San Diego County requires property owners in unincorporated areas to maintain defensible space around structures per the 2023 Consolidated Fire Code. Zone 0 (0–5 ft): non-combustible only. Zone 1 (5–50 ft): fire-resistant, irrigated plants. Zone 2 (50–100 ft): reduced fuel load. Compliance is mandatory year-round.
The County of San Diego 2023 Consolidated Fire Code mandates defensible space on all properties in unincorporated areas. Zone 0 (Ember-Resistant Zone, 0-5 feet from structures): must be non-combustible hardscape or non-combustible materials only. Zone 1 (Lean, Clean, and Green, 5-50 feet): low-growth, fire-resistant plants that must be irrigated; trees pruned so branches are at least 6 feet above ground; remove all dead vegetation. Zone 2 (Reduced Fuel Zone, 50-100 feet): reduce density of vegetation; maintain horizontal spacing between shrubs. The County Fire Authority inspects properties and enforces compliance. Annual weed abatement notices are issued to remind property owners of clearance deadlines.
Failure to maintain defensible space can result in citations, fines, and forced abatement at the property owner's expense (costs added to property tax bill). Repeat violations escalate penalties significantly.
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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 Fallbrook's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
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