Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Clovis, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Weed Abatement
Annual, owner-funded
Defensible Space
100 ft in VHFHSZ
Code
CMC Ch. 8.12; PRC §4291
Enforcement
Lien on property
Risk Zone
East Clovis/foothills

Summary

Clovis enforces weed abatement under CMC Chapter 8.12, requiring property owners to clear dry vegetation. Eastern edge parcels near the Sierra foothills must comply with CA PRC §4291 defensible space (100 ft clearance) if mapped in a State Responsibility Area.

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

Source: CMC 5.27.102 - Weeds, Vegetation, and RubbishView official code

Full Breakdown

CMC §8.12 requires vacant lot and residential weed abatement annually. City issues notice; failure to comply triggers city contractor abatement billed to owner as a lien. Properties within CAL FIRE-mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (east Clovis/foothill interface) must maintain Zone 1 (0-30 ft: lean, clean, green) and Zone 2 (30-100 ft: reduced fuel) per PRC §4291.

Violations & Fines

Weed abatement non-compliance: city contractor cost plus admin fee (typically $500-$2,000). PRC §4291 violations in SRA: up to $500 civil penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Clovis property need 100 ft defensible space?
Only if your parcel is mapped in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone: check CAL FIRE's fire hazard severity zone viewer. Most urban Clovis lots are not in VHFHSZ but still subject to weed abatement.
When does Clovis issue weed abatement notices?
Typically spring (April-May) after rains cease. Owners receive a notice giving 10-30 days to comply before city contractor clears and bills.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clovis

All Clovis rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Clovis to another location·View the California fire regulations overview

Get notified when Brush Clearance in Clovis, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Brush Clearance in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Fresno County handle brush clearance.

Fresno, CA
Light Restrictions