Escondido requires 100 feet of defensible space around homes per PRC 4291. Grass and weeds must be maintained at 4 inches maximum. The 2007 Witch Creek Fire demonstrated the critical need for vegetation management around Harmony Grove and Lake Hodges.
Escondido Fire Department enforces defensible space requirements per California PRC 4291 and local fire code. Residents must remove all dry grass, brush, and dead leaves within 100 feet of their home. Slopes may require greater clearance depending on degree. Grass and weeds must be maintained at a maximum of 4 inches in height. Leaf litter limited to 3 inches depth under healthy trees. Organic mulch limited to 3 inches depth. Landscaping within the defensible space zone should be fire-resistive (ice plant, periwinkle, African daisy). Trees and shrubs must be spaced at least 10 feet apart. Lower 6 feet of branches on trees taller than 18 feet must be trimmed. Aerial canopies must be cleared 20 to 100 feet from structures. Fuel breaks, if needed, should be 100 to 300 feet wide. Slash piles may not exceed 5 feet high, 15 feet long, or 8 feet wide, kept at least 30 feet apart. Firewood stacked at least 30 feet from structures.
Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine or county jail. Abatement at owner's expense. PRC 4291 fines up to $500 per day.
Escondido, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle brush clearance.
See how Escondido's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
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