Concord, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

California Public Resources Code §4291 requires property owners in State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) to maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures. The space is divided into two zones: Zone 1 (0-30 feet) requires removal of dead plants, grass, weeds, and flammable material within 5 feet of the home (the Zone 0 ember-resistant zone under AB 3074); Zone 2 (30-100 feet) requires grass cut to 4 inches, 10-foot spacing between tree canopies, and removal of ladder fuels. Most of Concord is a Local Responsibility Area (LRA) and is not mapped as VHFHSZ by CAL FIRE, though recent state mapping updates under AB 642 may expand designations. Regardless of VHFHSZ status, ConFire conducts annual weed abatement inspections throughout Concord and issues notices requiring property owners to cut grass and weeds to 4 inches or less, typically with compliance deadlines in late spring before fire season. Non-compliance results in ConFire contracting the work and placing a lien on the property for the cost plus administrative fees. Homes in hillside or open-space-adjacent neighborhoods (Lime Ridge, near Mount Diablo foothills) face additional scrutiny.