and trimmed trees. SLO County Fire conducts annual defensible space inspections, particularly in coastal canyons and inland chaparral areas. Under AB-38, sellers of pre-2020 homes in High/Very High FHSZ must provide documentation of a compliant Defensible Space Inspection at sale.
Failure to maintain defensible space is a misdemeanor under PRC 4291 with fines up to $500 for first violation and up to $1,500 for repeated violations. Property owners are liable for suppression costs if their non-compliance contributes to a wildfire.
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